What’s In A Gel Nail Polish Kit?
The best gel nail kits with LED lights come with an entire DIY set of gel nail colors (both base and topcoats), a curing lamp, manicure tools, and other fun accessories to glam up your nails. The best gel nail polish kit adds color, preps your nails, and keeps them safe from any potential damage. After cleaning and hydrating your nails, you can apply a base coat, a couple of coats of polish, and finish it off with a top coat from the kit. You may wonder how this is any different from using regular polish, and it’s relatively simple. You have to cure every layer of polish under a UV lamp for about a minute to give you a gel-like finish that lasts up to 3 weeks. Some kits may only come with 1-2 coats, and while this may save you a lot of time, it might not last as long.
11 Best Gel Nail Polish Kits For A Professional Manicure At Home
1. Best Long-Lasting:Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit
Complete with a UV light LED nail dryer, the Beetles Gel Nail Polish set comes with 6 nude pink and gray colors that allow you to customize your nails. Not only are these colors free from up to 9 harmful chemicals, they also have a high-gloss and low-odor formula. The bottomless high-power lamp is easily portable and convenient to use whenever you want to. You can even use the light 48W LED dryer to cure your gel nails immediately after color application. The kit also contains 9 pieces of nail art designs and manicure tools, including a filer, buffer, and clipper so that you can get a perfectly shaped gel manicure from the comfort of your home. The 3 bottles of base gel will give you a shiny matte topcoat to perfectly complete your look. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product. Pros
Easy application process Pigmented nail polishes have a 9-free formula Long-lasting for up to 21 days Allows you customized nail art designs
Cons
The nail polish is not hypoallergenic
2. Best Smudge-Proof:Vishine LED And UV Nail Gel Kit
This gel polish starter kit from Vishine comes with a top coat and base gel set with 6 attractive colors to choose from. Pamper your fingers and toes using this efficient nail set that also contains a 36 W Sun9C Plus quick-curing LED lamp that dries your nails quickly. Ideal for beginners, this kit has 23 manicure tools including a nail buffer, file, and cleaning tools along with gel polish, which will give you a low-odor mirror-shine gel finish that lasts up to 21 days. Get crafty salon-like gel nails for every occasion from the comfort of your home. This video will help you understand the product better. Pros
Dual-use for finger and toenails Easy to use Smudge-proof and chip-resistant quality Lasting glossy color for up to 3 weeks Nail color made from non-toxic natural resin Includes 23 nail tools
Cons
Your nails may need more than a single coat for a non-transparent shine.
3. Best Non-Toxic:ModelOnes Gel Nail Polish Kit
If you’re looking for shine that lasts for up to 2 weeks, the ModelOnes Gel Nail Polish Kit is just for you. With a powerful high-quality 48 W UV LED nail lamp that has a simple and durable design, you can cure your nails using this button-free smart auto-sensing infrared technology. This kit also comes with a nail primer and a set of upgraded manicure tools that will give your nails a professional salon-like finish right from the comfort of your home. The gel nail polish is made from non-toxic natural resin and has a low-odor feature that ensures that your nails stay healthy as you color them. You can also spruce up your nails with flames stickers and nail art rhinestones included in the kit. Check out the detailed review of the product in this video. Pros
Smooth and pigmented color Easy to apply Lasts up to 2 weeks Healthy ingredients UV LED nail lamp that cures nails in less than a minute.
Cons
Some may find the scent of the base coat to be overpowering.
4. Best Durable:Aibrit Gel Nail Polish Set
The Aibrit Gel Nail Polish Set will give you a set of professional and economic nails with its extensive palette of 20 shades to choose from. You can create nail art that lasts up to 3 weeks and even choose between a glossy or matte top coat to finish your look. The low-smell, toxic-free nail gels are made from natural resin that is safe for your nails, so you can stay worry-free as you change between colors. With this DIY gel nail kit, you can rely on the smooth brush to give you the application and finish looking for durable and flawless coverage. Pros
Safe and low-odor nail color Made from natural resin Long-lasting Easy application that is ideal for beginners Contains a combination set of glitter and pure color gel nail polish
Cons
Does not come with manicure tools or an LED curing lamp
5. Best For Beginners:Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polish Manicure Starter Kit
You can get up to 10 gel manicures with the Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polish Manicure Starter Kit. Get chip-resistant gel nail color with a mirror shine that you can flaunt for 2 weeks. This gel starter kit gives you economical results with salon-tested tools and equipment. Let your nails feel loved and protected as you indulge them in these safe and non-toxic gel nails. The Sally Hansen gel kit comes with an LED lamp to cure your manicure to a solid and high-gloss finish in no time. For an easy gel manicure at home, trust that this kit will have your back as it comes with a gel base coat, a nail color, a topcoat, cleanser pads, acetone remover, and cuticle tools to give you an entirely professional experience. Pros
Easy removal 10 manicures that last for 2 weeks Salon-tested Offers high gloss finish
Cons
It may take a while for your nails to dry completely.
