# TLDR Review: essie Gel Couture, Matter Of Fiction

*Published: 2024-12-17 | Updated: 2025-01-23 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/essie-gel-couture-matter-of-fiction*

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## Verdict

The essie Gel Couture 2-Step Longwear Nail Polish in 'Matter Of Fiction' offers a stylish, vibrant pink color with a glossy, long-lasting finish that’s perfect for at-home manicures. Its standout features include a quick drying time, vegan formula, and the lack of a need for UV light – a boon for those seeking easy application and removal. However, be prepared to apply multiple coats for full opacity, and invest in the corresponding top coat for optimal results. This polish is a fabulous addition to any nail care routine, especially if you're looking to achieve salon-quality nails at home.

**Top pro:** High-shine glossy finish provides a professional, salon-like appearance.
**Top con:** Three coats may be needed for full opacity, which could be time-consuming.

## Product: essie Gel Couture, Matter Of Fiction
**Brand:** Essie
[Compare prices and price history on ShopSavvy](https://shopsavvy.com/products/essie-gel-couture-matter-of-fiction)

## Pros
- High-shine glossy finish provides a professional, salon-like appearance.
- Quick drying time enhances convenience for busy lifestyles.
- Formula is smooth and easy to apply with a well-designed brush for even coats.
- Excellent wear with minimal chipping for up to a week or longer.
- Vegan formula, cruelty-free with no need for UV light.
- Ideal for enhancing at-home manicures with its gel-like finish.
- Stunning vibrant pink color suitable for any occasion.
- Top coat enhances durability and shine.
- Easy to remove with regular nail polish remover, unlike typical gels.
- Packaging design is aesthetically unique, though may require extra storage care.

## Cons
- Three coats may be needed for full opacity, which could be time-consuming.
- The twisted bottle design can complicate shaking or storage.
- Thick formula may make thin applications challenging, potentially causing streaks.
- The top coat and color must be purchased separately for the full two-step effects.
- Not as self-leveling as some other polishes.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| High-shine glossy finish provides a professional, salon-like appearance. | Three coats may be needed for full opacity, which could be time-consuming. |
| Quick drying time enhances convenience for busy lifestyles. | The twisted bottle design can complicate shaking or storage. |
| Formula is smooth and easy to apply with a well-designed brush for even coats. | Thick formula may make thin applications challenging, potentially causing streaks. |
| Excellent wear with minimal chipping for up to a week or longer. | The top coat and color must be purchased separately for the full two-step effects. |
| Vegan formula, cruelty-free with no need for UV light. | Not as self-leveling as some other polishes. |
| Ideal for enhancing at-home manicures with its gel-like finish. |  |
| Stunning vibrant pink color suitable for any occasion. |  |
| Top coat enhances durability and shine. |  |
| Easy to remove with regular nail polish remover, unlike typical gels. |  |
| Packaging design is aesthetically unique, though may require extra storage care. |  |

## Current Prices

*Prices checked 2026-10-10.*

| Retailer | Price | Availability | Last seen |
|----------|-------|-------------|-----------|
| [Amazon](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/vn9lBb3ukOtUaihY8voE/offers/sweG7jjuJ4goCdgua4iw?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $8.95  | In Stock | 2026-10-10 |

[See every retailer and the full price history on ShopSavvy](https://shopsavvy.com/products/essie-gel-couture-matter-of-fiction)

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*About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data (each price shows when it was last seen).*

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