18 best gel polishes

Gel polish is an innovation in the field of nail services. With the advent of this coating, girls no longer need to worry about repainting their nails every 3-5 days - gel polish lasts up to 3 weeks! And besides, it gives a mesmerizing, impeccable gloss that does not fade until the end of wear.

The number of gel polish manufacturers is now difficult to count; materials in different price categories are produced under different brands. Which brands are better? What is the difference? To make it easier for you to navigate, we have prepared for you the TOP of the best gel polishes of 2021! We compiled the rating based on the reviews of Elmira Urbanyuk, a teacher at the ParisNail school with 5 years of experience. She knows how to achieve an ideal result even on the most difficult hands, and who else but her can be trusted in choosing the highest quality coatings!

The Best Inexpensive Nail Polishes

Products from this category are perfect for beginners getting acquainted with this type of coating. Despite the budget cost, they are not capricious in application and have a huge palette of colors. Therefore, for little money you can put together a chic collection of shades to realize your wildest design fantasies. With the right technology, they are not inferior in durability to expensive analogues.

Their disadvantage is the composition, and therefore possible harm to nails with constant application.

Therefore, having chosen in favor of this category, it is worth considering that it is periodically necessary to give your nails a rest. Well, such varnishes are especially suitable for cases when you need a certain color for infrequent use, and there is no point in overpaying for an expensive bottle.

6 ADRICOCO Gel Polish

Our rating opens with ADRICOCO Gel Polish gel nail polish.
It comes in a small 8 ml bottle. The color palette is striking in its diversity. It features about two hundred different shades, including pastel and bright, glossy and shimmery. The presented product provides an even coating for a long period of time. The manufacturer recommends applying it in two layers. The first layer is applied after preliminary degreasing. The drying speed of one layer in an LED lamp is 1 minute, in a UV lamp a little more - from 2 to 3 minutes.

Buyers respond well to the varnish. It has an optimal consistency of medium thickness and applies well. The brush has a convenient shape. It is wide, which allows you to cover the entire nail with the composition in a few movements. On the top, on the lid of the brush, there is a designation of the color of the varnish and its number, so all bottles can be stored in a box in a vertical position. With this organization, you can immediately see where each shade is located. Despite all the above advantages, some shades can still fall on, leaving streaks.

Pros:

Rich palette of shades.
Well pigmented colors.
Convenient brush.
Good durability.

Minuses:

Some shades may leave streaks.

ADRICOCO Gel Polish

5 Olystyle

In 5th place are products that combine the properties of Russian-made gels and varnishes.
In the palette of this brand you will find the most current shades of nail coatings, but the manufacturer has not ignored classic colors.

With them, you will not only create a beautiful manicure with an even finish, without streaks, smudges and a characteristic glossy shine, but also long-lasting, and removing it will not cause harm to the nail plate.

With it, you need to apply a base and top layer, and the time for polymerization of each in an LED lamp is only 30 seconds, but of course longer with UV radiation, it will take about 2 minutes.

In addition to the affordable price, this gel polish will delight you with its high quality and large bottle volume, as much as 10 ml.

Pros:

Good durability for about 2 weeks without chipping.
Optimal density.
Beautiful shades.
Affordable price.
Large volume.

Minuses:

Not the most comfortable brush.
Some shades give streaks.

Gel polish Olystyle

4 Runail INDI laque

In 4th place are Runail brand varnishes, the palette of which includes many different shades.
These gel polishes are three-phase and require applying a base before color coating and fixing with a top coat. A wide palette of shades will please any “gourmaniac”, and they are of high quality. Thanks to the wide brush, the product is conveniently applied, does not spread, and does not cause baldness. The color is so dense that even capricious light shades do not give streaks.

Standard polymerization is required; the varnish dries quickly. An even coating without chips or cracks will please you for 2-3 weeks. For convenience, the color of the varnish is displayed on the top of the cap, which exactly matches what is in the bottle.

Pros:

Large palette of shades.
Affordable price.
High pigmentation.
No pungent smell.
Convenient brush.
High durability.

