Whether you’re juggling a busy wedding schedule, heading off on vacation, or just love the look, sometimes you need the lasting power of the best gel nail polish. “Gel polish is like your manicure’s long-lasting best friend,” says professional manicurist Iram Shelton. “Unlike regular polish that air-dries, gel cures under UV or LED light, making it incredibly durable and shiny. It’s ideal for nails that stay flawless for two to three weeks. The formula is slightly thicker than traditional polish, but the result? A glossy, salon-quality finish that won’t chip!”
### Vogue’s Top Gel Nail Polish Picks
Best for Beginners: Le Mini Macaron Gel Nail Polish, $13
Best Plant-Based: Manicurist Green Flash LED Gel Polish, $19
Best Gel-Like: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color, $20
Best Viral: Olive & June Gel Polish, $10
### FAQs
– How does gel polish differ from regular polish?
– How to apply gel polish
– How long to cure gel polish
– How to prevent bubbles in gel polish
– How to remove gel polish
While salons offer gel polish, at-home options are just as effective. A quick 30–60 seconds under a UV lamp gives you a smudge-proof, long-lasting manicure. Below, discover the best gel polishes—no air-drying required!
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### Best Plant-Based: Manucurist Green Flash LED Gel Polish
Price: $19
Why we love it: Made with 84% natural ingredients, this polish delivers shine and durability without harsh chemicals or nail damage.
Shades: 22
Wear Time: Up to 10 days
Size: 0.5 fl oz
### Best Viral: Olive & June Gel Polish
Price: $10
Why we love it: Famous for lasting up to 21 days, this HEMA-free formula is cruelty-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly.
Shades: 35
Wear Time: Up to 21 days
Size: 0.46 fl oz
### Best for Beginners: Le Mini Macaron Gel Nail Polish
Price: $13
Why we love it: A 3-in-1 formula (base, color, top coat) simplifies at-home manicures. Free from harsh chemicals and available in 100+ shades.
Shades: 100+
Wear Time: Up to 14 days
Size: 0.29 fl oz
### Best Gel-Like: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color
Price: $20
Why we love it: No lamp needed! This polish mimics gel shine with nylon and carnauba wax, plus nourishing keratin and biotin.
Shades: 69
Wear Time: Up to 14 days (with base/top coat)
Size: 0.5 fl oz
### Best Trio: Aprés Gel Couleur Trio Set
Price: $36 (originally $40)
Why we love it: Includes a classic color, base, and top coat. The self-leveling formula ensures smooth application.
Shades: 3
Wear Time: Up to 21 days
Size: 0.5 fl oz
### Best Amazon Set: Beetles Nude Pink Gel Nail Polish
(Details to follow—stay tuned!)Beetles Nude Pink Gel Nail Polish Set
$25 | $16 on Amazon
Why we love it: Beetles is a trusted gel polish brand on Amazon, offering a wide range of shades—from neutrals to jewel tones (including trendy jelly colors). Each set includes six shades at an affordable price.
– Shades: 6 per set
– Staying Power: Up to 21 days
– Size: 0.51 fl oz
Best Duo: DND Gel Polish Set
$17 on Amazon
Why we love it: DND’s gel polish duo comes in 36 shades, each with an opaque and sheer version. This makes it easy to create anything from a classic manicure to semi-sheer nails—perfect for a French manicure base.
– Shades: 36
– Staying Power: Up to 3 weeks
– Size: 0.5 oz
Best Salon Brand: Orly Gel Fx Nail Color
$14 on Amazon
Why we love it: Orly is a salon favorite, now available for at-home use. Its Gel Fx formula includes vitamins A, E, and B5 to promote nail health while delivering long-lasting shine. For best results, pair it with a gel base and top coat.
– Shades: 53
– Staying Power: Up to 21 days
– Size: 0.3 fl oz
### Everything You Need to Know
How does gel nail polish differ from regular polish?
Gel polish is cured under a UV or LED lamp, offering a high-shine, chip-resistant finish that lasts 2-3 weeks. Unlike regular polish, which air-dries, gel polish hardens completely in about 60 seconds under a lamp.
How to Apply Gel Nail Polish
1. Prep Your Nails: Remove old polish, wash hands, and push back cuticles.
2. Shape & Buff: File nails to your desired shape and lightly buff the surface for better adhesion.
3. Clean with Alcohol: Wipe nails with rubbing alcohol to remove oils.
4. Apply Base Coat: Cure under a UV lamp for 30-60 seconds.
5. Apply Color: Keep layers thin and avoid flooding cuticles. Cure again.
6. Finish with Top Coat: Cure one last time, then wipe away any sticky residue with alcohol.
How long should I cure my gel polish?
Typically 30-60 seconds per layer, but check the bottle for exact timing. If polish feels sticky or soft after curing, thin the layers or give it extra time under the lamp.
How to Avoid Bubbles in Gel Polish
– Apply thin, even layers.
– Avoid shaking the bottle—roll it instead.
– Let each layer settle before curing.No one wants air bubbles in their manicure—they ruin the smooth, glossy finish of freshly polished nails. Here’s how the experts recommend preventing bubbles in your at-home gel manicure:
Shake It Up: “Always shake your polish (base coat, color, or top coat) right side up. You can also roll it between your hands like a cocktail shaker,” says Shelton.
Apply Thin Coats: Thick layers won’t cure properly and can trap bubbles. Before applying, wipe excess polish on a tissue or the inside of the bottle neck.
Minimize Brushing: “Don’t overwork the polish. Once you’ve applied a layer, avoid brushing it repeatedly,” Shelton advises. Instead, paint gel polish in one smooth motion.
Store Polish Properly: “Avoid applying gel polish in direct sunlight—UV rays can cure it prematurely, causing bubbles and uneven application,” says Truong. Store your polishes at room temperature, away from sunlight.
### How to Remove Gel Nail Polish
Proper removal is key to keeping nails healthy. “Gently file the top coat to break the seal, then soak cotton pads in acetone, place them on nails, wrap with foil, and wait 10–15 minutes. Once softened, gently push off the gel with a cuticle pusher,” Truong explains.
“If the polish isn’t lifting easily, re-wrap for another soak,” Shelton adds. “Never force it off—this can damage nails.”
### Meet the Experts
– Iram Shelton – Luxury nail artist at Bulgari Hotel London Spa and OPI brand ambassador since 2023.
– Yoko Sakura – Celebrity manicurist in Los Angeles, working with clients like Lily Gladstone, Olivia Rodrigo, and Bad Bunny.
– Kim Truong – Celebrity nail artist with over 12 years of experience, known for clients like Chrissy Teigen, the Kardashians, and Nicki Minaj.