Best Gel Nail Polishes: Reviews & Tips for a Perfect Manicure

If you are done with the regular, acrylic nail polishes that chip in not more than ten minutes after their application, you have come to the right place. But worry not, my ladies, because natural-looking gel nail enhancements are here to save the day. Today, we are talking about the best gel nail polish available online for you to get that perfect looking manicure at home.

Gel polishes, when cured, become hard enough to resist much cracking, chipping, peeling, or getting nicked. Since some amount of chemicals is used as ingredients in these gel polishes, it is not advisable to get back-to-back gel manicures. Yet they are a comparatively healthier option to go for.

Since our list of best gel nail polish only covers soft gels, they do not damage the nails, if used appropriately. Anything done in moderation makes everything possible, especially when it helps you nail that opulent look you want to carry to that party.

Gel nails are your savior and if done correctly, can make or break your look. They are gentle to your nail and remain intact for at least a couple of weeks. No more expensive salon visits for expensive gel manicures. From the plethora of options available, we have hand-curated our Top-8 list – the best gel nail polish available.

Note: Please take a skin test every time before trying out a new product, as your skin may be sensitive and can cause reactions and damages.

Do not over file your nails or scrape off old nail polish with any sharp tool. This can severely damage your nails.

Always remove cuticles before applying gel nail polishes. The durability provided by most gel polishes can pull on the cuticle which can be a hurtful experience. You should apply cuticle oil to your nails after the manicure is done to protect the cuticle.

Also, avoid applying gel nail polishes to infected or damaged nails. This can intensify the infection or further damage your nails irrevocably.

Best Gel Nail Polish Reviews

AMEILI Base Coat and No Wipe Top Coat Set

With more than 8 gel nail polish ranges, AMEILI has established itself well since its launch in 2012. This particular set of base coat and top coat might even become your pick for the best gel nail polish as it provides extended high-gloss wear for 21 days. Give it a try and find out for yourself!

Features:

• The top coat is a ‘no wipe’ top coat which means that unlike others that leave a sticky residue, this one dries normally and does not require any wiping after its application.
• It offers a mirror shine finish.
• It will not get nicked, chipped, or smudged easily and will last longer than you would expect!

Requirements:

• This product requires drying under a UV or an LED lamp. The duration varies depending on the type of light you are using.
• It is suggested to apply the polishes in thin coats. The thinner the application, the stronger the nail will become.

Usage:

• Firstly, apply the AMEILI Base Coat and then, cure it under a UV lamp or LED lamp. The curing duration for the base coat under a UV lamp is 60 seconds, and 30 seconds for an LED lamp.
• Apply your favorite AMEILI color and then cure it under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED light for around 30-60 seconds.
• Repeat the previous step for the second coat, and if necessary, repeat for a third coat.
• Lastly, apply the No Wipe Top Coat and cure it under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED light for around 30-60 seconds.

Gellen 6 Colors Soak Off Gel Polish Gift Box Set

Why get a single nail color when you can get six? Gellen’s Nude Gray Series offers six beautiful shades that do not feel heavy like gel but wears light like any other acrylic nail lacquer. Packed beautifully in a box, this product is perfect for gifting your girlfriend, and who knows she might find it to be the best gel nail polish she ever used!

Features:

• Since one of its components is a natural resin, the tenacity is good.
• The product is environment friendly as it has healthy ingredients and hence, is non-toxic as well.
• It offers a mirror shine finish.
• It will not get nicked, chipped, or smudged easily and will last as long as two weeks at least.

Requirements:

• This gel polish requires drying under an LED or UV lamp. The duration will vary depending on what type of light you are using.

Usage:

• Firstly, apply a base coat and cure it under a UV lamp for 60 seconds, and 30 seconds under an LED lamp.
• Apply your pick from the Gellen color options and cure it under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED light for around 30-60 seconds.
• Repeat the previous step for the second coat, and if necessary, repeat again for a third coat.
• Apply a top coat and cure again for the same duration.
• Lastly, wipe nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue from the top coat.

