Editor’s tip: If you want to steer clear of the UV lamp, opt for one of the brand’s dip powders instead.
Light-curing: yes | Who it’s for: everyone
Best Gel Polish for Nail Art: Gelcare Gel Nail Polish
Why it’s worth it: Designed specifically for at-home application, the Gelcare Gel Nail Polish is cute, cruelty-free, colorful, and curable. It takes three (thin) coats to achieve full opacity before letting the LED light go to work. While every corner of the shade range rocks, we love the Chartreuse green pictured above.
Editor’s tip: This polish works well as a base for nail art, so start exploring your inner artist.
Light-curing: yes | Who it’s for: everyone
Best One-Coat-and-Done Gel Polish: Vishine Nail Gel Polish
Why it’s worth it: Vishine Nail Gel Polish is a cheap and cheerful way to achieve dreamy, long-lasting nails. Whether you want a sheer jelly look or a richly pigmented matte, you can customize results easily depending on how many coats you choose to brush on. If you’re using an LED light, the curing should take around a minute, while a UV light takes up to four minutes.
Editor’s tip: This polish is lightly scented with pine, making the whole application experience a touch more enjoyable.
Light-curing: yes | Who it’s for: people on a budget or short on time
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes gel nail polish different from regular nail polish?
Chemistry is heavily at play when it comes to the difference between true gel nail polish, standard nail polish, and gel-like nail polish. “Gels are pre-mixed, semi-solid monomers and oligomers that are hardened to polymers when exposed to UV-A light,” explains Dana Stern, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dr. Dana, a nail-care line. Dr. Stern previously told Allure that these reactive ingredients “belong to the chemical families called acrylates and methacrylates.”
How does gel nail polish work?
“Gel manicures are a lot more durable than regular polish and you can often get several weeks of wear without any chipping—think of it as a semi-permanent polish,” Michelle Humphrey, a session and celebrity manicurist based in London, previously told Allure. Dr. Stern adds, “Unlike polish, which typically removes relatively easily with acetone or non-acetone polish removers, gel removal typically requires a long acetone soak and may additionally need to be scraped off.”
How should I choose a gel nail polish?
Much of choosing a gel nail polish—whether it’s a traditional gel or “gel-like” formula—comes down to personal preference, related to finish, color choices, price, and ease of application. “Most gel nail polishes have similar product chemistry,” Dr. Stern echoes. “The differences are with respect to the available color choices and the application technique.”