| Product: Red Capret Manicure, LED Gel Polish Professional Kit |
| Price: $80.00 |
Steph's Rating:  |
| Buy it: RedCarpetManicure.com, Ulta, Ulta.com, Drugstore.com, Meijer and Fred Meyer |
Red Carpet Manicure is the first of its kind in the retail market bringing the professional salon experience to the masses. With 36 different shades and a portable or professional LED light, consumers now have an affordable, easy way to have beautiful gel nails within minutes that last for weeks!
What is it? Red Carpet Manicure is a do-it-yourself system comparable to Professional Salon Services like CND Shellac or OPI Axxium Soak-off Gel Nails. The outcome is similar to acrylic enhancements, except its safe and non damaging to your natural nails. The best part is, with just a few application pointers, anyone can do it at home for a fraction of the cost verses a salon visit!
The Gel Polish Pro Kit includes everything you need to get started: Prep Max Adhesion Sanitizer, Structure Gel Base Coat, Brilliance Gel Top Coat, Red Carpet Reddy LED Nail Color, Purify Pre & Post Cleanser, Erase Nail Polish Remover, Revitalize Cuticle Oil and Professional LED Light.
Since application is a pretty lengthy process the first time around, I would suggest reading the instructions carefully and watching Red Carpet Maicure's How To Video Tutorial before getting started. Additionally, here are some tips I've gathered up based on my own personal experience.
Application Tips:
- Make time. My first manicure took roughly between 40-50 minutes, but once I got familiar with the system, my time was cut down by half. I'd also recommend testing out one nail first before you rush into a full blown manicure.
- The most important advice I can give; apply in thin coats - it can make or break the longevity of your manicure.
- Always clean up mistakes on the skin and under the nail as you go - before each cure. If you don't, the polish will harden and make next to impossible to clean up without ruining the application.
- Always wrap the free edge or tip throughout each step.
- Avoid touching the surface of the nail until the final step of curing. It will have a sticky texture, which is completely normal and expected. Just be careful with too much hands on; you could possibly leave imprints or smudges.
- Paint as close to the cuticle as possible without leaving any large gaps because nail growth will start to show after time.
Red Carpet Reddy is the only color included in the Professional Kit, and it's a glossy cherry red creme that goes on smoothly in two or three coats. I used three coats in the swatches since my nail tips are heavily pigmented and tend to show my visible nail line.
Wear time Results: With regular nail polish I'm lucky to get five days of wear, and that's stretching it quite a bit. So I was beyond amazed that it lasted a whole two weeks without budging. The only thing I noticed after week two - the color started to wear off my tips and it lost its glossy luster just a tad.
Pros
- If applied correctly in thin layers, you'll have a long lasting, 2-3 week manicure with no chips or smudges.
- The same results at-home as a CND Shellac Manicure or any other gel services at the salon for a fraction of the cost.
- Perfect for vacations, weddings, or any other event(s) when you don't have time to keep up with your manicure.
- Even though UV Gel Lamps are known to give off very minimal UV exposure, the fact of the matter, its still UV. So, it's safe to know the RCM Pro LED light does not emit any kind of UV rays. And most likely, you won't ever have to replace the LED lights. UV replacement lights tend to cost around $3-$5 per 9W bulb. Whenever in doubt about UV/LED usage, just make sure you use a SPF hand cream.
- Non damaging and Non staining to your natural nails.
- Great for thin and brittle nails, but not necessarily recommended for damaged nail beds.
Cons
- The initial cost for the system is more expensive - but then again, all it takes is 2-3 visits to the salon and you'll have it paid for.
- It takes longer than your average manicure (40-45 min at first), but requires NO dry time whatsoever.
- Application may require a little practice to achieve thin, even coverage - which is the key for a lasting manicure.
- Not your standard removal - takes approximately 10 minutes with acetone, cotton pads and foil.
Final Thoughts - I've had a blast playing around with the system the last four weeks, and I think it's an exceptional product once you get the application process down. It may seem like a lot of steps up front, but once you get the hang of it, time is cut in half from 45 minutes down to 25 minutes with no drying time or babysitting your manicure.
What do you guys think of Gel Nails? Has anyone tried the Red Carpet System yet? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Full Disclosure: The following product(s) was provided to Steph's Closet by the Manufacturer or PR company for consideration.
