October 11, 2024

PSA: These Gel Nail Polishes Won’t Destroy Your Nails

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Best one-step nail polishWet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel Nail Color in Taupe As A Joke

Best one-step nail polishWet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel Nail Color in Taupe As A JokePros

  • Simple and quick application process

Cons

  • Says you need one coat, but you may need two

This one-step gel nail polish is the ultimate time saver. The three-in-one formula cures without a lamp and combines your base coat, color coat, and top coat all in one bottle. The best part, though? The pretty taupe color lasts for up to two whole weeks without chips.

THE REVIEW: “My nails dry quickly which is important because I am quite impatient! The best part is that IT LASTS! I’m not sure what the sorcery or magic is behind it, but I love this line so much that I am going to buy many more colors!!” writes one reviewer.

Best Sheer Gel Nail nail polish PolishEssie Gel Couture in Sheer Fantasy

Best Sheer Gel Nail PolishEssie Gel Couture in Sheer Fantasy

Now 12% OffCredit: Courtesy ImagePros

  • A (mostly) universal shade

Cons

  • You may begin to notice little chips before 10 days, some reviewers mention

I live for a sheer neutral nail polish, which is why I’m fully obsessed with this gel polish from Essie. The barely-there pink tint (it’s similar to Ballet Slippers) makes my hands look instantly more polished, matches whatever outfit I’m wearing, and lasts for a solid 10 days. I do two coats on bare nails and then follow up with a layer of the Gel Couture top coat.

THE REVIEW: “I’m obsessed with this polish. I never do my own nails because I can barely color in between lines with my dominant hand, let alone the other—but the way this brush is designed, and how quickly the paint dries, is awesome,” reads one customer’s review.

Best Blue Gel Nail PolishSally Hansen Miracle Gel in Swim Upstream

Best Blue Gel Nail PolishSally Hansen Miracle Gel in Swim UpstreamCredit: Courtesy ImagePros

  • Flat, large brush for a smooth application

Cons

  • To fully set, you’ll have to wait a few hours

First, let’s talk about the shade—it’s legit the prettiest, most wearable blue. Now for the formula: Apply two coats of color to clean nails (that means no base coat), then layer on the Miracle Gel top coat, which comes in a matte finish or shiny finish. The result? Chip-free nails for a full freaking week.

THE REVIEW: “The last time I applied this polish, it lasted for TWENTY-ONE days with no chips. I did not ‘baby’ my nails—I went to water aerobics, did housework, and typed. I am even more impressed! I’d give this product 10 stars if that was an option,” writes one customer.

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Best Dark-Colored Gel Nail PolishOPI Infinite Shine Gel-Lacquer in Lincoln Park After Dark

Best Dark-Colored Gel Nail PolishOPI Infinite Shine Gel-Lacquer in Lincoln Park After Dark

Now 14% OffCredit: Courtesy ImagePros

  • Super shiny

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it’s sometimes difficult to get an even application

OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark is the perfect dark-colored gel nail polish shade. It’s edgy, but not over the top, and lasts for up to 11 days. It’s part of a three-step system, so you need to use the OPI Infinite Shine Primer first, then go in with two coats of color, and top it all off with the Infinite Shine Gloss Top Coat to get the best results.

THE REVIEW: “Does what it says, says what it does. I am a horse person and I work with my hands as a nurse. This nail polish ‘system’ lasted five full days, which for me is amazing!” reads one tester’s review.

Best Fast-Drying Gel Top CoatSeche Vive Gel Effect Top Coat

Best Fast-Drying Gel Top CoatSeche Vive Gel Effect Top CoatCredit: Courtesy ImagePros

  • Won’t have to wait forever for it to dry

Cons

  • Some testers don’t like the smell

Turn any nail polish into a fast-drying and long-lasting polish with this gel top coat. Just do your mani as usual, then paint this bb right on top—it dries in five minutes to a hard, glossy finish that’s resistant to chips and nicks.

THE REVIEW: “I’m hooked! I will always use this as a top coat from now on. I discovered it when getting my nails done at a salon. The nail technician topped off my manicure with this top coat and I was impressed to see that my manicure lasted 12 days!” writes one tester.

Best Pink Gel Nail PolishCND Vinylux Long Wear Nail Polish in Hot Pop Pink

Best Pink Gel Nail PolishCND Vinylux Long Wear Nail Polish in Hot Pop PinkCredit: Courtesy ImagePros

  • Reviews say its the perfect consistency

Cons

  • For it to truly stay, you really need to pair it with the coordinating top cpat

CND’s at-home Vinylux is honestly just as shiny as the CND Shellac that you’d get in a salon. Apply two thin coats of the pretty pink polish and then apply one layer of the Vinylux top coat. The effect is glossy, gel-like nails that look amazing for a full week.

THE REVIEW: “This is probably the best and most long-lasting nail polish that I have ever used. I used the top coat over the nail polish and I think the combination is a must for the long-lasting effect,” one reviewer writes.

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Best Neutral Gel Nail PolishNails Inc Gel Nail Polish in Hyde Park Place

Best Neutral Gel Nail PolishNails Inc Gel Nail Polish in Hyde Park PlaceCredit: Courtesy ImagePros

  • Gorge finish

Cons

  • Some colors in the range may need multiple coats

Forget nudes, this pale gray gel nail polish from Nails Inc is the perfect everyday neutral you need to be wearing right now. The formula is plump and shiny (just like a pro gel mani) and is infused with nourishing flower extracts to help keep your nails strong and healthy too. Do a layer of your go-to base coat, two coats of this polish, and finish with your favorite fast-drying top coat.

THE REVIEW: “I have never had a polish last this long. I use the Nail kale base coat, and two coats of the Nails Inc gel effect, and they last a good week. Better than an in-salon manicure and any home manicure I have ever given myself!” one tester’s review reads.

Best Glitter Gel Nail PolishDeborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Queen Bitch

Best Glitter Gel Nail PolishDeborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Queen BitchCredit: Courtesy ImagePros

  • A true glitter polish that applies evenly

Cons

  • Will need multiple coats

If a sparkly mani is your thing, then you gotta try this long-lasting glitter gel nail polish from nail guru Deborah Lippmann. For the shiniest most chip-resistant results, start with the Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro base coat, then layer on your color, and finish with the Gel Lab Pro top coat.

THE REVIEWS: “The formula is thin and dries quickly, so it doesn’t chip as quickly as other polishes and is easy to layer,” writes one reviewer. ” I work with my hands and this nail polish is the only one I’ve found that stays on all week,” adds another.

Best Gel Nail Polish Top CoatChanel Le Gel Coat Longwear Top Coat

Best Gel Nail Polish Top CoatChanel Le Gel Coat Longwear Top CoatCredit: Courtesy ImagePros

  • No UV nail lamp required

Cons

  • V expensive for a nail polish