Makartt 6 Colors Soak Off Gel Polish Gift Box Set

One of the most specialized brands among the manicure and pedicure products is Makartt. To bring your nail salon home and to help you with completing that glamorous look, this set consists of six bottles of stunning shades of red (shades 131 to 136) that helped it cut to third on this list of best gel nail polish.

These gel polishes are perfect for both natural and acrylic nails and can be conveniently used at both, homes and professional salons.

Features:

• This is an environment friendly product as well, as it has healthy ingredients like harmless resin.
• It comes with the added benefits of having low-smell and harmless resin
• It offers long lasting, shiny finish of up to two weeks with proper application.
• It comes in an exquisite gift box.

Requirements:

• This product requires drying under a UV lamp.

Usage:

• The usage is like any other regular gel color nail polishes.

DND Daisy Duo All In One Soak Off Base Gel and Top Coat Set

This dainty-looking Daisy Duo set will make you forget base coats, bond-aids, and primers. DND Soak off Gel Base and Top Coats apply faster, feel thinner, and last longer. DND as a brand has been making infusions in its gel polishes for providing extra care to your nails.

Their polishes are fused with essential vitamins that make nails stronger, healthier, as well as stunning for weeks! Just like DND color polishes, their base and top gel coats are also remarkable. What more would we ask for than a nail polish that nourishes our nails to call it the best gel nail polish?

Features:

• It offers excellent nail bonding as the adhesion and durability are of top-rated quality.
• You can apply multiple layers of the top coat also as it is not very thick.
• Wonderful shiny finish after you wipe the sticky film with alcohol after curing the final coat.
• The bottle has a slim brush for convenient application.

Requirements:

• You have to dry your nail polish under a UV lamp.

Usage:

• The usage is similar to any other gel color nail polish.

Gelish Terrific Trio Gel Polish Essentials Kit

This product is your hack to an easy yet perfect home salon gel manicure. This Gelish kit consists of all three essentials – the foundation or the base coat, the top coat, and the one that sets this kit apart from all others – the pH bond.

The pH bond is a kind of nail preparation that is used to dehydrate the natural nail. This is a preliminary step for traditional gels during manicures to balance the pH of your nail and remove any remaining oils on the surface. With this incredible added feature, it can possibly be titled the best gel nail polish!

Features:

• The Top it off sealer gel offers a high gloss finish.
• It will not get dull, chipped, or smudged easily and will not peel off either.
• It will last up to 3 weeks with proper application!
• The foundation base builds a strong bond between the nail plate and the gel without damaging the nail plate. Hence, the application will remain durable.

Requirements:

• This product needs to be dried under an UV lamp. Although, drying under a Gelish drying UV lamp is highly recommended for best results.

Usage:

• For the pH Bond Nail Prep, apply it to natural nails directly.
• Cure the foundation coat for 5 seconds under LED 18G light, for 10 seconds under LED light, and for 60 seconds under a UV lamp.
• Cure the top coat for 30 seconds under an LED light, and for 2 minutes under a UV lamp.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat – Pack of 2

Sally Hansen needs no introduction. Leading the revolution in gel technology, it is the crowd’s favorite and hence, it was of no doubt that its Miracle Get Top Coat had to make it to our list of best gel nail polishes. This particular product comes in a pack of 2!

Features:

• It offers exceptional quality.
• You can apply multiple layers of top coat.
• It leaves your nails shining wonderfully for many days.
• You can remove it with either acetone or acetone-free nail paint remover easily.

Requirements:

• This product does not require drying under a UV or an LED lamp. Hence, it is an effective solution for home manicuring.

Usage:

• There is no need to apply a base coat if you are using Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Top Coat.
• Allow the color nail polish to dry for up to 5 minutes at least before applying the Miracle Gel Top Coat.
• Avoid dragging or pulling down hard on the nail during application. Sweeping it lightly across is highly suggested.
• Let each coat dry properly before applying the next coat for that perfect finish.
• Wait for a few minutes before starting to work so that the top coat dries up well.

