The Top 5 Gel Nail Polishes

Gel nail polish can take your nails from plain to beautiful. This special polish is durable. If put on correctly, it can last for a couple of weeks. Gel polish goes on like normal nail polish. But then, it needs to cure under a special lamp. This UV or LED lamp locks the gel polish onto your nails so it stays on. If you're ready to try a DIY gel manicure, or need to add some new polish to your collection, here are five of the top gel nail polishes.

AIMEILI Gel Nail Polish No Wipe Top and Base Coat

Quality Top and Base Coat

Your nails will look amazing for up to 21 days with this gel nail polish base coat and no wipe top.

Best Overall

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In this set, you will receive two essentials for beautiful gel nails, the base coat and the top coat. Each bottle contains 10ml of liquid, and an application brush. To begin your gel manicure, you must apply a base coat. This layer remains a bit sticky to the touch after curing, giving your color layer something to hold onto. Once you have a thin layer of base coat cured, it’s time to add your color. You will need to purchase this separately. Then, after your color layer is cured, you can add the top coat. This layer will help maintain your manicure for up to 21 days. It’ll give it a mirror shine finish and protect your nails from nicks and chips.

Pros

Good quality base coat and top coat
Leaves a mirror shine finish
Base coat gives some texture for the colored layer

Cons

Not a complete set, will need to purchase colors separately

Beetles Full Maroon Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit

Complete Starter Set

If you're just getting started with gel nail polish, this set has all of the essentials you will need.

Best For Beginners

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Giving yourself an amazing gel nail polish manicure requires some equipment. You can’t just brush on your nail polish and call it good. If you’re just getting started, this set has the tools you will need to make your nails shine. It comes with a durable 48W UV/LED light nail lamp and a manicure set that includes a nail file, nail buffer, and more. There are tools for your cuticles, including cuticle oil, a cuticle fork, and a cuticle pusher. To help you prep and finish your nails, the set includes three 7.5ml bottles of no wipe top gel and base coat. You’ll also get six 7.5ml bottles of gel nail polish. This polish is low odor, and doesn’t contain harsh ingredients or adhesives that can damage your nails.

Pros

Great starter kit
Comes with six different colors
Everything arrives nicely boxed, and you can use that box for storing it all in

Cons

The directions in the box aren’t great, you may want to watch some YouTube videos for more in-depth guidance

Sexy Mix Gel Nail Polish Set

Revel In The Sparkling Colors

This gel nail polish changes color at different temperatures for a stylish surprise.

Best Color Changing

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Do you want your nails to have colorful flair? This set contains eight small bottles (7ml) of color changing gel nail polish. It’s made of natural resin, so it’s low-smell and non-toxic. You will need to apply a separate base coat before you apply this nail polish. Once it’s cured and finished with a top coat, you can expect to see some color variations. The polish reacts to different temperatures. Your nail tips are often colder in temperature than your cuticle area. This polish turns lighter when it’s warm, and darker when it’s cold. You will notice the most difference in color in longer nails.

Pros

Your nails change color based on temperature
Some color options are sparkly
Comes with eight colors

Cons

The bottles are small (7ml)

Modelones Gel Nail Polish Set – 6 Colors

Healthy Ingredients To Keep You Feeling Safe

With natural ingredients, you won't have to worry about applying this gel nail polish.

Best Ingredients

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If you prefer a more natural gel nail polish, here’s a set made from non-toxic ingredients. With ingredients such as purified water, natural pigments, and natural resin, this nail polish is healthier, and low-smell. It comes with six bottles (10ml each) of polish. You can select from three different sets, each with a different color palette. The polish is very shiny, and it works well for nail art. When applied properly, it will last for at least two weeks. This set does not come with a base and top coat, but you will need those layers to ensure your manicure lasts.

Pros

Larger bottles of polish (10ml)
Six beautiful colors
Natural ingredients

Cons

The lighter colors require several layers

Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit 16 Colors with Top Base Coat

Gel Nail Polish Set With Colors Galore

This set is a great way to add a lot of colors to your home collection.

Best Variety

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Do you like to mix up the color on your nails? If you’re looking for some variety, here’s a set for you. It comes with sixteen different bottles (6ml each) of gel nail polish. The set also includes a bottle of base coat and a bottle of top coat (10ml each). There are three different collections to select from, so you are sure to find colors that you adore. However, you cannot see the color through the bottle, so it isn’t as easy to select the color you want each time. This nail polish creates a high-shine finish. It’s made with environmentally friendly products that are non-toxic and low-smell. It’s a great set to purchase when you’re ready to expand your collection.

Pros

Sixteen different colors
Comes with base coat and top coat
Environmentally friendly ingredients

Cons

The bottles aren’t see through so you can’t select the color you want at a glance

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you apply gel nail polish?

Gel nail polish isn’t a paint it on and forget it type of polish. It takes time to apply correctly. You will need to carefully prepare your nail by removing the cuticle, trimming the edges, and buffing your each one. Then you must apply a base coat. You cure this layer in the UV or LED lamp. Then, you add your color and cure it again. You may need to repeat this step multiple times. Make sure you don’t put the polish on too thickly. Thin layers look better and cure more easily. Once you like the color and have it cured, finish off your manicure with a layer of top coat. Then, cure it again. Now your nails are ready to go. For more complete directions, make sure you read the information that came with your polish, or watch informative YouTube videos.

How do you remove gel nail polish?

You can’t just pick gel nail polish off. Doing this could damage your nails. Instead, you need to soak cotton pads in nail polish remover. Then, you can wrap a pad around each nail. You can secure this with a small piece of tin foil, so the soaked pad will stay on the nail. Leave your fingers soaking for about ten minutes. Check and see if the polish is soft. If it isn’t, soak for a bit longer. Then, when it’s soft, use an orange stick or a cuticle pusher to gently push off the polish. The removal process takes time and patience so you don’t cause damage.