Sally Hanson Miracle Nal Gel Polish Review

This year I started using the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel nail polishes, I've learned a lot about these products over the past few months. It's a gel nail system that doesn't use a UV light to set the polish that claims "In just two easy steps get up to 14 days of color and shine. More chip-resistant than regular nail polish!" Let's cut to the chase, and see if this product lives up to its claims.

Just two easy steps

This polish system is extremely easy to use because it only has two steps:

Step One: This is the color coat. This system does not have a base coat, so the colors will sometimes stain your nail. The instructions call for two coats of the colored polish, but some colors need a third coat if you want them to be completely opaque.
Step Two: This is the topcoat. It has an extremely high gloss finish and goes on very smooth if you use one thick coat.

In my experience with this nail system, it is extremely easy to use, especially for those who haven't work with a standard gel polish and UV light. When you use a polish with a UV light, the polish won't cure/harden/dry until it is placed under the light. Because of this, it can be a hassle to use standard gel polish. So, I would say this polish is definitely easy to use when compared to the gel polish and UV light systems.

14 days of color and shine

I have not been able to get a completely chip-free 14-day wear with these polish. Typically, I can paint my nails every weekend, and get through the week with no issues. Sometimes, in the middle of the week, I'll put on one more Step Two top coat to ensure everything is fully sealed.

Make sure you read my tips and tricks at the end of this post! I share a ton of different manicuring techniques that will extend the life of your manicure.

More chip-resistant than regular nail polish

Their performance for this claim is why I keep coming back to this polish. I have been able to get a week's worth of wear with this polish, and I don't have to think twice about it.

The only times I have issues with chipping is if I get a polish that creates a lip on my cuticles or skin, or I've been rough on my nails during the week (opening boxes, peeling off stickers/tape, doing house renovations, etc.). However, I don't see chipping during those circumstances as being the polishes fault. If I paint them properly and do my everyday tasks (office work, cooking, cleaning, etc.), then I haven't had issues with chipping.

My tips & tricks for using this polish

As mentioned before, some of the Step One color polishes may need more than the two coats called for in the instructions to be completely opaque. All of the colors I have only need a max of 3 thin coats of the color plus one topcoat to last one week.

Do not paint your cuticle or skin with nail polish. This tip will make any manicure last longer, but these polishes release easier if they get snagged since they do not have a true base coat. Take your time when painting your nails, and clean up any polish that gets onto your skin before it dries.

Leave a gap between your polish and cuticle. This is another tip that will help any manicure, but especially with these polishes because they lack a true base coat. You want to leave a gap between the color polish and the cuticle. Then with the Step Two top coat, you want to paint past the color and onto the unpainted nail in this gap. DO NOT PAINT YOUR CUTICLE OR SKIN! By painting on the unpainted nail in the gap, you create a better seal with your polish. This will greatly extend the life of any manicure, but especially one you wear for a week or longer.

Wrap your polish under the tip of your nail at least once for both steps. If you have shorter nails like me, when you do this you'll have to clean your skin under your nails, but it's worth it. This helps reduce the chances of the tip of your nail not being sealed in fully and pealing up at the tip. Once again, this is something I would recommend doing for any manicure, but definitely if you plan on wearing your polish for a week or more.

For longer wear, add a second layer of topcoat every 5-7 days. I did mention this before, but this is probably the easiest way to get longer wear with this product. By doing this, you will re-seal the nail polish, and reduce the probability of getting chips or keep chips from getting worse.