Minuses:

Synthetic composition.
If you apply a thick layer, it will take longer to dry.

Gel polish Runail INDI laque

3 Irisk Professional Zodiak

The third position is occupied by Irisk Professional Zodiak.
The brand took an unconventional approach to creating its line of varnishes, releasing its own palette of shades for each zodiac sign and for each element. The basis was taken from research materials from the World Color Institute. Each zodiac sign has a choice of 20 different shades and an additional 15 shades for each of the four elements. Thus, the entire palette consists of 300 different glossy and shimmery colors. Of course, you can deviate from the recommendations and try any shade you like without being tied to your zodiac sign. The manufacturer also took care of the varnish application process, making it as comfortable as possible. A shorter brush, on the lid of which there is a designation of the color of the varnish and its number, helps with this.

Many customers liked the shortened brush; it is very convenient for applying the composition near the cuticle. Among the wide range of shades, you can definitely choose your favorite color. Among the disadvantages, users note the low durability of some shades.

Pros:

Unique palette of shades.
Pigmented colors.
Convenient brush.
Optimal consistency.

Minuses:

Not all shades are long lasting.

Gel polish Irisk Professional Zodiak

2 TNL Gel Polish

In second place is a budget gel polish from a Korean brand, which at the same time looks impressive on the nails.
This nail coating will be resistant to adverse external influences, such as household chemicals, exposure to water, and temperature changes.

The manicure will last up to 2-3 weeks without chips, cracks, and will maintain a beautiful gloss. The brand offers a wide palette of shades.

The density of the coating makes it easy to achieve an even color. And the fact that no filing is required when removing gel polish will only have a beneficial effect on the health of your nails. The application method will be the same as the previous gel polish.

All the characteristics of this product make it especially attractive to both the novice master and the professional.

Pros:

Durability up to 3 weeks.
Removes well.
Wide palette.
Affordable price.
Rich shades with a beautiful finish.

Minuses:

Some shades leave streaks when applied and do not self-level.
May leave bubbles.
Strong smell.

Gel polish TNL Gel Polish

1 Bluesky Shellac

In first place is the most affordable product from the Chinese brand Bluesky.
This polish involves a three-phase application: base, gel polish itself and top. The peculiarity of these varnishes is that they interact perfectly with bases and tops of other brands. Their consistency allows for precise application of the coating, they do not spread or interfere with the side rollers.

The density of varnishes may vary slightly depending on the color, so lighter shades will often require an additional layer to create an even coating.

The manufacturer guarantees the durability of its varnishes for up to 3 weeks, without chips or cracks. The brush for applying the varnish is long and thin, which allows for precise application. Polymerization of each layer of varnish must be carried out under an LED lamp for 30 seconds, or in a UV lamp for 2 minutes.

Gel polishes of this brand with additional effects will cost a little more.

Pros:

Coating durability up to 3 weeks.
Beautiful shades.
Affordable price.
Doesn't spread.
Contains no formaldehyde.
Dries well under a lamp.

Minuses:

Not all shades apply tightly without streaking; sometimes 2-3 layers are required.
For non-professionals, they are not easy to apply and are difficult to remove.
It is better to use a topcoat from another brand for a long-lasting and rich gloss.
There is an unpleasant smell.
Over time, it damages the nail plate.

The best, good and inexpensive gel polish from Aliexpress: links to the catalog

Those users who visited the Aliexpress online store for the first time should start their shopping by studying the article “ First order on Aliexpress .” You can also use video instructions for this purpose.

Those who have already figured it out can start shopping, choosing gel polishes, for example, from the general catalog . And since we're talking about price, you can adjust it yourself by specifying the desired cost manually or selecting the minimum range .

You can also focus on a specific manufacturer. For example, inexpensive gel polish from the manufacturer Elite99 . His products form a good pigmented coating in 2 layers and do not cause baldness.

Also very popular are gel polishes from CANNI , which we wrote about earlier.

IMPORTANT: It is perhaps worth adding that a sticky layer does not form - this will undoubtedly please many when removing the coating!

