Comparing Bluesky and Kodi | Determining the best gel polish

Updated: 04/23/2021 15:18:25

Expert: Ekaterina Alekseevna Savitskaya

Well-groomed hands adorn a woman, and an interesting manicure emphasizes individuality. Since the advent of gel polishes, keeping your nails in excellent condition has become much easier. But only if you choose high-quality shellac and apply the coating correctly. Bluesky or Kodi gel polishes are now considered popular brands. Let’s figure out which one is better, because reviews about them are mixed. Our experts found out the features, advantages and disadvantages of these gel polishes and found out why the coating may not adhere well and crack on the nails. We share our discoveries and advice with you.

Features of Bluesky gel polishes

Bluesky is a brand of a Chinese cosmetics company that has been producing gel polishes and auxiliary products for working with them for more than 10 years. During this time, the products have gained the trust and recognition of millions of manicurists and women around the world. The fact that it is used in many beauty salons indicates good quality and ease of use.

Bluesky gel polish contains shellac resin from tropical trees - this was evidenced by the inscription on the name of the tube until 2014 (later it was replaced by Gel Polish). The composition also contains the usual components for gel polishes:

1. photoinitiator for polymerization in a UV or LED lamp;
2. acrylic monomer, which promotes the formation of a hard layer on the nail;
3. methacrelates, which give the varnish the desired density and consistency;
4. pigment for color saturation.

Depending on the shades (with pearlescent, neon, holographic effects), additional components are added to the composition.

Bluesky shellacs are produced in several series - any woman can choose the right color and effect for her manicure:

1. cream shades;
2. bright colors;
3. dark rich colors;
4. glow in the dark;
5. mirrored;
6. with glitter;
7. with cat eye effect, etc.

The Bluesky line of nail care products includes both two- and three-phase gel polishes, as well as single-phase ones for quick or home manicures. There is also a base coat, a primer (bonder) and a sealer (top). In terms of cost, the products of the Chinese brand belong to the budget segment - 80-170 rubles per 10 ml bottle.

Unusual gel polishes from Kodi

In addition to the usual color options, the Kodi line has very interesting and original solutions. These gel polishes will add a special twist to your manicure.

In the classic collection, mother-of-pearl, micro-pearl and glitter can be added to the main color of the gel polish. These are tiny shiny particles that create a slight flicker when hit by light. These can be different shades in one, like asphalt gray with emerald pearl. Or plain, like pearl-gold mother-of-pearl.

Large sparkles and shavings are used, as in transparent emerald with gold holographic sparkles of different sizes, or light dark purple, with large and medium gold and silver micro sparkles.

There are neon shades that seem to glow from within under special lighting. You can purchase Kodi mica separately; it is a liquid substance similar to glitter.

Moonlight collection is better known as “cat eye” or magnetic manicure. It will create a unique manicure without any additional accessories and gives depth that really looks like a cat’s eye. This effect is achieved thanks to special metal particles, which, when exposed to a magnet, rise from the total mass of gel polish, creating a volumetric iridescent highlight. The application technology is exactly the same as for simple gel polish:

• Cuticle removal, degreasing, applying base and drying
• Apply Moonlight coating in a dense layer, bring a special magnet to the surface at a distance of approximately 3 mm and hold for several seconds, then polymerize
• For depth and richness of color, apply a second layer and apply a magnet in the same way. You can get interesting shades if you put black gel polish on the first layer and “cat look” on the second.
• Cover with top.

At the moment, Kodi has about 50 different shades of this collection, which makes it easy to choose the right color.

In order for the metal particles to be evenly applied to the nails, you need to twist the bottle a little in your hands, but do not shake it.

The Cristal collection of translucent stained glass gel polish has unusual brightness and richness of shades. It can be used as a base coat or with a different color base. It gives a special depth and can change the original shade. It reveals itself effectively in combination with foil, rubbing glitter and various design accessories. It should be applied in the same way as regular gel polish.

Thermo gel polish is an amazing magical palette. When the temperature changes, this substance changes its original color. At warm temperatures the varnish is lighter, but when exposed to cold it darkens. When choosing, you need to focus on both colors.

