Shellac is a brand of soft gel. It removes easily with nail wraps.

CND ( Creative Nail Design) are the geniuses behind this power polish. This hybrid gel. This thing that's somewhere in between a nail paint and long lasting gel.

Reasons why I love Shellac (the brand):

• Thin layers of colour

• Many colours to choose from

• Create great nail art effects

• Lasts for up to 14 days

• Stays shiny

• Removes easily in under 10 minutes without the need to file AT ALL

If it doesn't soak off easily with nail wraps or the colour needs to be filed before it is removed; it is not Shellac. It is another brand of colour gel.

There are many types of soak-able, colour gel to choose from these days. It's been around for over 10 years.

Here are a few other reputable brands that make soak-off, colour gel:

• OPI GelColor

• Gel Bottle

• Gelish

• IBD Just Gel Polish

Each nail tech and salon will have their own favourites for different reasons.

And then there is the colour gel which won’t soak off at all... which is in fact HARD GEL. Something different altogether. (See blog post "What's the difference between Gel and Acrylic?")

It's good to know what you're having painted onto your nails.

They are yours, after all.

Many people visit the studio with a mystery colour gel on their nails which doesn't soak off like its supposed to. Chances are if you paid €15 for them, it probably isn't a studio class, soak-off gel.

*If you HAVE found a nail tech charging €15/£15 for genuine Shellac, then... wow. Hold on to them and never let them go because that shiii is expensive (to buy in / train up / keep up to date with new technology and put their time into making it the best experience possible for you)