10 Best Expert-Approved UV Gel Nail Polishes Of 2024 For Elegant Nails
Give yourself a glossy finish and colorful nails right at home without spending big bucks.
Simone de Vlaming is a beauty expert and founder of Beautymone.com. She specializes in makeup, skin care, fragrances, and nails. Simone decided to start a beauty blog during her graduation to find an outlet for her passion. She also worked as a beauty advisor in a beauty store/perfumery.
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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: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.
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There is nothing more annoying and frustrating than getting an expensive professional manicure that ultimately gets chipped off when you plan to cook or do some work. If you have also faced this issue, the best UV gel nail polish can be your answer to a long-lasting manicure. Initially, it might seem a little challenging, but getting a UV gel manicure is not as hard as it looks.
Nowadays, there are a variety of UV gel polishes for nails that will make your manicure experience much more enjoyable and easy. A gel manicure includes a gel-based nail polish that is hardened with the help of ultraviolet light, and the result is glossy and chip-proof nails. A good gel-based nail color lasts for at least 3-4 weeks. You can also dry some UV-free gel-based nail colors without the help of a UV lamp.
Nowadays, multiple brands of UV gel nail polishes are available on the market. With so many options to choose from, it might be a little overwhelming for you to pick one. In this article, we have rounded up a list of the best professional UV gel nail polishes that have received several positive reviews on different forums. Keep reading!
In This Article
10 Best UV Gel Nail Polishes Of 2024 For Long-Lasting Manicures
1. Best Glossy Finish:Aimeili Base Coat & No Wipe Top
Ready for that beautiful UV gel manicure at home? This UV gel polish with glossy finish promises you 21 days of high gloss wear without nicking, chipping, or smudging. Just apply a thin layer of the polish and dry it under a UV or LED lamp. Made with eco-friendly ingredients, this vegan UV gel nail polish has just a slight non-toxic smell, which in the case of a gel nail polish is unavoidable, but the good news is that it disappears after it dries.Both the coats go on easily and cure in no time with a high shine and rock-hard finish. You can use other polishes between the base and top coat like a sandwich and explore a wealth of possibilities in creativity. Chrissy, a personal blogger from NYC, likes both the base and the no-wipe top coats. She writes, “The base coat is slightly tacky after curing it, which helps to get the color coat to stick and not shrink. The top coat is a no wipe formula which leaves a smooth surface and a plump and glossy shine (i).” If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this video on YouTube detailing a tester’s experience with this polish.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Easy application
- Mild smell
- Eco-friendly ingredients
Cons
- A skin test is necessary before applying to avoid allergies
Pro Tip2. Best Quick-Drying:Morovan Chameleon Gel Nail Polish Kit
The Morovan Chameleon Gel Nail Polish Kit has everything you need to create a stunning gel manicure. The set includes four distinct gel paint colors (3 chameleon gel nail colors and one regular black gel polish), base and top coats, glitter powder, and rhinestones. These regular polishes are made of natural resin and have a one-of-a-kind varnish recipe. After applying this odorless gel nail polish, cure it for 30-60 seconds under a UV lamp. The formula, once cure properly, is chip-resistant and can last for up to 3 weeks. This manicure kit is perfect for beginners, new nail techs, and salons. It can be used on both natural and fake nails to give them a brilliant appearance.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- No odor
- Long-lasting
- No-shrink
- Quick drying
- Chip-resistant
Cons
- None
Pro Tip3. Best Cruelty-Free:Modelones Gel Nail Polish
The Modelones Gel Nail Polish lasts for more than 28 days with incredible shine, no chipping, and outstanding pigmentation. The formula requires 1 coat, 1 stroke, and 30 seconds under a nail lamp to settle into a natural, smooth, and attractive look. This UV gel polish is for flawless coverage and includes a contour brush. The color-lock technology of this gel polish gives a glossy, bold, and perfect manicure. Make your fingernails more colorful and resistant to fading with one swipe of the incredible nail polish from this expert-recommended gel nail brand! A personal vlogger from YouTube loves this kit from Modelones. She says, “It is a great kit if you’re starting out and want a nice collection of colors. These are perfect for springtime and I’m really liking these (ii).”
