Sally Hanson in Game of Chromes

Brand: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

Shade: Game of Chromes
(matte gold color, metallic finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:
I don't think this is like the gel polish you'd get in a salon -- it's not nearly as thick. But it's prob better for your nails! And I do love this shade. It didn't chip, it more kind of rubbed off on the edges after a week or so. I can live with that.

Nails Inc. in Leicester Court & Old Church Street

Brand: Nails Inc. Stars & Gel Polish

Shades: Leicester Court & Old Church Street
(cream white color with sheer glossy finish and silver glitter stars)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:
It's 2017! This combo is a bit much for me, but if you've ever imagined yourself as Elsa from Frozen, you just might love it.

Sally Hansen in Dig Fig

Brand: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

Shades: Dig Fig & Top Coat
(cranberry red color, glossy finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:
My college roommate gave me this shade when I came over to make Christmas cookies with her kids, so it's got fun memories for me. But it's also just a great holiday color that works all month long. Merry everything!

Aurora in 4 Alarm Fire

Brand: Aurora Gel Effect Nail Lacquer

Shade: 4 Alarm Fire
(pinky red color, glossy finish)

Cost: $

The Scoop:
I got this shade in an Ipsy bag and it sat on my counter for a few months. Decided to give it a whirl for Valentine's Day. And go figure -- it was a bit disappointing, much like VDay. I wish the gel was thicker and the polish was more opaque.

Sally Hansen in Beatnik

Brand: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

Shade: Beatnik & Gel Top Coat
(royal blue color with glossy finish, and clear gel finish)

Cost: $$$ (for the polish + gel top coat)

The Scoop:
At work, we held an event for New York Fashion Week sponsored by Sally Hansen with their whole line of Miracle Gel polishes available for manis. I fell in love with this shade and ran right out to buy it. They say it lasts up to 2 weeks, I'm at 9 days with almost no chips, proving strength is always in fashion.

L'Oreal in Fashion's Finest

Brand: L'Oreal Extraordinaire Gel-Lacque

Shade: Fashion's Finest
(teal green color, glossy gel finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:
I do love this shade for fall, but I have to say it doesn't have the staying power of a gel polish, even the at-home variety.  It chipped after one day.  Expensive and doesn't last?  No bueno. Not worth it.

Nails Inc in Kensington Square

Brand: Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish

Shade: Kensington Square
(neon orange color, glossy finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:
I'm trying a bunch of at home gel polishes, and when I ordered this, it looked more red than orange. It is, in fact, like a traffic cone. It was pretty shiny, though, went on in just 1 step, stayed put the whole week, and was relatively easy to remove. So, a winner!

Next Shade: Nailtini in Vintage Fizz

Sally Hansen in Wine Not

Brand: Sally Hansen Insta Gel Strips

Shade: Wine Not

(garnet red color, super glossy finish)

Cost: $$$$

The Scoop:

Gel manicures are everywhere lately, so I turned to Sally to help me do it at home.  I chose the starter kit with the 1-finger LED light.  Put in a movie before you start applying these -- it takes at least an hour. But that's ok if they really last 2 weeks, right?  Yeah...  At first they looked great, but they started chipping after 2 days, which lead to me peeling all 10 of them off while on a conference call.  (Not a recommended technique!)

Next Week's Shade: Maybelline in Midnight Swim