Bluesky's Brand Refresh: What This Chinese Nail Polish Can Do - And Where to Be Cautious

Let's get real - this Chinese nail polish has all the same features as its non-Korean counterparts. But, of course, there are some caveats that I just can't keep quiet about as a nail tech expert. Hey there! It's getting harder to find a girl who doesn't do her nails - whether it's in a salon or at home (thanks to online courses). There are tons of different materials out there, but some brands just stand out from the crowd. I mean, who doesn't know about those iconic brands? But not every brand gets a thumbs up from nail technicians. Some of them are, shall we say, a bit of a headache. Take Bluesky, for example - a Chinese brand that's been around the block a few times. Remember them? Their gel polishes were notorious for their harsh chemical smell, and salon owners would often complain about counterfeit products flooding the market. It's weird to say, but it's true - there are a lot of knockoffs out there for cheap Chinese brands. After some soul-searching, the manufacturer decided to address the issue and came up with a new brand - Elpaza.

As it stands, Elpaza materials have already gained a reputation among consumers and have received great reviews in the following areas:

I found that 1-2 coats are enough for a rich, pigmented color.It's super long-lasting on my nails - I've had it chip-free for up to 6 weeks.The formula applies evenly thanks to the comfortable and not-too-wide brush.It dries quickly and flawlessly.I'm impressed by how little of that awful chemical smell there is.The hypoallergenic formula is a big plus.The price is really reasonable.They've got an insane range of colors - over 500 shades to choose from.I love that customers can now verify the authenticity of their purchase. All you need to do is enter the code on the product's cap on the manufacturer's website (just a heads up, not all bottles have a barcode, so make sure to check!)

I was a bit skeptical when I didn't find any code on the packaging, but since I bought it from a trusted place, I'm hoping it's not a fake. Brand: Elpaza Made in: China Volume: 10 ml. Price: around 120-140 rubles. Places of sale: THE GOOD Personally, I've had a bit of a rough experience with Chinese formulas - I'd be worried about the reaction on the client's nails, what if the formula dries them out and ruins them? Acidic and cheap materials on porous nails aren't exactly a joke. So, for myself, I opted to leave the most beautiful shades for designs. That's a plus - a rich color palette that often tempts me to buy. Another plus is the budget-friendly price. A decent gel polish with a good formula usually costs 300-350 rubles or more, while Elpaza is around 120-140 rubles. The difference is noticeable when you're building up a collection and every new color matters. When it comes to budget-friendly options, I think it's worth considering the long-term effects on your nails. I wouldn't recommend getting too used to cheap materials - they're more likely to let you down, but for the period of learning nail art or hand placement skills, and building up your portfolio - it's a decent option. Once you've got a solid client base and your skills are on point, I'd highly recommend switching to more reliable brands like CNI, Nail Republic, Beautix. Hopefully, by then, I'll have managed to use up most of this test batch. And yes, there's no weird smell besides the standard polymer one.

I apply the material with a fine brush, 001 or 00.

APPLICATION

The Elpaza is a two-layer material, as stated on the packaging, and that's true.

I'll show you.

Here's what the one-layer application looks like:

One layer

You can see the transparency, even though I chose a relatively sheer shade. I've found that even the thicker shades require a second layer for a smooth finish.

But when I applied the material in two layers:

Two layers

It went on smoothly, with no pooling or other issues.

The consistency is just right - not too thick, not too thin.

And one more look from a distance:

One layer

Two layers

MINUSES

I have to admit, I'm a bit skeptical about the formula given the price point.

I read a fantastic review on the website where this gel polish is sold, where they claim the quality of Elpaza is on par with more expensive, high-end gel polishes.

The reviews and feedback for this polish are all positive, and the price is definitely a draw.

Which makes it an attractive option for anyone looking to get a few high-quality gel polishes at the price of one premium polish that doesn't offer anything significantly different from Elpaza.

I've gotta say, the naivety of some people is charming. After listening to seminars from tech reps of various brands, I'm convinced that the difference between cheap gel nail polish and the expensive stuff is huge. It's not just about looks or durability – it's about the ingredients and manufacturing process. Don't get me wrong, a cheap gel polish can look just as good as a high-end one, but the cheap stuff often contains harsh chemicals that can seep into your bloodstream and cause irritation. The price is always a reflection of the production costs, and that's something to keep in mind. I'm deducting a star for the cheap ingredients and Chinese manufacturing process. Another thing that bothered me is the ridiculously long brush – it's stiff and doesn't apply the polish evenly. However, most gel polishes I've used require a separate, thin brush to apply the polish, so I'm not penalizing Elpasa for this. It's something to keep in mind, though. In short, Elpasa gel polishes are great in their category when it comes to price, color selection, and consistency. I highly recommend that budget-friendly gel polishes have a decent, non-Chinese base coat to protect your nails. To all you nail art enthusiasts out there, keep on creating! Thanks for reading my review.