Pros
- Non-toxin
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- No odor
- Paraben-free
- Sulphate-free
- Rich pigmentation
- Easy application
- Quick drying
Cons
- May cause allergies in some users
"This Modelones gel polish gives a uniformly opaque layer to my nails in just one coat. It cures quickly under UV light. It is easy to apply and stays on my nails for a long time. Sometimes, I apply it in thin layers to avoid any bubbling issues. It is a great pick for my manicures."
Pro Tip| Aimeili Base Coat & No Wipe Top Best Glossy Finish | Morovan Chameleon Gel Nail Polish Kit Best Quick-Drying | Modelones Gel Nail Polish Best Cruelty-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.76 x 2.36 x 0.79 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 2.82 Ounces | - | - |
| Color | - | Chameleon | Z-White |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,504 | 329 | - |
| Price | $7.99 | $16.99 | $6.99 |
4. Best Easy To Remove:Kanorine Chameleon Color Coat Soak-Off Gel Polish – W22
As its name suggests, this unique nail polish changes color like a chameleon when exposed to changes in temperature. The higher the environment or body temperature, the more obvious the color change will be. This gel polish is easy to apply, long-lasting, and simple to remove. It gives your nails a platinum-grade finish. It’s not prone to chipping, nicking, or smudging and can last up to 3 weeks. Made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, it has a good tenacity and a very mild smell. This UV gel polish with easy application is suitable for natural nails, UV gel nails, false nails, acrylic nails, and nail tips. Definitely worth a try!
Pros
- Easy application
- Long lasting
- Easy to remove
- Mild smell
- Non-toxic ingredients
Cons
- Might peel off in some cases
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 7,299 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
5. Best Non-Toxic:GELLEN Gel Nail Polish Kit
The GELLEN Gel Nail Polish Kit has warm and cool pastels that look natural and gorgeous, as well as nude and skin-toned nails that are perfect for everyday usage. This UV gel polish kit contains vibrant polishes that are extremely pigmented. They impart a mirror-like shine to the nails, making them suitable for different occasions. The formulas are made of environmentally safe materials that are also nourishing. This high-quality UV gel polish is powered with a nail protection system that keeps the manicure intact for 14 to 21 days. Under an LED light, it takes about a minute to dry, and 2 to 4 minutes under a UV light. This UV gel polish with quick-drying properties offers a mirror-like gloss.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Highly pigmented
- Glossy shine
- Versatile
- Safe ingredient
- Quick drying
- Less odor
Cons
- None
6. Best Chip-Resistant:Vishine Soak-Off Gel Polish
If you have dreamt of perfectly manicured nails, this might be just your answer! This UV gel nail polish kit comes with a base coat and a no-wipe glossy top coat. The base coat helps your manicure look even, smooth, and flawless and makes the gel more long-lasting, and the nails stronger. The glossy top coat seals and protects your manicure with a hard, shiny, chip-resistant finish, making it suitable for daily wear. This product causes no harm to the body or skin as it’s made of natural resins and has good tenacity. It’s compatible with all brands and this UV gel polish for natural nails is as suitable for UV gel nails as it is for artificial nails, acrylic nails, and nail tips; so get ready to put your expertise to the test!
Pros
- Fast drying
- Long lasting
- Mild smell
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- May dry up under direct sunlight
"This UV gel nail polish lasts several weeks. It is easy to apply and it spreads well over my nails. It offers a shiny finish that does not look dull, even when I do intense chores all day long. It does not leave any sticky residue on my nails. Overall, I find it great for at-home use and casual occasions."
7. Best For Summer Time:Venalisa Neon Gel Nail Polish- Neon Orange
The Venalisa Neon Gel Nail Polish is ideal for every occasion during spring and summer. It is formulated from non-toxic natural resin and other environmentally safe materials. This UV gel polish comes at an affordable price. It stays on your nails for up to 3 weeks without any chipping or nicking. Choose a base and top coat for the optimum finish, then cure it for up to 2 minutes under a UV or LED light. It has a very subtle odor and an excellent color.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Good tenacity
- Healthy ingredients
- Quick drying
Cons
- Requires several layers of application for full and wide coverage
"These gel polishes are long-lasting. I like them because they do not cause lifting or peeling for two weeks since application. Their subtly shiny finishes look great on my nails. They dry quickly and do not transfer or budge. Overall, they are great for daily manicures."
Pro Tip8. Best Lightweight Formula:Mia Secret UV Finish Gel Top Coat
The Mia Secret UV Finish Gel Top Coat extends the life of your gorgeous nails. The impeccable results of this nail treatment will appear immediately as you leave the nail salon. It is a transparent, thick-consistency gel with an ultra-shiny finish that leaves no sticky remains after you cure it with a UV or LED lamp. One thin application of this gel will last up to 21 days. The formula is lightweight and absolutely transparent. It is suitable for any type of artificial enhancement, such as gels, acrylics, or wraps. Cure it with a UV lamp for 60 seconds, and you’re ready to show off your gorgeous nails for the next few weeks.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Super clear
- Ultralight
- Fast drying
- Ideal for gel and acrylic nails
Cons
- Cannot be used on natural nails.
9. Best Glitter Finish:Veronni Explosive Diamond Nail Gel – Silver
This gorgeous, glossy, glitter effect UV gel nail polish is suitable for creating DIY gorgeous nail art at home. It can be used by both professionals and beginners. The darker the light, the brighter is the micro-diamond, hybrid colloidal starlight that shines at your fingertips. Highly pigmented, it’s easy to apply for perfect shiny nails. The gel polish requires drying under a UV light for 90 to 120 seconds or an LED lamp for 30 to 60 seconds. This iridescent UV gel nail polish is made of natural resin, has a non-toxic formula, low odor, and causes no harm to your skin and nails. With proper application, it lasts for at least 2 to 3 weeks, is color resistant, and flexible. It leaves your nails looking glamorous with a shimmery finish. Whether you’re a pro or are just diving into the glittery world, this is a must-have in any starter kit. It’s suitable for natural nails, UV gel nails, false nails, acrylic nails, and nail tips, so get ready to sparkle.
Pros
- Diamond glitter
- Reflective sparkle
- Healthy ingredients
- Easy to apply
- Long lasting
- Low smell
Cons
- Requires several layers for full coverage
"The glitter polish is long-lasting and does not cause chipping on my nails. It stays the same even after three weeks. It does not stain the skin around my nails or offers a smooth coverage. Overall, this polish has earned a spot in my nail polish collection for its beautiful glittery consistency."
10. Best Non-Smelling:Rarjsm Holographic Silver Glitter Nail Polish
The Rarjsm Holographic Polish Gel Nail Polish gives different holographic effects when you use it with different gel polish colors. This holographic gel polish is made of natural resin. This non-toxic formula is tested to be safe for the skin around the nails. It is non-smelling and highly pigmented. The holographic gel polish needs to be cured under a UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. The nail polish is easy to use, making it beginner-friendly. It also remains intact after weeks of wear.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Beginner-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Highly pigmented
- Easy application
- Good tenacity
Cons
- None
"This glitter gel polish is easy to apply. I love how shimmery its texture is. I usually apply two coats for the ideal coverage. I use it for both casual parties and dressier occasions. It cures quickly and does not stain my skin or clothes. Overall, it enhances my nails."
Now that you have been through our review of the 10 best UV gel nail polishes, let us give you a few pointers on what you should look out for while choosing one for yourself.
How To Choose UV Gel Nail Polish
- Skin tone
Depending on your skin tone, specific bright colors will help you flaunt your nails and also make them look younger. For an olive to medium skin tone, all colors work just fine except gold and rust colors. Dark burgundy, wine, blues, purples, pinks, and nudes work great. For tanned skin tones, you can wear shades like fuchsia, orange, green, and red. For lighter skin tones use reds, pastels, peach, and purple shades.
