What gel polish brand is the best?

In a market filled with various gel polish brands, determining which ones truly stand out can be a daunting task. According to a Google's search result snippet, top recommendations often highlight brands exchanging between quality and affordability, with many consumers relying on detailed reviews and comparisons.

To ease this decision-making process, we have evaluated, through rigorous testing, the best gel polishes available, ensuring that our insights remain unbiased and free from sponsorship influences.

Our tests covered numerous aspects: the accuracy of colors as portrayed online, the finish quality, the coverage with different layers, consistency, curing times, how long the manicure stays intact, and the strength of unpleasant odors emitted during application.

1. Best Overall: S&L

Taking the top spot is S&L, lauded for its vibrant colors, stunning shine, and impressive longevity of over two weeks. This remarkable performance reflects the premium quality expected from top-tier brands, all offered at an attractive price point.

Price: ~$12

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: True to bottle representation
• Finish: Remarkably shiny and smooth, dries without stickiness
• Opacity: Excellent coverage, captures vibrant hues and bold nuances
• Consistency: Even and controlled application, prevents overflow
• Application: Kabuki-like brush allows for high precision and even coverage
• Curing Time: Cures in 60 seconds
• Durability: Lasts over 2 weeks without chipping
• Removal: Easy and quick, approximately 10 minutes
• Scent: Mild, doesn't assault the senses
• Price: $12 for 15ml, offering great value for the quality

Pros

Cons

Extensive color selection

Bottles are mono-colored, difficult to tell colors

Affordable price for premium quality

High-quality glossy finish

Durable, lasting over 2 weeks

Efficient and easy application

With over 100 shades available, it's challenging not to find a color that resonates with your mood or occasion. S&L gel polishes are perfect for those seeking reliability and exceptional quality. However, a uniform bottle design may hinder color identification, which can be mitigated by a colored sticker on top.

Ultimately, S&L delivers a highly pigmented, glass-like shine reminiscent of premium brands but at an inviting price, making it our best pick for both casual users and seasoned professionals.

2. Best Salon-Quality Finish: CND

CND Gel Nail Color promises salon-quality finish and glossy elegance with exceptional durability. The color accuracy guarantees that what’s shown on the bottle matches what’s applied on your nails, making it beginner-friendly while still appealing to enthusiasts.

Price: ~$14.99

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: Matches the bottle color perfectly
• Finish: Shiny, salon-quality finish
• Opacity: Full coverage achieved with just two coats
• Consistency: Perfectly balanced for easy application
• Application: Enhanced with a fan-out brush for better coverage
• Curing Time: Standard 1 minute, though the top coat remains slightly sticky
• Durability: Lasts up to 10 days without chipping
• Removal: Easy and quick, approximately 10 minutes
• Scent: Low odor, suitable for scent-sensitive users
• Price: Higher price point but reflects the salon-quality outcome

Pros

Cons

Accurate color match

Higher price point

Easy application with fan brush

Top coat may remain tacky

Durable, lasting more than 10 days

Quick and easy removal

Minimal scent

If you seek a high-quality, robust gel polish with professional results, CND Gel Nail Color is your best bet. While its price is on the higher side, the exceptional finish and longevity justify the investment.

3. Best Color Pigmentation: Bio Seaweed Gel

Known for its extensive variety and salon-like finishes, Bio Seaweed Gel Nail Color showcases impressive pigmentation, requiring fewer coats for full coverage. However, be aware that the colors may appear lighter than what is displayed online.

Price: ~$18

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: Colors may appear lighter than online representations
• Finish: Smooth, glossy finish without stickiness, no shrinking, wrinkling, or discoloration
• Opacity: High pigmentation with minimal layers needed for full coverage
• Consistency: Balanced consistency, neither too thick nor too thin
• Application: Effortless application with standard-sized brushes and consistent textures
• Curing Time: Cures within 60 seconds
• Durability: Lasts over 10 days
• Removal: Challenging and time-consuming removal process
• Scent: Mild scent from the base coat; strong chemical odor from topcoat and colored polishes
• Price: $18 for 15ml, relatively high-priced

Pros

Cons

Vibrant, opaque coverage in 2 coats

Colors mismatched between bottle and application

Shiny, glossy finish

Pricey for budget-conscious consumers

Quick 60-seconds curing time

Strong, persistent chemical odor

Effortless application

Bio Seaweed Gel stands out with its quick-drying formula and glamorous finish. However, discrepancies in color accuracy and a robust scent could be a dealbreaker for some consumers. For those valuing rapid application and usability, Bio Seaweed Gel remains a commendable option.

4. Best Application Consistency: DND

DND Gel Nail Color excels in application consistency, featuring a perfectly balanced viscosity for an easy experience, making it beginner-friendly. However, the color on your nails may often differ from what’s in the bottle, which can be disappointing.

