I must say, when I decided to go to Shoppers Drug Mart a few days ago, I didn't expect to walk out of there with $103 dollahs worth of stuff. One of my most awesome and surprising purchases was the QUO by Orly gel nail polishes. They must have JUST come out because I can't find any information on them on the internet and Shoppers didn't have a display for them. Or a LED lamp for them yet. But they did have a good selection of colors, which, ahem, I found better than Sally's Gelish selection.
I had never seen or heard of these before and at $10 a bottle, I was very happy to purchase a couple colors. Now, it does seem like you're getting a deal with these since they are only $10 a bottle with their Gelish counterparts being $18 in Canada. However, the amount you get does end up being about the same price. The QUO by Orly polishes only get 4.4ml and the Gelish ones have 9ml. If you're like me and never finish a bottle of polish, this won't bother you too much.
Here's a comparison shot for size reference:
The application of this was seamless. I find that most Gelish colors (well, the ones I have) need a good three coats of color before the nail is completely opaque. And after three coats, your nails feel a bit "thick". Orly for QUO Gels only took two coats before being opaque. What's really nice about the formula was that it wasn't too thick. The formula didn't run or pool around cuticles - it was excellent. I tried my luck using a Gelish base and top coat and it has worked fine.
What I like most about this gel polish system is the fact that the finish is so shiny! Every time I give myself a gel manicure, I am so happy with the durability of the polish and the intense shine. I must admit, First Class wasn't a polish I would normally pick. It's a very shimmery champagne shade. I believe if you want its non-gel counterpart, QUO by Orly has produced that shade in regular polish in the past (it has the same name). Also, I'm pretty sure it looks a lot like Orly Rage although I do not own it to compare.
On with the pictures yes?
Lame, the bottle is backwards. Sorry!
What's interesting about this polish, as you can see from the pictures, is that it changes colors with the light. Sometimes it's a very light champagne color, sometimes it's more taupe and others it looks gold. Very strange but awesome!
I'm not sure if you can catch how shiny the finish of the topcoat it - I'd compare it to 3 coats of a perma-Seche Vite hybrid. The nice thing is that this finish does not dull itself as fast as a regular manicure. I've written about Gelish here before, but these types of manicures are supposed to last 3 weeks. Since I've used a Gelish base and top coat, I'm not sure I can comment on the durability of this particular polish - it's sandwiched and not technically touching my nail!
All and all, I'd highly recommend this polish. And gel polishes in general. They are easy to use, they do not take too much time and they last an eternity. LED/UV lamp do not have to be expensive - I bought mine from a supplier in Hong Kong for $12. Word to the wise: only go with the Hong Kong option if you're willing to wait a month +. If you're not, I believe Sally's has some decently priced options. DO NOT pay $100 + for one of these - they all work the same.
I'll hopefully have another shade posted in the near future! Do you own any gel nail polish? What's your take on the gel nail system?
I think this does look like Orly Rage! I haven't tried gel polishes yet, but I'm hoping to soon!
ReplyDeleteOh good I'm glad someone else thought it was similar at least! Gel polishes are really fun! What's nice is that you don't have to worry much about them: once it's on, it's on. Let me know if you have any questions in the process! :)
DeleteI have GelColor by OPI and LOVE it, and now I must try that one by Quo! Thank you for the review and swatches, that color is very pretty!
ReplyDeleteIt's strange - we have quite a few Shoppers around here but I could only find the QUO by Orly at one of them! Hopefully they'll be available to you!
DeleteI NEED the GelColors by OPI. I've been scouring Ebay for them because I'm pretty I can't buy them here!
Thanks for the comment! <3
Oh no, I hope I can find them here. We only have one Shoppers Drug Mart here.
DeleteYeah GelColors are only sold to professionals so you might only find them on Ebay.
By the way, I subscribed to your blog! :)
Yay! Thanks! I've been subscribed to yours for a while :)
DeleteThe OPI gel polishes are only available at professional supply shops, even in the US. This is so unnfortunate as they have a much wider selection than Gelish and Shellac, although Gelish did just release 12 new colours. I find that Gelish is really good and much more affordable than Shellac by CND. Our newest Shoppers flyer shows the Quo gel polishes and I will be out tomorrow looking at the Beauty Boutique locations for them.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Gelish released new colors! That's great news! I agree that Gelish is much more affordable. I usually get them on Ebay anyway because you get a better deal most of the time. I'm going to go check out those colors now!
DeleteI also had no idea the QUO by Orly gels were on sale - I just checked my flyer and they're on sale in my area too. Exciting!
how much time it take to dry ?
ReplyDeleteHi Vanessa! Under a UV lamp, it takes me 3-4 minutes, depending on the color/thickness of the coat. :)
DeleteI am a bit late chiming in here, but wanted to mention that I have used First Class as my first coat, and then So Kissable as the second coat. So Kissable is a non-sparkly nude Quo by Orly gel polish. It really turns out nicely - the sparkle is still definitely there, but muted a bit by the nude topcoat. It's a GREAT system, I can't believe I can so easily do my own gel nails now, and mine last easily two weeks!
