As someone who used to be hopelessly committed to my monthly gel manicure, I get the appeal of salon treatment. I do! You don't have to lift a finger (unless the manicurist tells you to), you don't have to worry about what your nails will look like for weeks, and the juicy sheen is hard not to fall head over heels. Unfortunately, salon job gel manicures have a fair share of defects. A) They are expensive, B) There can be hassle and inconvenience in making an appointment, parking, and actually getting to your appointment * on time *, and C) They can do a nasty damage to your tips. When a number of our favorite nail polish brands started presenting their own gel mani dupes for home with comparatively shiny, long-lasting results, we threw up our hands and shouted hallelujah. Yes, a salon experience can be relaxing, but in our eyes there is nothing better than sitting at home in front of our current Netflix addiction and doing the work yourself. Not to mention that so many of the best gel nail polish brands only need one, two or three steps and have a super fast drying time. We can order our accompanying postmates just a few minutes after painting. Tempting, no? So do the damage and time your salon gel manicure takes, and instead take a look at these best gel nail polish brands. (We promise you won't miss a thing!)
Here's the thing. I stopped getting gel manicures about two years ago, and 99% of the time I instead grab a bottle of Essie Gel Couture in the salon instead. No kidding, a few layers of this polish, which are used in conjunction with the steel-strong, glass-like topcoat of the line, last a full two weeks (until I want a color change anyway). Rock the Runway, a fiery scarlet shade, is my regular order.
The brand says that this special gel formula, with OPI's signature thin brush, was designed as a more powerful, even glossier version of their regular (and still very popular) polish. Nab it one of the brand's most iconic colors, Bubble Bath.
Here's the thin one: Sally Hansen's gel nail polish line offers professional salon results – d. H. No chips for up to two weeks, no drying time and the brightest mirror finish – for less than $ 10.
Disclaimer: I cheat. Technically speaking, the Olive & June nail polish collection is not a gel, but a few layers of the thick, shiny, long-lasting formula, which is rounded off with its mega-durable top coat, last just as long as the gel formulas mentioned above. So here we are! I'm obsessed with collecting every single shade right now because I like each one better than the last, but this fresh buttercup yellow may have earned me the most Polish questions and compliments I've ever received. Not to mention that the formula is vegan, seven-free and cruelty-free.
Nothing is fancier than Dior. This super shiny, super durable formula can keep up with the results of an expensive salon job. The color choices range from natural and sophisticated to more bizarre like this shade called Front Row.
This innovative gel-finish formula by the Polish masters from Deborah Lippmann offers you the luxury of a manicure at salon level without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Each bottle has a unique 320-bristle contour brush to perfectly coat each nail, and the double-patented polishing formula contains 10 active ingredients to achieve the characteristic shine and cushion of a gel manicure without the associated collateral damage.
If you love Chanel nail polish (and its Holy Grail color collection) as much as we do, don't be afraid – the brand has kindly blessed us with a gel strength top coat that lasts at least a week. No lamp required. It cures with natural light and adheres to your nail polish to achieve the glassiest lacquer finish. How breathtaking is this blue pastel?
The yellow nail polish formula from Nail Inc. is volatile, incomparably shiny and enriched with nail-care flower extracts. It is one of the most sought after on the market. No fuss required. Simply place two applications on and under each base and top layer of your choice. (If in doubt, our recommended recipe is always the blackest black!)
Entertaining fact: this gel nail polish for home is so fabulous that you don't even need a base coat. Simply brush a few layers of this metallic, splinter-free shade over your tips, add a top layer, and breathe deeply for seven days.
For just $ 5, this gel-like nail polish is almost too good to be true. The brand promises strong two weeks of splinter-free wear. True to the one-tier claim on their behalf, you don't even need a base or top coat.
Two coats and go! The multitasking gel formula from Revlon does not require a basecoat (a topper is optional) and is also free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.
LeChat's easy soak option offers impressive salon-inspired shine that lasts for weeks. It is LED / UV hardened and does not cause runs, shrinkage or color fading. Here are two of our favorite colors.
How chic is this vintage-inspired cream grate? Not to mention Butter London's iconic Patent Shine formula, which is practically as effective as a salon gel job. Designed to promote healthier nails, it's also a smarter option thanks to the eight-fee formula that's been enhanced with unbreakable bamboo extract. Thanks to the impact-resistant polymer technology, it is (for at least) 10 days splinter-resistant and thanks to diamond powder, which brightens and at the same time absorbs matt UV light, it is light-resistant. No substrate or topcoat required!
Next up, it's a fact: these best-selling nail colors look better on your toes
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
