What are the best gel polishes? Today, gel polish is gaining momentum in women's fashion. It is a combination of two effective and most useful properties of these components. Experts created such a product after conducting a serious experiment, which resulted in a mass that can stay on the nails for a long time.
Every modern lady has tried at least once to give herself a manicure with gel polish, resulting in a stunning picture. In addition, with this tool you can either apply a single-color layer or display drawings.
In this article we will look at several of the most popular gel polishes in 2022. Which gel polish brand is better? All of them are worthy of attention, because with the help of such products every lady will be able to create a chic manicure. Moreover, the list contains varnishes that both a professional and a beginner can handle.
How not to run into a fake
To avoid unknowingly purchasing a low-quality fake, pay attention to the distinctive features inherent in original gel polishes:
1. Labels on product bottles must be stamped neatly and clearly. Curved and blurry images are a clear sign of a fake. Additional protective wrappers or stickers that make it difficult to read the basic information are also a common trick of counterfeit manufacturers.
2. Original varnishes are marked with a laser - it will be difficult to remove such an inscription. On fake packaging, information about the batch number and barcode are printed using conventional printing and are easily erased.
3. On the back of the bottle there must be a sticker with information about the manufacturer, composition and method of use. If a reverse double sticker is provided, then its parts must be connected and not simply stuck on top of one another.
4. Branded products have a light, almost imperceptible aroma. The presence of a pungent chemical odor is unacceptable and is a clear sign of a counterfeit or simply low-quality product.
5. Do not be tempted by the cheapness of the purchased product - the price tag of the original cannot be 2-3 times lower than the average market price.
Problematic distribution and low durability of manicure are not the worst consequences of buying fake gel polishes. Fake products often contain formaldehyde, lead, arsenic and heavy metals. These toxins not only destroy nails, but can provoke serious allergic reactions or cause general poisoning of the body.
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The best budget gel polishes
If you can’t buy an expensive coating, this is not a reason to switch to low-quality fakes. The best solution would be budget gel polishes with a safe composition and good characteristics.
Bluesky Elpaza Gel Polish – ideal value for money
5.0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A new product from the popular manufacturer Bluesky will go on sale in 2022. The Elpaza palette is represented by more than two hundred shades with glossy, pearlescent, duochrome finishes, as well as with the addition of sparkles. The formula is additionally enriched with vitamin E.
Each bottle contains 10 ml of product with a dense, elastic consistency, which is easily distributed with an elastic brush.
The varnish can be applied in one or two layers. The coating polymerization time in an LED lamp is 40 seconds.
Advantages:
- Rich color palette;
- Large volume;
- Coating durability up to 4 weeks;
- Fast polymerization;
- Rich color that does not require multi-layer application;
- The cost is about 100-150 rubles.
Flaws:
- Unpleasant smell.
The Elpaza series is recommended for beginners in the art of gel manicure, but also masters who work with budget materials will be satisfied with the result.
Oly Style - budget gel polishes of domestic production
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Gels produced in Russia are of excellent quality and affordable price. More than 60 pastel, bright and dark shades with a variety of finishes and textures will allow you to create a manicure that is appropriate for any situation.
The coating applies without bubbles or streaks, does not smudge, and responds well to layering. Its only drawback is less durability compared to more expensive products.
Oly Style varnishes have a thick, highly pigmented texture that creates a dense, richly colored and uniform coating. The brush is wide, so it will be convenient to work with it only on large nails.
Advantages:
- Dense texture and high pigmentation;
- Good selection of shades;
- No strong aroma;
- When applied, the varnish does not spread;
- The price is about 150 rubles for 10 ml.
Flaws:
- Manicure durability is no more than 2 weeks.
Oly Style gel polishes will appeal not only to budget-conscious young ladies, but also to those who quickly get bored of one nail color.
The best professional gel polishes
Specialized products for nail technicians allow you to create long-lasting manicures quickly and accurately. They have a self-leveling texture, and their composition does not cause negative reactions during polymerization and wear of the coating.
In'Garden X-Gel – spectacular manicure in one layer
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The new product from the Russian professional brand was released in 104 shades with a glossy effect and shimmers. The bottles are small and hold only 6 ml, and thin brushes are hidden under their caps.
In'Garden gel polishes are self-leveling and well pigmented. Thanks to this, they create a dense and uniform coating in one layer that does not spread or streak. And if you follow the correct gel manicure technology and polymerization time, it is guaranteed to last on your nails for up to 4 weeks.
