5 Best Gel Polishes That Don’t Require A UV Light – 2024 Update
Get a salon-like finish at home with these chip-resistant and fast-drying gel polishes.
Georgina Goetz is a professional MUA from Hamburg, Germany, with three years of experience. She started her career with an apprenticeship as a hairdresser at “Marc Gruenkemeyer and Stylists,” a salon specialized in curls and fine hair. After finishing her apprenticeship, she studied at Beauty is Life (BIL) under Beatrix Isabell Lied to become a professional makeup artist.
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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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The biggest advantage that comes from using the best gel polish without UV light is that unlike an LED gel polish you can get salon-like manicures done right within the comfort of your home. We all know how challenging a DIY gel manicure can be. It takes time to shape your cuticles, trim your nails, apply your nail polish and the hardest part (seriously)— to wait and let it dry without smudging! And after all that hard work, you may just end up with chipped nails within a couple of days.
To save you from all this hassle, the no lamp gel polishes have arrived. These hybrid gel polishes last long, are super easy to apply, and the best part? They have a quick-drying formula that doesn’t need a fancy UV lamp. If you want to get one of these glossy gel polishes, check out our curated list of the top 5 gel polishes that do not need LED light to set.
In This Article
5 Best Long-Lasting Nail Polishes That Don’t Require A UV Light
1. Best Chic Finish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish – Mauve-Olous
This professional-quality gel nail polish by Sally Hansen is long-lasting and can stay put for up to 8 days! It is a non-yellowing gel polish formulated to be chip-resistant and is also fast drying. This polish comes in a gorgeous pastel mauve shade that suits all skin tones. Several reviewers recommended this product for its salon-like finish. It is perfect for formal or daily wear and better than any regular polish that you might own. This easy-to-remove gel polish does not damage your nails. This video review detailing a tester’s experience will help you understand more about the product.This polish comes in a gorgeous pastel mauve shade that suits all skin tones. Karen, a freelance writer and beauty blogger, loves this polish. She says, “… No big chips. Sure, the shine has dulled, but the polish still more or less looks like fresh paint. I’m betting this could easily go six or seven solid days. … I’ll be wearing it again, for sure. …I think it’s really beautiful, and it’s affordable (i).” Several reviewers recommended this product for its salon-like finish. It is perfect for formal or daily wear. This easy-to-remove gel polish does not damage your nails. This video review detailing a tester’s experience will help you understand more about the product.
Also Recommended By: Byrdie and Bustle have also listed Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in their top 10.[1] 13 Gel Nail Alternatives That Go Easy on Nails (And Last Forever). Byrdie https://www.byrdie.com/alternatives-gel-nails-4707586
Pros
- Smooth application
- Easy to use
- Easy to remove
- Sheer finish
- Smear-proof
Cons
- Streaks
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,634 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Why It’s Worth Buying: This no-UV gel polish is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 19,669 great reviews on Amazon.
2. Long-lasting Formula –Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy – 125 Vegas Baby
Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy offers rich and impeccable shine for up to 7 days without fail. This non-toxic gel polish delivers a salon-like, high-impact finish. The classic gel polish is infused with shea butter and oils, which provide conditioning effects to the nails. Its wide-angle brush ensures easy application and smooth finish. The formula is self-leveling and dries into a smooth, hard finish. Also, this chip-resistant gel polish is easy to remove and does not damage your nails. The long-lasting formula with a hint of sparkle has made this a must-buy for many reviewers. Pair this nail paint with the Revlon Gel Diamond Top Coat to add shine.
Pros
- Smooth application
- Dries instantly
- Chip-resistant
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This nail polish allows a very smooth application, giving decent coverage, though it takes two to three coats for a more solid finish. It's a good choice for those sensitive to actual gel polishes. The formula dries quickly and gives a glossy shine. A heads up for you - while most shades gave a neat, finish a few were not streak-free. Overall, it is a reliable option for regular use."
