Review of gel polishes - ranking of the 20 best gel polishes 2022

In this article we will tell you what rules should be followed when buying gel polish for home use.

Gel polishes appeared not so long ago, but they managed to earn the ardent love of many beauties. Their color variety is amazing, and their durability allows you to forget about updating your manicure for a long time. However, there are cases when such a seemingly ideal coating breaks off literally after a few days! What's the matter? In the wrong varnish. In this article we will try to help beginners.

Which gel nail polish is the best, fits better, lasts: reviews from professionals, rating

Let's try to make a rating based on numerous reviews from professionals:

• Pnb (Professional Nail Boutique) is deservedly one of the most durable varnishes. According to reviews, it can last on nails for at least 3 weeks. And even when actively busy with household chores! The coating is ultra-glossy, looking great when applied even in one layer.
• Entity One “Color Couture” - it’s not in vain that the creators spent several years developing this product. The huge advantage of such a varnish is that it does not leave grooves or cracks. The texture is the “golden mean” - not too liquid and not too thick. And most importantly: such a manicure, done even in bright colors, can last about 3 weeks! There are 140 tones, which can satisfy even picky fashionistas.

Gel polish from Entity One is both long-lasting and pleasing in its variety of shades

• Canni - a coating created on the basis of this varnish will delight its owner for about 2 weeks. It comes off easily. The palette is quite diverse - it consists of more than 200 shades! The disadvantages include a strong smell.

IMPORTANT: This polish can be called the best in the mass market segment.

• RuNail is a worthy representative of the Russian segment of the gel polish market. It is quite durable, and is able to protect even thin peeling nails from chips and cracks. Many professionals have noted that the condition of their nails is even improving! Good volume at low cost and rich pigment are also noted. The consistency is very convenient for application. The disadvantages include some difficulties when removing the coating, as well as a narrow palette. However, it is worth noting that it is replenished from time to time.

Gel polishes from RuNail are ideal for thin nails

The best premium gel polishes

In the last category we present 3 premium products. They are used not only by professional artists in beauty salons, but also by girls who want to be sure of excellent results when applying coatings at home. The rather high price depends not only on the name of the famous brand. It is determined by the excellent quality of the product, maximum durability, safe compositions, pleasant smells and a variety of shades to suit every taste.

SHELLAC CND

Rating: 4.9

A favorite of professional craftsmen, SHELLAC CND offers such a wide variety of colors, effects and textures that you can get confused when choosing a shade. Innovative production technology has made it possible to create products that are safe for the nail and the body as a whole, which are characterized by rich pigment, long-lasting wear, and maximum protection from external influences.

The varnish is practically odorless and contains no toxic substances, so it can be used by women prone to allergies. A brush made of medium-density bristles perfectly paints the nail. The gel does not spread and does not form streaks. One application is enough to get an intense shade.

For best results, it is recommended to use the decorative product with branded base and protective coatings.

Advantages

• widest range of shades;
• neutral smell;
• long wear;
• does not contain harmful components;

Flaws

• high price.

Which manufacturer of gel polish is better, of higher quality: names of manufacturers

Just as people are greeted by their clothes, products are often greeted by their brand. So, which gel polish manufacturers have earned their popularity ?

• CND - this company is considered a pioneer in the world of gel polishes. The products belong to the premium class, enjoying great love from both professionals and beginners. The composition is optimally thick and gentle, the brush is comfortable, the staying power is excellent, the choice of shades is wide, and removal is no hassle. The only caveat is that such a coating is not always suitable for thin nails.
• Masura - despite the fact that the company is Russian, its strong point is the production of gel polish with a healing effect using Japanese technology. The quality is correspondingly high, but the price is low.

IMPORTANT: The only thing, according to reviews, is that you will have to work hard to apply light shades.

• ORLY is an American brand that has become a legend. Suffice it to say that the ideas for drying the coating and French manicure belong to them! The brush of the brand’s brainchild is comfortable, the shades are varied. True, sometimes there are complaints about the consistency of the varnish - its liquidity.

