Review: Evo Gel nails are long-lasting and prayer-friendly

Bio Sculpture’s Evo Oxygenating Gel is the only “breathable” gel polish in the market, making it an ideal option for Muslim women who require water-permeable formulas that are permissible (according to some schools of Islamic thought) for ablution and prayer.

Evo Gel comes in a variety of shades. Courtesy of The Nail Spa

It has been two weeks since my nails were painted at The Nail Spa with its new Evo Gel polish. And, while my nails have grown slightly, leaving about a half-centimeter gap between the cuticles and the nail colour, the polish shows no evidence of chipping, cracking or dullness. They still hold a glossy, almost reflective shine and at first glance look flawless – even though my hands have been through a fair amount of travel, typing, and sewing since the gel was applied.

Bio Sculpture’s Evo Oxygenating Gel, which recently launched at The Nail Spa, is the only “breathable” gel polish in the market, making it an ideal option for Muslim women who require water-permeable formulas that are permissible (according to some schools of Islamic thought) for ablution and prayer.

From electric blue to shocking pink, there are 40 different shades available. I opt for a bubble-gum pink colour dubbed “Megan”. Infused with vitamins A and E, it isn’t harmful to the nail like other gel formulas, and takes only 10 to 12 minutes to remove. Unlike other gel polish processes, your nails don’t have to get buffed before the formula is applied – instead, an oxygenating base is applied to your nails before the coloured gel varnish is painted on.

Like any normal manicure, the nails are cut and filed, and cuticles are pushed, before the base is applied. The whole process takes around 90 minutes. After the gel is applied to each finger, that finger is placed in a small contraption fitted with LED lighting, to “cure” the gel, allowing it to set smoothly.

While it’s promised to last for up to three weeks, I wouldn’t prolong it for more than two weeks, as my nails have grown and I find the gap slightly bothersome.

I won’t be going back just to have it removed though – I’ve now had a taste of a chip-free nail colour solution that is suitable for praying too, and am hooked. I’ll be booking myself for a new Evo Gel mani too, and perhaps this time I’ll go for Victoria – a deep, rich purple shade.

At The Nail Spa, an Evo Gel manicure costs Dh150, or Dh160 for a French manicure. Pedicures cost Dh160 and French pedicures cost Dh180. Call 600 544 001 to make an appointment. Visit www.thenailspa.com

This review was conducted at the invitation of The Nail Spa