Classic polish or Gel Polish: which type is right for you?

Classic polish: an easy manicure

What are we talking about?

Classic nail polish is the great basic of manicure, easy to apply on natural nails, without extra equipment or special technique. The application gesture is quickly learned and the result is immediately radiant, in short, it has everything to please!

The routine takes place in 3 application steps:

1. A thin layer of base coat, treatment or not, that protects the nail plate.
2. Two thin layers of polish in the color of your choice.
3. A layer of top coat to get a gel-like shine and extend tenue.

Unlike semi-permanent polish, traditional polish dries in the open air and is removed with a remover with or without acetone.

 

✅ The advantages of classic nail polish

• A quick & easy application and removal: no need for a UV lamp to dry your layers of polish or specific accessories for removal. You can do your manicure at home, without going to a salon.
• The choice of color at a lower cost: you can change polish color according to your desires and moods. A smart choice if you want to try a wide range of colors or do quick touch-ups. An excellent option to enjoy a beautiful manicure without breaking the bank.

❌ Disadvantages to keep in mind

• Short tenue duration: classic polish lasts about 3 to 5 days, up to a week if you avoid exposing your nails to water and minor daily aggressions.
• Sometimes long drying time: depending on application conditions and the state of your nails, the polish dries faster or slower. Always make sure to properly prepare and clean your nails before the manicure to optimize polish adhesion.
• Less durability : traditional polish tends to chip at the slightest shock, especially in the hours following application. Prolonged contact with water, chemicals, hand sanitizer gel, etc. can also damage your manicure.
• Regular touch-ups may be necessary to keep a flawless manicure!

To sum up:

• Quick application in 3 steps, air drying, no special equipment required.
• Total freedom to change color and controlled budget.
• Short tenue (7 days) and less resistant to everyday shocks.
• The right choice: for an express manicure, a night out, or for those who love changing colors.

Semi-permanent polish: the manicure like a pro for everyone

How does it work?

Semi-permanent polish is the long-lasting version of traditional polish. The application of semi-permanent polish is done in 4 thin layers, like classic polish, but each layer must be dried under a LED lamp or UV lamp. This curing process allows the color to set on natural nails and creates a solid and ultra-shiny film, worthy of a professional manicure.

The application routine for a semi-permanent manicure is as follows:

1. A layer of base coat and curing under a UV or LED lamp.
2. Two layers of polish color and curing under a UV or LED lamp after each polish layer.
3. A layer of top coat for a perfect finish, to be cured under a UV or LED lamp.

Unlike classic polish, the removal of semi-permanent polish may require a bit more technique. You can either file or sand the polish layers, or dissolve them with an acetone-based remover. To avoid these nail-aggressive methods, some semi-permanent polishes are formulated to peel off using a non-acetone remover.

 

✅ The advantages of semi-permanent polish

• Perfect tenue for up to 2 weeks.
• A shiny and even finish that gives the effect of a gel polish and a pro-like result.
• Unbeatable durability that ensures a perfect and long-lasting manicure, the ideal solution for vacations or for a wedding manicure.

 

❌ What you need to know before getting started

• Semi-permanent polish application takes longer. It is essential to strictly follow the drying times which vary depending on the UV lamps and the products to be dried (base coat, top coat, or polish).
• You will need to invest in a good quality UV or LED lamp (to learn more, check out our article here).
• Beware of sensitizing molecules, such as HEMA/Di-HEMA (a.k.a. methacrylate monomers), found in some semi-permanent polish formulas and which can cause allergic reactions on sensitive skin. In general, it is advised to avoid too frequent semi-permanent polish applications, especially if you have fragile nails.
• Removing semi-permanent polish can be tricky. To avoid damaging your beautiful nails, avoid at all costs scraping, filing, or sanding your polish or removing it with an acetone-based product that dries out nails and cuticles. Instead, opt for a semi-permanent polish formula that can be peeled off with a gentle remover, safe for your nails.
• To change polish color as often as you like, semi-permanent is not the best option.

To sum up:

• Lasts up to 2 weeks, ultra-shiny gel effect finish, intense color like a pro.
• Shock and water resistant: perfect for holidays, weddings, or a busy schedule.
• Longer application, requires a UV/LED lamp.
• Choose a clean, vegan, and biosourced semi-permanent formula like
• Green Flash™, which removes without filing or acetone.
• The right choice: for a strong, shiny, and long-lasting manicure, without compromising nail health.

Let’s compare them to choose better

Here’s a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of classic polish and semi-permanent polish to help you see clearly and make the right choice:

⏱️ The fastest to apply

Classic polish: allow 15 to 20 minutes for application and air drying. With Green™ polish, you can speed up drying time by using Drying Drops.

Semi-permanent polish: this depends on the power of the UV or LED lamp used to cure the polish layers. With our Slim 24W foldable lamp, the Green Flash™ manicure takes about 30 minutes and with the Premium 36W foldable lamp, it only takes 20 minutes.

 

📆 The longest tenue

Classic polish: 4 to 7 days depending on the polish quality and your daily habits.

Semi-permanent polish: about 2 weeks, depending on the polish formulas. With the Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat, you benefit from an innovative formula that strengthens and protects your nails while ensuring perfect tenue of your polish up to 12 days!

✨The most beautiful finish

Classic polish: it all depends on the condition of your natural nails. On well-maintained and carefully prepared nails, classic polish offers a finish as beautiful as semi-permanent polish. And with a Green™ polish, you enjoy intense color and a stunning gel-effect glossy finish.

Semi-permanent polish: here too, nail care and preparation are important, but semi-permanent polish has the advantage of being more opaque and better at hiding small natural nail imperfections. You get a uniform texture, vibrant color, a "gel nails" effect, with shape and shine as you dream of!

 

💅 The most nail-friendly

Classic polish: the best choice to preserve the health of your nails, especially if you choose a vegan and biosourced polish formula such as the Green™ polish, free of toxic substances and removed with a gentle acetone-free remover.

Semi-permanent polish: beware of traditional semi-permanent polishes that may contain sensitizing molecules, such as HEMA and DI-HEMA, or endocrine disruptors. Prefer clean & safe alternative formulas, like Green Flash™, a new generation semi-permanent, vegan and up to 84% biosourced. And thanks to its patented KeraHCE+ technology contained in the Green Flash™ Vitamin Base, your nails are strengthened under the polish!

🔄 The easiest to remove

Classic polish: a cotton pad soaked with gentle remover is enough to remove your polish in a few minutes.

Semi-permanent polish: as mentioned, we advise against abrasive removal methods and acetone removal, which are harmful to nail health. With its gentle acetone-free remover and removal tweezers, Green Flash™ removes in peel-off in 1 minute. We love it!

 

🎨 The widest choice of colors and nail arts

Classic polish or semi-permanent, both offer the same range of colors and nail art possibilities. Classic red nails, pastel manicures, or nail art with glazed, chrome, or glitter effects, everything is possible. With the Green™ polishes or Green Flash™, you have a palette of over 90 intensely pigmented polish colors to dress your nails throughout the seasons and trends. To choose the most suitable routine, also check out our Green Flash™ semi-permanent polish kits, designed for a complete application at home.

 

In summary, if you need a quick express manicure, easy to apply, to shine for an evening or a weekend, a classic polish will be the best option. However, if you want a flawless, strong, and ultra-shiny manicure that lasts a long time without damage, the smart choice will be the semi-permanent polish. Now you have the topic mastered at your fingertips, so it’s your turn to play 💅🌈✨!