Advantages:
- Rich palette of shades and textures;
- Rich pigmentation;
- Application in one layer;
- Excellent durability;
- Safe composition.
Flaws:
- The coating is difficult to remove;
- If the layer is too thick, it simply won't harden.
Despite the fact that In'Garden X-Gel belongs to the professional segment, their price is rather average.
Moon Professional - premium quality and super-resistant manicure
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
93%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
These gel polishes are made from German raw materials, have a honey texture and high pigmentation. In just one layer they form a dense coating without bald spots. The Moon Professional color palette includes 200 fashionable tones with a variety of finishes.
The products do not contain toxic components, have passed the necessary clinical studies and are safe for health.
The gels polymerize in an LED lamp for 30 seconds, and during wear they perform simply beautifully: they do not lose their color brightness, do not become chipped or cracked, and last on the nails for up to 4 weeks.
Advantages:
- Hypoallergenic composition;
- Various range of shades;
- High hiding power;
- Plastic texture, thanks to which the varnish is easily distributed;
- Excellent durability.
Flaws:
- Not on sale everywhere.
Moon Professional gel polishes are suitable for women with allergies, as well as those with fragile and weakened nails.
Nano Professional Nanlac – weightless coating
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Three-phase varnishes of the Russian professional brand have a comfortable liquid texture and high pigmentation. As a result, the coating is rich in color and at the same time thin, so it does not weigh down the nail plate at all.
If you need to get a deeper shade, the product can be easily layered without leaving bubbles or streaks. The bottles here come in 6 ml sizes and are equipped with a thin brush, which will require skill from the master.
The gel polish itself does not form a sticky layer, but has self-leveling properties and guarantees the durability of the created manicure for up to 5 weeks.
Advantages:
- Light, liquid texture;
- Possibility of application in several layers;
- Self-leveling;
- Does not require removal of the dispersion layer;
- Record durability.
Flaws:
- The price of the bottle is 545 rubles.
Nanlac is a professional gel polish in its purest form. It will be appreciated by nail professionals who are willing to spend money on quality materials for their work.
Storage recommendations
Even the highest quality and most expensive product can lose its properties due to improper storage or transportation. The following tips will help you maximize your shelf life.
- Keep vials away from sunlight. They are produced in bottles that do not allow ultraviolet rays to pass through, but this does not mean that they can be stored directly on the windowsill. Due to carelessness, the gel polish may not be closed tightly enough - just a few seconds of sun exposure are enough for lumps to appear inside. The ideal place for storage is a dark and dry cabinet with opaque doors. Gel polishes should be transported in a closed box.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature in the room where gel polishes are stored. For this reason, they should not be kept near a radiator or heat fan. The manufacturer always indicates temperature recommendations on the packaging.
- During the manicure procedure, place open bottles away from the polymerization lamp. It is better to cover them with a lid after each use.
- Gel polishes contain an unstable chemical formula that can separate under the influence of external factors. Before use, they can be lightly shaken so that the consistency becomes uniform. But you should not shake them for a long time (for example, in a car). This will lead to the formation of tiny bubbles that negatively affect the durability of the coating.
The best magnetic gel polishes
The composition of varnishes with the “cat’s eye” effect includes metallized particles that move in the gel layer under the influence of a special magnet. The result is a spectacular nail design that will always look original.
Lovely Cat Eyes – long-lasting gel polish with 3D effect
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The line of magnetic gels from the German manufacturer is presented in only 10 shades. The product has a dense texture and can be applied in 1-2 layers. Each of them hardens in an LED lamp in a minute.
If you follow the instructions, a spectacular shiny coating with a central highlight is formed on the surface of the nail, imitating the surface of a cat's eye stone.
Its durability reaches 5 weeks, without any chips or cracks. But gel polish can be removed unexpectedly easily with the help of a special liquid.
Advantages:
- Original shades;
- Brilliant finish;
- Excellent durability;
- Dense texture, rich in pigments;
- Possibility of varying the number of layers.
Flaws:
- Polymerizes longer than other varnishes;
- Poor selection of colors.
Lovely Cat Eyes allows you to create an unusual manicure even without nail art skills. At the same time, its durability is really impressive, so the purchase will be profitable.