Quick Tip3. Super Glossy –Duri Nail Polish – 728 Venice Beach Sunset
This salon-quality high-shine gel effect polish by Duri adds a vibrant shine to your nails! It is a quick-dry gel polish that offers a gorgeous color in the shade of purple with a hint of lavender. This high-shine gel polish has garnered numerous positive reviews for its super glossy, opaque finish, and seamless and precise color coverage. It is equipped with a unique wide-angle brush that gives you a smooth and bubble-free application. This no-cure gel polish also delivers a high-impact color, as it is infused with a built-in base coat. The polish is also not tested on animals, making it an ideal option for ethically conscious consumers.
Pros
- Easy application
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Formaldehyde resin-free
- DBP-free
- Toluene-free
- Camphor-free
- Triphenyl Phosphate-free
- Xylene-free
- Ethyl Tosylamide-free
Cons
- May not last long
"This vibrant nail polish shade is a reminiscent of summer blossom, although it didn't precisely match its online portrayal. Even though you need several coats for opaque coverage, the formula dries quickly, giving you a hassle-free expereince. It showed impressive endurance on toenails, but not so much on fingernails unless topped with a protective coat."
| Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish - Mauve-Olous Best Chic Finish | Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy – 125 Vegas Baby Long-lasting Formula | Duri Nail Polish – 728 Venice Beach Sunset Super Glossy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | 244 Mauve-olous | 125 Vegas Baby | Venice Beach Sunset |
| Dimensions | 1.2 x 1.2 x 3.3 inches | 1.13 x 1.13 x 3.38 inches | 1 x 1 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 1.71 Ounces | 2.08 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,634 | 1,694 | 852 |
| Price | $7.05 | $8.49 | $9.49 |
4. Best Shine:L.A. Colors Gel Shine Nail Polish – Red Carpet Ready
The L.A. Colors Gel Shine Nail Polish wears like polish but shines like a gel. It is cruelty-free gel polish that comes in a wide variety of colorful colors as well as a top coat. This quick-drying gel polish does not need UV light and can be easily removed with polish remover, even without acetone. Its no-chip, opaque finish has made it a favorite among several reviewers. Additionally, the product is favored by ethically conscious consumers because it has not been tested on animals.
Pros
- Removes easily
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
- Chip-resistant
- Available in various shades
Cons
- None
"LA Colors nail polishes have always been my preference as they are easy to apply, especially with their perfect-sized brush. They impart a shiny finish that lasts quite a long time without chipping. Plus, you also get a lot of color options to match all your outfits and looks."
Pro Tip5. Dermatologist Approved – Eternal Gel Nail Polish Kit – Amazing
This glossy long-lasting gel polish by Eternal Store comes with a top coat for durability. It is a no-light gel polish with a dermatologist-approved formula that is easy to apply and adds a superb mirror shine to your nails. This easy-to-use gel polish has garnered positive customer reviews online for its acetone-free removal. This glossy nail color is soak-free and keeps your nails from getting damaged or dehydrated.
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Chip-resistant
- Lasts long
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- DBP-free
- Toluene-free
- Camphor-free
- Xylene-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- None
"After a few weeks of acrylic nails, this nail polish has helped me in my transition. It has helped make my natural nails strong while also making them look gorgeous. The formula offers remarkable durability, on my fingernails and toes. I recommend it to those who have weak nail issues but still want some color in their nails."
With an abundance of vibrant colored gel polishes and brands in the market, gel polishes are increasing in popularity in the manicure world. With the various formulations, it gets hard to pick the right gel polish that is fit for you. Here are a few features to consider in order to select the best, statement-making gel polish that does not require UV light.
How To Choose The Best Gel Polishes That Don’t Require A UV Light
1. Ingredients
Nail polishes can have certain toxic ingredients, which affect your nail bed or even your health, as well as the environment. Make sure to stay away from toxic ingredients like:
- Formaldehyde: This may also be listed as formalin or ethylene glycol and is the common cause of asthma, nausea, and even cancer. Always opt for a formaldehyde-free gel polish that is safe for both your nails and your health.
- DBP: DPB formulas in nail polishes, can help reduce chipping but are connected to several side-effects like organ damage and endocrine disruption. Choose a DBP-free gel polish to prevent such unwanted health hazards.