OPI Infinite Shine ProStay Primer and Gloss Set

Color is the answer. With a tagline as this, OPI definitely believes in transforming the world with color! Ever since its foundation in 1981, OPI has modernized the nail industry. This particular duo pack of its primer and gloss – essentially the base coat and the top coat – are, undoubtedly, of superior quality, and come in their iconic bottles. Try it out to see if it gives you your best gel nail polish experience!

Features:

• It offers exceptional quality promise.
• It provides extended high-gloss wear for 11 days.
• It promises less chipping and 60% higher gloss retention with 25% higher shine.

Requirements:

• An UV or an LED lamp is not required for drying the nail polish. Hence, it is an effective solution for home manicuring.

Usage:

• Apply a single coat of OPI Infinite Shine Primer base coat after shaking the bottle thoroughly. This will increase lacquer adhesion and prevent discoloration.
• After shaking, apply a thin coat of your favorite color in a widespread, light manner.
• Allow the color nail polish to dry for up to 5 minutes at least before applying the OPI Infinite Shine Gloss.
• Repeat the previous step for second coat, and if necessary, repeat again for a third coat.
• Lastly, apply one coat of the gloss to give a Goddess look to your manicure and let the shine do the talking!

Elite99 6 Colors Soak Off Gel Nail Lacquer Gift Box Set

Last, but not the least, this Elite99 set of six bottles of interesting shades of blue and green will not let you down. Elite99 is a well established gel nail polish company that has been researching and innovating its products like introducing the glow-in-dark gel nail polish, thermal color-changing gel nail polish, holographic rainbow gel nail polish, etc.

They have a huge range of colors that will delight you as a nail artist. But this particular box set is a really curious mix of various shades numbered 1414, 1465, 1467, 1472, 1554 and 1555. This color quirkiness yet professional, lasting finish gives it a unique standing in this best gel nail polish list.

Features:

• Long lasting and good tenacity are the elementary offerings of Elite99.
• It provides extended high-shine wear that could last up to anywhere between 14 to 21 days.
• It promises resistant to chipping, and resistant to nicks and smudges as well.
• It is very convenient to use.
• This is an environmental-friendly product, which means healthy products like harmless resin have been used to manufacture it.
• No poisonous or pungent materials are used in its manufacture and hence, it is non-toxic.
• It comes in a striking gift box – a perfect gift for her.
• Its lightness makes it feel like an acrylic polish but justifies its gel wear.
• These gel polishes are perfect for both natural and acrylic nails.

Requirements:

• Requires drying under a UV or an LED lamp.

Usage:

• Firstly, apply a base coat and cure it under a UV lamp for 2 minutes, and 30 seconds under an LED lamp.
• Apply your pick from the Elite99 color options and cure it under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or under an LED light for around 30-60 seconds.
• Repeat the previous step for the second coat, and if necessary, repeat again for a third coat.
• Apply a top coat and cure again for the same duration.
• Lastly, wipe nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue from the top coat.

Gel nails are incredible. They are definitely to go for. Gel manicures are still one of the most frequently requested services at any salon, meaning gel nails are, and will also remain in trend in the coming future. Investing in some really good gel nail kits with essentials like base coats and top coats will keep you hassle free. Application of gel polish and its removal can be a bit tricky, but this art can be mastered! The three-stroke trick is positively applicable but there are a few things to keep in mind as well.

Before applying any base coat, you should always trim and shape your nails. You should also get rid of any dangling cuticles, and even push your cuticles back gently. Buffing the surface and then cleaning the surface with a gel cleanser or remover and then letting them dry is also highly advisable. This reduces the chance of bubbling or unevenness in the final finish of the nail lacquer.

For removing gel nail polishes, you are required to gently file off the top coat and wrap each nail tightly with acetone soaked cotton pads. You may use tin foil to keep the cotton pads intact. Make sure that the pads are wrapped tightly for at least 10 minutes. You may then use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to remove the softened gel gently.

While the removal of gel lacquers can sometime become a bit of a hassle, the utility of it being long lasting is totally of worth. The best gel nail polish provides you with an absolutely gorgeous look that totally transforms how you feel about your nails and how you look. So power up and get cracking with these life-changing nail paints. Happy manicuring!