Masura “Magnetic pearls” – silver-pearl shimmers
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
The line of Russian gel polishes went on sale quite recently - in the fall of 2022. It is presented in 6 pastel and bright shades, which contain not only metallic pollen, but also the smallest shimmer, giving a spectacular pearl finish.
The varnishes have the consistency of melting jelly, and under the influence of a magnet and a lamp they form a spectacular coating with a cool 3D glare that lasts up to 4 weeks.
Lovers of gel manicure at home will also be pleased with the miniature 3.5 ml packaging, so that the product will not have time to dry out in the bottle and will be used to the last drop.
Advantages:
- Beautiful pearlescent finish;
- Unusual colors;
- Good durability;
- Easy to use.
Flaws:
- Poor palette of shades.
If you already have a lot of open gel polishes, but you want 3D, buying tiny Masura bubbles will not hurt your pocket.
Grattol Mystery Cat – spectacular duochrome shades
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The collection from Germany includes only 5 deep dark shades – but what kind! These gel polishes combine the chameleon effect and 3D highlights.
True, for this you will first need to make a black substrate. Although the composition is characterized by a high density of pigments and good hiding power.
Grattol gels themselves have a viscous consistency and are applied in 1-3 layers. Each 9 ml bottle has a wide applicator that allows you to color your entire nail in one swipe.
Advantages:
- Convenient brush shape;
- An unusual combination of two decorative effects;
- Durability up to 4 weeks;
- Composition safe for healthy nails.
Flaws:
- Small selection of shades;
- The need to use an additional layer of substrate.
Grattol gel polishes will allow you to create beautiful and unusual nail art on a limited budget and even without any serious experience.
The best gel polishes with thermal effect
Compositions with heat-sensitive particles instantly react to temperature changes and change their color.
As a result, you will periodically become the owner of either a pastel or bright manicure, and will also often see the trendy “ombre” design on your nails.
Pole Thermo effect – for changeable natures
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
The palette of gel polishes from the Russian manufacturer is presented in 20 shades for every taste. Thanks to the average density of heat-sensitive compounds, the number of layers can be varied as desired, and the self-leveling texture will in any case provide a neat appearance to the manicure.
The polymerization time of each Pole layer in an LED lamp is 1 minute, and the durability of the finished coating reaches up to 4 weeks. Gel polish is sold in small 6 ml bottles with a wide paddle brush inside.
Advantages:
- Quite a rich palette of shades;
- High pigmentation;
- Convenient brush shape;
- Self-leveling texture;
- Decent level of durability.
Flaws:
- When applied in multiple layers, it makes the nail plate heavier.
If you quickly get tired of the same nail polish, Pole with thermal effect will delight you with changing colors for a whole month.
Lechat Perfect Match – magical transformation
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
Shellacs from the USA are presented in a richer range. The manufacturer's palette includes 42 shades, which differ from each other not only in color, but also in the type of finish. The varnish is quite liquid and moderately pigmented, which is why it has to be applied in 2-3 layers.
However, it does not weigh down the nail plate and does not leave streaks or bubbles, although it may flow under the cuticle.
The volume of Lechat Perfect bottles is unusually large - as much as 12 ml, and this reconciles with the low durability of the coating (3 weeks).
Advantages:
- Rich palette of shades and finishes;
- Thin brushes for precise application;
- Does not thicken the nail plate;
- Large bottles.
Flaws:
- A bit runny.
Perfect Match is more suitable for professionals. This is supported not only by the volume of bubbles, but also by the fluid consistency, which you need to be able to work with carefully.
The best gel polishes with fillers
Using gels with fillers, you can make yourself an elegant and effective nail art without wasting time manipulating mica, kamifibuki and other decor.
NeoNail Think Blink – pastel colors in a flickering sparkle
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
96%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A collection of 5 sparkling pastel shades will help you quickly get an elegant and at the same time delicate manicure. These gel polishes have a medium-density texture that spreads easily over the nails, but does not flow under the cuticle.
All compositions are well pigmented and rich in lots of tiny sparkles. The bright coating does not thicken the nail plate and quickly polymerizes in the lamp. The manicure with Think Blink is long-lasting and, if necessary, can be easily removed using a remover.
Advantages:
- Elastic texture, easy to apply;
- Universal pastel range of colors;
- The coating under the lamp does not deform or spread;
- Easy to remove despite the shimmer present.
