Girls, I have been on the HUNT to figure out an at home manicure that I love and is EASY to do. If you’re like me – in your early 30s, juggling life, and craving perfectly polished nails without the salon price tag- I’ve got you! I’m so excited to share my experience with Essie Gel Couture, specifically focusing on achieving that classic, elegant “Bubble Bath/Funny Bunny” vibe. It’s a look that’s always on trend, perfect for any occasion, and surprisingly easy achieving salon-worthy gel nails at home! (This is not an ad- just my personal experience).
With Essie Gel Couture, you can achieve a professional-looking, long-ish manicure in the comfort of your own home and save money in the process. Featuring my favorite: The “Bubble Bath/Funny Bunny” combination…
Gel Nails with No Lamp!
I think we all love going to the nail salon because of the QUALITY that you receive. I get it. However- it’s time consuming and consistently expensive. I wanted to find something that was super easy at home that I could replicate on Sundays even if I had to do it every week. . Essie Gel Couture offers (the best I’ve found) at-home solution that delivers long-lasting wear and a beautiful, glossy finish without the need for a UV lamp. It’s a two-step system (color + top coat) that’s designed to mimic the look and feel of a professional gel manicure. This is super easy and drys SOOO fast! That’s what I’ve been looking for!
Bubble Bath/Funny Bunny Combo
This classic combination is all about soft, sheer, and sophisticated nails. “Bubble Bath” is a sheer, delicate pink, while “Funny Bunny” is a slightly brighter, more opaque white. The magic happens when you layer them to create a customized, milky, and perfectly polished look. This is my favorite combination for a classy, timeless nail look for the office every day!
Step by Step Guide
- Prep is Key: Just like any manicure, the right preparation is crucial. Start by gently pushing back your cuticles, trimming any excess, and shaping your nails to your desired length and shape. Lightly buff the nail surface to remove any shine, which will help the polish adhere better. Cleanse your nails thoroughly with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or debris. I like to use alcohol for this step!
- Bubble Bath Layer: Apply a thin, even layer of Essie Gel Couture in “Bubble Bath.” Don’t overload the brush; thin layers are key to avoiding clumping and ensuring even coverage. Allow the first coat to dry completely. You may want to apply 2-3 coats of Bubble Bath depending on how opaque you want the pink base.
- Funny Bunny Layer: Now for Funny Bunny! Apply a very thin layer of “Funny Bunny” over the “Bubble Bath.” The key here is to use a light hand. You can either apply one coat or do a very light second coat. For a sheerer look, apply one thin layer of Funny Bunny. For a more opaque look, apply two thin layers of Funny Bunny. Remember, less is more! This layer creates that beautiful, milky effect. Let it dry completely.
- Gel Couture Top Coat: Seal your nails with a generous layer of the Essie Gel Couture Top Coat. This is what gives your manicure that gorgeous, glossy finish and provides long-lasting protection against chipping and peeling. Allow the top coat to dry completely. I also sprayed my nails with ‘nail dryer’.
- Hydration Once your manicure is completely dry, apply cuticle oil to your cuticles to keep them hydrated and healthy.
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