I love applying nail polishes and pick up one wherever I go. I do a manicure once a week and apply my nail polish, and on Saturdays, I leave my nails polish free. I had never used a base or top coat in my life. It was only last month when I read that a base coat is needed as it protects the nails (?) and a top coat seals the nail polish for a longer stay. So, keep on reading about my new favorite!
Claims:
DUAL FUNCTION
The Gel Like 2in1 Base & Top Coat unites the protective properties of a base coat with the shiny finish of a top coat. The formula is long-lasting, fast-drying, fills ridges and creates a smooth nail structure. At the same time, this practical 2in1 product acts as a protective shield, prevents discolorations and extends the durability of color nail polish.
Price:
€2.99 for 10ml
Ingredients:
ETHYL ACETATE, NITROCELLULOSE, ACETYL TRIBUTYL CITRATE, ADIPIC ACID/NEOPENTYL GLYCOL/TRIMELLITIC ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER, BUTYL ACETATE, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, CI 60725 (VIOLET 2).
My Experience with Catrice Gel Like 2in1 Base and Top Coat:
When I wanted a base and a top coat, IMBB was my search engine! So, without jumping to conclusions (like I always do), I wanted to see around before I make a decision. I went to 3 shops seeing the price and which offered me the best discount! I really felt that the coats are just a sidekick and I didn’t want to shell a lot. I think the gods heard my wish and while I was just passing the Catrice counter, I saw the ‘new arrivals’ and there it was sitting like a queen – a combination of base and top coat! Unlike India, in Netherlands, you do not have the MUAs and I like it; I can see what I want and buy what I need without being pressurized. So, at the end, I can blame myself if something doesn’t work out!
I read what was written on the back, browsed for some reviews, didn’t find any and with a gut feeling, I bought this. The product can be used as a top coat and a base coat both! This is what attracted me to it! The product’s cap and brush are all white. The product, like any other coat, is transparent and has a normal nail polish consistency, but is more gel-like. One coat of the product as a base makes a lot of difference. The nails look super shiny and clear, with two coats you can create a perfect French manicure. For almost a week, I left my nails with the product and the shine never faded and stayed the same.
As the temperatures are still very low here and I wear boots to office, I applied the coat on my toe nails, it’s been a month and the shine still looks new and is still going pretty strong. I will leave it on long and let you know for how long it goes. Coming to its job as a top coat. For lighter colors, it doesn’t make any much difference except for protecting the nail color and making the color stay the same for almost 2 weeks. But, for darker colors, it made quite an impact. It gave a gellac like coating and made the colors pop out and shine bright. It gives a smoothened surface when you use nail art.
When I removed the nail polish, there was no stain remaining. Usually with darker nail polishes you need to rub the nails properly and this didn’t leave anything like that. So it did protect my nails to an extent. The applicator is good too, it spreads the coat perfectly on the nails with just 2 swipes. But one of the disadvantages of the product is that if there is even a slight tear and you pull it, a lot of the product peels off. But, other than this, for the price, I was happy with the product. So summing up:
Pros of Catrice Gel Like 2in1 Base and Top Coat:
• Gives a gellac-kind of shiny effect when applied as top coat.
• Protects the nails and gives a shiny effect when applied as a base coat.
• Dries fast.
• Makes the nail polish last longer.
• Gives a salon-like effect on nails.
Cons of Catrice Gel Like 2in1 Base and Top Coat:
• Peels off if there is a tear.
Would I Repurchase Catrice Gel Like 2in1 Base and Top Coat?
Yes.
IMBB Rating:
4.5/5
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