If you’re an avid nail polish enthusiast, you’re likely on a never-ending quest to find the best products that make your nail care routine easier and more enjoyable. One such product that has been making waves in the nail community is the Essence Peel Off Base Coat from their Ready For Boarding Limited Edition, which we’ll refer to as POBC from now on. This base coat has also made its way into Essence’s new core line, and if you’re fortunate, you can spot it in your local store. However, before making any judgments, I decided to test this intriguing product for myself and share my experiences with you.
What’s the Essence Peel Off Base Coat?
According to the press release, the POBC is designed for those moments when you’re in a hurry and don’t want to deal with traditional polish removers. The idea is that you can simply peel off your nail polish, reapply the POBC, and start your polish application all over again. Sounds convenient, right? But here’s where I encountered some realities that differed from the marketing claims.
When using the POBC, I still found myself reaching for my trusty polish remover to do a cleanup. Also, the requirement to wait for about 10 minutes for the base coat to dry before applying nail polish isn’t ideal for someone in a rush. If you’re like me and prefer a quick application followed by a one-coater and a cleanup, this waiting time can be a deterrent.
A Unique Application for Glitter Polishes
However, where the POBC piqued my interest was its potential for handling glitter polish. I, like many of you, have often grappled with the removal of glittery nail polish. The thought of using a base coat that might make this process easier and gentler on my nails was intriguing. So, I decided to put it to the test by trying out the POBC with three different glitter polishes and a flakie, which I find challenging to remove using traditional methods.
The Application Process
The POBC comes in a white polish that reminded me of the craft glue I used as a child. Just like glue, it starts white and gradually turns transparent as it dries. It has a slightly goopy texture and a scent that also brings back childhood memories. However, I’m going to assume that it’s not just glue mixed with a base coat!
The instructions on the bottle are straightforward:
- Step 1: Apply a generous layer of the peel-off base coat to your nails. Allow approximately 10 minutes to dry until the white base coat becomes transparent.
- Step 2: Paint your favorite color nail polish and/or effect nail polish over it and let it dry.
- Step 3: Simply peel off to remove! It does not harm your nails. Advice: Avoid hot water for 3 hours after application.
The Results
After the POBC application and a 10-minute wait, my nails had a glossy, transparent coating. When I applied the polishes and added a layer of top coat, I noticed that the base coat felt slightly thicker than usual. From index to pinkie, I used Color Club Candy Cane, Nfu.Oh 51, Essence Time For Romance, and Nubar Hyacinth Sparkle. The little bit of tip wear on my index finger was my own doing, not the base coat’s fault.
After allowing the polish to harden for a few hours, it was time to test the peel-off feature.
The Peel-Off Test
I started to peel off the polish, and, to my surprise, it worked like a charm! It removed the glitter polish effortlessly and left my nails looking clean. Please note that any bits and pieces you see on my nails in the process are not my nails peeling off but tiny remnants of the rubbery base coat.
To ensure my nails were entirely clean, I used some remover to wipe off the last bits, leaving my nails smooth and polish-free.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Essence Peel Off Base Coat is a great choice if you’re a fan of glitter nail polishes. It simplifies the removal process and makes it gentler on your nails compared to traditional methods like the foil technique. However, I wouldn’t recommend using it under regular nail polish, as it can make the whole manicure feel slightly thicker, which can be a hassle. Nevertheless, for glitter lovers, it’s a game-changer, and I’ll likely be reaching for glitter polishes more often thanks to this nifty product.
Update: It turns out that the POBC is quite similar to glue with some preservatives, which explains the familiar childhood glue scent and texture. Some resourceful individuals have even tried using PVA glue as a substitute. Pour it into an empty bottle, and you’re good to go! So, I wasn’t too far off when I compared it to glue. It’s a handy alternative for easy glitter polish removal.