- Toluene: Toluene has harmful fumes, which can cause problems like impaired breathing, neurological damage, nausea. and even hearing impairment. This is why toluene-free gel polish is always a better choice.
2. Production Date
Usually, gel polish has a life of up to 3 years. Choosing an affordable gel polish with an early production date will have a harder and thicker texture, hampering your application process, which can also ruin the blushing effect. It is best to choose a drugstore gel polish, with a late protection date.
3. Brush
The ideal beginner-friendly gel polish brush is flexible and slim, and spreads the polish throughout your nails evenly and easily giving you a flawless application. Avoid thick or wide brushes, as the nail polish can bleed during application. For designs and other nail art, you can opt for using an angled brush.
4. Consistency
Unlike traditional nail polish, choose a gel polish with a moderate consistency. If the polish is dripping too fast, it means it has a low consistency and if it is too slow, that means it will be too thick and hard to apply. Ensure that when using a nail strengthener, you maintain an even consistency for a smooth finish.
5. Coating Layer
These gel-effect nail polishes coat your nails evenly and provide some elasticity. It should also be highly pigmented, in order to provide a flawless and shiny finish. Also make sure the coating is smooth and does not cause any wrinkles, bubbles, or shrinkage. Ensure to buy products that offer effortless application.
6. Gloss And Shade
One of the main pointers in choosing a gel polish is the color and the shade. Yet, it is hard to determine the color by looking at the shade online, as the picture and lighting can create a slight color difference. Check for reviews online to get an idea of the exact shade. Also, take into consideration the gloss of the gel polish. If the nail polish has a good gloss and a gel-like finish, it means that the polish has superior-quality raw materials.
Infographic: Tips To Apply Gel Nail Polish Like A Pro
Well-manicured nails instantly elevate the look of your hands. The best natural nail-friendly gel polishes without UV have long-lasting formulas and are easy to apply on both natural and acrylic nails. Check out the infographic below for some tips to apply gel nail polish like a pro at home.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Gel nail polishes make for trendy manicures. You may choose glitter gel polishes, holographic gel polishes, ombre gel polishes, and matte gel polishes to make your polish application more creative and enjoyable. They are long-lasting and keep up with daily wear all day long. You can try the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish for its sheer finish, the Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy for its smooth application, or the L.A. Colors Gel Shine Nail Polish for a vibrant color.
The biggest advantage of long-lasting nail colors that don’t require UV light is that you can easily get a salon-like manicure with extra shine done right within the comfort of your home. They provide exceptional results, with a gorgeous and glossy finish that lasts almost a week without you having to visit the nail salon. These polishes are quick-drying, easy to wear, and can be easily removed using any regular nail polish remover. They are devoid of synthetic chemicals. They come in various gorgeous shades, from minimalist nudes to bright, festive shades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use gel polish without UV light?
Yes, you can use gel polish with no UV light. But make sure you are using a UV-free gel polish formula like the ones mentioned above, which does not require UV drying.
How long is non-UV gel nail polish supposed to last?
Non-UV gel polishes can last up to 1 week without chipping. Opt for a vegan gel polish as these are usually safe for your nails.
Does gel polish harden without UV?
Yes, you can harden gel nail polish without UV light. Alternatives include using a drying agent like a cooking spray or putting your nails in ice water. You can also sit under the sun to dry your nails.
Can you air dry gel nail polish?
No, it is not recommended to air dry gel nail polish. Air does not let the molecules in the gel bind together, which further stops the nail polish from hardening.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya is a product writer and holds a certification in makeup artistry. She’s also a certified image consultant and a nail art fanatic who makes sure her readers get the best product suggestions. For this post, Baishali picked some of the best gel polishes for nails that don’t require UV-light processing after carefully analyzing user feedback on multiple forums. She has also included a detailed description of each product to help you pick the best.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
(i) Makeup & Beauty Bloghttps://makeupandbeautyblog.com/sally-hansen-3/budget-beauty-for-10-or-less-sally-hansen-miracle-gel-in-mauve-olous/
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