Advantages and disadvantages of Bluesky gel polish

Advantages

• variety of colors and effects - more than 1000 shade options;
• affordable price;
• Duration of wearing the coating without chips and scratches – up to 3-4 weeks;
• combines with base and top of other brands;
• can be easily removed using special means for removing gel polish and foil; it is not necessary to remove it using sawdust in a manicure salon;
• Opaque bottles prevent sunlight from entering, which extends shelf life.
• Manicurists claim that Bluesky brand gel polishes last as long on nails as products from more expensive brands and are in no way inferior in quality.

Flaws

• The only drawback is the liquid consistency. This fact does not bother professionals, but beginners may have difficulty applying the coating at home. Violation of the technology for applying and removing the coating can lead to thinning and brittle nails.

How to spot a fake

This brand has gained popularity in the manicure market due to its high-quality products and reasonable prices. Its demand has led to an increase in counterfeits. It is quite easy to buy Kodi gel polish, the manufacturer of which is unknown.

Only a professional can immediately distinguish counterfeit products from original ones. However, there are a number of characteristics that are inherent in a low-quality product:

• the varnish has a liquid consistency, it is unstable and does not last long;
• the coating quickly peels off and cracks;
• the product applies unevenly, the color is unsaturated;
• contains substances that can cause severe allergies;
• the cost is much lower than that of official analogues;
• the bottle is of a different shape, it does not contain information about the composition and the manufacturing company;
• Strong smell;
• there are lumps, the color is uneven;
• the inscription on the bottle is unclear or larger;
• there is no unique QR code for the company, which can be checked on the company’s website;
• single-layer label;
• The cap is notched and does not fit tightly to the bottle.

The best option to avoid counterfeiting is to buy products in large stores or on trusted websites.

Features of Kodi gel polish

The Kodi Professional brand is of American origin. The company producing nail care products was founded in 2005. Almost immediately it gained popularity among manicurists - all products meet the high requirements of international quality standards, are convenient and safe to use. Its production has now been established in Ukraine, but strictly according to American technology and from components produced in the USA.

The basis of Kodi Professional gel polishes is a natural polymer that is resistant to external environmental influences, acetone and alcohol. The base and top coats are made on a rubber base, which helps prevent chipping and premature damage within 2-3 weeks.

Kodi Professional shellacs have a wide range of shades - more than 200. Only this brand has a coating with a thermal effect that changes color depending on the ambient temperature. The company produces one of the best topcoats (according to consumers) - a top with a matte effect.

All Kodi Professional nail care and manicure products are presented in bottles of 7, 12 and 30 ml. It is intended primarily for use by professional craftsmen (its name suggests this), but can also be used at home. Belongs to the middle price segment - the price for a 12 ml bottle is from 400 rubles.

Rubber bases for gel polish. Which nails should you choose?

I’ll tell you and show you the databases that I regularly use, and I’ll also mention the features of each of them under the cut.

The gel polish base is the most important part of the gel polish coating procedure. No matter how beautiful and unique the shade of gel polish is, it doesn’t make much sense without a high-quality base. There is no universal base, just like a universal top. It is impossible to find a base that fits perfectly on all clients, is also convenient to use for every master, and suits him at a cost.

I have a lot of base coats in my arsenal. Strong and not very strong, liquid and thick - for every taste and color. I will only show those that I use regularly.

Impuls Kauchuk Base Liquid

Liquid rubber base, the smell of methacrylic acid is weak, which means it is a weakly acidic base, and its use even on thin and sensitive nails will not cause harm.

The brush is long but flat, so it is convenient to work with. I apply it exclusively in two layers: the first rubbing in, the second leveling. Thanks to its liquid consistency, it evens out on its own, without any effort on my part. The leveling is subtle and very natural, without a “cake” feeling.

For which nails: for long, strong nails I use it myself; the base perfectly holds the corners on a square shape, does not curl or sag during wear. For short and weak hair in combination with acrylic powder. In such a duet, the result is still natural and subtle, but with additional strength thanks to acrylic. The wear is impeccable, you can even grow the nails of “rodents”.

Volume 12 ml

Price 590 rubles

Rating 5 out of 5

Olea Nail Rubber Base Premium

Liquid rubber base Olea Nail. As a fan of liquid bases, I couldn’t help but try it. The brush is long and quite thick, but comfortable to work with. Because it’s very difficult to ruin a liquid base brush)

For some time I used it on my own until I discovered detachments in those with damp nail plates. Therefore, I changed the way I worked, adding any thick base from the following to it. This way I provide confidence in my work and guarantee excellent wear to my clients.

