If you are a nail polish enthusiast, you’ve likely heard about gel polish by now. It’s been increasing in popularity during the last decade, and for good reason – it simply lasts longer than traditional polish. If you’ve never tried it and can’t understand what all the hype is about, it’s time to wander out of your comfort zone and experience the nail polish wonder that won’t cause chips or discoloration of your natural nails. Basically, once you try it, you likely won’t go back to the old polish you grew up with.
Gel-based polish is a bit of a science experiment, in a fun way. Your nails have to be primed and the gel has to be cured with UV or LED light. This process seals the polish to your nail for a long-lasting look. And you’re going to spend way less money on manicures and less time sitting in a nail salon chair. Whether you opt for the nail shop gel experience – after all, they are masters, or if you want to test drive it at home, there are a lot of options available. But before we get there, let us tell you about the best thing with gel nail polish – it is super easy to remove and won’t damage your nails. Kiss that acetone polish remover goodbye, because it actually won’t work on gel, and you won’t have that big slimy color bleeding mess that gets all over your fingers and toes when you try to remove it. Gel polish can often be peeled off and won’t rip any of the protein out of your nails or make them look like dumpster fires afterward.
Another added bonus – gels basically come in every color imaginable, and some are even textured for an extra dramatic look. We are fans of the gel polish trend and we want to school you on some of our favorite gel polish options.
Best Overall:
Sally Hanson Miracle Gel Nail Polish
Affordable and reliable, Sally Hanson has been a leader in the nail game for decades upon decades. This is an at-home gel polish that can result in the same look you would get at a salon. It’s the number one selling gel polish in the United States because of the quality and ease of use. It’s a two-step system, and it doesn’t require UV or LED light. This chip-resistant polish will give you a look that lasts and comes in all the trendiest colors.
Best Formula:
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish
No bubbling, no streaking, Essie’s gel game is on point. It lasts about two weeks, if not longer – and for a home gel option, this is remarkable. Another two-step application process, you use the color and a top coat to seal it on. Essie has been around for more than 35 years and the company continues to improve its products with ingenuity. This salon-quality formula is a favorite among reviewers because it is easy to apply and Essie has ALL the colors. It dries incredibly fast, too!
Best Luxury Polish:
Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer
If you are looking to get really fancy, and have the nails of a Hollywood star, yet create them from home – it’s all about Dior. It’s shiny, long-wearing, and looks ever so chic. The deep, rich colors are just an added bonus to this ingenious resin that applies like glass. It’s techno-polymer creates a seamless bond between the nail and the enamel. Plus, it lacks all those junky chemicals that other brands are packed with. If you want to get fancy, Dior is the way to go.
