Classic polish: an easy manicure for everyone
What is it exactly?
Classic nail polish is the ultimate go-to for a manicure—easy to apply directly onto natural nails with no special tools or techniques needed. It’s quick to master and gives instant shine for a beautifully fresh look!
The process has three simple steps:
- A thin layer of base coat, which may be nourishing or not, to protect the nail plate.
- Two thin coats of color polish in your chosen shade.
- A top coat layer to add gel-like shine and boost wear time.
Unlike Gel Polish, traditional polish air dries naturally and is removed with acetone-free or acetone-based remover.
✅ Why you’ll love classic nail polish
- Quick & easy application and removal: no UV lamp required and no special tools to take it off. You can do your nails at home, salon-free.
- Budget-friendly color variety: switch up your polish whenever the mood strikes. Ideal for experimenting with lots of shades or doing quick touch-ups. A great option for a gorgeous mani without breaking the bank.
❌ Things to keep in mind
- Shorter wear time: classic polish lasts around 3–5 days, up to a week if you avoid water and everyday wear and tear.
- Sometimes slow to dry: depending on your nails and application, drying can take a while. Be sure to prep and clean nails well for better polish adhesion.
- Less chip resistance: it’s more likely to peel or chip, especially in the hours after application. Water, chemicals, hand sanitizer and the like can all impact the finish.
- Regular touch-ups may be needed to keep your manicure looking fresh.
Gel Polish: a pro-level mani, made easy
So, how does it work?
Gel Polish is essentially a long-lasting upgrade to classic polish. Just like traditional polish, it’s applied in four thin layers, but each one needs to be cured under a LED or UV lamp. This curing process locks in the color and creates an ultra-glossy, durable finish—just like a salon manicure!
Here’s how to apply Gel Polish at home:
- Apply a base coat and cure under an LED or UV lamp.
- Apply two coats of color, curing each one under the lamp.
- Finish with a top coat and cure again for that flawless finish.
Unlike classic polish, removing Gel Polish takes a little more technique. You can either file or buff the layers off or use an acetone-based remover. To avoid harsh methods, some gel formulas are designed to peel off easily with a gentle, acetone-free remover.
✅ The perks of Gel Polish
- Flawless wear for up to 2 weeks.
- Gorgeous, glossy finish with a professional look and feel.
- Long-lasting strength and shine, ideal for holidays or wedding manicures.
❌ Things to consider before you start
- Application takes a bit more time. Each coat must be cured for the right amount of time, which varies depending on your lamp and products.
- You’ll need to invest in a good LED or UV lamp (we’ve got you covered with our recommendations).
- Beware of sensitizing ingredients like HEMA/Di-HEMA (aka methacrylate monomers), which can cause allergic reactions. Avoid using Gel Polish too frequently if your nails are already fragile.
- Removing Gel Polish can be tricky. Avoid scratching, filing or soaking in acetone, which can dry out your nails and cuticles. Look for peel-off formulas that remove easily with a gentle remover.
- If you love switching up your colors often, Gel Polish might not be the most convenient choice.
Let’s compare them side by side
We’ve summed up the pros and cons of classic polish vs. Gel Polish to help you decide what works best for your nails and lifestyle:
⏱️ Quickest to apply
Classic polish: allow 15–20 minutes for application and air-drying. With Green™ polish, you can speed things up using our Drying Drops.
Gel Polish: timing depends on the lamp’s power. With our Slim 24W lamp, a Green Flash™ manicure takes about 30 minutes. With the Premium 36W lamp, it only takes 20 minutes.
📆 Longest-lasting wear
Classic polish: 4–7 days, depending on the formula and your daily routine.
Gel Polish: up to 2 weeks, depending on the product. Our Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat strengthens and protects your nails while ensuring your polish stays put for up to 12 days.
✨ Best finish
Classic polish: the finish depends on how healthy your natural nails are. On well-prepped nails, classic polish looks just as beautiful as Gel Polish. Green™ gives you rich color and a stunning gel-effect shine.
Gel Polish: good prep matters here too, but Gel Polish tends to be more opaque and hides imperfections more easily. You’ll get a smooth texture, radiant color and that coveted gel look with extra shine and shape.
💅 Most nail-friendly option
Classic polish: the gentlest choice for keeping nails healthy—especially if you opt for a vegan, bio-based formula like Green™, which is free from harmful ingredients and removes easily with a mild, acetone-free remover.
Gel Polish: some traditional formulas may contain sensitizing ingredients like HEMA or DI-HEMA or even endocrine disruptors. The best bet? Choose a clean, safe alternative like Green Flash™—our new-generation, vegan and up to 84% plant-based Gel Polish. Plus, the patented KeraHCE+ technology in the Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat helps strengthen your nails as you wear it!
🔄 Easiest to remove
Classic polish: a cotton pad with gentle remover is all it takes to wipe away your polish in minutes.
Gel Polish: we don’t recommend abrasive methods or harsh acetone-based removers that can damage your nails. With its gentle remover and clips, Green Flash™ peels off in just 1 minute. It’s a dream to remove!
🎨 Most color and nail art options
Whether you go for classic or Gel Polish, you’ll find an amazing selection of colors and nail art possibilities. From classic red and soft pastels to glazed, chrome or glittery effects, you can do it all. Our Green™ and Green Flash™ collections offer over 90 highly pigmented shades to dress up your nails year-round.
In short, if you're looking for a quick and easy manicure that will dazzle for an evening or a weekend, classic polish is the way to go. But if you’re after a flawless, strong and ultra-glossy mani that holds up beautifully over time, then Gel Polish is your best bet. There you have it—you’re now an expert on both options, so it’s time to make your move 💅🌈✨!
