The 6 Best Gel Nail Polishes Of 2024, Tested And Reviewed

The world of at-home manicures has evolved significantly with the introduction of gel nail polishes, which have become a go-to for those seeking durability and a salon-like finish without leaving their home. In 2024, navigating through the myriad options available may seem daunting, but we have tested and compiled a list of the six best gel nail polishes. Each product underwent scrutiny for application ease, visual appeal, longevity, and how simple they are to remove. The standout choices we've identified will help you achieve that enviable glossy look right from the comfort of your own home.

According to nail artist Abby Gatlin from Poppy & Monroe, gel polish is favored over traditional options for its immediate drying time and lasting power. "People appreciate gel polish because it lasts for weeks and leaves behind a robust finish," she says. This quality of gel polish eliminates the hassle of regular maintenance and frequent touch-ups that come with ordinary nail polish.

Achieving a salon-quality manicure at home isn't just a matter of picking a color and applying it; it also involves finding a formula that provides the durability you need. Unfortunately, traditional nail polishes often chip within the first few days of application, leaving users disappointed after putting in the effort to achieve a perfect look. That's precisely where gel nail polish shines—offering a long-lasting and resilient option that can keep your nails looking pristine.

If you’re on the lookout for a healthier alternative to conventional gel polish, consider trying this one. It’s devoid of over 20 harsh chemicals typically found in standard nail polishes and boasts an impressive range of over 150 colors. A bit of time and patience will yield beautiful results; it's packaged as a comprehensive kit that includes a nail prep scrub, base coat, gel polish, a top coat, and revive drops to adjust the polish thickness if needed. While it doesn't come with a UV lamp for speedy drying, each layer dries completely in approximately two minutes.

We've been particularly impressed with the Dazzle Dry polish due to its impressive longevity; it held up beautifully for over two weeks during our test phase without chipping—only showing minor wear at the edges. Such durability is uncommon for non-UV light polishes, and we attribute part of its longevity to the meticulous preparation involved in the application. Removal was a breeze, akin to regular nail polish, ensuring no damage or dryness to the nails afterwards.

Overall, the shine and durability achieved with this polish exceeded our expectations. However, we did observe some lifting on thicker coats after a few days. On the other hand, applying thinner layers and ensuring proper curing time allowed the gel polish to last nearly a week with very minimal chipping.

For those who prioritize nail health, this polish is an ideal fit. Infused with vitamins A and E to nourish the nails, and vitamin B5 to maintain structural integrity, it stands out. We were particularly able to appreciate the Orly gel lamp as it automatically powers on and starts a countdown once the hand is inserted—turning off after two minutes when curing is complete.

As a vegan and cruelty-free option, the polish is relatively straightforward to apply. It's critical to apply uniform thin coats, which involves a base coat, multiple gel coats, and a top coat, making it a somewhat time-consuming task. The consistency is slightly thicker than traditional nail polish, which beginners might find tricky, but clear, step-by-step instructions are provided, guiding users through the application and informing them of the expected texture changes during the process.

Another feature we appreciated is the UV lamp that operates automatically when you place your hand underneath, shutting off once time is up. However, the lamp is somewhat bulky, posing storage challenges, and the timer and controls are located on the machine's backside, potentially making self-operation tricky. This factor may reflect its salon-grade quality, as many users would typically be assisted by a technician during their appointment.

Once the polish was fully set, it appeared exceptionally smooth and ready for wear. It survived a week and a half of intensive daily activities, like cooking, doing dishes, and wrapping gifts. We found the removal process simple and slight scraping was all that was necessary—our nails felt unharmed and even appeared to have benefitted from the wear.

With over 250 shades available, finding your perfect match is easily achievable. We adored the base coat’s short brush, which facilitated even, thin applications, although we experienced some difficulty with the gel polish itself being slightly thick. This polish may require some time for adjustment, especially for newcomers to at-home gel manicures.

For the look and feel of an elite gel manicure at home, OPI GelColor is an excellent choice. This product, like several others on our list, necessitates a UV lamp, providing your nails with that desired strength, durability, and gloss.

While this option lacks UV light curing, it does slightly compromise longevity; we noticed multiple chips around the edges of each nail after about five days, alongside fine cracks on the surface. However, the quick and straightforward removal process—a key factor we appreciated—didn’t require excessive scrapping.

Beginner-friendly and devoid of the necessity for a UV lamp or specialized equipment, this polish has a creamy consistency that covers nicely without sticking. The brush size is perfect across base coat, gel polish, and top coat; however, the base coat, top coat, and gel must be purchased separately, which may add to the overall cost.

For those explorers of premium options, we suggest Deborah Lippmann's Gel Lab Pro. Although it fetches a higher price point, its formulation focuses on maintaining nail health. This 21-free vegan polish omits many common chemicals found in other polishes, embedding nourishing ingredients like keratin, biotin, bamboo, and nylon to cater to health and longevity.

In our analysis, we found removal to be similar to traditional nail polish, eliminating the need for scrapping or soaking. Nevertheless, staining was an issue following removal, requiring buffing to restore the natural look. Essie's guidance claims that a base coat isn’t necessary but we found it vital to shield our nails.

We loved the tapered brush that aids in achieving precise application along the cuticles. As for maintenance, the polish held up admirably, with minimal chipping at the end of the week and retained much of its original luster. Although curing with UV light generally extends the longevity of gel polishes, this option was unexpectedly commendable.

If a quick-drying gel polish without the need for a UV lamp is what you're after, Essie Gel Couture fits the bill. It has a smoothly applied, thin yet opaque formula that dries rapidly. Some shades may require two coats for complete coverage, while lighter tones suffice with just one coat.

The polish’s easy application process and fast drying time, paired with the absence of a requirement for UV light, makes it highly convenient.

Another noteworthy suggestion from Gatlin includes Madam Glam, which stands out for its 21-free formula, indicating it's free from many toxic chemicals found in typical nail polishes. As a vegan and cruelty-free option, it’s available in both mini and regular-sized bottles, allowing for sampling various hues. Even though we noted that the brush could use a more contoured tip to align perfectly with cuticles, it ultimately did not detract from the product’s overall performance.

Requiring a UV lamp for curing, this option promises long-lasting, durable nails, lasting impressively for nearly two weeks without chips or loss of gloss—remarkable, considering regular manicure wear. Should you wish to switch colors, removal was hassle-free; simply soak cotton balls in acetone and cover nails in foil for about 15 minutes for effortless peel-off that requires little scraping.

Madam Glam's Soak-Off Gel Polish received high praise for consistency, appearing thick yet achieving perfect coverage without streaking. We also appreciated the heavy-duty base coat that provided a solid foundation for the colored gel polish.

In conclusion, the Madam Glam Soak-Off Gel Polish stands as our favorite pick, striking the balance of creamy consistency and full color payoff. For a non-UV option, we recommend Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish, which won our hearts with its structured application and lasting shine.

For additional details about our recommended products, please visit RONIKI. If you're exploring the world of gel polishes, Gel Polish Manufacturers offer an extensive selection to suit your personal style. Also, for any queries regarding our products, connect with your preferred nail carving gel supplier.