Our next pro product review is here, and we don’t disappoint. Diane has been using the Lexy line of UV/LED curable hard gels from Light Elegance, for the past few weeks, and she’s written about her experience for us. In her words, here is Diane’s complete review of the Light Elegance Lexy line:
We were very excited when Light Elegance posted on their social media accounts that they were offering a sample kit of the new Lexy Line UV/LED System. Who doesn’t love a free sample?! But this has turned out to more than just your average sample, Light Elegance created this mini kit to leave us wanting more.
Light Elegance has a history dating back to 1999 when Lezlie McConnell began a search to find a better, quality product for nail technicians at the salon she owned and managed. Jim McConnell, Lezlie’s husband, is like a four leaf clover in our world – lucky to have and hard to find! Why? Jim just happened to a polymer chemist. Not only a husband that can understand our industry, but can create exactly what we are looking for in our products. Lezlie and Jim tested their products with nail techs and clients within their four walls and discovered they were onto something great. Jim left his position in the corporate field and Lezlie sold her salon to bring their products to our market. In their words, “And Light Elegance was born!”
The Lexy Line was named after none other than Jim and Lezlie’s daughter, Lexy. Lezlie stated “The salon business is tough. So is Lexy.” The line is created to cure in both UV and LED lamps, as prior hard gel products were UV cured only. Another great attribute of Light Elegance products is that they are formulated using oligomers (a short chain of monomers used in creating hard gel) that are hypoallergenic meaning, this product is great for clients with sensitivity as this product is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. The formula is made up of a high quality resin, which is resistant to cracking and chipping.
The kit contains sample sizes of 1-Step, Perfect White and Baby Pink Extreme for building.
Lexy Line 1-Step, 30ml $39.95 / 50ml $62.95
Available in Clear, Pink, Cover Pink and Natural Pink
(Check out their website, on sale now!)
1-Step is exactly that! Two products in one, as it can be used as a base and top coat. This is a self-leveling, thin viscosity gel. Feel free to sculpt an entire enhancement using 1-Step but I would definitely leave it to the seasoned tech as you will need to take full control of the product since it is a thin viscosity. Running into the cuticle will not happen immediately, but for someone like me that takes time to build, it starts to shift shortly after placing. Yes, I can flash cure, but then I find myself applying thin layers to play it safe and waste time going back – building in multiple layers to avoid running of the product. I am more comfortable with a medium viscosity gel like Extreme to have some more control of my product placement. 1-Step is very similar to “Enhance” in the Akzentz Pro-Formance line. Why I do appreciate this product is its purpose – to lay down as a base and to seal art in between. This is also a great option for natural nail overlays as it is a thin, buildable gel that will provide strength and cures to a high shine.
Lexy Line Perfect White, 8ml $16.95 / 30ml $39.95
Perfect White is part of the Lexy Line white gels. Although there are 5 shades to choose from, each of them is formulated for a specific purpose; paint, sculpt and build. Perfect White is a thin viscosity, self-leveling gel meant for paint-on application. The viscosity of this formula is between the 1-Step and Extreme. Not as thin as 1-Step, but still has more movement than Extreme. Perfect White is a bright white shade. Marketed as very pigmented, enough to apply in a single coat which makes it perfect for french manicures. When put to the test, the claim delivers and gives full coverage in one coat. Since it is a little thicker than 1-Step, it still allows for control when creating a french tip. I also used this as a base on a full courage nail and one coat was good enough to give some opacity, making the Perfect White, well, perfect!
Lexy Line Baby Pink Extreme, 30ml $39.95 / 50ml $62.95
(Check out their website, on sale now!) – Also available in Clear
Baby Pink Extreme is part of the pink gel category. As with the white gel line, although there are many shades of pink to choose from, each is formulated in a different viscosity for different purposes. Baby Pink Extreme is a self-leveling, medium viscosity with some translucency. Trying not to be biased, but Extreme is my kind of formula that gives me just the control I’m asking for. It is ideal for sculpting enhancements and well as encapsulating any art. This product gave me just enough control. I like to think of its self-leveling capabilities as a retouching app that comes in to smooth out any areas of imperfection after creating the enhancement. The movement of this formula is very minimal and actually works in my favor. It allows for the perfect application near the cuticle area and side walls as no flooding occurs. Another plus, heat spikes are a thing of the past! This is a great sell for sensitive clients as cool-curing resin technology eliminates the dreaded heat spikes that may occur while curing. High shine and a beautiful pigmented pink hue that complements any skin tone. In comparison to Akzentz Pro-Formance, the control of this formula emulates “Balance” and compared to Cuccio T3, emulates the Self-Leveling version. Light Elegance and Cuccio have the added bonus of Cool Curing Technology that Akzentz Pro-Formance does not.
For my first impression, I like to play with new gels, as should you! Take the cap off, slowly tilt the jar to its side and analyze the flow of product. Not rocket science of course, but don’t be afraid to play. Especially when using clear gels for the first time, it can be difficult to get a feel for the product on the nail, so start off with the same formula but in a pink shade so it can create more of a visual experience. Taking a different approach can help to put things in perspective and give you a heads up on how a product will perform for you before placing on a nail.
Akzentz 1.6oz $67.95 Light Elegance 1.6oz $62.95 Cuccio T3 LED 1oz. $24.95
Pricing is in the mid range compared to Azkentz and Cuccio T3, making it a reasonable try. I would love to elaborate on the packaging, as you guys know I’m a sucker for it, but the sample sizes are not the same as the full sized products. From what I can tell, it’s beautifully crafted in a round, metallic jar with chrome detail. Definitely a high end look that will glisten under the lights for any client to be attracted.
After learning about the products at America’s Beauty Show in Chicago last year, Light Elegance made an impression on me. A family of three (Jim, Lezlie and Lexy) scrambled on the show floor to make sure each and every person that walked onto their carpet was greeted, as if we were walking into their home. I left the booth like the emoji with hearts in my eyes and decided to take part in a couple of courses they were offering in the area. I had a positive experience, but working with the products for the first time, there are only so many questions that come to mind. Once you get in your comfort zone and play with the product, there are circumstances that may arise with questions relating to application, products, troubleshooting, etc. I know first hand that Light Elegance rises to the occasion to help with any of those matters. You call the number and a human answers – how cool is that?! I was able to explain what my issues were and received a response within a day by email. Their company may be small, but it allows them to be a part of every experience and creates a platform where we, the nail techs, are treated as if were part of Lezlie’s salon back in the day, where she is taking steps with us and constantly listening for what we need in our industry.
I hope I was able to bring you detailed information on the Light Elegance Lexy Line UV/LED Gels. Make it a part of your menu, especially for those sensitive clients, charging $50-65 for an Overlay/Full Set of Sculptured Enhancements. Visit their website for more information and a description of their entire product line.
– Diane Diaz