Mechanical Me asks…So all of my girlfriends are raging about this new powder that is applied directly to your natural nail, reacts with some agent, and becomes a glossy “gel” over-coat. This sounds suspiciously like how acrylics are made. So my question is this: when put directly onto your nails, does this “gel” solution offer any dangerous side-effects?
The Right Brain responds:
MM, we’re not familiar with any powders that work this way; do you have any specific brand names you can share with us? The only product that we have seen that reacts to form a glossy gel coat is Natra Nail’s “Gel Perfect.”
Nutra Nail Gel Perfect Polish
The technology of this product is actually quite interesting. The base coat is a “sealer” containing cyanoacrylates, the same kind of chemistry used in Krazy Glue. This base coat reacts with the polish to form a quick drying, high gloss film. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this product is its application. You have to switch between three different bottles in a specific order as you do your nails. Sound complicated? It is. So much so that, in fact, that Nutra Nail had to create this Youtube video to explain it:
http://youtu.be/MEk_-fyRkNE
As you apply the polish over the top coat something really unusual happens – it automatically spreads evenly across your nail. The result is THE most glossy “wet” look finish we’ve ever seen. In our testing the polish only lasted a day before it started to chip on fingers. On toes it lasted almost a week. Please note that our evaluation was pretty rigorous and involved multiple hand washings each day . Your results, as they say, may vary.
Is it safe?
Cyanoacrylate chemistry has been used in consumer products for a long, long time and we’re not aware of any specific safety concerns with occasional exposure. As with all nail products you should avoid exposure to concentrated vapors.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Gel Perfect uses acrylic chemistry to provide a super glossy finish. While it provides a fantastic wet look, it’s a bit cumbersome to apply and for us it didn’t last long enough to justify the extra work.
Reference: US Patents: 5650138, 6270761
Disclaimer: We received a free sample of Gel Perfect to try.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have tried this and it is weird that you have to keep cleaning the brush in the bottle so you do not cross contaiminate the products. Some companies do have safety issues with cyanoacrylates as it can cause sensitization in some people.
Is it like the Shellac brand nail varnish that is on the market now?
Well, probably this should have clarifications right when it comes to safety ChemStudent. I know what you are talking to and I bet you are right. Texas cosmetology continuing course are strict also when it comes to safety issues as well so I know it.
Maxh,
CND Shellac, as I understand it, is a hybrid gel-polish, but still needs to cure under a UV lamp to set. I’ve had it applied twice, and both applications lasted around 2 weeks. Shellac is also completely dry after the last coat cures, so you can literally rub your nail and the “polish” will not be marred. From reviews I’ve read of the Gel Perfect, this is not the case w/ their product. I’d have to guess that the Gel Perfect is simply a polish trying to capitalize on the current popularity of gels like Shellac, Gellish and Axxium.
watching the video gave me a headache! lol tooooo many steps!
Aha! I thought the activator smelled just like super glue. My biggest problem with this product is the brush for the color is way too small. It ends up so streaky! Do my question is about the color…same ingredients as regular nail polish? Theoretically I could use one that has a wider brush…ie. Sally Hansen Smooth Perfect…love it. Doesn’t matter how shakey my hands are..it is so much quicker, and it goes in very evenly!