Yes it is so time consuming and can be costly as well. Gelish caused one of the worse reactions with me.
I have found some gels have a higher percentage of HEMA than others and yes, the higher the % the worse the reaction with me.
I used to use ibd with Shellac base and top and it was fine. There will be techs who jump all over this about mixing brands etc but when you have an allergy you try anything.
Galavant is a gorgeous colour but needs a lot of coats. I have heard that ibd have improved their formula and its now much better but I have not used any of the newer colours personally.
I have not tried Bio Seaweed.
The Speed Polish is nice but I absolutely HATE the brushes. They are long and thin and I just dont like then at all. I now use the LE Gel Polish brush to apply these.
I have enhancements and use all my gel polish over them. So I dont need to use a base coat.
I tend to use the LE Super Shiny or KV Luminous top coat. Both work well for me.
I think you would really like the KV Luminous. It is 100 times better coverage than ibd and so smooth an creamy. They are brilliant to deal with and have the most exceptional customer service. I have a video on my YouTube channel showing the application of the gel if you want to check it out,
I have certain factors I take into consideration when using a polish. I like a polish that has good coverage and is well pigmented. The brush has to be of good quality, not thin and long rather shorter and wide to make application easier. Obviously the polish has to last well on nails. LED cure is preferable and of course HEMA free. I have found KV is head and shoulders above other brands I have tried.
It might seem I am pushing it hard and I suppose I am because it really is a top quality gel in my opinion. A few of my friends have tried it and love it and have added more and more to their collection.
My natural nail clients gravitate to the KV as they have found it lasts much better on their nails than other brands we have used.
I have been trying to think of a way I can send you a sample of the KV. Unfortunately to buy just one bottle would be so costly for postage. If you can think of a way I could post you some out of one of my bottles let me know as I would be happy to pop it in an envelope for you. I know how frustrating it is spending money on polish only to find you react to it and therefore cant use it and have wasted your money.
I just found out the website is up and running
http://www.kvluminous.com.au/
They are still sorting out ZipPay and AfterPay.
I am always happy to chat with other allergy sufferers and share our experiences. Unless you have experienced it personally I dont think people understand the struggle.... and pain... and sheer annoyance!
Please contact me anytime and feel free to inbox me here if you want.