ORLY SmartGELs. Gel nails that last up to 3 weeks. Product Review

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Average Ratings (from 131 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Quality colours and accessories
Stays chip-free for longer
Creates a professional gel nail finish
Quick and easy to use
Would you recommend to others?
Gel nails from ORLY SmartGELs :
4.4 out of 5 based on 131 reviews.

Nail bar perfect gel nails at a fraction of the price? Now that’s smart thinking.

Introducing ORLY smartGELS™

If you’ve been wondering about gel nails or have had gel nails from the nail bar, you are going to love ORLY smartGELS™.  And thanks to ORLY smartGELS™, some very lucky mums will have nail bar perfect nails right in time for Christmas!

Revolutionary at-home nail gel technology that gives you up to 3 weeks of gorgeous nails… high gloss and chip free. ORLY smartGELS™ innovative gel manicure system offers you everything you need to create and remove a salon quality gel manicure at home at an affordable price.

In the ORLY smartGELS™ review, mums will receive:

  • A 39 bulb LED light with a timer for extra fast curing $99.95
  • A Starter Kit which contains the items required for application and removal, including; a primer, base+top coat, remover and tools $79.95
  • A selection of smartGELS colours worth $23.95 each

ORLY smartGELS™ starter kits, LED lamps, colours and accessories are exclusive to: ORLY

 


Published 12th December 2012


  • i loved the colours, i loved that it gave a great finish without having to leave the house, i love that it didn’t chip like normal polish. I wasn’t too impressed with the start up price that included buying the lamp, top and base coats etc. I would still recommend to those who are time poor.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • love longer wearing polish

    i like to paint my nails, but have trouble keeping it on but when you read the benefits of this product: Revolutionary at-home nail gel technology that gives you up to 3 weeks of gorgeous nails… high gloss and chip free, who wouldn't want to try it? it does work even for me!!!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Fantastic product!

    Orly nail gels is fantastic guys - you can believe everything they say about the product. It's easy and quick to do, lasts for longer (well put it this way - your nails grow faster then this stuff chips off!) and the colours and finished look is great. Highly recommended - I will definitely be buying again!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Thank you for my ORLY nail pack, the color's are great, dries pretty quick, the glittery ones feel smooth and not rough like some nail polishes. My daughter also has tried this and found it to be great, she likes the unusual color's, and the smooth feel even though it has glitter in it. All in all were pretty stoked with them and would recommend them.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • longlasting

    Ive just removed my colour after 3.5wks, and only because it had grown out too much. 3.5wks of colour on my nails...thats unheard of with traditional polish. I had oh cabana boy on, which is very noticeable with even the smallest chip. Im never ever going back to normal polishes again!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Wow wow great product

    I bit the bullet and made the purchase, and I don't regret it, great product and actually takes longer for polish to chip, as a mum my hands are constantly in water earthier bathing the kids doing washing, my hands are always in contact with something it's great that it works and. Love the color range.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • OMG this is just AMAZING!!

    I received my ORLY pack New Years Eve, the next day we were leaving for a trip overseas for 3 weeks. The whole time away I was wanting to get started with this! So now we are home, I got straight into it. Thinking that it would take me some time ( I am a bit slow at this sort of stuff!!) I got started, and WOW how simple is it. All up it took me just under 20 mins and my nails look amazing! I choose the 'Oh Cabana Boy' color and how stunning is it, my nails just look fab!! And they are Gels. Never in a million years did I believe I could do this, but I did and it is so simple. My 4 yo daughter sat and watched as I did it, 'oh mum you nails look beautiful!' What more could I ask for, beautiful nails done at home!! As yet, 2 days in, no chips or problems, only issue is I want to try the 'Haute Red'!! Will post again when I do a colour change in a few weeks. If your looking for glam nails with the benefit of doing it in your own time, this is for you, trust me! Coming from somebody with minimal 'nail painting' experience!! Thanks Mouth of Moms for allowing me to be involved in this, I think I am hooked!!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • classic colours

    well, ive finally had some time to try applying the polish. i decided to try the sheer nude. the step by step instructions made it so simple to follow. when you first open them up, it feels like theres 100steps, but as you progress through, it actually takes no time at all. i love that the lamp beeps at you to tell you when to change and then turns off after a minute. it really makes it fool proof (or mum proof for all those times when we get distracted with the little ones) i love that the whole process only took about 15minutes and i was able to wash my hands, do housework look after my daughter straight away. My nails feel stronger already. when i consider the price for buying a kit, whilst it seems alot, i can see that this would pay for itself in a matter of months. Ive had gel nails done at the salons before, and they usually cost approx $50, add to that my time, travel, and getting someone to watch my daughter, it adds up quickly. For a $200 kit, thats only four times using it for it to pay for itself. good bargain in my books.

    I tried the sheer nude colour today, which has a similar look to a french manicure. my only complaint is that the colour sample on the bottle made it look like a shimmering greyish colour, so i was surprised when it went on almost clear. i guess the name 'sheer nude' describes it really well though. the colour does look pretty, leaving my nails looking natural, just super shiny.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • perfect nail

    gel nails looks so stunning & gives a strong shape to nails i tried some of the colours & it lasts weeks.i really like this idea & all colours are beautiful.first i looked to my sis wearing these,& when i applied i was bit impressed by the colour changing feature.now i recommend these to all my friends.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • great gift

    I brought some of this Orly nail varnish for a teenage girl and it was hard to pick which one so I purchased a few colours so she can choose. It paints on well and is very glossy which makes it seem more of a luxury polish as though you have been to a salon to have it done.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Happy Chappy

    Great product they really don't chip and last a long time.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Not bad

    Not to bad. Did chip after only a couple of days. Love the colour range. A little on the expensive side.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • I can’t say how much I adore these as I am too busy choosing my next colour! Though they do take a little longer than just whipping out the old polish and lathering it on. It’s worth taking the time. If you take the time and put a little effort in, you will save time later. I have had a ton of people compliment me on my nails and beg me for the place I got them from
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Beautiful Nails

    I love these nail polishes, apart from all the incredible rich colours and tones, I found the consistency of the polish to be great, gives an excellent coverage on the first coat, only needing 2 to complete the look.

