Testers raved about its high gloss, saying they loved how shiny the polish remained throughout its entire wear-time. The polish is a slightly glossy finish for most of them, although they do offer a few shades with chromatic or glitter finishes. This isnt a gel, but it acts like one since it can last for almost as long as a regular gel polish. If you cure it correctly, this polish can last for about 2 weeks before it chips. Gelish is one of the most beloved gel polish brands around, and this little bottle inspired by the 90s flick "Clueless" has us totally trippin'. "I didn't use a base coat or a top coat and it still lasted over a week for me.". Reviewers and editors say this high-shine polish is pretty foolproof to apply. The lighter shades will probably need a white coat underneath it to be opaque, but this kit does include white. A dishwasher at a restaurant and a secretary in an office will have incredibly different results. These are glossy glitter polishes that change colors when theyre hot or cold. Gel Nail Polish Set Summer Rainbow Colors. Rave Review: "I use clear glue on nails & you really only need one or two coats to get perfect coverage. As Amazon's bestselling gel set, the reviews for this set are glowingit'll pair nicely with any of the polishes on this list. If its a gel polish formula that needs to be cured under a light, make sure you have the correct lamp at home. Rave Review: "CND was the brand that made me fall in love with gel manicuresto the point that I would only go to salons that had this polish brand and always request it (no, I'm not kidding). Cure your nails under the lamp. Also available in many color options and finishes, even matte. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP. And when you think of how many nail polishes there are out there, that's pretty damn impressive. In our tests, Essie was the clear winner: It received top scores from testers, experts and consumers in a whopping six categories. There are 6 different sets available, each with a different color scheme, including bright candy colors, pinks, muted pinks, muted blues, neutrals, and pastels. This kit includes 20 different colors along with a base coat and two types of top coats. Itll remain sticky and will never set, no matter how much you huff and puff on it. They are easier to apply evenly, plus missed spots and mistakes arent as obvious as they are when dark colors are used. If you apply it correctly, you can get about 3 weeks without chipping and even longer on your toenails if you keep them protected. When this is offered, we make note of set contents. Gel nail polish was once a special treat only available in nail salons, but its now easily accessible to the public and you dont even have to be a professional to apply it correctly. Gel polish doesnt have as many finishes as regular polish does, but theres still enough variety to make it worth collecting them all. Gel: The thinnest of the three nail enhancements."Gel polish on natural nails can bend the nails, causing breakage," Aaron warns. Some color names are a bit misleading and affect expectations. If youve ever painted your nails, you are probably used to swiping on traditional nail polishes that dry quickly, and tend to chip easily, often noticeably within a couple days. 35 PCS Gel Nail Polish Set: This is a gel nail kit with super multi-color gel nail polish.It includes 32 bottles of classic gel nail polish (7ml each), 1 bottle of base coat, 1 bottle of no wipe top coat, matte top coat, a professional nail lamp, and some nail tools.the nail set has all the colors you need, You don't need to go to a nail salon anymore, you can create all . A tantalizing taupe that makes a statement. A. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Here is the best nail polish you can buy: Best nail polish overall: CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish. They help the polish stay on longer and protect your nails, but many hybrid gels dont include base coats in their 2-coat system. Taking a break from gel manicures to let nails recover is also recommended from time to time, especially if they feel thin or start to break more than usual. ACCEPT, BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and, Boujee Glitter Gel Polish Set, 6-Piece Set, 20-Piece Gel Nail Polish Kit, Spring into Summer Collection. These are traditional gel polishes and cant dry without the lamp. The gap can be a bit unappealing to look at and throw off the entire look of the manicure, but dont worry: there are a few solutions. Pick these gel nail polishes if you want to make a statement with the combination of glitter and vibrant colors. Great for the spring and summer seasons and for trying different looks. UV lamp dries fast and works great! We also like the Sexy Mix Pink Gel Kit for those who cant get enough of the color, because this collection contains several pretty hues in the pink family. You dont need a curing lamp but it can still last a pretty long time. Polish is toxic-free, low odor, and has high pigmentation. Shine-intense OPI GelColor nail shades cure in 30 seconds under a LED light and last for weeks. Now that you know what to look for lets jump into the ten best gel polishes we could find. If youre giving your child their first gel manicure but they cant sit still, this should be the one you go to. Soak a cotton ball in the liquid, hold onto the nail for a few seconds, then simply wipe away the color. Need to purchase top and base coat separately and