15 Best Gel Nail Polishes That Last Long Without Chipping
Try on the most poppy shades for long-lasting and flawlessly manicured nails.
Beth Brown is a licensed nail technician/esthetician with over 30 years of experience. She currently holds licenses in three states as well as a degree in fashion merchandising. Beth founded Be a Betty in 2020, fulfilling her dreams of naming a nail polish and building a beauty lifestyle brand.
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Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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Unlike regular nail polishes, gel nail polishes can last up to 4 weeks without chipping or losing their shine. The best gel nail polishes are glossier, long-lasting, and convenient to use. In addition, these gel nail polishes are chip- and fade-resistant and offer exceptional results. Ideally, you will need to cure your gel nail polish under a UV/LED lamp to get the desired results. However, some brands craft their gel nail polish with an air-drying feature. Regardless, Beth Brown, a licensed nail technician, says, “When you sit to apply your gel polish at home, be sure whatever you need for the process is around you. The application process is very different with gel polish. Thin coats will bring the best results. Also, be sure you know how to remove the polish so as to not cause damage to your nails.” This article contains a list of the 15 ideal gel nail polishes that make your nails appeal chic. Read further to check them out.
In This Article
How Is A Gel Nail Polish Different From A Traditional Nail Polish?
A traditional nail polish generally consists of three coats: a base coat, the polish, and a top coat. It can air-dry without the need for a lamp. Professional gel nail polishes require a LED/UV light to cure (in simple words, dry). Also, gel nail polishes last longer and resist chipping when compared to their traditional counterparts. They also look glossier and shinier.
However, several brands have introduced gel nail polishes that can be simply air-dried. We have listed them below.
15 Best Gel Nail Polishes
1. Best Mirror Shine Finish:Aimeili Gel Nail Polish
The Aimeili Gel Nail Polish will give you mirror shine finish and a 21-day high-gloss wear. The gel nail polish requires drying under a UV or LED lamp. With just a thin coat of polish that glides on effortlessly, you will get salon-quality nails. However, take a skin test before applying the polish as it may cause an allergic reaction. Check out a tester’s experience in this video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Instant UV/LED cured nail polish
- Mirror shine finish
- Easy to use
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions
Pro Tip2. Best In Non-Toxic Ingredients:Gellen Gel Nail Polish
The Gellen Gel Nail Polish goes on like a polish and wears like a gel. It gives a mirror shine finish. The nail polish is easy to use and stays up to 2 weeks with proper application. It is made from natural resin and is safe for the skin. The product is made with healthy and non-toxic ingredients that are environment-friendly. Learn more about the product from this reviewer’s experience featured in this video.
Pros
- Mirror shine finish
- Easy to use
- Non-toxic ingredients
- Environment-friendly
Cons
- None
Did You Know?3. Best Quick-Drying Formula:essie Gel Couture
The essie Gel Couture is a quick-drying top coat that helps protect and magnify your nails. It has a flawless finish and is chip- and fade-resistant. Its patented curve-hugging brush allows the nail polish gel to be applied easily. This product is not tested on animals, which makes it a good fur-friendly option for all. This tester’s experience shown in this video gives you more information about the product.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Fade-resistant
- Chip-resistant
- Easy to apply
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 747 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
| Aimeili Gel Nail Polish Best Mirror Shine Finish | Gellen Gel Nail Polish Best In Non-Toxic Ingredients | essie Gel Couture Best Quick-Drying Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.76 x 2.36 x 0.79 inches | - | 1.53 x 1.53 x 2.81 inches |
| Weight | 2.82 Ounces | - | 2.08 Ounces. |
| Color | - | Nude Grays | 01 gel couture top coat |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,504 | 3,030 | 747 |
| Price | $7.99 | $9.99 | $9.04 |
4. Best Chip-Resistant:Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish
The Sally Hansen Gel Nail Polish has a ColorSet technology that locks in the color and adds shine to the nails for up to 8 days. The nail polish does not need any UV light to set. It is easy to apply and can be removed easily as well. It is chip-resistant too. The gel nail polish and the top coat activator come with a patented tube technology that gives a beautiful, durable, and high-shine finish. This nail polish has also received multiple positive reviews on trusted e-commerce platforms.
Pros
- Chip-resistant
- Easy to apply
- Easy to remove
- Durable
- Patented tube technology
- Does not need UV light to set
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 2,634 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
5. Best Long-Lasting Shine: butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer Vernis
The butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer Vernis keeps your nails brighter, and makes them stronger and healthier. The shock-resistant polymer technology offers a gel-like finish with indisputable shine, while radiant curing helps cure polish with the convenience of natural light. The glossy shine lasts up to 10 days while protecting, smoothing, and fortifying the nails. The glossy coating protects the nail from abrasion and scraping. This brand does not conduct any animal testing, which makes this a good option for ethically conscious consumers.
