essie gel couture is gel-like, longwear nail polish that lasts for up to 14 days* at home in 2 easy steps. no base coat or uv lamp needed. essie cruelty free nail polish is chip-resistant polish that looks like gel but removes like regular polish. featuring a swirl-stem brush for precise, generous coverage and application. gel-like nail polish that lasts up to 14 days* in 2 easy steps step 1: apply 2 coats of gel couture color to clean, bare nails step 2: seal with gel couture top coat for gel-like finish. no base coat or uv lamp needed *reapplication of top coat at day 7