cure under an LED lamp for desired results. All you need is the polishes this set comes with. Price at time of publish: $10 Finish: Glossy, glittery, shimmery, metallic | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes Best All-in-One Can damage nails, especially if they are thin and brittle. Glass says, "I recommend using coconut oil to moisturize the nail bed." Offering traditional formulas and durable gel alternatives, LeChat should be at the top of your list of polish brands to try this year. Gel polish is difficult to get off. This polish is a non-streaky, super-shiny lacquer that comes in more than 60 shades and stays looking fresh for up to 10 days. Q. China Glaze is a tried-and-true drugstore nail polish brand. If you want something more exciting than color blocking, try getting creative. Dior Vernis Gel Shine Nail Lacquer at Nordstrom, Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Nail Polish at Walmart, Butter London Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer at Amazon, OPI Infinite Shine Gloss Top Coat at Amazon, Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polish at Amazon, Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel Nail Color at Amazon, The Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Saved My Brittle Nails, Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer, Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Polish, Butter London Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer, OPI Infinite Shine ProStay Gloss Top Coat. "Every time I paint my nails with this brand, the polish lasts and lasts," says one editor. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. We use cookies and similar technologies to run this website and help us understand how you use it. This kit includes both base and top coats as well as nail files, cuticle tools, nail art supplies, and the LED curing lamp. "Unlike any other nail polish, this four-step system goes on like regular polish but lasts as long as gel (and fully dries in five minutes! Best Overall: Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish Shiniest Finish: Nails Inc. Gel Effect Polish Best for Beginners: OPI Infinite Shine Long Lasting Nail Polish Best Budget: Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Polish Best Luxury: Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer Best Shade Range: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Rave Review: "Great color, long-lasting, durable, and easy to remove.". The differences between UV and LED curing lamps are stark. Jessica (she/her) is a deputy editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a longtime product tester, reviewer, writer and editor of beauty and lifestyle content. To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key featureslike ingredients, shade range, or designin addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Newer models have automatic timers built in, so you need only press a button to turn on for each step of the curing, which takes one minute or less. To get it to last that long, youll need to buy the top coat separately, otherwise, itll start chipping in a day or two. However, cure times typically range from 30 to 120 seconds. Editor's Rating: Rave Review: "Application was smooth and I had a ton of compliments. A base coat may cause the polish to not last as long. Its not really an easy solution, but you might be tired of your manicure after a couple of weeks, anyway. Shades: 7 | Finish: Shine | Cruelty-Free: No, Free of formaldehyde and other ingredients. Although applying and removing gel nail polish are somewhat time-consuming processes, the reward is glossy color that lasts much longer than traditional nail polish. Sally Hansen Coty Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polish Manicure Starter Kit, 1 ea $42 at Ulta Beauty 3 Best for Beginners beetles Gel Polish Kit with U V Light $32 at Amazon 4 Best for Quick. Is this gel shade not the prettiest pink you've ever laid eyes on? Best luxury nail polish: Tom Ford Nail Lacquer. Color blocking is a popular design choice and will probably earn you a few extra oohs and ahhs. Plus, you wont have to try so hard to make it blend in. The polishes are glossy or glittery and it includes glossy and matte top coats. Purchase the necessary items. Available in numerous fashionable colors, from classic opaque to vivid shimmer. There are 4 different sets to choose from with different color schemes. We hope this list proved helpful so you can start your gel polish collection soon. The curing time for each coat may vary, depending on the brand of polish you use and the thickness of the layers. The price of this kit is about the price of a gel manicure at a salon. As is the case with regular, non-gel polish, look for a brand that offers a variety of colors and finishes that will work with the type of manicures you gravitate towards, says nail expert Tina Wang, owner of Lunula Nail Salon in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. We haven't Lab-tested this set, but we like that as opposed to the process for removing traditional gel polish, you can easily remove this with regular acetone nail polish remover. Do some colors take longer to cure than others? Reviewers are also fans of the wide brush that makes for a streak-free application. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice. I'm back to buy all the other colors I was eyeing!". I applied two coats, waited for it to dry, and then the top coat gave it an impeccable gloss and hardness!". Shades are set true to color and won't fade or change. Bring the party wherever you go with this highly-rated polish that looks different on any color you might layer it over. We look to see how many different colors are offered by top brands. Theres pretty much no smell of chemicals unlike other nail polish and it goes on very easily. Pear Nova Pear Nova is a beauty and cosmetics brand that offers many beautiful nail polishes for women who want vegan and 10free products. If youre new to gel nail polish, or at least the DIY kind, you probably have very little knowledge about what kinds there are and what you need to look for. Some sets have glitter polishes or stickers with them. Cherisse Harris is a fact-checker with a focus on lifestyle, beauty, and parenting. Gel polishes are generally compatible with any UV lamp since UV lamps emit a wider spectrum of wavelengths that will cure all types of gel polish. oz | Finish: Shimmer, shine | Cruelty-Free: Yes, Smooth polish coagulates upon application, keeping it neater. The polish and top coat both have glossy finishes. You also might notice that glitter formulas need more curing time (and will also be more stubborn to remove). Quality gel nail polishes from top brands may wear up to three weeks with little to no chipping. Shades: 10 | Size: 0.3 fl. Lets take a look at the basics you need to know before you buy. Sharing that knowledge with you. Happy painting! Often, a nail polish maker claims their polish will last a certain number of days. OPI is always a solid choice for gel because it's always what the salons I go to use. That said, our Beauty Lab carefully assessed the products included above to ensure they stand up to their specific "-free" claims. It comes in the perfect sky blue color within. I'm definitely going to order other colors too.". The color palette includes white, black, a few nude colors, a few dark colors, and several neon colors, some of those being glittery. How long it lasts will vary from person to person based on how you applied it, how long you let it cure, and how often you use your hands. Some colors are great, others are a complete nightmare. JSYKyou'll need a UV lamp for this one. You're ready for anything with this experienced shade. One of our most iconic shades, now available in Gel. Colors are a bit limited with this polish. Takes a while to apply due to the curing process. Whats the reason for this? Jump to Review. In fact, this polish was one of the only ones our nail technician gave perfect fives across the board. The 6 Best At-Home Gel Nail Kits of 2023, Tested and Reviewed. Expect to pay around $10 to $23 for this option. Rave Review: "This is the perfect color if you want to do French nails and use it as a base. You should be able to go 2 weeks without any chipping, but if youre careful, you can stretch it out to 3 or 4 weeks. Always allow your nails to cure under a UV or LED lamp for the appropriate time. Note that we haven't yet tested the brand's wear in the Lab, but our beauty editors are fans. Weve talked about the application process of gel nail polishand how they differ from traditional options; however, they also have features. The light colors may need 2-3 coats, so it can be a lengthy process to get everything cured. Keep scrolling to see the best gel nail polishes. Here's where you come to get grey, neon orange, and highlighter yellow nails. Nude Grays have pink and blue colors, Wine Nude Browns are very neutral, the Decent Luxury Set Series is mostly greyscale but includes a couple of pinks, Misty Rose & Midnight has a wide range of purples, Pink Nudes includes muted pinks, Wine and Reds have an array of red shades, and Winter Romance has shades of lavender. Gel polish should only be used on strong, healthy nails. Out. Updated 4/15/2020 by Ashley Phillips: Picks . Cure your nails one last time. Free from the popular 12 toxic ingredients commonly found in polish, Nailberry uses its patented formula to provide a healthy manicure. Best Budget Gel Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish, 4. Its a decent range of colors, so theres sure to be something you like. Pro tip: Apply this nail polish in thin layers to minimize drying time. It also soaks off easily, so you won't be struggling to take it off when you're ready for something new. But, the price point isnt too ridiculous, so buying them again isnt so bad. However, some no-wipe formulas dont require this step. Turn any nail color into gel polish with this natural light-activated top coat. oz | Finish: Shimmer, shine | Cruelty-Free: No, "I'm a big fan of the shinytop coatit's thick, easy to apply, and similar in texture to a professional gel. Rave Review: "I love the that this products actually works. The colors will change when exposed to cold or heat, so it doesnt just rely on body temperature. It includes a top coat so you dont have to worry about accidentally buying something that wont work. Best for nail health: Butter London Patent Shine. We love that you also get base and top coats in this generous collection. Its come a long way since its beginning, but theres still a few things you should know about to make sure you give yourself a DIY manicure that could be mistaken as something from a salon. If youre prone to peeling, stick with gel polishes like the ones on this list that can be removed easily and dont have to be soaked off. If youre not sure about using gel polish or dont like to spend a lot on a single bottle, this is