{"product_id":"essie-gel-couture-longwear-nail-polish-once-upon-a-time-slate-gray-2-step-gel-effect-0-46-fl-oz","title":"essie Gel Couture longwear nail polish Once Upon A Time — slate gray, 2-step gel-effect, 0.46 fl oz","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eessie Gel Couture Once Upon A Time is a two-step, no-UV gel-effect nail polish in a slate-gray, blue-tinged shade that delivers long-lasting shine and chip resistance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis bottle pairs essie's pigmented color coat with a high-gloss top coat designed to create a salon-style gel manicure at home without a UV lamp. The system uses patent-pending flex.e gel technology to help the polish move with your nails for up to 15 days of wear when the top coat is refreshed at day 7. The formula is vegan and removes easily with standard acetone or non-acetone removers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I achieve a longwear gel finish with no lamp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eessie Gel Couture simplifies a gel-result manicure into two steps: two thin layers of color followed by a top coat. No base coat or UV curing is required; the chemistry of the color and top coat bonds to give a durable, shiny finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStep 1: Apply two thin coats of Once Upon A Time; allow each to dry briefly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStep 2: Finish with one coat of Gel Couture top coat for glass-like shine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReapply top coat around day 7 to extend wear up to 15 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill this shade suit my skin tone and style?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce Upon A Time is an icy gray with subtle blue undertones that reads as a cool, neutral slate on many skin tones. It works well as a refined everyday shade or a modern accent for minimalist and contemporary looks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCool and neutral—pairs with silver jewelry and navy outfits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTranslates well between office, casual, and evening wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOpaque coverage in two coats for a polished result.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow durable and easy is removal?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe formula combines flexible gel properties to resist chips while remaining removable with standard polish removers. Removal does not require harsh scraping or prolonged soaking; gentle acetone or non-acetone removers work effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eResists chipping thanks to flex.e gel technology.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRemove with acetone or non-acetone polish remover—no forced scraping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSuggest reapplying top coat at one week to maintain wear and shine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat makes this system different from ordinary nail polish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eessie Gel Couture combines a specifically engineered color lacquer and a triple-shine, gel-inspired top coat to mimic salon gel performance in fewer steps. The top coat provides a glass-like gloss and the color formula is designed to flex with natural nail movement to reduce chipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNo UV lamp required—faster, simpler routine at home.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTriple shine complex in the top coat for a high-gloss finish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVegan formula with no animal-derived ingredients.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this for? If you want a high-shine, chip-resistant manicure without salon equipment, essie Gel Couture Once Upon A Time is ideal. It suits shoppers seeking a modern slate-gray polish with easy at-home application, long-lasting wear, and straightforward removal—perfect for busy people, trend-conscious users, and anyone preferring a vegan nail product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: How long does essie Gel Couture last?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: With the top coat reapplied around day 7, expect up to 15 days of gel-like wear under normal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Do I need a UV lamp for this polish?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: No UV lamp is needed; the two-step Gel Couture system achieves a gel-like finish without curing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"essie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51485863411945,"sku":"B075FQMRH5","price":60.06,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0801\/7674\/2633\/files\/essie-once-upon-a-time-front-bottle_jpg.jpg?v=1783202493","url":"https:\/\/cervaaustralia.com\/products\/essie-gel-couture-longwear-nail-polish-once-upon-a-time-slate-gray-2-step-gel-effect-0-46-fl-oz","provider":"Cerva Australia | Professional Beauty Supplies, Skincare \u0026 Cosmetics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}