Whether it’s pretty pastels or dramatic dark, it’s not only about color – gel is all the rage, and this practical guide will help you find your perfect finish
Every girl dreams of having a stunning stylish manicure, whether you prefer your tips rounded, oval or square, natural or acrylic they’re always perfectly finished with nail polish.
Gel nail polishes have revolutionized nail styles, with strong, smooth finishes that outlast the ordinary. From clear to pastels, to bright glitters and metallics – even black, you’re spoilt for choice.
But there’s more to the decision-making than how pretty it will look. Women around the world are looking at practicalities. How long will it last? Will it survive dishwashing, sanitizing, or even working on car engines? 🙂
While wanting the manicure to last as long as possible, there is also the consideration of how difficult and/or expensive will it be to remove. Ladies are looking for the ideal gel – one that dries quickly, lasts long and can be removed without the casual visit to the salon.
Does the perfect gel polish exist?
I’m not sure whether such a wonder has been invented yet, but I took a look at 5 best gel polishes that came close, and here are the results, to help you identify the one that works best for your lifestyle and budget.
Joytii Gel Nail Polish Review
What you get:
- Base coat
- 20 Colors
- Matte to coat
- Gloss top coat
While the Joytii Gel Nail Polish doesn’t have the most reviews (936 compared to Beetles 2364) it does have the highest average review at 4.6. The variety of colors is extensive, with a black, a white, 4 pastels, 1 nude, 5 dark, 6 brights, and 2 glitters. This is a very versatile set, including the choice between matte and gloss for your top coat. It would suit you if you have a cute wardrobe and enjoy changing your nail color according to mood, outfit, or occasion. At least I do… silly me. 🙂
Features
Each bottle is 7.5ml or 0.25 fl ounces and boasts a wider than a standard brush for easy application with less chance of streaking. It is advertised as non-toxic and environmentally friendly which is a real plus for the eco-conscious shopper.
👍 Pros:
- Wide variety of colors
- Environmentally friendly
- Bigger bottles give lots of you value for the money
👎 Cons:
- You still need to purchase a UV light separately
- The soak-off remover also needs to be purchased separately
- Only 2 glitter colors
Joytii Gel Nail Polish Q&A
Do I need UV light to dry?
Yes, in order to have it finish hard and last long, a UV light is essential.
Can the top and base coats be used with other nail polishes?
Yes. They can be used with any nail polish, but beware, the top coat is made to last, so needs proper soaking in order to remove it.
Does it damage your nails?
Because gel nail polish is made to last and be chip-free, all brands are strong formulas and can damage your nails. The important thing to remember is to use a base coat, use the right soak to remove it, and wash and moisturize your hands and nails after removing.
Summing Up
A popular brand with a good variety, Joytii is a great choice for ladies who are experimental and versatile. Like you!
Modelones Gel Nail Polish Review
What you get:
- 6 Colors
- Beautiful gift packaging
Modelones is for the sophisticated woman who knows what she wants. The colors are nude/naturals with a white, 2 nudes, and 2 glitters (champagne and silver). The unique gift packaging makes it a lovely gift, and the bottles at 10 ml or .34 fluid ounces means that this set is better value for money than it first appears.
It is advertised as staying in good condition on your nails for 2 weeks without chipping if applied correctly. It is also highly pigmented which results in only 1 coat being necessary as opposed to other brands that require 2 to 3 coats – great for the woman on the move.
Features
Beautifully packaged, both in the bottle style and the gift packaging all of which is color co-ordinated, this nail polish would make a stylish gift. It is also cost-effective and quick because of the single layer only.
👍 Pros:
- Beautifully packaged
- Bigger bottles
- Smooth finish
👎 Cons:
- You will need to purchase a UV LED lamp and gel nail polish remover if you don’t already own them.
Here you can find a good nail polish that can cure without UV light.
Modelones Gel Nail Polish Q&A
Are the bottles glass or plastic?
The bottles are made from glass.
How long does it last?
At least two weeks without chipping, some reviewers even claim that it lasts until you remove it yourself!
Last thoughts
This appears to be a good quality gel nail polish. Not the cheapest, but classy packaging, and a unique gift box. Not the widest variety of colors, this is for the woman who knows what she wants and stands out as chic and naturally beautiful.
Beetles Neon Gel Polish Starter Kit Review
What you get:
- 20 Colors
- Base coat
- Matte top coat
- Gloss top coat
Beetles Neon Gel Polish Starter Kit is a great selection of summer and spring colors. The base and top coats come in 7.5ml bottles (0.25 fl oz) The nail polish bottles are minis, 5ml’s or 0.17 fluid ounces each, but you do get 20 colors. 8 pastels in soft ice cream shades, and 8 brights, some of them seriously neon – check out the lime and the yellow! Then there are the glitters, these are bright shimmering multicolor glitters. This trendy range will appeal to the young and the young at heart!
