When it comes to manis, there’s really nothing better than gel in my opinion! It won’t really damage your nails if you use it correctly, and the shiny, vinyl-like finish lasts for weeks!
So how do you get salon-like results from home when you can’t get into the salon? There’s a ton of gel kits out there for home use, but they’re definitely not all created equal! Some come off a little too easily, while others stay stuck on way longer than your want them to! I’ve definitely given quite a few a try, and here’s my top choices (and an honest review for each!).
Best Overall
CND Shellac Basic Kit
CND Shellac is the exact same brand used by many nail salons and there’s a good reason why! If you’re not going to have your nails done at your fave spot, this really is the next best thing.
The Pros:
– Long lasting
– Easy to remove
– Easy to apply
– Patent-leather-like finish
The Cons:
– On the pricier side, but a good investment!
Shop here…
Best Value
Beetles 12 Colors Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
This one got pretty great reviews on Amazon (4.6 out of 5 stars for over 4,000 reviews!) and is honestly great for anyone looking for an entry level kit with lots to experiment with! This set comes with nail jewels, metallic tape, nail stickers, and a bunch of tools to create glamorous at-home creations. Plus, for around $40, this set’s a steal!
The Pros:
– You get a lot of bang for your buck
– There’s a ton of style options to choose from
– It comes with virtually everything you’ll need, including tools!
– Long lasting
The Cons:
– Can be difficult to remove if you do too thick or too many coats (especially if you use the hardener!)
– The jewels and stickers need a little extra topcoat to get them to stay on
Shop here…
Best Drugstore Kit
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish Kit
This two step kit from Essie is the definition of easy, and its price tag of $15.99 is pretty affordable, too! This is perfect if you don’t want the hassle of UV-cured gel, but still want that look.
The Pros:
– Inexpensive
– Simple to use
– Quick
– Easy to remove
The Cons:
– Not as durable or long-lasting as UV-cured gel polish
Shop here…
Best Press-On Gel
Kiss imPRESS Press-On Manicure False Nails
There’s nothing easier than press and go nails, and they’re a great option for those ultra last-minute manis! Plus, it gives you the look and feel of gel nails with just about no effort. I personally like the removable, pre-glued type as opposed to ones you apply the glue to yourself because they’re easier to take off!
The Pros:
– Very inexpensive
– Quick to apply
– Easy to remove
– You get the nail art look without the struggle!
– You can change it up as often as you want
The Cons:
– They last about a week if you’re careful (less if you have your hands in water a lot)
Shop here…
Are you a gel polish lover?!
Xx Tabi