- Avoid toxic gel ingredients
There are toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate that are present in almost all nail polishes. In high doses, these ingredients can lead to brittle nails. They can also cause inflammation and disturb liver and thyroid function. Check the ingredients label on your polish bottle to avoid them and opt for nail gels that don’t contain these elements in their formula. You may also opt for dermatologist-tested polishes that are potentially safe for the skin.
- Drying time
Gel manicures contain polymers that have to be cured under a UV or LED lamp for them to become dry and hard. This curing process should not take more than 1 to 3 minutes under a UV or LED light. UV lamps cure almost any gel polishes whereas LED lamps cure only those gel nail polishes that are specifically compatible with the process of LED light curing.
- Durability
A gel nail polish should comfortably last for up to 2 to 3 weeks, and if you are very careful, they can even last you 4 weeks. Do keep that in mind while choosing one for yourself.
- Safety and convenience
It is recommended to check that gel nail polish is non-toxic, has no odor, and is environment-friendly. It should be sourced from natural resin, and be safe to use. It should also have good coverage, proper viscosity for easy application, and should ideally allow instant curing by UV or LED light. A good quality UV gel can be easily removed by acetone.
- Packaging
Gel polishes are cured by light, so it’s important that the bottles are coated to prevent them from getting affected by light.
Now that you know what to look for in a good UV gel nail polish, it’s important that you know how to use it to its best effect so that you always have dazzling nails.
“UV gel polish is popular because it lasts longer than traditional nail polish and can withstand regular wear and tear without chipping or peeling. However, it’s essential to follow the proper application and removal process to prevent damaging your natural nails,” says Simone de Vlaming, a beauty expert. Let’s check out how you can apply your gel nail polish correctly.
How To Use UV Gel Nail Polish
- Step 1- To get the best results, your nails need to be washed, scrubbed, cleaned, and dried. File your nails into the shape you want with a 180/240 grit file. Use an orangewood stick or metal cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. Buff your nails with a buffing block to remove the shine. Wipe your nails properly, making sure you get into all the corners and even under the edge, removing all the dust.
- Step 2- Apply a thin base coat and aim for an even coverage. Cap the free edge as it prevents chipping due to wear and tear. Place your hand inside the UV lamp and cure for 2 minutes, and for 1 minute with an LED light. Once the base coat is cured, it will still be sticky. Do not let anything but your gel color touch it at this point, as anything else will ruin the final finish.
- Step 3- Paint on your first layer of polish and ensure that you don’t get any polish on your skin. Try to leave a 1 mm gap between your skin and the edge of your nails. Cap the edge of your nails with the polish just like you did with the base coat. Cure in the lamp for 1 minute with an LED light and 2 minutes with a UV lamp. Repeat step 3, applying a second coat of color. The color layers will also feel sticky when cured, and this helps the layers to bond together.
- Step 4- Once the second layer of color is cured, it’s good to apply a layer of top coat. Apply over the entire nail, capping the free edge of the nail, and cure for 1 minute in an LED light and 2 minutes under a UV lamp. A top coat is important to seal and protect your nails and also gives that long-lasting shine. Make sure that you check to see that it cures without a sticky layer. Some top coats may need to be wiped off with isopropyl alcohol after curing.
Knowing how to remove a UV gel nail polish properly and efficiently is as important as knowing how to apply it, especially, when the temptation to rip, pick, or peel it off is almost universal. When you do that, you also rip off layers of the nail bed, which leaves them prone to breaking and peeling. So, here are a few tips on how to go about that task.
How To Remove UV Gel Polish
- Take a nail file and start by carefully filing away the top coat seal.
- Now comes the step that will really test your patience. Place a cotton ball soaked in acetone on each nail, and wrap the tip of your finger in foil so that the cotton ball is held in place. Let your nails soak for about 10 to 15 minutes, or even longer, if the polish doesn’t easily slide off.
- If the polish doesn’t slide off easily, grab a fresh cotton ball soaked in acetone and place it on the nail for a few more minutes. Once all the polish is off, moisturize your nail beds with oil or cuticle serum.