a good choice. Super long nails will get the best of both worlds since the edge will be colder than the nail on your skin. While "clean" formulas are popular, be wary: there's no industry-regulated definition for the term "clean beauty," which means brands can claim whatever they like. While there are hundreds of formulas on the market, some nail polish brands are, in fact, better than others. I got it in the color Turn 'N Pose which is a dark plum. To safely use UV lights at home or in salons, take a few preventive measures: Gel nail polish is known for being the reliable, long-lasting polish. Lasted more than two weeks. (See our policy) Essie is iconic for a reason. You may notice that LED is more common. The heat emitted from these lamps creates a chemical reaction in the ingredients of gel nail polishto seal itso it'svirtually flawless for weeks to come. Make sure nails are clean and dry before application for a long-lasting manicure, says Choi. Best Budget Gel Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish View on Amazon Why we like it: This budget-friendly gel polish doesn't require a curing lamp and has a wide variety of colors to choose from. For gel-like shine (and lasting power!) It changes with temperatures, so if youre cold, youll get a darker color and if youre warm, youll get a lighter color. We haven't put this brand to the test in the Beauty Lab yet, but it's a GH editor favorite for a super-shiny finish that dries quickly and looks professional even without a top coat. After about 15 minutes, you can begin scraping off the softened polish with the cuticle tool. Indirect light or your bedroom light will suffice, and blowing on it will work, too. So, you successfully applied the gel polish and its been two weeks. She's worked in research for nearly two decades. That means it contains no Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Parabens, Sulfates, Camphor, Triphenyl Phosphate, Xylene and Ethyl Tosylamide. Allie Flinn has covered beauty for Byrdie since 2014. Sally Hansen's gel nail polish line offers professional salon resultsaka no chips for up to two weeks, no dry time, and the shiniest mirror finishfor less than $10. Longer nails can elongate fingers, but "shorter nails are less likely to chip, so opt for a clean, short cut" if you're worried about chipping, suggests Rachel Apfel Glass, founder of GLOSSLAB. Doesnt wear very long as little as a few days. If you applied sunscreen because youre going to us a UV lamp, clean the nails with nail polish remover or acetone. With a nail-curing lamp, these pretty polishes can give you salon-like results at home. This improves the polishs ability to stick to your nails. And although youll also need to invest in a UV or LED nail lamp to cure gel polish once youve applied it, youll save money in the long run with lasting results for a fraction of the cost of repeated trips to the nail salon. Comes out silvery/glittery/holographic, a look that shifts with movement in the light, but the base hue will still show through a bit if you choose to use one. But, as with regular nail polish, you need to take a few steps to make sure it really stays on. You can expect to pay a bit less for a UV lamp, so this is still an option if you are watching your budget and dont mind spending a bit more time with your hands under the light source as your polish cures. "After-care should consist of daily hydration to the cuticles," says Choi. Our Lab experts reported that this lacquer dried fast, chipped less and lasted longer than regular nail polish, though it didn't last for two full weeks, as the brand claims. If you are new to polishing your nails, start with light, natural colors. Thanks to a blend of hardening polymers and resins, you can count on this lacquer to resist chipping and peeling for several days. It adds variety and gives buyers an excuse to experiment with new, fun colors. .css-1iyvfzb .brand{text-transform:capitalize;}We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Colors tend to chip within a few days of wear. ", In our tests, we found that on average this budget-friendly polish lasted the longest of any polish we tested, with a wear of almost six and a half days without a base or top coat. Gel polish functions a bit differently than regular nail polish. Prepare your nails. They're formulated to be ultra-durable and withstand chipping for at least a week, and they come in really pretty colors. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This has a curved brush so it very easily covers my nail bed in three strokes. The manufacturer promises up to 14 days. Most nail experts and beauticians agree that gel nail polishisno more damaging to nails than traditional polish. 4.2. LED contains UV light among other different types of light. I have used it with a reddish brown base color and a sky bluethe results were both very pretty and different from one another. Use a gel top coat and let it cure just as you did with the other two layers. If you're new to the gel mani game, let me introduce you: Gel manicures can be painted in the salon or at home with the right polish or kit. Its up to you if you want to use one, but its usually better to follow the directions of the polish. Finish is shiny when cured properly. Its not the fastest, but its still quicker than regular polish. Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish Best gel nail polish brand loved by professionals check latest price Gelish comes in hot sealing number one spot.