For which nails: for sensitive ones as a base for leveling, since the burning sensation in the lamp is minimal. For normal and dry nails, it can be used independently, without the participation of a second base. For personal use, as I do not have high humidity on the nail plate.

Volume 15 ml

Price 450 rubles

Rating 4 out of 5

Bloom Rubber Base

Thick rubber base from a Russian manufacturer. It has excellent adhesion to the nail plate and burns noticeably in the lamp. The brush is long and thin, it is comfortable to work with.

Finding base. I didn’t expect any super quality from this base, but I was pleasantly surprised by its performance on problematic, weak nails. The base is very flexible and does not peel off on the free edge if it moves. The downside for me personally is the thick consistency. I prefer thinner bases that I use quickly. Here you need to spend more time on each nail, and sometimes use a thin brush to help the base even out faster.

For what nails: for thin, weak, bending ones. For short nails of any strength.

Volume 15 ml

Price 450 rubles

Rating 5 out of 5

UNO Rubber LED/UV Base

Legendary (for me) base. One of the first thick bases in my arsenal. A base that holds even the weakest nails. To be honest, it generally holds up all nails, but using it on long nails is not entirely reasonable. You can’t create a thin coating with such a thick base, and I don’t like doing thick leveling. Therefore, I only use it on short nails that need high-quality strengthening. It is also perfect for those who are just starting to use a similar product, as it is equipped with a short base brush, and perfectly levels the base on the nails, without grooves or unevenness.

For which nails: thin, brittle, weak, short. Can be used on long nails if you like noticeable leveling with the base.

Volume 15 ml

Price 650 rubles

Rating 5 out of 5

Fiore Gel Polish Rubber Base Coat

Rubber base of medium consistency. A base that does not bake during polymerization, which pleases my sensitive clients. The brush is long and picks up a lot of material. For normal work, you need to wipe off the excess on one side of the brush and work with the other side.

You can apply it in one layer, but use a sticky primer. Or in two layers (rubbing and leveling), but without using a primer. It holds up perfectly without it, I tested it personally. It can be used to create fine alignment on both short and long nails. But with a thin brush for long ones. The strength of the nails is excellent, there is practically no shrinkage in the stress zone. Bonus: the base holds rhinestones well, of almost any size. Except for the really huge ones)

For which nails: for nails of any length as an independent means of strengthening. For sensitive clients who cannot tolerate the burning sensation of the base.

Volume 8\12 ml

Price 340\400 rubles

Rating 5 out of 5

Diva Rubber Base

Thick rubber base. The smell of methacrylic acid is pronounced, which means the base is very acidic. Use with caution on thin, sensitive nails.

After reading laudatory reviews, I immediately bought a large amount, but personally I don’t like its consistency. It is very thick, and the base itself has a yellow tint after polymerization. This means that, if necessary, you cannot leave your nail without colored gel polish - it’s ugly.

The base has a very strong adhesion to the natural nail plate, which is not surprising considering the amount of acid in the composition. In the hands of an inexperienced master, it can cause a burn to the nail plate, since its polymerization occurs with a huge release of heat. There is only one salvation: lower the lamp power mode, plus removing your hand from the lamp. In this case, polymerization is painless.

For which nails: wet, oily, problematic (on which nothing sticks). For short ones, with minimal alignment.

Volume 30 ml

Price 900 rubles

Rating: 3 out of 5

The assessment is subjective. I know many masters who are happy to work with this base. In my opinion, there are a lot of “buts” in it. Yes, excellent grip and wear, but very stinging and very acidic.

What base are you using?

Increase

Advantages and disadvantages of Kodi gel polish

The main advantage of Kodi Professional brand products is quality. The coating stays on the nails for a long time, without losing its shine and brightness of color for several weeks.

Advantages

• no unpleasant odor;
• the rubber base easily masks all the unevenness of the nail;
• wide range of colors and various effects;
• nourishes and strengthens nails;
• lasts a long time without chipping or losing color - up to 3 weeks;
• does not require filing the surface of the nail plate before application;
• does not cause allergies;
• You can choose the appropriate bottle size.

Flaws

• liquid consistency;
• conflicts with the base and top of other brands - for an ideal result you need to buy only Kodi manicure products;
• difficult to remove on your own - the rubber layer can only be removed using sawdust.