Flaws:
- There are no bright or dark shades in the palette.
A manicure with NeoNail Think Blink gel polishes looks very advantageous on the hands of tanned beauties. However, these shades are also suitable for special occasions - they look elegant and at the same time very elegant.
Runail Lurex – sparkling jelly
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
18 luxurious shades, rich and vibrant, literally shimmer with flakes of glitter, creating a foil effect on the nails. The entire Runail Lurex line has a thick jelly-like consistency, so it is packaged in 5 ml jars with a wide neck.
This texture guarantees the creation of a dense coating in one layer and eliminates the spreading of uncured gel polish. Viscous compositions also perform well in artistic painting.
Advantages:
- Dense texture - one layer is enough;
- Deep, rich shades;
- Does not spread;
- Gorgeous shine in any light;
- No foreign odors.
Flaws:
- No brush included.
Lurex gel polishes are intended for professionals, since they still need to get used to working with such viscous compounds. But if you have enough experience, creating a bright manicure with spectacular sparkles will not be difficult.
Yumi Plush Effect – cashmere veil for nails
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
The original “plush” collection in 12 calm shades consists of very unusual shellacs, where the smallest colored fibers are used as a filler. Even without a lot of pigment, they will provide a dense, opaque coating, adding texture to it.
Yumi gel polishes themselves do not spread and can be applied in one layer. Under the lamp they polymerize within 30-60 seconds, and when worn they show good durability for up to 3 weeks (taking into account the softness of the filler).
Advantages:
- Wide variety of pastel shades;
- Well-balanced texture – easy to apply, but not too runny;
- Unusual textured finish;
- High pigmentation;
- Cost – 180 rubles per 4 ml bottle.
Flaws:
- Lack of bright and dark colors.
The Plush Effect line will appeal to lovers of extravagant nail designs, and this cozy coating can also be used for winter manicure.
Composition and smell
Modern products delight with a harmless composition. If you are prone to allergic reactions, give preference to hypoallergenic formulations. Do not buy suspiciously cheap gel polishes and products from unknown manufacturers - they may contain toxic substances and harm your health.
For many, smell is of great importance - harsh and chemical fragrances can cause headaches. Recently, brands have been releasing products that smell neutral and will not cause discomfort while working with them.
The best stained glass gel polishes
These compounds form a translucent colored coating with a luxurious glass gloss. It partially transmits light and creates additional depth.
Such products can be used either independently or in combination with other shades and textures, enhancing the effect of stained glass and even changing the original color of the manicure.
By the way, you can make stained glass varnish yourself by mixing a couple of drops of the base coat with the selected shade of glossy gel polish. But it’s better, of course, to take ready-to-use shellac.
Lady Ann Stained glass – always the perfect result
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
The Lady Ann stained glass range of 16 luxurious shades includes pastel, bright and dark colors. All gels have a liquid texture of medium pigmentation, are evenly distributed over the plate, but at the same time hide unevenness on the surface of the nail.
These products also have other advantages. Firstly, the shellac formula is hypoallergenic and additionally enriched with an antifungal complex.
Secondly, the varnish is single-phase, that is, it does not require the mandatory use of a base and top coat. Well, it polymerizes in a lamp without any problems and is just as easy to remove when you get tired of it.
Advantages:
- Quite a varied palette;
- You can safely experiment with the number of layers;
- Does not harm nails;
- Easy to remove;
- The price of a 10 ml bottle is only 270 rubles.
Flaws:
- It is runny and can flow under the cuticle.
Stained glass windows from Lady Ann are not just beautiful in themselves. They can be freely used by allergy sufferers, as well as those with weakened and thin nails.
Haruyama “Camellia” – liquid crystal effect
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
The Camellia collection includes a variety of subtle shades to create a sophisticated translucent finish.
The products have a traditionally liquid consistency, so they are applied in a thin layer without weighing down the nail plate.
The glossy finish without a sticky layer is surprisingly durable and does not fade over time. The gel polishes themselves have a hypoallergenic formula, are of high quality and affordable.
Advantages:
- Large selection of shades;
- Thin and uniform coverage without weighing down;
- Hypoallergenic composition;
- No smell;
- Low price: about 250 rubles for 8 ml.
Flaws:
- Requires careful application.
“Camellia” will appeal to romantic people who prefer a gentle manicure in calm tones.