- There are a lot of over-the-counter gel removal options available but the frustrating part is that you can’t know how well they work till you get home. They are essentially an acetone-soaked sponge in a jar and you just need to stick your finger in the jar and twist, implying that the nail color would magically come off. This can be risky as it doesn’t always work and might involve a waste of time, energy, and money.
- You can also fill a large bowl with hot water and place a smaller bowl inside it, basically creating a double boiler. Pour an acetone nail polish remover into it, soak your nails in it for about 10 minutes and use an orange stick to push off what’s left of the polish.
Infographic: Tips To Buy The Right UV GEL Nail Polish
UV gel nail polish offers a truly classy finish to your nails. The colors are long-lasting, which means you can flaunt them for days to come without having to worry about chipping. Check out the infographic below to know a few tips on how to buy the best UV gel nail polish. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you want to be creative with your nail arts, UV gel nail polishes are the way to go! These gel nail polishes can help in achieving manicures that are long-lasting. UV gel nail paints can offer you glossy nails without the added burden of chipping or smudging. The Aimeili Base Coat & No Wipe Top offers a shiny and rock-hard finish, while the Morovan Chameleon Gel Nail Polish Kit creates a vibrant, chip-resistant nail look. For highly pigmented colors with quick-drying properties, the GELLEN Gel Nail Polish Kit is the perfect choice! These nail polishes can be applied easily and are mostly made with eco-friendly materials like purified water, pigments from minerals and natural resins. However, people with sensitive skin can avoid using the UV gel nail polishes that haven’t been tested by dermatologists. It is also better to avoid nail paints that aren’t pigmented well yet have extremely thick consistencies. You should also look out for UV gel nail paints that glide effortlessly. Read the reviews carefully and test the products on your nails to check for allergic reactions and nail discolorations before investing in a polish.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, the author, is a beauty and makeup enthusiast, who loves experimenting with new looks and trends. After carefully going through several makeup and beauty forums and websites, she has chosen nothing short of the best UV nail polishes for you. These nail paints last long, have quick-drying formulas, and are easy to remove. The author has also included the steps of applying gel nail paints and ways to make it last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UV gel nail polish bad for your nails?
Though gel nail polishes look beautiful and are long-lasting, they can be tough on your nails. Extended use can cause brittle nails, as well as peeling and cracking.
Do you need UV light for gel polish?
Whenever you buy a gel polish, make sure to read the label and see whether the polish requires a UV light or LED lamp to cure. If the polish doesn’t specifically state that it’s a non-UV polish, it will need a UV light or LED lamp.
Is UV or LED better for gel nails?
The difference between an LED and a UV nail lamp is the type of radiation that their bulbs emit. LED lamps can cure a gel nail polish faster than a UV light, but not all gel polishes can be cured by an LED lamp. Also, LED lamps tend to be longer lasting while UV lamps need their bulb to be replaced more often.
How long does UV gel nail polish last?
On an average, gel nail polish lasts upto 2 to 3 weeks, and in some cases it can even go for up to 4 weeks. This is because a gel nail polish is completely different from a regular nail polish and needs a UV or LED light to cure it and form a hard layer.
What’s the difference between UV gel polish and nail polish?
The basic difference between the two is that a UV gel polish needs a UV or LED lamp in order to dry down, whereas, a regular nail polish can dry up naturally.
Will UV gel nail polishes ruin my natural nails?
There is a possibility that gel manicures may cause your nails to become brittle. It may cause premature aging in the hand area. This is why you need to take very good care of your nails with cuticle care products and protein-enriched base coats to keep your nails healthy.
What is a soak-off UV gel nail polish?
A soak-off UV gel nail polish requires 30-60 seconds under an LED lamp to cure or 2 minutes under any other traditional UV lamp. It can be removed by soaking your nails in acetone.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) Fine Polish
https://finepolish.wordpress.com/2019/01/12/review-of-aimeili-gel-base-and-top-coat-set/
(ii) Girlienails66
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue7pZJQBRv4
Read full bio of Simone de Vlaming
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Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya
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