ReplyDeleteOh! That's awesome! I'll definitely be trying out that combination! Sounds like fun!
DeleteThanks for the comment! <3
so does this polish make your natural nails a lot more durable? and is it as easy to get off as the leaflets say?
ReplyDeletetechnically, it should make your nails more durable. I personally find my nails in better condition but my cuticles dry out because of the removal process. It's pretty easy to remove yes - just make sure your leave your nails wrapped in foil long enough!
ReplyDeleteI love your explanations of all things gel. I am confused about gel nail machine from nailene and the orly machine for gel polish. I decided that it would be cheaper than salon. Also I believe that salon was calling pink and white/uv nails gel when they are really acrylic, I figured that I could apply the gel nails myself. A week later, I saw the orly gel polish machine and also purchased it. Do I use each machine on the same day? I read that gel polish could be applied to acrylic or gel nails. Is this correct or have I been suckered? I bought both machines at shoppers drug mart along with an orly gel polish and starter kit, and nailene kit for nails. Can you help? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLinda
If both machines are LED/UV they will work the same. You can only use one. But yes, most gels work the same so you only need one machine. I'd return the second one you bought. And I do believe gels can be applied on acrylics but I have never tried myself. :)
DeleteHi ladies,
ReplyDeleteI have been doing my own gel nails for several months now using the Shellac system. As you all know, Shellac is only available at professional supply stores. I was in Shoppers the other day and noticed that Quo has come out with a gel line. I would love to try it as its close to home and way cheaper than the Shellac gel nail polishes. My only question is, is it possible to use a regular 36 watt UV light drier on LED light polishes such as Quo and Sensationail? I don't want to purchase them just to find out that I need an LED drier? If a UV drier can be used, would the curing time be different from Shellac? Please let me know....
Signed dying to try Quo
Hi there!
DeleteYes, I've been using a 9 Watt UV light drier and it's been working fine on the Quo by Orly Gels :)
same here, my UV light works fine with my Quo by Orly Gels.
DeleteThe color is so pretty, it inspired me to go out and purchase the system. So easy to use, and last for about 2-3 wks. I have also tried using regular nail polish between the base and top coat - works just as well. Just remember that the regular nail polish has to be completely dry before putting on the gel top coat
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're saying the system works with regular nail polish! I'm definitely going to give this a go! And I'm glad to hear the system works well for you as well :)
DeleteI just purchased the orly uv light at Shoppers, I did my sisters nails and the top coat is still sticky after we put them under the uv light for one min, am I doing something wrong?
ReplyDeleteHi there!
DeleteNo you're not doing anything wrong :) You're missing a step though - gel polishes cures under UV lights and usually leave behind a tacky residue. This can be removed with Isopropyl alcohol or the "finishing step" of your gel polish kit. It's usually in a polish remover sort of bottle. I have the Gelish kind "cleanse off", but I believe the Quo by Orly gel version is also available at shoppers :)
Wow! I have Orly Rage, it looks the same! Thank you for the post, I was just about to order Mally or Red Carpet... No more! I love Orly, plus my mom has a beauty license! Yes!!! Sally here I come!
ReplyDeletefor all ya ladies looking for this product, you should be able to request it from your cosmetics department in your local shoppers, thats how i got mine!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wear wild colours of polish at work so I use a neutral colour of gel polish on my nails. Then on the wknds, I just put some crazy regular colour (i.e. non gel-type polish) over the gel nails. It goes on easily and comes off easily with regular nail polish remover without affecting the gel surface underneath. I also noticed that it helps my gel manicure last longer. Probably because it adds another layer on top. Next time my gel polish starts to come off at the tips or sides, I think I'll just throw a layer of regular clear on top to extend the life of the gel manicure. I'm really lazy so don't redo my nails often.
ReplyDeleteI have them the base, an color by quo but after the fact it can be peeled off like a sticker. What would be causing that? My light is a timer for 2 mins could the length of time be doing it?
ReplyDeleteHi Shayna! I could be because your nail isn't dehydrated. Make sure your nails are clean and free of oil/moisturizer by prepping them with acetone - just dab a cotton pad with acetone on your nails. Also, it helps to buff the nails to help the polish stick. Hope this helps!
DeleteHi Annick, I just came across your blog searching for a cheap UV Lamp, because I've been wanting to try gel manicure for a long time. May I know which Hong Kong supplier you bought your UV lamp? The cheapest one I saw is about USD28.
ReplyDeleteLove your detailed instruction and tips on DIY gel nail mani.
Thanks
Hi there!
DeleteI don't even remember who it was but I purchased it through Ebay and I believe it was about $30. I would however make sure that it's a lamp that you can fit your full hand in at once. Mine is tiny and doesn't have much depth and it's quite a pain!
Good luck!!