testing > new opi axxium no chip gel manicure
Monday, March 15, 2010 
Hellooo modern technologyI was at my local nail salon and I overheard (what else do you do at a nail salon) some girl raving about this new, chip resistant nail product from OPI. I interrupted immediately and grilled her on all the obvious questions:
Does it really not chip?
It really doesn't chip.
Really? Chip resistant or proof?
Really. Um, I think it's the same thing. Proof?
No, seriously, give it to me in weeks.
Okay. Three weeks.
Really?
Really!
What are the colors like? I could care less about chip proof polish if the colors are skanky.
They're real OPI colors - ones you're familiar with: pompei purple, lincoln park after dark, princesses rule, moon over mumbai. [she flashes her nails in bubble bath].
Can I touch it?
...
Your nails!
Yes, this post is to indulge me as a vain, beauty freak jackass. But her nails looked amazing. A really shiny natural looking manicure. None of the sick fake talon looking weapons. I decided to try it out: $32 for three weeks of perfect nails. I opted for Russian Navy, an OPI favorite of mine. It took about 45 minutes (a long time when born with the patience of a toddler), and my nails were put under a UV box for them to set in between coats. Don't freak out if the color looks off at first - two or three coats will brighten up the color. I walked out of the salon without having to worry about immediate smudges.
Three days in, I'm still chip free (a miracle for me already) and the color's still bright and shiny! (ooooh shiny...) I'm a little worried about what will happen when I want a new color or want them off, but I'll post another update when it gets to that point and when (if ever) a chip happens. The salon I went to didn't have the color, "You don't know Jacques" but I'm dying to try it. Woo hoo!
PS: Allure named OPI Axxium Soak-Off Gel as one of its Best of Big Beauty Breakthroughs.
All available colors (limited selection but best of's) listed at OPI's site.
Robin
One week later and my nails still have lasted longer than any manicure I've had, especially with a color this dark. I've noticed a TINY hairline "line" on the side of one of my nails, but nothing that is noticeable if you weren't looking for it. I just swiped some clear polish over the one nail and I'm good to go.
So far they've withstood the following: mad typing, removing keys from a key ring to go running (always the death of my nails before), peeling labels off a few new cups, general roughness. So far, so good!
Robin
Apparently a lot of people are interested in this! For those that have tried this out by now - I'm sure you're aware that it isn't perfect. You're not going to walk around with bullet proof nails that will win you lotto tickets or anything. But at only $10 more than a standard manicure that (for me) lasts 30 seconds, it's still way better.
I've gone through waves of keeping up with it (perfect for wedding season), and the best thing to do is saddle up to your manicurist, flash some leg or cleave and ask if they guarantee at least two weeks. They did, and if there were a few knicks after two weeks, they'd redo that nail gratis. When I wanted them to take it off, they did that free too - know that's not as normal. Whatever you do (LAUREN) do NOT try to peel them off yourself and then pout about it. Your nails won't like you and should be soaked by professionals - it's way better. Mmk? My lady also used a different non chip silk base (non OPI) that they said was better.
Some cons? Because the polish literally turns into a hard piece in that UV light - it can tend to peel up slightly at the bottom or sides which can be annoying. I have long, troublesome hair and when I style it in the morning or touch my hair a lot, it can snag. My favorite colors so far have been You Don't Know Jacques and Russian Navy, but beware SOME colors aren't as true to their original OPI mates like My Private Jet which looks much more brown.
Anywho, help this nail ranting and raving helps - I still think it's worth it.
Reader Comments (9)
wow-loving this! thanks for sharing. i never get manis-i used to get french manicures but stopped cuz it took me 10 mins to button a shirt. i'll have to try this-im all for low-maintenance beauty products.
Hmm I'm intrigued by this. Let me know how it goes when you remove the polish and honestly if it is really chip free. I get chips the most at the top of my nails.
Awesome! I had never heard of this before.
I went to a salon and they tried to sell me on this, but for the price and having to take the word of an employee, I just couldn't justify it. I needed hard proof, or even the word of a patron would have been enough for me. PLEASE keep posting and let us know how it works.. and how long it lasts. I can't imagine having perfect nails for 3 weeks...
i think I need to try this.
http://senseofstyleiseternal.blogspot.com/
It's pretty amazing stuff to me. I have never ever ever had a manicure last more than 2 days without a chip - especially with a dark color. I had my first Axxium application and went chip-free for 17 days. I'm talking pristine color all the way to the edge of the nail. I went in for a "fill", which is to say the manicurist filed the color down a bit (not down to my nails, mind you - just removed the top layer of color), then reapplied the gel over that to cover the new nail growth. I'm now on day 14 of the fill. Stays shiny and lovely and my nails are quite hard. They've grown to an unacceptable length for me (also a first) and I will go back to the salon tomorrow to shorten the nails and get a new color applied. I'm sold!
Janimal - That's amazing! I am a total klutz and am a lot harsher on my nails than I should be but totally agree that I'm sold too. What color did you get?? I've tried the Jade green of the HK collection, you don't know jacques, bubble bath, russian navy and lincoln park after dark.
For those who have their hearts set on a gel manicure, but would rather avoid the potential risks of nerve pain, cancer and fungal infections, there may be an alternative. This spring, a company called CND announced the first 'hybrid' gel manicure. Called "Shellac," the hybrid is a marriage between gel and traditional nail polish that may be more nail-friendly.
Oh it is really interesting and it should be similar to shellac manicure? Have you tryed it for your toe nails, it should lasts even longer!
I wanted to try shellac but maybe i have to test OPI Axxium Soak-Off Gel ? and can we do fench maicure with it?
I want for feet also but i dont have time to go to salons coz of kids! check my pedicure site if u are interested in
fish pedicure