I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I first saw Olive & June pop up everywhere on Instagram.
Another at-home nail brand promising salon results? I’ve heard that before. But after seeing so many people rave about it, I had to try it myself.
This brand has built a huge following among DIY manicure lovers and clean beauty fans. But is Olive and June actually worth your money, or is it just hype?
I tested their products for weeks to find out. In this review, I’m sharing my real experience with how they perform, what worked, what didn’t, and my honest opinion on if you should spend your money on them.
What Is Olive & June?
Before we get into my review, let me explain what Olive & June actually is and what products they sell.
Brand Overview
Sarah Gibson Tuttle started Olive & June back in 2013 in Beverly Hills. Her goal was simple: help people get salon-quality nails at home without needing to book expensive appointments.
The brand focuses on making nail care easier for everyone. They use clean, non-toxic ingredients in their formulas and design tools that actually make sense for regular people to use. No confusing techniques or professional training needed.
Olive & June Product Line
Olive & June offers several different systems based on what you need:
- The Mani System: gives you everything for perfect fingernails at home.
- The Pedi System: is built specifically for your toes and includes longer tools to reach comfortably.
- The Complete System: combines both manicure and pedicure tools in one kit.
- Press-On System: offers ready-to-wear nails if you want instant results.
One of their most popular products is the Poppy tool. It’s a handle that holds your polish bottle and helps you apply color steadily without shaky hands. They also make two types of polish: quick-dry formulas when you’re in a hurry, and long-lasting options for extended wear.
What Makes Olive & June Different?
Olive & June stands out because of their clean formulas and beginner-friendly approach to at-home manicures.
Clean, Non-Toxic Formulas
Olive & June takes the safety of their products seriously. Their polish is “15-free,” which means it doesn’t contain 15 harmful chemicals that you’ll find in many traditional nail polishes.
All their products are vegan and cruelty-free. No animal testing happens at any stage, and no animal-derived ingredients go into their formulas.
Designed for Easy, Salon-Like Results
What I really appreciate about this brand is how much they focus on making things simple for beginners.
The Poppy handle fits onto any polish bottle and gives you better control when painting your nails. Their cleanup brush helps fixes mistakes easily. The polish remover pot lets you dip your finger in and clean off old color without cotton balls or mess.
But here’s what sets them apart: they actually teach you how to use everything. Olive & June offers free mani masterclasses that walk you through each step.
They also have virtual sessions where you can learn techniques and ask questions in real time. It’s like having a nail technician guide you from home.
Olive and June Review: Real User Experience
I tested Olive & June products myself to see if they live up to the hype. Here’s what actually happened.
Application Process
The application was surprisingly easy, even for someone like me who isn’t a nail expert. The Poppy handle made a huge difference in keeping my hand steady while painting.
One thing I learned quickly: thin coats are key. Thick layers took forever to dry and didn’t look smooth. The Super Glossy Top Coat is a must. It sealed everything and gave my nails that professional shine.
Results & Finish
I tested both their long-lasting and quick-dry polishes. The quick-dry formula was ready in minutes, perfect for busy mornings. The long-lasting polish took more patience but wore better.
Both dried smooth with great shine after the top coat. My nails looked freshly done for days. Minor chips only showed up around day five or six.
Durability Test
I got about 5-7 days of solid wear before major chipping started. That’s comparable to salon manicures.
What helped mine last longer: using their Nail Primer before color and reapplying top coat on day three. Just remember that dishes and cleaning without gloves will shorten your manicure’s life.
Pros and Cons of Olive & June
Here’s what worked well for me and what didn’t live up to expectations.
Pros
- Professional-quality results at home: You can get salon-looking nails without leaving your house or paying salon prices.
- Clean, non-toxic formula: The 15-free formula means you’re avoiding harmful chemicals found in traditional polishes.
- Variety of colors and finishes: They offer tons of shades and different finish options to match any style or occasion.
- Great customer support and educational resources: Free masterclasses and responsive customer service make learning easy.
- Easy to use for non-experts: The tools are designed for regular people, not just professionals. I picked it up quickly.
Cons
- Longevity may not match salon gel manicures: While 5-7 days is solid, it’s not quite as long as a professional gel that can last two weeks or more.
- Press-on nails may not suit all users: Fit and comfort can vary depending on your nail shape and size.
- Quick-dry polish may cause streaks for beginners: If you’re not careful with application, the fast-drying formula can show brushstrokes.
- Requires some drying patience for best results: Even with quick-dry options, you still need to let each coat set properly to avoid smudging.
Is Olive and June Worth It? (Final Verdict)
After testing Olive & June for several weeks, here’s my honest take.
The products are easy to use, the quality is solid with clean ingredients, and results look professional. Durability sits around 5-7 days, which is respectable for regular polish.
This brand is perfect for busy moms, beginners, clean beauty fans, and anyone wanting to save money on salon visits. You might skip it if you need gel-level longevity of 2+ weeks or prefer professional salon finishes only.
My final answer: Yes, Olive & June is worth it for anyone wanting a clean, affordable, and stylish at-home nail routine. The tools work, the polish performs well, and the price makes sense compared to salon costs.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been using Olive & June for months now, and it’s become part of my regular routine. The system really does make at-home manicures easier and more fun.
If you’re tired of spending money at salons or want better results than drugstore polish, I recommend starting with the Mani System. It has everything you need to get going.
Try it out and see how it works for your lifestyle. I’d love to hear about your experience with it. Did the Poppy handle make a difference for you? How long did your manicure last?
Give Olive & June a shot. Your nails (and your wallet) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olive and June actually worth the money?
Yes, if you do your nails regularly at home. The initial investment pays off after a few uses compared to salon prices. The quality and ease of use make it a good value for most people.
How long does Olive and June polish last?
Most users get 5-7 days of wear before significant chipping occurs. This is typical for regular polish and comparable to basic salon manicures. Using their primer and reapplying top coat can extend wear time.
Is Olive and June better than regular drugstore polish?
In my experience, yes. The formula applies smoother, dries with better shine, and lasts longer than most drugstore brands. The clean, non-toxic ingredients are also a major plus if that matters to you.
Can beginners use Olive and June products easily?
Absolutely. The Poppy handle and other tools are designed specifically for people who aren’t professionals. Their free tutorials and masterclasses make learning simple, even if you’ve never done your own nails before.
Does Olive and June work as well as gel manicures?
No, regular polish won’t last as long as professional gel. Gel manicures typically last 2-3 weeks, while Olive and June lasts about a week. However, it’s much easier to remove and better for your nail health.