AZURE BEAUTY – these popular inexpensive gel polishes are moderately thick, well pigmented and have a volume of 12 ml that many manicure lovers like.

Gel polishes from AZURE BEAUTY are very popular on Aliexpress due to their wide palette

What else is important to know?

It is better to apply the gel product yourself after studying special video courses or undergoing training from masters. In the future, you will be able to cover your nails with gels yourself, saving on salon services and without making requests to the forums “Advise how to apply gel polish.” Without knowing the intricacies of nail treatment, you can damage the nail plate or simply inaccurately distribute the product on the nails.

Many people believe that the products should be soaked and removed from the nails with a film. In fact, the top layers are perfectly cut off with a manicure cutter, and the nail is processed and painted with shellac again. If you use an emollient, keep in mind that it will affect the nail itself and the surrounding skin, which is not particularly beneficial. The nail plate remains wet for some time after coating, and even a bonder does not dry it sufficiently. After removing shellac in this way, you should wait until the nail dries naturally, and only then can you apply the next color coating, having pre-treated the surface.

There is an opinion that it is not recommended to wear the gel product for more than two weeks: then it should be removed. This is not true. The nail plate grows several millimeters every month and is completely renewed in 4 months. There is no need to give any “breaks” or “rest” to your nails.

If you want to apply the product to the nails of not only your hands, but also your feet, buy a lamp with a removable top and replaceable inserts. Currently, the products of many brands contain a lot of coloring pigments, as a result of which the product hardens poorly in a conventional ultraviolet lamp, so we recommend new generation hybrid lamps. In general, you should remember: in ultraviolet rays you need to dry your nails 2 times longer than in an LED lamp and a hybrid lamp. Our store consultants will tell you which varnish dries better in an LED lamp and which in ultraviolet light.

Do you want to learn more about the products you want to purchase in our online store, or purchase a suitable gel polish or a good manicure set for working at home? Call us, we will answer all your questions. We sell only original products from manufacturers and provide warranties on equipment and tools. Our telephone numbers are in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

How to choose the perfect gel polish

In search of the perfect gel polish, not only beginners, but also experienced professionals rack their brains, although the latter find this process easier because they know what to look for.

Let's make a reservation right away

: the quality of wear is influenced by the correct preparation of the nail plate, the selected base and top coat. The flower garden itself is just a layer; when searching for it, completely different criteria are taken into account.

Pigment Density

Any master will first of all pay attention to the color of the varnish, to the palette of the collection. It is better to look at the pigmentation live on painted sample tips, which are coated in 1 or 2 layers to demonstrate the density of the coating.

The amount of pigment in gel polishes differs depending on the effect: in stained glass compositions there is little of it, since the desired effect is translucent, in classic dyes there should be enough to densely cover the nail with color in 1-2 layers.

Note:

Gel polishes with high pigmentation often require more powerful lamps from 48 W, drying at lower power can take a long time, but the master does not always find out about this in a timely manner, but only when the applied and dried, but not dry, layer shrinks, and good, if this happens on the tip, and not in the hands of the client. Some flower garden manufacturers indicate information about the required lamp power on the bottle or in the description of the collection.

Density

After choosing a color, the technicians look at the thickness of the gel polish they like, taking the brush out of the tube, and evaluate the consistency of the droplet. Liquid formulations are not considered the best - they spread quickly, form streaks, streaks, and can streak when applied. This is typical mainly for cheap gel polishes, but there can also be flaws in the collections of famous brands. Whether varnishes are thick or medium-thick - each master has his own preferences and working technique; there is no consensus on this issue.

In addition to convenience, thickness determines the consumption of material - liquid compositions need to be applied in 3 or even 4 layers, while dense ones often require 2 or even 1 application, so the bottle will last for a long time.

Brush

Each master chooses the shape, size, and density of the brush according to his own preferences. The classic square brush requires skill in applying the flower bed at the cuticle. With rounded bristles it is easier to work on this area - it follows the shape of the nail bed. Some masters use separate brushes for applying varnish and do not pay attention to the original one.

The shape of the cap also matters - a cylindrical tip fits more comfortably in the hand than a short square prism.

