Top Gel Nail Polishes of 2023

• Best With LED Light: Le Mini Macaron DIY Gel Manicure Kit.
• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish.
• Best Professional: Gelish Mini Marilyn Color Collection.
• Best Kit: Beetles Gel Nail Polish Set.
• Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish.
• Best Nude Polish: Gaoy Nude Gel Nail Polish Set.

What is a gel polish manicure? A gel polish manicure is a manicure that uses a soft gel in the form of polish. The gel polish acts as an overlay on the nail that lasts for at least two weeks (but often as long as four weeks). The result is high shine nails with no chipping, peeling, or cracking.

There are six different types of gel or acrylic manicures that are most popular: soft gel, hard gel, gradient gel, vinylux, acrylic or dip powder. The gel manicure process starts with the application of a simple base coat.

A gel manicure involves a gel-based polish which needs a UV (or LED) light. This light cures the polish, making sure it adheres to your nails and setting it. This setting means that the polish can last for several weeks in pristine and shiny condition.

A perfectly manicured set of nails is every client's dream. A gel is available in two different forms, including hard gel and soft gel. Knowing your client and their manicure preferences will help you choose which gel nail type will be best for your client. Let's take a look at the different kinds of gel nail options.

Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

"Gel polishes are more flexible, so they stand up to chips; gels are cured under a LED or UV nail lamp and polishes cure in oxygen. Gels have to be removed by soaking in acetone for at least ten minutes, while polishes can be easily wiped away with nail polish remover.”

Are gel nails more durable than acrylic nails? Gel nails are generally more durable because they're more flexible and less brittle than acrylics. This means they're less likely to chip or break. Gel nails are also more resistant to everyday wear and tear, like typing on a keyboard or opening cans.

We recommend 2-3 coats, depending on the opacity you're looking for. Avoid your skin and cuticle – we can't stress enough how important this step is! Make sure you avoid your skin and cuticle when applying gel. It is not advisable to get gel on your skin, so avoid this where possible.

between 2-3 weeks Gel polish lasts between 2-3 weeks at the minimum, while regular polish is lucky to go a week without chipping. With light wear, your gel nails last at least twice as long as a normal polish, but realistically they get you four to six times a standard manicure mileage.

While gel manicures can theoretically increase the risk of developing skin cancer via UV light exposure, all the experts SELF spoke with agree that there aren't enough studies yet to definitively make a cause-and-effect connection.

about two to three weeks One of the biggest draws of gel manicures is how long they last. Depending on how well you treat your nails, a gel mani can have a lifespan of about two to three weeks. Once your nails start chipping or growing out, it's time for a fresh manicure.