Best Gel Nail Polish [Review] in 2022

If you’re looking for long-lasting nails that will tackle anything, regular manicures aren’t always up for the job. Well, I’m here to introduce you to the world of gel nails. 

Unlike normal nail polish, the pigments in the gel are dissolved in a solvent and when exposed to air it evaporates it forms a hardened lacquer causing a chemical reaction triggered by UV lights- this process is called curing.

But you may be wondering, can you get the same effect even at home?

Yes, you absolutely can, with this guide I have listed the very best gel polishes for both your home manicure or even for clients. All you’ll need is a UV or LED lamp and a base and topcoat. 

Practice makes perfect and it will save a bucketload of money, trust me. I’m here to break down the confusing features so you can get the most out of your mani-pedi for longer.

Ingredients: If you love constantly having a color on your nails I would recommend going to a polish that doesn’t have all the harmful and damaging chemicals as it will keep your nails and nail beds healthy.

The gel can be more harmful than ordinary polish because you need to file your nail bed before use, also they can be much more stripping therefore I would recommend looking for nourishing ingredients that will strengthen and not damage nails.

Whether it requires curing: curing is the process of drying with UV or LED lights causing a chemical reaction that hardens the lacquer in the gel so it will last up to 3 weeks chip-free.

However, if you find that you’ve applied a layer of gel too thickly the UV light may not penetrate through the entire layer to cure properly which could potentially cause a dull layer.

Some gel nails do not require being cured but although they last longer than an everyday polish they won’t last as long as the gel that requires curing.

Longevity: Gel nail polish is built to last and withstand everyday abuse but that being said, you’ll never be able to achieve the same effect that you’ll get in the salon unless you’re a professional. If you do all the right bits intended for gel, such as curing UV light and remembering to put the base and topcoat on the gel can even last to 3 weeks.

Durability: Along with longevity it is also good to check in the comments as to how durable the gel polish can be, your hands take a lot of abuse in everyday life, luckily the majority of nails were built for durability.

Cruelty-free or Vegan: Many gel polish manufacturers have decided nowadays to create products in ways that aren’t harmful to animals. If you’re looking for a top-quality but guilt-free finish then I would suggest going cruelty-free. With a wide range of brands to choose from that are cruelty-free there’s no reason to support brands that use animal testing!

Will it wreck my natural nails? The gel is much harsher on nails than your standard polish but not as harsh as acrylics. In order for the gel to work it needs a rough surface to stick on which will thin your nails.  Additionally removing gel nail varnish can require soaking in acetone which excessive exposure can be damaging to the nails.

Should I get a UV or LED lamp?

When it comes to longevity and curing the best way to go is to dry your nails in between layers with either a UV or LED lamp, LED lamp. But what’s the difference? UV lamps emit a broader spectrum of wavelengths whereas LED is much narrower, targeted, and therefore dry quicker.

By curing your nails they’ll not only last longer but they’re less likely to chip. Here are the top-rated UV LED lamps on Amazon.

What’s the best gel nail polish for beginners? My favorite has to be OPI purely because it’s consistently reliable and long-lasting it is also super affordable making it brilliant for beginners.

What is the best shellac nail polish brand?

In my personal opinion, I feel that CND is brilliant for both longevity and for giving flawless colors, it also gives you that gel-like feel and durability without being damaging to the nail.

In this guide today we have gone through my top ten picks of gel polish that will not only give you that flawless finish but that will last longer than ordinary polish, some even last up to 21 days chip-free.

Whether you’re here for a subtle glam, or to stand out from the crowd my pick has thought of everything.

Overall my favorite on my list has to be Gelish for their wide range of color choices and salon-quality at the comfort of your own home, they also last up to 3 weeks, therefore, making number one spot.

You’ll notice that even the most professional ordinary polish can chip easily that’s why I switched to gel and never looked back.

These products above are the top gel nail polish brands that were built to last even while giving you a range of colors to choose from. I have also listed a selection that won’t need curing to make sure you have a wide variety to choose from.

Pick from any of my these you’ll definitely have the salon finish you’re dreaming of.