If you do and remove a manicure in a beauty salon, then there will be no problems with applying or removing Kodi gel polish. And the durability and brightness of the color will delight you for more than one week.

Shellac Kodi and its advantages over other manufacturers

The advantages of Cody shellac (gel polish) over shellac from other manufacturers is that the gel does not dry out the nail plate and therefore prevents nail delamination.
The reason is the layer of primer applied before the Cody shellac. It creates a protective film and moisturizes the nail plate. We recommend: Gel nail extension kit: what does it include?

Having studied the technology of applying Kodi products, you can get a professional manicure at home.

Small bottles (7, 12 ml) allow everyone and professional craftsmen to have many shades in their collection for reasonable money. By the way, the company offers 30 ml bottles for professionals.

The disadvantage of Kodi shellacs is that few people know about these products, since this is a young company. Like shellac, Kodi gel polish is not suitable for constant wear; your nails need to be given a “rest” and properly cared for. Use with caution for those with sensitive nails. The peeling process is more complicated than other brands, but it's a small price to pay for super durability and an affordable price.

Similarities and differences

Gel polishes Kodi and Bluesky have proven themselves well in the nail industry and are similar in some respects:

1. quality;
2. safe for nails and health;
3. stay on nails for up to 3 weeks;
4. have a wide palette of colors;
5. affordable price.

The method of application is also similar: first the base is applied to the nail, then the color and top coat.

But there are also differences between them:

1. produced in different countries;
2. have different composition;
3. Kodi's rubber base nourishes and strengthens nails, while Bluesky, if not properly cared for, can cause them to become brittle;
4. Kodi's consistency is more liquid than Bluesky, making it more difficult to do a neat manicure on your own;
5. Bluesky is cheaper than its competitor;
6. Kodi coating is more difficult to remove;
7. Bluesky's color gamut and effects are wider.

Both competitors perform equally well in the first two weeks, but after this time Bluesky retains the advantage.

comparison table

To better understand the difference between the two names of gel polishes, we have put all their features, advantages and disadvantages into a comparative table.

How to properly apply and remove gel polish

In order for the nail to look natural after a manicure, the color to last for a long time and there are no cracks or peeling, you need to follow the algorithm. Both a master in a salon and a beginner at home can handle the application technology. All you need is a little perseverance and accuracy.

Algorithm for applying gel polish:

1. First, the nail is prepared for manicure. To do this, disinfect your hands and clean the plate, then polish it with a buff. Use a file to give shape and remove excess skin.
2. Nails are wiped with ultrabond to remove oily shine.
3. Then apply the base and dry in front of the lamp for 2 minutes.
4. Paint the nail with a thin layer of colored varnish. Dry and apply a new layer, which also polymerizes.
5. Paint the final layer - top. It is dried with an ultraviolet lamp.
6. A degreaser is used to remove stickiness.

Each product used is applied to the cut of the nail, which makes it possible to achieve durability and wear of the coating.

Removing manicure:

1. Use a file or cutter to remove the shine.
2. Moisten tampons with gel polish remover and apply to nails. Silicone caps are placed on top of them or wrapped in foil. You need to wait 20 minutes.
3. Use a special stick to clean off the coating. The remains are removed with a nail file.

Nails are ready for a new design.

What to choose

Thus, after comparing all the pros and cons of Bluesky and Kodi gel polishes, our experts came to the following conclusions:

1. there is no significant difference between the properties of the products of the two brands: both gel polishes last a long time on the nails, both are safe for health, and have many options for choosing colors and effects;
2. Kodi Professional products are designed for use in nail salons by professionals, Bluesky - for both home and salon use;
3. if your nails are healthy and there are no special preferences in the color range of the Kodi gel polish lines, then it is better to choose Bluesky - the products of this brand are much cheaper and are not inferior in quality to their competitor;
4. If you have problems with nails (thinning, brittleness), you should choose Kodi Professional.

This is the opinion of the experts of our magazine. But in order to appreciate the advantages and identify the disadvantages of gel polishes from both companies, you need to try them yourself (you can do this in a salon) and decide which one is right for you.

Why can gel polish coating crack?

And now, as we promised at the very beginning of the article, we will reveal the secrets of a perfect manicure with gel polish and name the reasons why the coating may not last long.