6. Best Value For Money:Gellen Gel Nail Starter Kit
If you love nail art, the extensive Gellen Gel Nail Starter Kit will leave you enraptured. With 6 stylish nude shades to choose from, along with essential tools, this makes getting a salon-like finish seem easy and affordable. Packed with manicure tools like a buffer, filer, and trimmer, as well as cuticle tools and care essentials, this kit is a complete grab. But that’s not all! This kit also includes a 24W UV LED nail lamp with a display screen and 3 timer settings that can be used to cure all kinds of gel nails. Get low-odor and healthy color options for your cuticles with this kit that lets you easily apply gel nails and lasts for up to 3 weeks long. Pros
Durable and easy to use Ideal for professionals and beginners alike Comes with a 24 W curing lamp Long-lasting gel nails Gel nails are non-toxic and made of healthy ingredients Low-odor
Cons
You may find that the gel nails are slightly sticky even after curing.
7. Best Portable:Candy Lover Gel Nail Polish Kit
A super convenient option for beginners and professionals alike, the Candy Lover Gel Nail Polish Kit will help you achieve customized gel nail art. Inclusive of a storage box that enables portability, this kit comes with 12 pastel colors, a base and top coat, hand masks, and essential nail art tools to ensure that you have a complete manicure experience, wherever you are. The 36 W LED lamp has a display screen and automatic timing controls to help you dry your gel nail polish right after applying them. The environmentally-friendly gel nails contain non-toxic ingredients that give you a lasting color for as long as 3 weeks. Pros
Low-odor gel nail polish Nail color made from natural resin Easy-to-use curing lamp Comes with a storage box for portability 12 pastel shades to create customizable designs
Cons
It may take awhile for these gel paints to dry completely
8. Best For All Nail Types:AbGel Nail Polish Starter Kit
The AbGel Nail Polish Starter Kit lets you define your nails with a range of 8 colors to choose from. Packed with everything you need for a professional nail salon experience, this starter set contains both gloss and matte top coats, along with tools to help you shape your nails and keep them clean and healthy. The UV LED lamp that accompanies this kit uses optimized UV rays to protect your eyes and skin while your nails dry completely. Get high-quality, lasting results for your nails and show them off for at least 2 weeks! Pros
Suitable for all nail types Easy to apply nail gels 8 colors to choose from Comes with a UV lamp for curing Lasting gel nails for 14 days
Cons
The nail polish may not entirely be chip-resistant
9. Best All-In-One:Born Pretty Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
Formulated with mineral pigments, purified water, and natural resin, the gel polish set from Born Pretty is a steal. They provide 2-3 weeks of non-toxic, long-lasting color and a glossy shine and can be customized using the smooth brush for the exact coverage your nails need. This starter gel nail polish kit with a UV light can be used for curing your gel nails, and the manicure tools will help you maintain clean, healthy, and well-shaped nails. The all-in-one kit also includes manicure tools like a nail clipper, buffer, and alcohol pads for easy cleaning which allows for multi-colored applications. Pros
Non-toxic colors Lasting shine Comes with a UV LED curing lamp Quick and painless drying Easy removal process
Cons
The nail drill may be slightly difficult to operate.
10. Best Highly Pigmented:Syntus Gel Nail Polish
Have salon-like experience with the Syntus Gel Nail Polish. The kit includes 22 gel polish, 3 base coats, a glossy, and a matte topcoat. The colors include macaron, pink, and glittering colors. It is made of healthy natural resin, a non-toxic ingredient, and offers a low odor. This polish is highly pigmented and offers a glossy finish. Pros
Long-lasting Easy to apply Wide color selection
Cons
Peels off easily
11. Best Customizable:Red Carpet Manicure Pro Gel Polish Kit
Get a complete professional at-home manicure with the Red Carpet Manicure Pro Gel Polish Kit that comes with a light pink LED curing light, along with colors and accessories for a customizable set of nails. Designed to offer you a manicure that lasts up to 3 weeks of long-wear and shine, this kit uses a patented technology for easy soak off. You can prep your nails using the max adhesion prep kit and then revitalize your nails using the nourishing cuticle oil. Finish your look with a base coat gel and seal it with the top coat for a glamorous look to make you feel great. This gel nail polish kit also comes with a post-application cleanser and remover to help you easily get rid of the color whenever you feel like it. Pros
Lasting color for up to 3 weeks Patented technology for easy soak off Comes with a prep kit Easy to remove
Cons
You may find that the gel nail polish peels off easily.
How To Choose The Best Gel Nail Polish Kit
UV-LED lamp
Most gel nail polish kits come with a UV-LED curing lamp to help the gel nails dry faster. When you buy a kit, make sure it comes with the lamp, as buying it separately might be a hassle. Professional quality UV-LED lamps use 12 W and above and also have timer settings that allow you to control the duration of less than a minute, as well as an infrared sensor that is safe for both your eyes and skin. For a painless drying process, these LED lamps are an essential part of gel manicures, so you wouldn’t want to miss out on them. Different lamps come in various sizes, so make sure that you opt for one that is lightweight and portable. They also vary in terms of how much they accommodate, so you may want to choose one that lets you dry both your hands at the same time.
Ease of usage
When looking for a suitable gel nail polish kit, make sure that the products described are easy to use. You don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to use a LED lamp or even longer waiting for the gel nails to dry. The best gel polish kits come with a manual to not be confused with what tools to use and how to use them.
Ingredients
Choose a gel nail polish that contains ingredients that will not harm your cuticles in any way. Look for non-toxic nail polishes that do not contain carcinogens like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, as they are responsible for long-term nail damages. Instead, look for odorless nail polish and ones that have natural resin instead.
Colors and lasting strength
Gel nail polishes can come in various colors and sizes, so look for what suits you best. Choose brighter colors with a glossy finish for regular wear or a matte finish for a more professional look. Opt for glitter or additional nail art designs for special occasions.
Removal process
It’s possible that removing a gel manicure will cause more harm than you thought. To keep your gel nails solid and safe, you must file and soak them properly. These kits, in theory, make it simple to do just that. When it’s time to remove the gel polish, use the buffer, remover, foil wraps, and other necessities, as well as other tools. You can start by filing the top of the nail until a white, chalky color appears. After that, soak your nails for 7 to 10 minutes in pure acetone and scrape off any polish with a cuticle pusher. Bear in mind that you may need to re-soak your nails multiple times to get the gel nail polish off completely.
How To Use A Gel Nail Kit At Home
Get started with your gel nail manicure by making sure to use a good nail polish remover to erase any traces of your previous nail paint as a beginning step to getting the best at-home gel manicure.
Next, take out your gel nail polish kit, which contains a base coat, gel polish, topcoat, and UV or LED curing light. The best DIY gel nail kits also provide simple grooming tools, including clippers and embellishments, for a more glamorous look.
Start with clean, washed hands, and wipe your nails gently with an alcohol pad to remove any natural cuticle oils. Prep your nails by filing them to a uniform shape, and push back your cuticles using the right manicure tools. Next, you can buff your nail bed for a smooth foundation that is ready for gel polish.
Every good gel nail polish deserves a coat of primer to get the nail surface ready.
Then it’s time for the base coat. Depending on the brand, the base coat should be cured for 30 to 60 seconds, but it’s best to follow the directions for the specific items you’re using. Most kits come with instruction manuals to guide you through the process.
Finish with one coat of the top coat and 2 coats of gel paint, curing in between every coat. If you find that a sticky residue remains after the top coat has dried, you can gently wipe it away with another alcohol pad. To stop the gel colors from appearing clumpy, add them in thin layers, and make sure they are cured well.
After your top coat has dried, you can add an extra pampering measure with a nourishing cuticle oil and hand cream for smoother hands.
Are At-Home Gel Nail Kits Safe?
Using a professional gel nail kit is safe. They are tools that allow you to spare a visit to the salon to get beautiful nails. The removal procedure, however, is not always the healthiest for your nails. Be sure not to peel off the gel polish, as this can cause layers of the nail plate to peel away with it, potentially damaging the nail in the long term. Let’s face it, the classic polish look may fade and can get boring over time. What you need is a manicure that is flawless and, more importantly, lasts longer. These easy-to-use gel nail sets save you money and time, as well as ensure that your nails look fantastic for at least 2 weeks. You can build a glamorous and customized set of nails at home with these must-have kits and perfect your skills over time. With the right base and top coats, you can design your nails however you want to. What are you waiting for? Get your hands on the best gel nail polish kits for perfectly manicured nails! What tools are needed to do gel nails at home? Here are some tools needed for at-home gel nails. • LED lamp/UV lamp • Glass/crystal files • Cuticle oil/cream • Stainless steel filers • Rubbing alcohol • Nail buffer • Base and top coat How long does it take to cure gel polish? It takes 60 seconds to cure gel nail polish when kept under an LED or UV lamp. Finish the look with a no-wipe topcoat. If applied with a wipe topcoat, remove the top layer with rubbing alcohol. How long does gel polish last? Gel polish needs UV or LED light to form a hard crust. On average, gel nails last two to three weeks. What happens if you leave gel nails on too long? Holding a gel manicure for more than three weeks damages nail beds and cuticles, leading to weak and brittle nails. How do you maintain gel nails? The best method to maintain gel nails is to rehydrate them. Between applications, moisturize the nails and cuticles with petroleum jelly several times a day. Why do my gel nails peel off after one day? If your nails are not dry enough and contain too much oil, the gel nails peel off quickly. Also, water will expand your nails. Applying polish on moisturized nails will chip and peel sooner. Therefore, professionals apply alcohol to the nails before applying the gel polish.
