Nail lacquer legend OPI has just released a high-quality, long-lasting polish system that will go the distance: ‘Axxium’ Soak-Off Gel Lacquer. We get our nails done by OPI’s Mel and Nikki in glorious shades that last two weeks…
OPI ‘Axxium’ Soak-Off Gel Lacquer
In our increasingly busy lives, we women seem to be demanding more and more out of our beauty products: we want – no, need – everything to be stronger and last longer, and our favourite beauty products are being re-invented in new and glorious ways.
Nail lacquer legend OPI has just released a high-quality, long-lasting polish system that will go the distance: ‘Axxium’ Soak-Off Gel Lacquer.
If you want great colour but don’t want the hassle of touch-ups, chips and flaking, this is the way to go. The ‘gel lacquer’ (half way between regular nail polish and acrylics) system involves precision painting of your nails, which are then cured under a UV bulb: each coat needs to be cured for a couple of minutes, but amazingly once done, are completely ready to go, with no stickiness or softness.
Below: Nikki Campbell applying the gel with a steady hand. Megan is having OPI ‘Midnight Navy’ shade.
The gradual build of layers of colour, along with the special UV light boxes, ensure a polish that is strong enough to last up to a fortnight. Below: Melanie Te Puni painting gel in Miami Beet onto Rachel’s nails.
As a nail biter, I am skeptical of anything which claims to strengthen your nails – especially when its a colour – but my little sorry stubs are still proudly intact, and even though it’s only been a couple of days, there are as yet no chips or flakes, and the rough damaged ends of my nails have been neatly sealed over to stop them from peeling back. Better yet, my cuticles are intact (I was surprised to learn from my technician that having your cuticles trimmed in preparation from a manicure is not supposed to leave them sore and sensitive!) and soft, and my fingernails feel strong and healthy. I can’t wait to see how long they will grow, in two weeks of no nibbling!
Below: Megan curing one hand in the UV lightbox, while Nikki paints the other. It’s not a fast process- do allow an hour.
After two weeks, the gel lacquer soaks off in about fifteen minutes, leaving you ready for another colour: 26 of OPI’s most popular shades are available in this system, so you won’t run out of fun colours to experiment, to take your nails through winter. Perfect for anyone who is short on time but wants quality and high-fashion colour.
Words and photos Rachel Osborne and Megan Robinson 10 June 2010
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