The Best Gel Nail Kits

Best Choice

Portable kit for travel

This is a gel nails starter kit consisting of four colors, including a basecoat and a topcoat. Also included are a dryer lamp and manicure tools.

Best Choice

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Pros:
The portability of this kit is one of its top advantages, as it’s ideal for traveling manicurists. Included are tools to prep the nails, such as a nail file, nail clippers, and a nail brush. The result allows for a thorough manicure rather than just applying the gel coat. Another handy inclusion is the nail wraps to remove the gel, as normally you have to purchase separate products for this stage. The UV lamp has a USB outlet for easy charging on the go.

Cons:
Some of the nail tools are difficult to disinfect, so it is better for use on yourself rather than professional use, unless you buy additional tools. Though this is only a minor niggle, as the set is excellent overall.

Best For Beginners

Easy to use and very stable

For those new to applying their own gel nails, the Vishine gel nail polish starter kit is an ideal purchase for learning how to master the craft.

Best For Beginners

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Pros:
The kit contains thirty-two pieces that cover everything you need to complete and remove your gel nails. Included are six neutral nail colors that are a practical choice for everyday wear. The finish offers a mirror-like shine with a maximum twenty-one days of wear. The nail files are of different grit strengths, which can be used to mattify the surface of the nail so that the gel adheres properly and shape your gel nail once cured.

Cons:
Not all the color choices are going to work well on different skin tones, so it could be the case that a couple of the shades aren’t suitable. An example is the brown, which may not work on paler skin.

Best Portable

12-piece nail polish color set

The Beetles Gel Polish Nail Polish Kit offers a soak-off UV LED nail polish set that includes a total of 12 different color options to choose from.

Best Portable

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Pros:
This is a large kit that comes with 12 different color options that the customer is able to experiment with, ensuring they are able to achieve unique styles when applying polish to their nails. This is also a gel-based nail polish, which provides a better texture. A UV LED lamp can be used with the nail polish that is included in the kit.

Cons:
The price of the kit may be considered somewhat expensive for some of the people who are interested in buying a nail polish kit. The color variety is also somewhat limited. A larger color variety would have been useful. The customer also needs a UV LED nail lamp to effectively use the nail polish that is included with this kit. This would add an additional expense if the customer does not already own such a nail lamp.

For All Kinds Of Nails

Powerful 36W UV LED nail lamp

Want to get creative with your nails? The Modelones Gel Nail Polish Kit contains seven polishes and a variety of decorative finishes so you can do just that.

For All Kinds Of Nails

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Pros:
A total of eleven polishes are in the set, which includes seven varied shades, a primer, basecoat, and topcoat. One of the standout features is the studs and nail stickers that are provided. This allows for creativity within your designs and gives versatility to the possible looks you can achieve. The UV lamp has a LED screen, which is a professional touch. It’s also portable. Also included are manicure tools as well as gel nail removal products.

Cons:
It is difficult to nitpick such an excellent kit. However, the nail studs are 3D, which could become impractical if they catch on clothing or surfaces. Glitter or rhinestones would have been a better option, but ultimately, it’s down to personal preference.

Best For Home Use

Long lasting and easy to apply

Completing your own gel manicure at home couldn't be simpler with the Gellen nail kit. Included are all the essential tools you need, including four different gel colors.

Best For Home Use

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Pros:
The Ladies Elegance kit contains four everyday shades that are practical and would suit all skin tones. In terms of home manicures, the kit is specifically designed for personal use rather than professional. The nail files have varying grit and can be disinfected, which isn’t strictly necessary for personal use but is handy all the same. The accessories include tip guides, rhinestones, and general manicure tools.

Cons:
The colors are designed to be paired together to do nail art but sometimes clash. If worn as single colors, they will still look great. The final look will also be easier to achieve if you stick to a single color. This is because gel needs to set, which is tricky if multiple colors are used.

What Really Matters

Quality

The whole reason for choosing gel over regular nail polish is for that long-lasting finish. Gel polish shouldn’t chip and will only come off when you’re ready for it to. The polish should cure under UV light and should be fully set when you go to take the plastic moldings off. Given performing your own manicure is cheaper than going to a nail salon, a good quality gel nail polish is key to ensuring satisfaction. If the tools or materials supplied aren’t up to scratch, your gel manicure won’t look great. In the case of a poor quality product, it could harm the nailbed or even give off toxic fumes. So, wherever possible, choose a gel nail polish that is of excellent quality and doesn’t emit odors.

Ease of Use

If you’ve ever attempted to paint your own nails you’ll understand the struggle of making it look professional. This is especially the case when it comes to using your opposite hand. Gel nails allow you to sculpt the nail before it cures, which makes it easier than regular polish, which can go beyond the nail edge onto the skin. As gel nails tend to be longer than natural nails, this can reduce your grip. So, it’s key that all the tools provided help you sculpt, cure and file your nails with ease. If intended for professional use, the tools should be fully reusable and easy to disinfect.

Accessories

Not all manicures are created equal. While some tools are pretty universal (such as nail clippers or toe separators), the tools you need for a gel manicure are slightly different. You’ll first need a nail file with a tough grit to mattify the surface of your nail bed so that the gel you place on top will properly adhere. Ideally, the nail file should have a soft side to gently shape your gel nail once cured.

To place the gel on your nails, you’ll need plastic moldings. These should be different sizes so that you can find the right length and width to suit your nail shape. To cure your nails, the kit should be supplied with a UV lamp that’s safe and efficient.

Other handy accessories include a drill to buff away old gel, a cuticle stick, topcoats, basecoats, gel remover solution, and decorative features. If you plan on doing regular gel nails, having lots of colors and finish options will keep things interesting.

FAQs

What are the benefits of using a gel nail polish?

Gel sets as a 3D substance and so more impactful than a coat of nail polish. The consistency is thicker and once cured, it won’t budge until you’re ready to remove it. This is very different from regular nail polish, which is prone to chipping and takes a long time to dry. You can also sculpt the exact nail shape and length you desire, whereas regular nail polish simply paints over the existing nail. There are many different colors, patterns, and finishes that can be applied to a gel nail. The main benefit is that gel nail polish will last as long as you need it to, making it ideal for vacations.

How do I remove gel nail polish?

A key point to bear in mind is that gel nail polish requires specialist removal. One method is to use a nail drill to buff away the polish. Though you must be careful not to drill too far, otherwise you risk damaging your natural nail bed. Once a thin layer remains, you’ll need to soak this in acetone for fifteen minutes for the polish to remove. Another method is to manually file the gel off, but this takes a long time. It also requires a nail file with a harsh grit that is powerful enough to remove the gel. Do not try and forcibly remove the gel yourself as this will damage your natural nail bed. If in doubt, find a professional to remove your gel manicure for you.

Are gel nails bad for my nails?

Similar to how bleaching isn’t great for our hair yet remains a popular beauty treatment, regular use of gel nails can be damaging to your natural nail. The best practice is to adhere to the correct removal process. This is because the damage will occur if you try to rip or break off the gel yourself. If your nails aren’t in great condition, a tip is to take beauty supplements. Give your nails a break from polish and apply plenty of vitamin E cuticle oil daily. It is entirely possible to build the health of your nails up through following these tips. Given our nails can be an indicator of our general health, it makes sense to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to maximize the beauty appeal of your nails.

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