    The length of time they last without chipping is great too, I found that I didn’t need to change the polish for at least 2 weeks after using. i definitely recommend this product
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • i loved the colours, i loved that it gave a great finish without having to leave the house, i love that it didn’t chip like normal polish. I wasn’t too impressed with the start up price that included buying the lamp, top and base coats etc. I would still recommend to those who are time poor.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • No need to wait for your nails to dry

    I work at a beauty therapist and have worked the professional version of orly as well as using this one myself. I find is not quite as long wearing as salon gel polishes but is an excellent alternative to paying for fortnightly applications in salon if you don't ind a few chips here and there. There is no need to wait for your nails to dry afterwards, once its been cured with the led lamp, its on with whatever you need to do. You defiantly wound not go bak to using ordinary nail varnish after this.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Did a good job

    My sister got one of these for christmas and I was one of her guinea pigs. She got a range of colours so you could never complain about not finding a colour. It wasn't super quick and easy to use but in it's defense my sister is only just learning the technique. I would recommend to others as it would still work out cheaper then going for a manicure and paying top dollar.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Glossy Nails

    I love this product. it makes my nails looks amazing, glossy and chip free. I can do it at home but the result like salon quality. I'm really happy with this gel nails. Quick and easy to use but a little expensive. Will be buy more and recommend for others.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • was good

    Was great to use & wear I have brought about 6 different colour shades in his it is easy to apply & liiks good on beautiful colours & good lasting. Want to to buy more colours in this thats for sure I would reccomend it to anyone that's for sure give it a try u will like it.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • hello!

    this product is amazing, I love how easy it is to use and my girls really really like it too!

    very good product would buy use it over and over again any day!

    the colours are amazing and it lasts for absolutely ages and ages! I definitely will be getting this for

    chritmas gifts for my friends!!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • cute nails but took a bit of time

    I love nail polish and getting my nails done at a salon is like a luxury to me. When I tried these i found it took a bit of time to figure out how to apply them but once I got the hang of it the nails were lovely. I think that this is a good option for people who cant make it into a nail salon
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • I love my nails

    I have nice long nails the fact three to four weeks of beautiful ails is a plus. The beautiful choice of colours now with out reviews I would not of gone down this road ... But very happy I did ... My nails look beautiful. .. It's the bit of treating my self I allow do smoke drink go out very much .. But I do like beautiful nails ... My feet are next..
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • so many awesome colours, stays on for a long time!

    I love these nail polishes, apart from all the incredible rich colours and tones, I found the consistency of the polish to be great, gives an excellent coverage on the first coat, only needing 2 to complete the look.

    The length of time they last without chipping is great too, I found that I didn't need to change the polish for at least 2 weeks after using.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • a little pricey

    i loved the colours, i loved that it gave a great finish without having to leave the house, i love that it didn't chip like normal polish. I wasn't too impressed with the start up price that included buying the lamp, top and base coats etc. I would still recommend to those who are time poor.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • love

    i really loved the gel nail produts i have used alot of different product be for but this one is my favourite easy to apply goes on smooth & did last a lot longer than others i have since brought a fair few different colours since seeing this nail gel. & my daughters like using it as well & i have got a few friends onto using it as well
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Love

    I have tried alot of different nail products but i can TRUELY say i love everything about this product from the range of colours and glossy your nails look and how fast your nails take to dry is super fast .the price is reasonable for the quality of the nail products.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Not tried but sound good

    Sounds good product, nail colour in gel based and stays for more than 3 weeks, never seen a product like this. Love to try this , next time will sure buy the product from super market. Hope the lucky reviewer gets the products, eager to try this product. I love the idea
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • No more smudged nails!

    I can't say how much I adore these as I am too busy choosing my next colour! Though they do take a little longer than just whipping out the old polish and lathering it on. It's worth taking the time. If you take the time and put a little effort in, you will save time later. I have had a ton of people compliment me on my nails and beg me for the place I got them from.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • One of the easier ones to use

    It is one of the easier ones to use as it dries as fast as another brand that I often use. Orly smartGEL keeps my nails chip free for a longer duration though. It also has a good range of colours and I prefer non high gloss for 'daily' use
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • love longer wearing polish

    i like to paint my nails, but have trouble keeping it on but when you read the benefits of this product: Revolutionary at-home nail gel technology that gives you up to 3 weeks of gorgeous nails… high gloss and chip free, who wouldn't want to try it? it does work even for me!!!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?

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Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.

What if I’m overreacting?
What if I’ve got it wrong?

So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.

It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.

Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise

According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.

“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.

Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital

While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.

So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.

“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.

Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone

A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.

You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.

Leticia gets it.

“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”

But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.

Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.

“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”

Remember, we know our children better than anyone.

What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process

If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.

Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
  2. Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
  3. Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.

You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.

What should you actually look out for?

Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.

Things like:

  • Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
  • Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
  • Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
  • Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
  • Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
  • Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse

And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.

That’s enough.

“You are helping us, not bothering us”

If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.

“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.

“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”

The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.

“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”

And if you’re still worried about being judged?

“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”

Find out more, visit health.nsw.gov.au/raiseit

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with NSW Health to bring you this important article.

  • This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.

    Reply

  • This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.

    Reply

  • I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.

    Reply

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