ORLY gel polishes have a chic palette

• TNL is a Russian company that manufactures its products in South Korea. We can say that the price-quality ratio is quite good. The varnishes are inexpensive, but can last at least 2 weeks and delight with rich shades. True, according to observations, TNL products consume quickly.
• OPI is an American company that focuses specifically on the production of gel polishes. Their cost is already higher than that of the previous company's products, but these premium varnishes are truly worth the investment. They are durable and apply evenly.

IMPORTANT: However, according to some reviews, problems may arise at the stage of removing the coating. You may need to drink it.

• GELISH is another company that has earned positive reviews. Basically, they are dictated by the good composition of the gel polishes of this manufacturer, which strengthen the nail plate and nourish it. You can choose from 140 shades! The consistency is ideal, which allows you to create good coverage and save product. The varnish is not difficult to remove.

GELISH has a good reputation in the gel polish market

Rating of gel polishes: brands, prices and characteristics

Our focus is on 20 brands that produce manicure products. These are popular gel polishes that you cannot buy in online cosmetics stores. Such products are purchased by representatives of beauty salons or private masters who have everything necessary for manicure - UV lamps, tools, etc.

FOX Professional

One of the best brands of gel polishes, which has gained popularity all over the world. The products of this American brand received an international quality certificate in 2022. The main FOX palette includes 240 shades.

Product advantages : economical consumption, high pigment concentration and dense texture. Gel polishes of this brand do not flow under the cuticle during drying in a lamp. They last an average of 3 weeks, maintaining color saturation.

Disadvantages : some shades have a liquid texture.

Cost: from 300 rub. per bottle. The network also sells sets of 3-6 shades, which may include a UV lamp.

Kodi Professional

Another famous American brand that is also in demand in Russia. Even those masters who have chosen other gel nail polish companies buy base and top from Kodi.

The brand appeared on the world market in 2005. For manicurists, Kodi produces not only varnishes, but also gel removers, tools, and UV lamps.

Product advantages : high durability, hypoallergenic composition, resistance to chips and cracks.

Disadvantages : liquid texture, due to which there is a risk of formation of streaks under the cuticle.

Cost: from 350 rub. Gel polishes from the new collections (with thermal effect, “cat’s eye” coating, etc.) cost 400 rubles. per bottle.

CND

One of the best brands of manicure products, founded in 1979 in the USA. CND released the famous shellac, which is still considered one of the best gel polishes. Its palette includes more than 100 shades. Later, CND released another line of Creative Play gel polishes. This collection includes transformable decorative coverings that change color depending on the lighting.

Product advantages : strength and durability up to 3 weeks, hypoallergenic composition. The CND coating does not destroy the nail plate and is worn without chips or cracks. The dense consistency ensures uniform and accurate application.

Disadvantages : high price.

Cost: from 700 rub. A standard bottle of Shellac coating costs from 900 rubles.

Lukum nails

Gel polishes made in Germany. The palette is represented by more than 100 shades, among which there is a “cat eye” coating with a 24D effect. Lukum nails varnishes are highly durable and do not lose color saturation during wear.

Product advantages : high density and pigmentation. This allows you to apply gel polish in one layer. The coating polymerizes quickly: 30-60 seconds are enough for an LED lamp.

Disadvantages : gel polishes of this brand are not available in every manicure store.

Cost: from 390 rub. per bottle of 10 ml.

Luxio

One of the best gel polishes, which is produced by the Canadian company Akzentz. Its palette is represented by 160 rich shades. The advantage of Luxio is not only its amazing durability, but also the ability to mix varnishes without fear that the quality of the coating will deteriorate.

Product advantages : the varnish is hypoallergenic and odorless. It does not thicken over time, which allows you to completely use up the contents of the bottle. The coating does not fade, retains its rich shine and durability for 2-3 weeks.

Disadvantages : high price.

Cost: 1400 rub. per bottle.

O.P.I.

American-made gel polishes, which are known and in demand all over the world. The brushes in the bottles are made using proprietary technology and facilitate accurate and uniform application. The varnish has proven itself positively due to its durability and wide selection of shades.

Product advantages : quick drying (30-45 seconds for LED lamps), high-quality packaging (the bottle is sealed and made of opaque glass).