Price: ~$17.99

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: Inconsistent with the bottle's color
• Finish: Glossy, enhancing the overall aesthetic
• Opacity: Full coverage in two coats
• Consistency: Ideal for easy application
• Application: Long brush aids beginners, though size may slow process
• Curing Time: Quick, 45 seconds under UV light
• Durability: Chipping occurs after 5 days; could be better
• Removal: Time-consuming due to strong-lasting base
• Scent: Strong chemical smell persists after curing
• Price: A bit pricey, which might give budget-conscious shoppers pause

Pros

Cons

Exact match between gel and regular nail colors

Inconsistent color accuracy

Glossy finish enhances aesthetic appeal

Strong chemical scent may be off-putting

Quick curing time adds convenience

Longer application time due to brush size

Ideal consistency

Durability could be improved; chips in 5 days

If you prioritize ease of application, DND Gel Nail Color could be a suitable choice despite facing challenges with color fidelity and scent.

5. Best Color Accuracy: Apres

Recognized for its precise color reproduction, Apres Gel Nail Color successfully delivers the exact shade depicted on the bottle. However, it may not provide the expected glossy finish, and the thickness can complicate application.

Price: ~$$14.99

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: Perfect match with the bottle
• Finish: Lacks the expected glossy sheen
• Opacity: High pigmentation makes application tricky
• Consistency: Thick and difficult to manage
• Application: Complicated by uneven brush and thick formula
• Curing Time: Efficient at 1 minute under UV light
• Durability: Begins chipping at the tips within 3 days, likely due to thick application
• Removal: Laborious due to thickness
• Scent: Strong and potentially bothersome
• Price: On the pricier side

Pros

Cons

True-to-bottle color accuracy

Finish lacks expected glossiness

Quick curing time

High pigmentation complicates subtle application

Efficient large brush size

Thick consistency makes application challenging

Strong scent can be off-putting

Durability issues with early chipping

High price point may deter budget-conscious buyers

Apres gel polish stands out for its color accuracy but can pose some problems with application finesse and longevity. If you are comfortable dealing with the thicker texture, it might still provide an impressive finish.

6. Best Color Selection: OPI

OPI’s renowned for its vast color offering, with an easily navigable website to assist in finding your perfect shade. However, while the options are plentiful, some performance aspects leave something to be desired, such as shine and consistency.

Price: Price varies by distributor, typically over $20 USD per bottle

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: True to bottle color accuracy
• Finish: Smooth but lacks shine, remains slightly sticky
• Opacity: Highly pigmented yet too runny
• Consistency: Overly liquid-y top and base coat
• Application: Time-consuming due to stiff brush and fluid formula
• Curing Time: Over 60 seconds required, with incomplete drying
• Durability: Chipped within 5 days, not living up to expectations
• Removal: Difficult despite short wear time
• Scent: Strong chemical smell from all polish components
• Price: sold through distributors, which varies in price but generally expensive

Pros

Cons

Extensive color selection

Finish lacks shine and remains sticky

Ease of shade selection online

Overly liquid formula complicates application

High pigmentation in colors

Requires long curing time, may not dry completely

High price and not sold directly to personal users

Disappointing durability with early chipping

Strong chemical odor

While OPI stands out in color variety, several factors hinder its overall usability, including a sticky finish and slow drying time. If variety is your focus, consider OPI, but for better performance, explore other brands.

7. Best Healthy Formula: Manucurist

Manucurist specializes in vegan and cruelty-free gel polishes using clean ingredients, catering to ethical beauty consumers. However, with a wide selection, challenges concerning pigmentation and durability can mar the experience considering its higher price point.

Price: ~$21

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: Accurate but lacks pigmentation
• Finish: Dull, loses shine quickly
• Opacity: Thin, requires multiple coats
• Consistency: Overly liquid, uneven coverage
• Application: Difficult, uneven brush application
• Curing Time: Slow, 2 minutes per coat
• Durability: Chips quickly, weak top coat
• Removal: Very easy to remove
• Scent: Not quite pleasant considering healthy ingredients
• Price: Among the highest at $21, but a generous 15ml

Pros

Cons

Clean, non-toxic ingredients

Expensive

Vegan and cruelty-free

Chipping, poor durability

Easy removal process

Slow curing process

Wide color range

Difficult, uneven application

Weak pigmentation

Dull finish, quick to lose shine

Manucurist may appeal to those seeking ethical polish options, but the overall performance issues raise questions about its pricing. Slow drying times and poor durability can make it hard to recommend for long-lasting results.

8. Best Color Variety: Gelish

Gelish stands out with over 100 shades but faces limitations. Their website's color representations can make it difficult to see the actual shades. Nevertheless, the vibrant colors are matched with rich pigmentation, though durability and application may not meet the same standards.