By the way, pay attention to the integrity of the brush - the hairs should not bristle in different directions; this problem occurs with dense gel polishes with glitter and large particles as a filler. There are isolated cases of defects when the bristles for some reason stick out or are completely absent.

Bottle volume

The external volume of the bottle does not always indicate the actual amount of gel polish inside. Take this parameter into account only according to the manufacturer's inscription. In general, well-known brands don’t do much with packaging, but little-known companies can play on the visual impression; this is especially common with unknown products on Chinese Internet sites.

If the flower garden is of a specific shade and is purchased for only a few uses or for one client, you should not take a large volume. Another thing is that shades of nude and pastel are in demand; white color comes in handy a lot. The masters track which shade is most in demand based on their practice.

What smells?

Gel polish is a chemical solution of polymers and pigments. The aroma depends on what material the manufacturer uses as a base. It can be a pungent odor or a pleasant fragrance. This parameter should be taken into account, because during work both the master and the client will have to breathe in the fumes of the solution for a long time. The manicure procedure should bring pleasure, and not become torture!

Hypoallergenic

“This shellac doesn’t suit me, I’m allergic to it” - such a statement is not common, but you can hear it from clients of some masters who are obviously unaware of how this product comes into contact with the nail. Only the base interacts with the nail plate, but not the colored gel polish! Accordingly, the need for some components to be absent from its composition is not entirely justified.

We noted the hypoallergenic parameter in the selection rules in order to once again dispel the myth that gel polish should suit the nail plate. If you like the color, thickness, brush of the product, feel free to buy it. If our arguments do not seem convincing to you, give preference to proven brands of shellac, such as those presented in the review, compiled based on the opinions of famous nail technicians, their clients and industry experts.

Which cat eye gel polish is best?

Manicures in the “cat eye” style have been extremely popular over the past few seasons. How can it be created?

BlueSky - varnishes from this company do not cause allergies and do not negatively affect the nail plate. The material is applied without problems, lasts for 2 weeks, and then removed just as easily. Now about the visual component of the question: the palette is really diverse!
TNL-Proffessional - this manufacturer cannot offer such a rich palette as the previous one. However, the available shades combine well with each other and will suit many young ladies. At a budget cost, the coverage will last for 2 weeks.

IMPORTANT: Gel polishes from TNL-Proffessional will fit the top and base of any manufacturer.

Lianail - a collection of “cat eyes” from this manufacturer will satisfy any fashionista in its variety of shades. A good dense coating will be created in one layer! Moreover, it will last even with housekeeping for 2-3 weeks.

The collection of gel polishes from Lianail will help you create an attractive cat-eye manicure.

Which gel polish is better: single-phase or three-phase?

Let's try to compare single-phase and three-phase coverage according to several criteria:

Time - of course, single-phase coating wins here. Everything you need is already contained in one bottle. Three-phase consists separately of gel polish, base, and topcoat.
Finance - in this case it is also profitable to purchase single-phase varnish.
The complexity of use is three-phase coverage and this is where it loses.

IMPORTANT: By the way, polymerization of single-phase gel polish can be carried out in LED lamps. Ultraviolet is optional.

Composition - as a rule, single-phase coatings do not contain harmful toluene or folmadehyde. A sticky layer does not form when working with such varnish and, therefore, there is no need to use special substances to remove it.
As for the advantages of three-phase coating, we can mention the possibility of decorating the nail with stickers and other designs.

Single-color manicure with gel polish according to a single-phase scheme

But with a three-phase system you can do a manicure with gel polish with a design

The best inexpensive gel polishes: budget up to 250 rubles.

Untidy nails can turn off your interlocutor. The uniform length and shape of the nail plates is only half the success. When the preliminary preparation is done, the matter remains with the most interesting part - the design.

Gel polishes have become an integral attribute of fashionistas, many of whom prefer manicures at home. Beginners in this matter are the target audience of manufacturers whose pricing policy can be classified as budget. The price for a bottle of color, up to 250 rubles, is not too expensive, especially in comparison with the emotions received from a personal manicure.