Packed in a brightly colored gift box it would make a fun gift for a teen or young adult. As all the other gels reviewed they do need to be cured under a UV lamp for 1 to 2 minutes.
Features
Bright funky packaging, this set of pastels, brights, and glitters is all about the exuberance of youth and summer. Nice to have the choice of matte or gloss top coat, and of course a base coat to ensure longevity.
👍 Pros:
- A wide variety of summer and spring colors
- Both matte and gloss top coats
- Base coat
👎 Cons:
- Color bottles are small (5ml / 0.17 fl oz)
- You will need to purchase a UV light and Gel nail polish remover if you don’t already own them.
Beetles Neon Gel Polish Q&A
All the bottles are the same color, how do I know which is which?
There is a code on each bottle, check this against the picture on the packaging and then select the corresponding code.
What is the shelf life?
The shelf life for each bottle is 12 months from date of opening.
Does this product need to be cured with a UV lamp?
Yes, all gel nail polish should be cured with a UV lamp in order to set hard and dry properly.
Summing up
Really vibrant and trendy with a wide selection of summery and spring colors, this is ideal for the young and the fashion conscious. A great summer gift with its fun packaging too.
👉 Need a nail hardener? Check my reviews here.
Beetles Gel Polish Manicure Essentials Starter Kit Review
What you get:
- 6 Colors
- 48-Watt UV lamp
- No wipe top coats matte and gloss
- Cuticle oil
- Nail file
- Nail buffer
- Manicure nail brush
- Pedicure nail brush
- Cuticle fork
- Cuticle pusher
- Nail clippers
- Finger/toe separators
While the most expensive product to review in this article, this kit contains almost everything you need to start out with professional manicures at home. It is the only one that comes with a UV lamp.
The only extra left to buy is the gel nail polish remover. The 6 colors are all beautiful pastels in shades of pink and mauve; 2 of them are glitters.
Features
This is a complete kit, maybe the best gel nail polish on Amazon, with manicure tools, base coats, colors, and top coats. Low odor and free of toxins. The colors, like the top and base coats, are all full-size 7.5ml (0.25 fl oz)
👍 Pros:
- An all-in-one kit, including UV lamp
- Both matte and gloss top coats
- Base coat
- 7,5 ml bottles (0.25 fl oz)
👎 Cons:
- You should consider buying a remover too
Beetles Gel Polish Manicure Essentials Starter Kit Q&A
What is the shelf life?
The shelf life for each bottle is 12 months.
Does this product come with a UV lamp?
Yes! Plus, everything else you need to cut, file buff and create the perfect manicure.
Summing up
The color range is small, but it is a complete kit. Everything you need to give yourself a professional manicure or pedicure in the comfort of your own home. I would suggest that you purchase a polish remover as well though – you never know, you could need it on the first application.
👉 Check my list of nail buffers here if you need one!
Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit Review
What you get:
- 16 Colors
- Base coat
- Top coat
Gellen Gel Polish Kit has 16 colors in nudes in a range of pink and grey tones. It includes solids, sparkles, and glitters. This is the widest range of nudes and naturals, perfect for the woman who makes a subtle statement of style.
It comes in a pretty pastel box, making for a lovely, feminine gift.
Features
A wide range of soft colors, with the addition of sparkles and glitters for evening. The base and top coat come in generous 10 ml bottles (0.33 fl oz) and the colors in 6ml (0.21 fl oz).
👍 Pros:
- A wide variety of nude colors, plus sparkles and glitters
- Top coat
- Base coat
👎 Cons:
- No choice between matte or gloss for the top coat
Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit Q&A
Are the colors opaque?
Yes, and good quality too, so you don’t need more than 2 coats
Can these polishes be used on acrylic nails?
Yes, but don’t forget you will need a UV lamp.
Conclusion
This is a popular and wide range of nude colors, especially suited to autumn and winter. Environmentally friendly and non-toxic polishes will appeal to the eco-conscious shopper.
Final thoughts on gel nail polishes
Wow! So many options. If this is your first foray into home gel manicures and pedicures, the Beetles Manicure Essentials are a good option, as it includes everything you need (other than gel nail polish remover).
If you already have the basics, then the options are wide open, your choice will depend largely on your color choices – are you bright, bold and beautiful, or do you love understated chic?
Whatever your choice, one thing I’m convinced of – there’s something for everyone!