Price: $29.99

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: Wide range, but the true shades are hard to see on their website
• Finish: Smooth but not shiny, and stays tacky
• Opacity: Very pigmented, needing fewer layers for full coverage
• Consistency: Very liquid, which can be good or bad, but different brush sizes make it hard to use
• Application: The brushes and liquid consistency makes it hard to apply
• Curing Time: Often exceeds 45 seconds, leaving nails tacky
• Durability: Chipping occurred within just 5 days
• Removal: Hard to remove, even though it chips early
• Scent: Strong chemical smell
• Price: Expensive

Pros

Cons

Many colors to choose from

Hard to see true colors on the website

Highly pigmented

Finish often stays sticky

Few layers needed for full coverage

Inconsistent brush sizes make application hard

Takes longer to cure than advertised

Chips quickly

Strong chemical smell

Expensive

Difficult to remove

While Gelish's variety is attractive, challenges with application and longevity raise concerns. The blend of price versus quality may make it less appealing for meticulous users.

9. Best Removal Ease: Sally Hansen

Ideal for frequent color changers, Sally Hansen's gel polish ensures smooth removability. However, the limited color variety and some performance factors may not resonate with everyone, particularly since only a few colors are available in starter kits.

Price: ~$19.99

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: True to tone color, well-pigmented
• Finish: Smooth but lacks shine. Requires acetone to remove stickiness
• Opacity: Well-pigmented, though it's fairly liquid-y
• Consistency: Maintains an even application without messy edges
• Application: The brush size is too small, resulting in a longer painting process
• Curing Time: Standard 60 seconds
• Durability: Lasts about a week
• Removal: Exceptionally easy and quick, which is a significant plus.
• Scent: Fairly mild
• Price: High for the quantity provided, as bottles are only 4.0 ml.

Pros

Cons

Easy and quick removal

Color selection is poor

Even application without mess

High price point for the kit for small bottles

Decent durability of about one week

Finish lacks shine and feels sticky

Requires additional steps like alcohol wipes to remove stickiness

Sally Hansen's gel polish excels in removability, making it easy to adapt to color changes, although the limited options and packaging may not appeal to all consumers.

10. Best Price: Beetles

Beetles entices consumers with vibrant color selections at an economical price point. Still, the initial excitement wanes when the applied shade diverges significantly from what was advertised. Achieving a salon-quality finish can be troublesome due to mismatching colors and prolonged curing times.

Price: ~$19.99

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: Disappointing, with notable differences between ads and real-life colors
• Finish: Shiny, salon-quality look, but the top coat stays sticky after a 1-minute cure
• Opacity: Too thick, making application and curing challenging
• Consistency: Top and base coats are balanced, not too liquid
• Application: Generous brush size helps with application, but hardness and bending issues make it hard to use
• Curing Time: Needs multiple tries under UV light to cure properly
• Durability: Poor, peeling off in 2 days with bubbling issues
• Removal: Easy and quick, a small plus
• Scent: Strong odor
• Price: Sold only in sets, limiting color choices

Pros

Cons

Affordable pricing for sets

Disappointing color accuracy

Salon-quality shine when achieved

Brush stiffness affects consistent application

Easy removal process

Quick to peel and form bubbles

Difficulty curing within a reasonable number of attempts

Restricted to buying in sets

Strong, intense odor

Beetles may offer affordability, but its inconsistencies in performance lessen its allure, especially for those seeking a reliable manicure.

11. Best Price Value: Modelones

Modelones gel polishes are indeed budget-friendly, but encountering several performance issues makes it less appealing for those craving longevity and quality.

Pricing: Affordable, though variations make it hard to pinpoint a fixed figure.

Features at a Glance:

• Color Accuracy: The color isn't as vibrant as promised

• Finish: Lacks the expected shine, appears dull

• Opacity: Thickness causes uneven color

• Consistency: Hard to manage and turns out clumpy

• Application: The thick gel makes it hard to apply precisely

• Curing Time: It takes over 120 seconds to cure and stays sticky

• Durability: Peels within two days

• Scent: Odor-free

• Price: Among the best in price, but has small, half-filled bottles

• Removal: Easy to remove, likely due to the fact it doesn't stick well

Pros

Cons

Very affordable

Colors not as advertised

Brush provides good coverage

Polish tends to clump

Minimal scent during application

Difficult application due to consistency issues

Poor durability, with peeling after 2 days

Extended curing time with sticky results

Low product volume with bottles not fully filled

Despite their low cost, Modelones gel polishes struggle with several flaws that undermine their value—a significant concern for consumers looking for dependable quality.

The 11 Best Gel Nail Polishes of 2023

After testing 19 different gel nail polishes both in our lab and at home, we evaluated each based on application, overall look, longevity, and removal ease. Our selected picks showcase the best gel nail polishes worth considering for your next manicure.

Engaging in at-home manicures can often prove challenging, with various factors remaining in play, from achieving a steady hand to allowing ample time for polish to dry, thus avoiding smudges. A long-lasting manicure isn't simply reserved for nail salon services; many gel polishes can last several weeks, some requiring no UV light, emphasizing their durability against chips.

For more details, kindly visit Gel Polish Manufacturers.