Pros
- Chip-resistant
- Improved gloss retention
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Mineral-oil
- Sulfate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Prevents abrasions
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Expensive
6. Best Sparkle:Modelones Glitter Gel Nail Polish Set
The Modelones Glitter Gel Nail Polish Set will give your nails some shine and a lot of sparkle. With proper application, the gel nail polish will last for up to 21 days. The set contains 6 mini bottles and comes in a giftable box. It also has received multiple five stars by reviewers on Amazon that attest to its 2-week longevity.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to remove
- Great packaging
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 513 reviews claiming its efficacy.
7. Best In Skin-Safe Ingredients:Modelones Gel Base And Top Coat Nail Polish
The Modelones Gel base and top coat give brilliant, glossy, and shiny nails. The polishes last from 15 to 45 days. The base coat increases the adhesion of the nails and the color gel. The top coat provides extra shine to the nails for enhanced beauty. The polishes are easy to use and do not chip off easily. They are formulated with ingredients like purified water, natural resin, and mineral powder that are safe for the skin.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fast-curing
- Easy to remove
- Skin-safe ingredients
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 1,607 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
8. Best Highly Pigmented:Modelones Gel Nail Polish Set
The Modelones Gel Nail Polish Set comes with 16 gel nail polishes, 1 base, and 1 topcoat. The nail polishes are formulated with resin that is safe for the skin. The formula is non-toxic and very easy to apply. The nail polishes are highly pigmented and are long-lasting. The mini nail polish comes in lightweight, small yet durable bottles.
Pros
- Lightweight packaging
- Easy to apply
- Travel-friendly
- Non-toxic formula
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Not quick-drying
9. Best Natural Resin: Syntus Gel Nail Polish Kit
The Syntus Gel Nail Polish Kit includes 22 gel polishes, 3 distinct top coats in glossy, matte, and no-wipe varieties. The non-toxic, naturally occurring resin does not irritate the skin and has a low odor. A well-applied layer of this gel nail polish can keep your color vibrant, and stay up to 2 to 3 weeks. According to several users on Amazon, this tried-and-tested kit offers all the products needed for wholesome manicuring.
Pros
- Easy gel nail removal
- Non-toxic formula
- Long-lasting
- Highly-pigmented
- Value for money
Cons
- None
10. Best Sparkle: Morovan Chameleon Gel Nail Polish Set
The Morovan Chameleon Gel Nail Polish Set includes four shades of gel nail paint, one base coat, one top coat, one glitter powder, and one rhinestone. This starter kit contains non-toxic ingredients with a nice, glossy, and smooth texture. With proper maintenance, the nail polish can last more than three weeks.
Pros
- Easy to remove
- Smooth coverage
- Available in vibrant color options
- Great packaging
- Skin-safe ingredients
- Long-lasting
Cons
- None
11. Best For Brittleness:RC Red Carpet Nail Gel Color
The RC Red Carpet Nail Gel Color is a premium soak-off gel that is infused with vitamin A and biotin. The ingredients protect the natural fingernails from environmental aggressors and combat brittleness, thus preventing them from getting chipped easily. The nail polish provides a gorgeous ultra-glossy shine to your nails. With proper application, the polish lasts up to 21 days.
Pros
- Nourishing
- Easy to use
- Combats nail brittleness
- Protects from environmental aggressors
Cons
- None
12. Best For Everyday Use: VENALISA Gel Nail Polish Set
The VENALISA Gel Nail Polish Set contains 12 neutral-toned gel nail paint, making it ideal for any special event. This nail polish set is created from non-toxic natural resin, making it completely safe for use. It is gentle on the skin, has a faint fragrance, and contains no toxic chemicals or adhesives that might damage the nails. Multiple reviewers have recommended this set and praised the gel formula that’s easy to apply.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Fragrance-free
- Lasts up to 28 days
- Natural ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Expensive
13. Best For Achieving Marble Pattern: Makartt Blooming Gel Nail Polish Set
The Markatt Blooming Gel Nail Polish gives a marble pattern and a blooming effect to your nails. The set contains 6 different nail colors. These work wonders in creating beautiful and different patterns.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to remove
Cons
- None
14. Best For Intense Shine:OPI Gel Nail Polish Top Coat
The OPI Gel Nail Polish Top Coat provides intense shine and takes only 30 seconds to set. When applied properly, it lasts for weeks. This top coat works great for long-lasting professional manicures. The product is of great quality, easy to apply, and easy to remove. It is suitable for everyday wear.
Pros
- Easy to use
- High shine
- Easy to remove
- Takes just 30 seconds to set
Cons
- None
15. Best Highly-Pigmented Formula: Beetles Pastel Gel Nail Polish Kit
The Beetles Pastel Gel Nail Polish Kit contains 20 gel polish colors, a no-wipe base, a glossy top coat, and a matte top coat. The non-toxic formula is highly pigmented and delivers a beautiful shiny finish, a smooth appearance, and perfect coverage.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Non-toxic formula
- No smudging
- Highly pigmented
- High gloss shine
- Paraben-free
- Lead-free
- Champor-free
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions
- Expensive
Gel polishes are very popular nowadays. There are various brands in the market that offer different shades and finishes in gel nail polishes. However, gel nail polishes are more expensive than normal nail colors, so you have to consider some important factors before buying one.
Things To Consider While Picking The Best Gel Nail Polishes
- Ingredients
Avoid using gel nail polishes that contain toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. These ingredients can cause inflammation and many other adverse side effects. You must buy nail paints that include skin-safe ingredients such as biotin, keratin, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. These ingredients strengthen the nails and nourish them.
- Quick Drying
Always choose gel nail paints that have a quick drying feature so that you won’t have to wait long for it to dry properly. Most gel nail paints require UV lights to dry which is a good option as UV light tends to dry the nail paint within seconds.
- Long-Lasting
The gel nail polish must have lasting power. Generally, gel nail polishes can last for around two weeks but it entirely depends upon the quality of the paint. So always go for durable, chip-resistant, and easy-to-remove gel nail paints that last longer.
- Shades
There are a variety of shades available in gel nail paints. For parties, you can go for shimmer and sparkle gel nail polishes while for daily use, you can select shiny and glossy nail colors. To create a classy look, choose a neutral or nude polish that is close to the color of your skin.
- Finishing
Finishing of the gel nail polishes affects the overall look of your nails. You must pick nail paints that have a shiny and smooth finish to offer you an elegant look without appearing like a mess on your nails. You can look for glossy and shiny textures for the best appearance.
- Easy To Remove
Go with the gel nail polishes that are easy to remove. We all love changing the colors of nail paints to match our outfits. So for easy experiments with colors, you must choose nail paints that are easily removable without drying out your nails.
These are the top gel nail polishes available online. The following tips will tell you how you can apply gel nail polish on your own.
How To Do A Perfect Gel Manicure
- Some of the professional gel nail polishes (like Shellac) need an LED or UV lamp to cure or dry the polish. However, you can still use it without a UV light, but the final result will be slightly different – expect the result to be a little lower in quality or maybe a dull finish.
- The alternative method to a UV light is using an ice bath to freeze and dry the gel polish. Again, the effect may not be as great.
- Some gel nail polishes come in kits with a tiny UV light to cure the polish. You can opt for these kits if you want a professional salon-like finish.
- Applying thinner coats is always better. It settles into a way more pleasing finish.
- You don’t have to worry about UV lights with home gel nail polishes as their formula is already gel-like. However, it’s best to apply a base coat (the color of your choice) and then a gel-based top coat to give your nails the appearance of a salon-like finish.
Infographic: Gel Nail Polish Manicure Trivia
Gel nail polish manicures are popular and can last for weeks. But did you know that the word “gel” in gel nail polish doesn’t actually refer to the type of polish, but rather to the way it dries? Check out the infographic below for more such interesting facts!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Regular nail polishes have toxic chemicals and do not provide long-lasting results. They chip off easily and lose shine. The gel nail polishes in this listicle do not contain toxic chemicals and are eco-friendly. They give your nails a smooth and glossier finish. These products are fade-resistant and chip-free. However, you need UV/LED lamps to cure professional gel nail polishes for better results. We have included some quality options in the list above, such as the Aimeili Gel Nail Polish with its popular professional-grade formulas that cater to DIY enthusiasts as well, the essie Gel Couture that promises a salon-quality finish and is chip-resistant, and the Beetles Pastel Gel Nail Polish Kit, ideal for those who prefer soft and sophisticated pastel nail looks. These polishes are non-toxic and easy to apply and remove. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to do a patch test before applying the polish to avoid an allergic reaction. So, flaunt your classy manicure that did not even require a visit to the nail salon!
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I remove gel polish?
By soaking your nails in acetone, you can remove the gel polish quite easily.
Is gel nail polish bad for you?
The major downside of a gel manicure is its crucial UV-curing step. The light frequencies from the UV light may cause DNA damage in the skin, resulting in premature aging. In extreme and rare cases, it may increase cancer risk too. However, you can minimize the risk by keeping the duration and frequency of light exposure minimal. Also, using an LED lamp is a much safer option.
Is it safe to use gel nail polish during pregnancy?
It’s best to use gel nail polish sparingly during your pregnancy. The chemicals and fumes from the curing process could make one nauseous, especially during pregnancy.
What are some of the best gel nail polishes that don’t require curing with a UV light?
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Collection, essie Gel Couture Nail Polish, and OPI Infinite Shine 2 Lacquer are among the better options that do not need curing with a UV light.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya is certified in makeup techniques and loves reviewing beauty and makeup products. She has compiled this list of the best gel nail polishes for you. After going through user reviews and feedback across several online platforms and brand websites, she picked the products. The above-listed gel nail paints are her top favorites, proven to be long-lasting, chip-resistant, and leave a beautiful glossy finish on your nails.
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