Lamp selection
A lamp for drying gel polish is an indispensable thing, without which you won’t be able to do a manicure. Beginners are wondering which lamp to choose for gel polish. UV and LED lamps are popular for home use.
UV lamp
The UV lamp has been known since the days of extensions. Modern models are equipped with a timer, fan, and touch switch. The power of the device is 9, 18, 36 and 54 W. The polymerization time of the varnish depends on the power. The price of the device starts from 800 rubles. There are models that allow you to dry both hands at once. Their cost is higher and they are used mainly in salons. In terms of hygiene, it is better to choose a lamp with a retractable bottom that can be cleaned periodically.
LED lamps have recently entered the market. They differ in the quality and speed of drying the varnish, and consume little electricity. Lamp service life is from 30,000 hours. The cost of the device starts from 2500 rubles, you can find Chinese analogues cheaper. Unlike UV devices, an LED lamp does not require regular replacement of bulbs and does not affect the health of nails and hand skin. Beginners do not need to buy it, and if you plan to improve your skills and receive clients, an LED lamp will come in handy.
Light emitting diode (LED)
The best single-phase gel polishes
Single-phase products do not require the use of a base and finish, due to which they place less stress on the nail plate.
In addition, there is no sticky layer left on them, which significantly saves time spent on manicure. True, its wearability is low and usually lasts no more than 2 weeks.
Yumi Professional 3-in-1 – light varnish with dense pigment
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
Color, base and top in one bottle - what you need when time is limited! The medium-thick texture lays on the nails in a rich, uniform, but fairly thin layer, and does not leave bald spots or bubbles.
The Yumi Professional palette includes 30 fashionable shades in calm, neon and dark tones. It also contains products with a glossy finish and shimmer.
The polymerization time of gel polish under the lamp ranges from 30 to 60 seconds. The brushes in the bottles are wide, spatula-shaped, so each nail can be completely painted in 1-2 strokes.
Advantages:
- Rich palette of colors and textures;
- Dense consistency, eliminating unpainting;
- Does not thicken the nail;
- Comfortable brushes;
- Large bottles (12 ml) for only 250 rubles.
Flaws:
- Low durability;
- Negative effects on nails when used regularly without a base.
Yumi Professional is suitable only for those with healthy and strong nails. But even they should not use such gel polishes regularly. Let this be a lifesaver in case of emergency.
Solomeya One Step Gel – one step to a flawless manicure
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
Single-phase gel polishes from the UK are available in 40 very diverse shades. These include pastel, dark and bright colors, as well as products with gloss and glitter.
The consistency of these compositions is a little denser, and their pigmentation is rich. Therefore, even one layer of gel polish will provide dense coverage.
As a result, the time spent on gel manicure will be the same as when using regular polish - only this beauty will last on your nails for 2 whole weeks.
The only drawback of this approach is emphasizing the unevenness of the nail plate. But this can also be avoided if you first apply a thin layer of acid-free primer.
Advantages:
- Variety of shades and textures;
- Ergonomic wide brush;
- Excellent pigmentation;
- No pungent odor.
Flaws:
- Application in one layer does not mask the relief of the plate.
Solomeya One Step is suitable for owners of healthy and smooth nails who have to do an urgent manicure without having enough time and patience to apply several layers.
Secrets of long-lasting manicure
An ideal manicure is high-quality work, that is, without smudges, a coating carefully applied to the nail plate that will last at least 14 days. To do this, it is important to follow the technological process.
- We wash and dry our hands.
- Carefully push back and remove the cuticle. If you are working with a machine, then turn on low speed and work smoothly so as not to hurt your hands.
- Give each nail the same shape and length.
- We add a slight roughness with a buff. You need to drive with minimal pressure and without changing the direction of movement. Don't stay in one place more than once. The procedure allows you to remove irregularities from the surface.
- Remove dust with a brush and degrease the plate with a lint-free cloth. To do this, you can use special products or alcohol.
- After this, apply a thin layer of base and dry for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the manufacturer and the power of the lamp itself.
- The color coating is applied in thin layers and the edge of the nail must be sealed before each audition.
- The top coat or final coat is also applied in a thin layer and sealed. If it has a sticky effect, remove it with nail polish remover.
Expert opinion
Antonina Sidorova
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For greater stability, it is better to apply the primer as the first layer, and after drying it, apply the base.
In the video instructions you can learn in detail about the technique of performing manicure with gel polish:
