No-Chip, Long-Lasting Nail Polish

Updated Nov 25, 2019

| By Stephanie Gray

Just last week Alison blogged about her OPI Axxium manicure, which lasted as long as it promised (I examined). But what you may not know is that it's not the only no-chip, long-wear miracle nail polish out there! I too, hate, hate, hate chips on my nails. I remove almost immediately when they start chipping, meaning my polish basically lasts for two days. I type all day, plus do dishes by hand, so I was super excited when I had the chance to get my nails done with Shellac -- a hybrid nail colour created by CND (Creative Nail Design). Similar to OPI's Axxium, Shellac promises a 14-day wear and uses a UV ray lamp to dry the polish (you have to dry in-between coats too).

On Tuesday I headed out to Ritual salon in Toronto to get Shellac'd and see if it was really as fabulous as promised. There are currently 12 colours in the lineup, and the polishes are hypo-allergenic, and free of formaldehyde, tolunene or DBP. I choose the bright pink Hot Chilis, and also loved the soft pink Romantique, which is 100% bridal perfect. You'll also be pleased to know French mani works with Shellac too!

No.
02

No-Chip, Long-Lasting Nail Polish

Erin, my manicurist did a perfect job, and on Day 4 (Friday), I still don't have a single chip. The process is just like a regular manicure - base coat, colour, top coat -- so no buffing, filling or drilling required. Another thing I love about this process is how fast it dries. After the top coat is applied, you put your hands under the lamp for 2 minutes and that's it. 100% dry. The only thing that's a bit of a pain is that you can't remove the polish yourself. You have to return to have it removed (which also costs about $10). It doesn't take long though (less than 10 minutes), using an acetone remover wrap. Cost-wise you're looking at about 50-100% more than the cost of a regular manicure or pedicure, but considering it's staying power, I'd say it's worth it.

Not only is this great for your wedding day, but think about the honeymoon too! I don't know about you, but I've travelled with nail polish (to do touch-ups) and have had broken bottles in my beauty bag. No fun. So now you can enjoy two-full weeks under the sun with perfect nails.

The service hit salons in May and will continue to roll out in about 1,500 salons Canada-wide. Visit cnd.com to find a salon near you.

This article was originally published on Jun 18, 2010