Gel polishes in this segment are slightly inferior in quality to more famous manufacturers, but overall they have proven themselves to be good.

Shellac application technology

Many women are willing to pay for the services of salon specialists only because after the varnishing procedure, their hands remain well-groomed for at least 14 days. This saves a lot of time, especially since gel polish and manicure make your hands attractive.

When applied correctly, gel polish is firmly attached to the nails and does not peel off. But for this you need to comply with some conditions and procedures.

The nail is prepared for application of the base product. First, you need to very carefully treat your nails with an antiseptic, sand the nail plate, give it the desired shape, and remove overgrown cuticles. All this can be conveniently done using a manicure machine and a 180 grit abrasive file, a buff, an orange stick and nippers.
Then the nail plate is degreased, a dehydrator (bonder, drying agent) is used, and a primer is applied (for most expensive shellacs, a primer is not needed, since the base is enough). We recommend applying a primer even in this case: the adhesion of the substance to the nail will be noticeably better.
Apply the base. You can use the native base for a specific product, biogel or colorless gel polish. The base looks like a transparent, viscous resin: the product levels the plate and gives it the desired shape. The base is applied from the cuticle to the tip of the nail, not reaching the nail folds, and the end of the nail and the sides of the protruding tip are sealed. The base is dried in an ultraviolet lamp for up to a minute, an LED lamp, or a hybrid lamp for 10–30 seconds (calculations are given for a professional lamp with a power of more than 48 watts). Much depends on the power of the lamp! The lower the power, the longer it takes to dry your nails. It is the correct application of the base that allows you to avoid chipping and peeling of the material.
The gel color product is very carefully applied in two layers: each is dried in a UV lamp for up to 30 seconds. After drying one nail, paint the second and place the entire hand under the lamp. Then the first dried nail will dry out, and the second will set. It is necessary to retreat approximately 0.1 mm from the cuticle so as not to touch the skin. Please note that the duration of curing depends on the power of the lamp, so we recommend purchasing a lamp with a power of at least 36 W, and preferably a hybrid one: modern products contain a lot of dyes that dry much better under rays of different spectra.
The finishing (top) product is applied. Dries in a lamp for 60 seconds.
A special liquid removes the sticky layer, if necessary (there are tops that do not form a sticky layer when dried).
Use cuticle oil.
Hands are wiped with a napkin, then nourishing hand cream is applied.

What is gel polish: composition, difference from shellac

Almost all gel products in Russia are used to being called shellacs. In fact, the company CND (Creative Nail Design) called its products shellac (from Dutch Shellak - “natural resin”). Shellac is a substance secreted by female insects that parasitize trees in India and Southeast Asia. It is used in the chemical industry for a variety of purposes, and is even used as food.

The use of shellac in the nail industry has created a real revolution. Fashionistas all over the world now have the opportunity to use a rich palette of nail polishes that stay on their nails for up to three weeks, do not emit an unpleasant odor, and the coating is easy to remove.

In Russia, the products of other companies began to be called shellac, although only the CND brand uses the name. And although formally the word is not even synonymous with a gel product, since the products contain various components, you can call them that.

Advantages and disadvantages of gel polishes compared to regular ones

The product is an improved format of conventional decorative varnish, so they have a similar consistency and are applied with a regular brush. This is where the relatedness of these two products ends.

Otherwise, in terms of leading characteristics, the products differ significantly.

Gel polish	Regular varnish
Durability	If you follow the dyeing technology, it lasts up to 21 days.	Duration of wearing does not exceed seven days. Then you need to paint again.
How long does it take to dry?	Dries quickly, but special lamps are used for drying	Dries for a long time, but does not require the use of special devices
How to delete	Due to its hardness, the coating is most often cut down using a special cutter. Sometimes it is softened with a special liquid and carefully removed with an orange stick.	Removed with acetone-containing liquid, i.e. it just dissolves.
Smell	May have a fairly strong chemical smell. But sometimes it doesn't smell at all.	It always smells strong.
Palette	The palette depends on the manufacturer	The choice is always great.