Both at home and after visiting a beauty salon, a manicure can crack in the first days. This happens if:

1. the nail plate was not degreased or polished with a buff (a file for removing gloss);
2. base, color and top of different brands;
3. immediately after the manicure there was contact with household chemicals or hot water without gloves;
4. the number of applied layers of gel polish is less than two or more than 4.

It is for these reasons that the coating turns out to be fragile and does not last long. That’s why there are negative reviews about Bluesky or Kodi gel polishes.

If you decide to get a manicure at home and want it to last for at least 2-3 weeks, you need to follow a certain technology:

1. Wash the hands.
2. Use a file to give your nails the desired shape and polish them with a buff.
3. Treat the nail plate with a napkin containing a special degreaser (cotton wool can leave marks, so it is not recommended to use it).
4. For better adhesion of the gel polish to the nail, apply a primer. It air dries in 1-2 minutes.
5. Apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail. Dry under a UV lamp for 2 minutes.
6. Having chosen the desired shade, apply a layer of color and also dry. Repeat application 1-2 more times.
7. Apply the finishing coat - top. Dry again under the lamp.
8. After completing the main stages of manicure, you can apply a drawing or lace pattern.

To preserve the result in its original form for at least 2 weeks, on the first day after a manicure you should not come into contact with household chemicals without gloves, go to the pool, sauna, or take a bath.

Following the technology and application rules will allow you to get excellent results with both Bluesky and Kodi gel polish.

note

Shellac Codi is among the top ten and has an advantage in terms of price level.
Professionals identify several criteria for determining the quality of gel polish:

• Duration of preservation of the varnish coating on the nail plate without chips, cracks or loss of gloss. The manufacturer must guarantee a minimum period of 3 weeks.
• Consistency that meets the requirements. The better the quality of the gel, the easier it is to work with and the longer it lasts. The gel should not spread and give a streaky effect; for this, the quality of the brush is important.
• Removing nail polish should take no more than 15 minutes. This is also an indicator of the quality of the material.
• Wide range of color palettes.
• Hypoallergenic gel composition that does not damage the nail plate.
• No strong chemical smell.

Based on these criteria, reviews from professionals and product users, a TOP-8 list was compiled, which included Kodi shellac.

Each company's products have advantages and disadvantages:

1. Shellac CND

It is considered the standard of professional products, the most expensive. There is one “but” to using CND gel polish: it does not adhere well to thin, weakened nails and chips at the tips of the nails with frequent exposure to hot water. Therefore, it is not suitable for women who run their own households.

The main disadvantages of CND shellac:

• High price.
• Application requires experience, as shellac has a dense texture.
• Chips may appear from impacts on a hard surface.
• During the day after applying shellac, you must avoid contact with water, especially hot water.

2.OPI Gelcolor

Premium brand, but less known than CND. The coating has a glass effect. Easily removed without cutting and comes in over 140 shades. For polymerization, you can use an LED lamp, which reduces drying time. Ideal for French manicure.

Minuses:

• Rarely found on sale.
• High price.

3. Gelish Harmony (Gelishe)

A popular European brand, it is safe for the health of the nail plate and even strengthens it. It can be removed by simple dissolution and has a lower price compared to Shellac.

Minuses:

• It's liquid, so you have to apply several layers.
• The finish brush dries quickly.

4. Laque RuNail (Runail)

Produced in Russia. An excellent choice for thin, flaky nails. Strengthens the nail plate. Long lasting, with good consistency.

Minuses:

• Difficult to remove.
• The assortment is still small.

5. Pnb (Professional Nail Boutique)

Super glossy gel polish from America. It holds up well, so it is popular among housewives. According to reviews, it lasts more than 3 weeks.

Minuses:

• A rarity in Russia.
• Some shades take longer to cure.

6. Bluesky

Popular among nail design artists due to its low price. In terms of service life it is not inferior to Shellac CND.

Minuses:

• Few shades.
• Unstable quality.

7. Canni

Inexpensive and the best among “Asians” varnish made in China. Retains its original appearance for about 2 weeks. Easy to apply, easy to remove. Suitable for those who like to change their looks often and inexpensively. Rich palette of shades (more than 200).

We recommend: Acrylic nail extensions at home: advantages and disadvantages

Minuses:

• Strong smell.
• Available for order on well-known Chinese websites.