Cathie May: Product Review: Epic Nail UV Shallac Nail Polish Kit

After spending ridiculous amounts of money on shellac manicures at nail bars, I had a friend (who is also a beautician) come to my house for a treatment which included a shellac mani, a body wrap and a spray tan. I've been doing my own nails for years also and while watching her do my mani, I noticed that doing my own shellac didn't look that difficult. So I took note of the brand of the products she was using and went on a mission.

After she left I jumped online to find out more about this "Epic Nail". Much to my surprise, I came across their website which was filled with amazing kits, a huge selection of colours and all at much cheaper prices than the ones I had seen in store. In addition to this, I waited a week to see how the polish lasted. I had read reviews on cheaper products in the past of people experiencing peeling, etc. After 10 days on, my nails were still looking amazing! The finish never bubbles (a problem I've had at some salons), it has an amazing sheen and wont peel for at least 12 days (depending on how well I've prepared my nails).

So after running my cost benefit analysis past my husband I jumped back on and purchased myself the Classic UV Starter Kit. For $97.00 I got the kit, which includes, 6 classic shellac colours, base coat, top coat, UV Nail curing lamp, 10 cuticle pushers & 20 alcohol wipes. Considering one mani at Hollywood Nails would set me back $40, I'd only need to do 3 manis and I've made my money back!

If you're interested, this is the kit I purchased: http://www.epicnail.com.au/buy/classic-colours-shellac-starter-kit-uv/ENAP201

Not only was shipping free for the kit, but my order arrived within 3 days. Once it was delivered there was no stopping me, I unboxed it all and started doing my first mani. The kits comes in a beautiful white, sturdy, shiny cardboard magnetic box. It's so nice I continue to use it store my UV lamp and accessories in. In addition it comes with a colour brochure which lists all of the shellac colours available, as well as easy-to-follow comprehensive application and removal instructions.

I have loved the kit so much that while the shellac will last longer I have a Sunday ritual of redoing my nails just to I can try all the different colours. Since purchasing the original kit I have added another 30+ colours to my collection. I have also purchased a set of nail foils which I've only briefly experimented with. Once I work my way through them, I'll provide you with product reviews.

I was flat out this weekend gone, so I only got time to redo my nails last night using one of my latest colours, Tangerine. Its an amazingly bright and cheerful orange/coral burst of colour.