Disadvantages : liquid consistency, tendency to thicken in the bottle.

Cost: from 900 rub.

Bluesky

The Chinese brand of gel polishes has received mixed reviews. Bluesky impresses with its low cost and large range, which includes single-phase coatings. The assortment includes 13 lines plus a collection of varnishes that dry without a UV lamp and last for 7 days.

Product advantages : low price, huge palette of shades, two-week durability.

Disadvantages : may cause allergies; when removed, it injures the nail plate.

Cost: from 250 rub.

Essie

This brand appeared in the USA in 1981 and gained popularity due to the excellent quality of regular nail polishes. In 2016, the brand released the Gel Couture line. The collection of two-phase gel polishes includes metallic shades and glitter coatings.

Product advantages : beautiful rich colors, drying without using a lamp.

Disadvantages : uncomfortable brush, poor durability, uneven application.

Cost: from 900 rub.

Gelish Harmony

Another brand of American gel polishes, founded in 2009. The shade palette includes about 190 items. The Gelish Harmony brand also produces polygel - a mix of acrylic and gel, which is used to build and strengthen nails.

Product advantages : high durability (average 3 weeks), comfortable brush.

Disadvantages : liquid consistency, there is a risk of streaking.

Cost: from 1200 rub.

Jessica GeLeration

Gel polishes made in the USA are noted not only for their durability, but also for their useful composition. The products do not contain formaldehyde, toluene and phthalates, and have no unpleasant odor. Gel polish is characterized by rapid polymerization: 20-30 seconds are enough for an LED lamp.

Advantages of the product : can be worn for up to 4 weeks, can be easily removed (removed with a remover in 10-15 minutes), and does not chip.

Disadvantages : high price.

Cost: from 1500 rub.

Masura

The manufacturer of these gel polishes is a famous Japanese brand that has developed a spa manicure (or Japanese manicure) protocol. The product does not contain harmful components such as formaldehyde, toluene and methyl acrylate. The Masura assortment also includes a collection of single-phase varnishes that are convenient to use at home. The collections’ palettes include variations of “cat’s eyes” and neon shades that glow in the dark.

Product advantages : comfortable brush, wide selection of shades, durability.

Disadvantages : covers the nail plate unevenly, sometimes dries out in the bottle, wears worse in combination with a base of another brand.

Cost: 500 rub.

Canni

Another brand of Chinese gel polishes for professional and home use. The range includes “chameleon”, “cat’s eye” and “liquid foil” coatings. Canni also produces gel polishes with a thermal effect that change color depending on the temperature of your hands.

Product advantages : low price, huge selection of shades, thick consistency.

Disadvantages : there is a risk of allergic reactions. Gel polishes are not durable, and one of the reasons for this is incompatibility with bases from other brands.

Cost: from 180 rub.

Naomi

One of the best American brands, which impresses with its quality and low cost. The Naomi basic collection palette includes more than 300 shades. Additionally, a series of gel polishes with thermal effect, cat-eye coatings and a collection for French design have been released.

Product advantages : uniform distribution over the nail plate, high durability.

Disadvantages : liquid consistency, unpleasant odor.

Cost: from 270 rub.

MyNail

Another American brand of gel polishes that appeared in our country 6 years ago. The highlight of MyNail is its unique composition, enriched with caring components (fruit acids, phytoextracts, Dead Sea minerals). Gel polishes last on average 2 weeks.

Product advantages : high pigmentation, good selection of shades, affordable price.

Disadvantages : liquid consistency, poor staying power in combination with some bases.

Cost: from 220 rub.

Komilfo

One of the favorites of Russian nail artists. American-made products are represented in 13 collections. Komilfo's assortment includes holographic, neon and thermovarnishes, the “cat's eye” series. A convenient brush and thick texture allows you to easily apply the coating without leaving streaks.

Product advantages : rich and pigmented shades, excellent durability, no odor.

Disadvantages : some shades require 3 coats.

Cost: from 400 rub.

Oxxi

One of the favorites of nail technicians, which is made in the USA. The Oxxi palette includes more than 170 shades, including glitter, shimmer and cat-eye finishes.

