10 Best Gel Nail Polishes 2024 in the United States

If you are tired of manicures that don’t even last for a day, or if you constantly worry about ruining your expensive manicure, you have probably not yet discovered the magic of gel nail polishes. They are the answer to all of your problems. You can enjoy a salon-like finish, in the comfort of your own home. Getting your hands on the best gel nail polish should not be a matter of luck. If you do your homework, you can easily get the best deal. This buying guide will tell you all there is to know about gel nail polishes and help you select the best.

• Gel polish: It is the latest innovation in this segment. It is applied with a brush and can last for 7-12 days. Each layer has to be separately cured to give you a super glossy finish. They can be easily removed by a soak-off formulation in under 10 minutes.

• Soak-off gels / soft gels: They are relatively thicker formulations that provide additional strength and stability to weak or damaged nails. This overlay product is meant for shorter nails and can be used as a substitute for hard gels. The soak-off removal may take up to 20 minutes or more.

• Hard gels: They have been used traditionally to create long, well-defined nails. This pre-mixed formula contains just the right ratio of acrylic to give you flexible, glossy nails. Hard gels have to be removed by filing, which can be a time-consuming process and can also damage your nails.

• Stay away from cheap products: It is advisable to stick to well-known brands and trusted manufacturers to avoid damage to your nails. Don’t compromise on quality: a standard product will stay for a longer time and does not chip off easily.

• Get to know your product: After going through thousands of gel nail polish reviews, we conclude that most users recommend that you should buy a product only after reading the reviews and getting to know the specifications.

• Check the base coat: Removing a gel nail polish requires a little more effort than with regular nail polish. You may have to soak your nails in acetone for up to 10 minutes or more. Some gel polishes can be very difficult to remove--the base coat of some formulations especially may require you to literally scrape off the color from your nails. A smarter way would be to read customer reviews, go through what users have to say in this regard, or consult a friend before buying a product.

• Check the curing mechanism: There are three types of gel polishes currently available on the market. Certain gel nail polishes can be cured using a UV light, while others require a LED light. The third kind does not require any light. If you are a first-timer, you should consider the advantages of each. There is almost no difference in the performance of UV or LED lights; however, LED lights are more expensive.

If you already own a light or a gel nail polish system and are just buying another color, ensure it is compatible with the light/lamp you have. If you plan to purchase a lamp after you buy the nail polish, then buy a compatible pair according to your preference.

• Own a range of colors: Although your new gel manicure can last for weeks, you may get bored with it! Buy a few interesting colors to add to your classic collection. It would be a good idea to experiment with fun, flirtatious colors. Gel polishes that change color with temperature changes are also an interesting variation.

• Decide if you want some extras: Some packs include nail prep gels, cuticle oils and other essential add-ons required for a perfect finish. They are a must-have for a salon-like finish.

Aimeli: Aimeli is a well-known manufacturer of gel nail polish. Their products deliver quality and reliable colors at an affordable price.

Gelish: They manufacture one of the best gel nail polish system currently available in the market. They offer premium quality products that are very popular amongst customers for their smooth finish.

Beauty Brags: This is another leading brand of gel nail polish. Their product does not chip off or flake easily and can look as good as new for up to two weeks.