The Best Gel Nail Polishes for Long-Lasting Color

Light-curing: Yes | Who it's for: People who want easy removal

Best Non-Light Curing Gel Polish: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish

Why it's worth it: Oh, Deborah. All these years later, we're still thanking Ms. Lippmann for blessing us with this Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish, which toes the line between standard nail polish and actual, UV-cured gel. The long-lasting formula includes nail-loving ingredients like keratin, biotin, green tea extract, and rice protein for nails that are as strong as they can possibly be.

Editor's tip: You'll need four coats for the best results, but make sure each coat is relatively thin.

Light-curing: no | Who it's for: everyone, people who want nail health benefits in their polish

Best Drugstore Gel Nail Polish: Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish

Why it's worth it: The signature, twisty bottle of Essie's Gel Couture Nail Polish contains some of the silkiest, shiniest gel-like nail polish around. And why, might you ask? Well, the swirly bottle hugs the brush for even color distribution. It comes off with regular nail polish remover (acetone or non-acetone), so you can skip the soaking.

Editor's tip: You don't need a base coat with the polish, but a topcoat helps add seal and shine.

Light-curing: no | Who it's for: people who want to skip a base coat

Best Luxury Gel Nail Polish: Dior Vernis Gel Nail Lacquer

Why it's worth it: The Dior Vernis Gel Nail Lacquer shades are inspired by signature pieces and fabrics from Dior's prêt-à-porter pieces and runway collections. The formula is also infused with pistachio and peony extracts, meaning it offers bonus nail care. It's long-lasting and luxe, and with 22 available shades, there's a nail polish color for everyone.

Editor's tip: Pick up Dior's Vernis Top Coat to tie your manicure together.

Light-curing: no | Who it's for: people who love designer beauty and/or want to treat themselves

Best Two-Step Gel Polish Kit: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Duo Pack

Why it's worth it: Sally Hansen has always had our backs (and nails), and they came through again with this Miracle Gel Nail Polish Duo Pack. The two-step, gel-like nail system comes with a color and a glossy (and editor-beloved) topcoat for a no-UV experience that lasts up to eight days. You only need two coats of the color polish and one go of the topcoat, making for a breezy application process.

Editor's tip: If you want to mix up your topcoat collection, Sally Hansen makes a super cute glittery option and an iridescent "unicorn" finish.

Light-curing: no | Who it's for: people who want a simple, convenient routine

Best Complete Gel Polish Kit: Le Mini Macaron DIY Gel Manicure Kit

Why it's worth it: The Le Mini Macaron DIY Gel Manicure Kit is super giftable, be it as a treat for your loved one or yourself. The bundle comes with all of the salon-gel-level starter kit—an LED lamp, four coordinated mini gel polish bottles, a glittery nail file, 20 removal wraps, and a cuticle stick. The result is a manicure that lasts up to two weeks and pays for itself after a second use.

Editor's tip: You can also use this kit on your toes for a pretty pedicure.

Light-curing: yes | Who it's for: gel beginners

Best Color Range: Manucurist Green Flash LED Gel Nail Polish

Why it's worth it: UV-cured and shiny-as-ever, the Manucurist Green Flash LED Gel Nail Polish. It takes three coats, with an LED curing between each, and comes off easily in a unique, peel-style process—no acetone necessary. The polish is available in a gobsmacking 88 shades, so grab a few colors, consider the full Manicurist LED gel kit, and start painting.

Editor's tip: Need a little guidance? Manicurist offers a handy (ha) tutorial for the whole application process.

Light-curing: yes | Who it's for: everyone

Best Jelly Gel Nail Polish: Gaoy Gel Nail Polish

Why it's worth it: Right on trend with the Korean- and Japanese-conceived jelly nail craze, the delightfully buildable Gaoy Gel Nail Polish can be layered from glossy, semi-translucent to a richly pigmented look. One layer is the most jelly-looking, while four layers achieve the most matte look. Do some nail prep with a gentle buff and a base coat before beginning the curing process.

Editor's tip: The Gaoy Gel Nail Polish has a more lowkey odor than some of its peers, making it perfect for people with sensitive noses.

Light-curing: yes | Who it's for: people who want buildability

Best Gel Nail Polish for Beginners: Red Carpet Manicure Gel Nail Polish

Why it's worth it: When the red carpet—or the sidewalk outside your home—calls, Red Carpet Manicure Gel Nail Polish answers. The brand notes that the long-lasting, LED-cured polish can last up to 21 days, with the entire manicure process taking about 15 minutes from start to finish. It's especially pigmented and easy to remove with a quick soak.

Editor's tip: If you want to steer clear of the UV lamp, opt for one of the brand's dip powders instead.

Light-curing: yes | Who it's for: everyone

Best Gel Polish for Nail Art: Gelcare Gel Nail Polish

Why it's worth it: Designed specifically for at-home application, the Gelcare Gel Nail Polish is cute, cruelty-free, colorful, and curable. It takes three (thin) coats to achieve full opacity before letting the LED light go to work. While every corner of the shade range rocks, we love the Chartreuse green pictured above.

Editor's tip: This polish works well as a base for nail art, so start exploring your inner artist.

Light-curing: yes | Who it's for: everyone

Best One-Coat-and-Done Gel Polish: Vishine Nail Gel Polish

Why it's worth it: Vishine Nail Gel Polish is a cheap and cheerful way to achieve dreamy, long-lasting nails. Whether you want a sheer jelly look or a richly pigmented matte, you can customize results easily depending on how many coats you choose to brush on. If you're using an LED light, the curing should take around a minute, while a UV light takes up to four minutes.

Editor's tip: This polish is lightly scented with pine, making the whole application experience a touch more enjoyable.

Light-curing: yes | Who it's for: people on a budget or short on time

Frequently Asked Questions

Chemistry is heavily at play when it comes to the difference between true gel nail polish, standard nail polish, and gel-like nail polish. "Gels are pre-mixed, semi-solid monomers and oligomers that are hardened to polymers when exposed to UV-A light," explains Dana Stern, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dr. Dana, a nail-care line. Dr. Stern previously told Allure that these reactive ingredients "belong to the chemical families called acrylates and methacrylates."

"Gel manicures are a lot more durable than regular polish and you can often get several weeks of wear without any chipping—think of it as a semi-permanent polish," Michelle Humphrey, a session and celebrity manicurist based in London, previously told Allure. Dr. Stern adds, "Unlike polish, which typically removes relatively easily with acetone or non-acetone polish removers, gel removal typically requires a long acetone soak and may additionally need to be scraped off."

Much of choosing a gel nail polish—whether it's a traditional gel or "gel-like" formula—comes down to personal preference, related to finish, color choices, price, and ease of application. "Most gel nail polishes have similar product chemistry," Dr. Stern echoes. "The differences are with respect to the available color choices and the application technique."

Additionally, there are several ingredients you should make sure to avoid when shopping for gel nail polish. According to CND partner and board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD, these ingredients include formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, and parabens. (Of note, CND products don't contain any of the aforementioned ingredients.)

"Gel nail polishes are generally safe," says Dr. Stern. "But it is important to understand the UV-associated risks and removal risks. Additionally, different brands should not be mixed and manufacturers' instructions should always be carefully followed." Some people may experience sensitivity or adverse reactions to the polish, the process of application, or the removal method.

Dr. Stern explained to Allure that it's possible to experience contact dermatitis in response to gel nail polish—either immediately or delayed. While you'll notice dermatitis occurring on the skin surrounding the nail, keep in mind that this isn't an allergic reaction, but rather an "irritant" reaction due to “damage to skin cells caused by overexposure to a harsh chemical.” Either way, stop the use of gel polish and schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for treatment options (if you'd like).

• Dana Stern, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dr. Dana based in New York City
• Michelle Humphrey, a session and celebrity manicurist based in London
• Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tuscon, Arizona, and CND partner

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More nail inspiration:

• Kylie Jenner’s Colorful New Manicure Proves Tie-Dye Nails Are Officially a Trend
• Gradient Nails Are the Prettiest New Nail Trend
• 25 Chic Nail-Art Ideas for Summer

Now, here's every single method of nail polish removal:

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