I've heard about Shellac Manicures from my girlfriends and it wasn't until I was able to get a free session thanks to ChickAdvisor's Product Review Club, that I was completely won over! Went to Lux Salon in Yorkville (super nice girls) and I was wowed by the effectiveness and lasting power. Since then, I can't look back!

The application process was fairly standard for shellac. I rarely get Shellac polish on my nails as I like to do manicure at home and change my nail colour offend. The Shellac stood up very well. I had it on for almost two weeks without any chipping. It was even perfect for a wedding I attended a week after the application. The color selection was good, however I always think there can be more. I probably would use this product again in the future. I found it much easier to commit to Shellac knowing I had the removal kit at home.

I went to a salon to have the CND Shellac polish applied, courtesy of ChickAdvisor. I have to admit that I was skeptical as to its claims. I was glad to have been proven wrong. The manicure took the same amount of time as a regular manicure - actually, it was faster in that it dried very quickly. I was able to walk out of the spa not having to worry about it not being, which definitely was a bonus. The colour I picked was a neutral-taupe tone which was perfect for my day-to-day. It went on cleanly and had a lovely shine to it. Reminded me of the paint finish on a car, as a matter of fact. I wore the polish for 15 days before deciding to remove it, as my nails had grown enough that you could see the lack of polish at the base. Aside from a small bit of chipping at the edge of a couple of nails, my fingers looked as perfect as they did on day 1. I work, have 2 small children and take care of the usual everyday house tasks. Despite all this, my nails stayed remarkably well polished. That being the case, the cost of a Shellac manicure ($45), does not seem steep at all. "Normal" manicures last me..maybe 3 days...before I see signs of wear and tear, so the CND Shellac definitely held up to its claims.

The colour I chose was amazing and the finish was pretty with lots of shine. I would have loved to have uploaded a photo of the manicure as it was really pretty, but the polish peeled off on it's own within two days. I was incredibly disappointed when this happened as I was expecting a long term, difficult to remove mani. I know I can't attribute my experience 100% to the polish itself, maybe something happened during the application like it wasn't under the lamp long enough or something, but unfortunately based on this experience I will have to rate the polish poorly, despite the beautiful selection of colours. Additionally, I can't say that I can tell the difference between gel-like polishes and CND Shellac as it only lasted 2 days. I wouldn't recommend this manicure to a friend, for $40, I'd rather spend my money on regular polish that I can do at home.

I really love shellac, and only get shellac manicures now! The application takes the same amount of time as regular polish (plus bonus, no drying time or potential smudges), and it always lasts for two weeks minimum without chipping. Some people think it weakens your nails but I have never found that at all, as long as you remove properly (don't try to pick/chip it off yourself!). This picture is fresh mani, after one week, then after two weeks, and just removed.

I was one of the lucky ones to get chosen to get a manicure at a salon using Shellac. It was my first time getting a professional manicure and I was pleased with the experience. First the lady shaped my nails, then she pushed back and cut my cuticles. Then she applied a basecoat, colour, and top coat. In between the coats, my hands were placed under a machine with blue light. The nail polish did not smell and it dried instantly under the machine. In the end, I was given a hand massage. I never knew how great manicures are. I am excited to go back! It's been a week and my nails are still looking good with no chipping. I will update my post once I try the CND Shellac removal kit.

Although I'm very happy with the color I picked for my manicure but the salon was very limited with color choices of CND Shellac 14+. I didn't like that the manicurist filed down the surface of my nails which I thought was not needed when using the Shellace 14+ as indicated in the video. I really wish that I spoke out and told her not too :) and to put the polish thicker on my nails instead of filling my nails down. However, when my nails were done, they were done! My nails had the wet and shiny finish look. So there was no need to wait to dry or afraid to put my coat on. Quick, easy and fast! While my nail polish lasted 14 days but on day 9+ my nails polish surfaces started to crack on which I think was due to the thin layer application of nail polish my manicurist applied. I think if the nail polished was thicker my nail polish would've lasted a little longer than 14 days. I'll recommend the CND Shellac to friends and family but I'll make sure to tell them not to accept filling down their nails which I now believe is never a good thing. I also which CND would make it clear if their products are environmentally friendly, 5free or cruelty free. It's not clear from the salon, on the CND site, manicurist and even after receiving a replied email. It was still unclear on whether the company is environmentally friendly, 5free or cruelty free so this is why I selected "Undecided" for purchasing it again.

I was very pleased to be picked by ChickAdvisor for this great review opportunity, so I received my manicure on the house!

First off: My manicure lasted almost 3 weeks before chipping at the sides/lifting! Super impressed by the longevity. The colour and shine stayed through throughout the entire duration of my manicure. I also work in service, so I'm CONSTANTLY using my hands.

For the application: I was blown away by how fast the base coat took to dry in the machine: 10 seconds! It was much faster than I thought it would take. It only took 10 seconds between each coat, and just under 3 for the final top coat.

Although I had difficulty getting the residue completely off my nails with the "Offly Fast" CND at home removal kit, perhaps I wouldn't run into that issue again if I had it taken off by a Shellac technician at the spa. My nails don't appear to be damaged however, which was a concern I had before I got the manicure.

Overall, if you're in a situation where you'll want the same nail colour for a long period, going away on vacation, or work with your hands and are tired of your manicures being done after a few days... I DEFINITELY recommend Shellac.

I love Shellac manicures. No matter how much I abuse my hands, they last up to three weeks!

It's important to have them applied professionally, and not to rush the process. I've had bad experience when it wasn't done correctly.

Colour is key when deciding how long you'll keep your shellac. The lighter, the longer.

I find shellac really protects my nails in the winter, and makes them stronger!

Well, my "Grape Glam"shellac mani is two weeks old. Even though my nails are growing out, I can't bear to take this off, I'm just loving this mani. It's been great not worrying about chips or peeling. Overall my nails still look great.