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Achieve long-lasting manis at home with these gel nail polishes.
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In addition to time and a steady hand, you also need a long-lasting polish.
Traditional nail polish may seem like the simple answer, but its known for chipping within a few days.
Why put in the time and effort for a mani that wont last?
Credit: Madame Glam
Thats where gel nail polish comes into play.
People prefer gel polish because they can wear it for weeks and it gives the nails a sturdy finish.
The brush isnt the best for painting right at your cuticles.
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Madam Glams Soak-Off Gel Polish had one of the best consistencies of all the gel nail polishes we tested.
We also love the thick base coat, which creates a smooth, solid foundation for the colored gel.
This pick requires a UV lamp, but that ensures that your nails will be durable and long-lasting.
The polish remained perfect for nearly two weeks with no chips or dullness.
The only giveaway that it wasnt a fresh manicure was the new nail growth.
We also loved that this polish is easy to remove unlike some cured gel polish.
Gatlin says that Madam Glam is a favorite at Poppy & Monroe.
Its also vegan, cruelty-free, and palm oil-free.
A base coat is recommended to prevent staining.
Those looking for quick-drying gel polish that does not require a UV lamp will love the Essie Gel Couture.
It has a thin yet full coverage formula that goes on smoothly when applying.
We love the tapered brush that helps create a clean system along your cuticles.
As for longevity, the polish held up well.
Though most gel polishes last longer when cured with a UV lamp, we were impressed by this pick.
However, our nails were deeply stained after removal and needed buffing to remove the color.
Essie does not recommend a base coat, but we found it to be necessary to protect our nails.
The longevity is not comparable to UV-light gel polishes.
For those willing to spend a little more, we recommend Deborah Lippmanns Gel Lab Pro.
This vegan polish is 21-free, which means its free from 21 chemicals commonly found in nail polish.
This pick is beginner-friendly and does not require a UV lamp or other special tools.
Keep in mind that thebase coat and top coat are sold separately.
Since this pick isnt cured with UV light, its longevity isnt the best.
We also noticed that the polishs shine had diminished over the five-day period.
When removing the polish, we appreciated that it was a quick process and did not require scrapping.
Its difficult to apply thin coats of this polish since it has a thicker consistency.
If youre wanting the look and feel of a professional gel manicure at home, opt for OPI GelColor.
Youll be able to find your perfect polish with over 250 shades.
However, we found the gel polish itself to be thick and a bit difficult to apply.
Once the polish was fully dry, it appeared smooth and wearable.
This product was simple to remove and required very little scraping.
Its important to note that the lamp is a bit bulky and can be difficult to store.
Thick coats of polish can result in shorter longevity.
Beginners will appreciate the brands clear step-by-step instructions to help you along the way.
This is the perfect pick for those who want to protect their nails.
Its formula has vitamin A and E to promote nail health and vitamin B5 to protect nail structure.
Welove the Orly gel lampbecause it automatically turns on and starts the timer once you insert your hand.
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Overall, we enjoyed the shine and durability this polish brought to our nails.
Youll need plenty of time to complete the six-step process correctly.
If youre looking for a healthy alternative to gel polish, youll love this pick.
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verify you dedicate time and patience to get the best results with this polish.
The base and gel require two coats each, so youre looking at a six-step process with this pick.
If youre looking for a non-UV light option, go with theEssie Gel Couture Nail Polish.
Our Lab process was split into two categories, UV and non-UV light polishes.
We started with clean nails that were prepped and ready for polish.
Each coat was fully air dried or cured before moving to the next step.
Finally, we applied a thin layer of top coat and cured it under the UV lamp.
Finally, we added a thin layer of top coat and left it to dry.
We also applied nail oil to the cuticles and moisturizer to our hands.
A second software took place to test previous findings.
Most brands average 80+ shades, so youre sure to find the perfect color.
Creme is one of the most popular finishes and has a classic, glossy shine.
Though its easy to apply, keep in mind that it typically requires two coats for full coverage.
Glitter and shimmer finishes can require multiple coats but leave you with a shiny, elevated look.
Other popular finishes include matte, metallic, milky, opaque, pearl, and sheer.
Top Coat
A top coat isnt always required for at-home gel polish, but its always recommended.
When you finish with a top coat, youre adding an extra layer of protection to your nails.
A thin layer of top coat will protect against chips and add longevity to your manicure.
The polish retained its shine and continued to have a professional look.
We also liked that this polish does not need a base coat or a UV lamp.
However, we found the software process to be a bit tedious due to the polishs thick consistency.
It wasnt runny or streaky and provided full color payoff with one coat.
However, it chipped within two days, and by one week, the polish was almost completely gone.
Overall, its longevity does not compete with gel polishes that have been cured with UV light.
Questions and Answers
What is the difference between gel and traditional manicures?
Eachtype of manicurehas its pros and cons.
Traditional manicures are easy to do at home and dont require a UV lamp.
However, normal nail polish isnt durable and typically chips within a few days.
Gel manicures were once a salon specialty but can now be done at home with the right products.
These extra steps may take longer than a traditional manicure, but they help make your polish last longer.
In addition, most gel polish that has been cured needs to be soaked in acetone to remove.
This along with the occasional scraping can be harsh on your nails.
How long do gel manicures last?
Gel manicures typically last two to three weeks before they start to chip.
This is a major improvement from traditional manicures that are prone to chipping within the first week.
What is the most common gel polish used in salons?
Gatlin shares that Poppy & Monroe favors our best overall pick,Madam Glam.
How do you remove gel nail polish?
However, gel polishes that have been cured with a UV lamp require a few extra steps.
Lastly, we push the remaining gel off of the nail plate with a gel removing pusher.
Its important toremove cured gel polish the right wayto protect your nails health.
Morton spent several hours sifting through the results of our testing and researching products that made the cut.
She also spoke withAbby Gatlin, a professional nail artist at Poppy & Monroe in Nashville.
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Credit:Southern Living / Jhett Thompson
Credit:Southern Living / Jhett Thompson
Credit:Southern Living / Jhett Thompson
