Gel Nail Kits: Sephora by OPI Gel Shine Review

Salon gel manicures are the latest rage and can last for up to two weeks. They can also be pricey, costing $40 and up. Many brands have now introduced at-home gel nail kits, including two of the most trusted names in beauty and nails, Sephora and OPI with the Sephora by OPI GelShine At-Home Nail Kit. Find out how the Sephora by OPI GelShine kit preformed and if it’s the right product for you.

The kit comes with everything you need for your gel mani, including nail cleanser, cuticle pusher, nail buffer, nail pads, naild and gel color remover, removal wraps, removal gloves, cuticle oil, the GelShine LED Light and Gel Shine Base coat, color and top coat.

The instructions break the process down into four easy steps.

1. Prep nails. Start by filing nails to your preferred shape and length. You won’t be able to change this until you take off the polish, so it’s important to get it right. You should also push back your cuticles with the cuticle pusher and remove shine from the nails with the nail buffer. Clean the top and bottom of your nails with the nail pad and nail cleanser to remove any nail dust and oils. This step is crucial to making sure the polish adheres thoroughly.

2. Brush on a very thin coat of the GelShine base coat being sure to get the top and the tip of the back nail to seal the polish. After all four fingers are done, insert into the LED Light for 30 seconds (The machine times it for you.) Coat all your fingers curing for 30 seconds after each coat.

3. Next, apply the color. The Sephora by OPI Gel Shine Kit comes with one gel polish in a choice of 19 different colors. Allow the color to cure under the LED light for 30 seconds after each coat. Just like with your regular polish, two coats is required for full coverage.

4. Finish with the GelShineTop coat in the same manner, allowing the gel polish to cure for 30 seconds.

I found the kit very easy to use. It is no harder than painting your nails the old-fashioned way. I opted to start with a light, sparkly gold color, I Only Shop Vintage, in case I made any mistakes. I loved that my nails were instantly dry and that my manicure lasted for a full week without any chips or nicks.

The first time I used the kit, I applied too much of the gel color. I had to let it dry under the LED light for an extra 60 seconds and it did peel off after a few days. To be fair, the instructions do stress to apply a thin coat of polish several times. I did get better about applying less the second time I used the kit and my mani lasted longer.

If you are the type who doesn’t feel dressed without a perfect 10 manicure, then, the Sephora by OPI Gel Shine At-Home Nail Kit is an ideal solution for you. It was easy to use and live up to its promise of a flawless manicure that lasts for up to two weeks. At $159 it’s a bit of a splurge, but will more than pay for itself in a matter of months.

If, on the other hand, you’re not a fan of doing your own nails, or like to change your polish color frequently, this is likely not the best product for you.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.