Gel polishes last up to 20 days, have a light pleasant smell and are quickly removed (10 minutes is enough for remover).

Product advantages : durability, high pigmentation, rich shades, easy application.

Disadvantages : requires drying in a powerful lamp.

Cost: 400 rub.

Gloss

Gel polish made in Germany, which has established itself as a premium product. Gloss captivates with its rich palette of rich shades and durability, which does not change depending on the change of base or top.

Product advantages : uniform application, high pigmentation.

Disadvantages : some shades of varnish are too thin in consistency.

Cost: from 500 rub.

Kira Nails

It's time to introduce you to gel polishes from a domestic manufacturer. The Ukrainian brand Kira Nails produces budget-class products, which, however, have received good reviews from nail experts. This brand also captivates with its wide palette of shades, which is represented by 8 collections. The main line of Kira Nails consists of 171 tones. Separate series include varnishes with thermal effect, glitter and small sparkles, as well as cat eye coating.

Product advantages : density and high pigmentation, durability, lack of unpleasant odor.

Disadvantages : liquid consistency.

Cost: from 240 rub.

PNB (Professional Nail Boutique)

An American brand that has become one of the most popular in our country. The products are manufactured using the 7Free formula: there are no toxic components such as formaldehyde and toluene. The nail coating is hypoallergenic and does not have a strong odor.

Gel polishes are available in 4 and 8 ml bottles. In addition to the main collection, PNB has lines of stained glass and magnetic gel polishes

Product advantages : durability up to 20 days, economical consumption, dense consistency without the risk of flowing under the cuticle.

Disadvantages : sometimes the pigment is removed along with the sticky layer.

Cost: from 380 rub.

TNL

The review ends with another Asian brand. TNL gel polishes are produced in South Korea, and today the range of this brand includes more than 7,000 units. The products are well adapted for home use: mini-bottles and single-phase coatings are suitable for beginners.

Product advantages : huge palette of shades, lack of pungent odor, low cost.

Disadvantages : the varnish is applied unevenly and requires 3 coats. There is a risk of bubbles and unevenness on the surface.

Cost: from 120 rub. at online sales. On average, the price of a bottle starts from 270 rubles.

The best black gel polish: list, names of manufacturers

Like any other dark manicure, black requires special attention. So, which gel polish should you choose in this case?

• Vogue Nails “Black Lord” - black gel polish from this company has a good consistency and a large soft brush, which even beginners will find comfortable.
• ORLY No. 30484 is more liquid than the previous version, and on average, to achieve a high-quality coating, you need to apply about one more layer of varnish. However, a medium-sized brush allows you to do this without any problems.
• Patrisa nail No. 30 – has a medium consistency. The optimal number of layers is three. The brush is quite comfortable.

IMPORTANT: This shade will not suit lovers of the perfect black tone, but will please fans of gray undertones in black.

• Entity No. 2488 - gives excellent dense coverage after the second coat. The brush is comfortable, so even beginners can handle it.
• Color Club No. 854 – despite the narrow brush, this company’s gel polish is easy to apply. It can be used to easily treat the area near the cuticle without removing excess varnish. The coating is dense, appearing after two layers. In many ways, “thank you” for this is due to the excellent consistency and high-quality pigmentation.

The perfect dark manicure requires a thoughtful choice of black gel polish.

What to look for when buying gel polish

It is almost impossible to determine the quality of the product at first glance. The information provided on the bottle may not be enough - other factors must be taken into account. For the most part, the specific choice depends on your individual preferences. After all, for some, some features of gel polish are more important, for others – others. Let's consider the most significant criteria.

• Price. When purchasing any product, most of us first of all pay attention to the price tag. Cosmetic products for manicure are no exception. The price of gel polish is determined by the brand, volume and features of the material.
• Pigmentation. No one wants to buy gel polish that is applied baldly and creates streaks and gaps. The exception is translucent shades. If you are looking for a rich and deep color, give preference to more pigmented formulations. It is enough to apply them in 1-2 layers for an even and beautiful coverage. Please note that they require more time to polymerize - they must be dried using a lamp with a power of 48 W or more.
• Density. Liquid gel polishes are easier to apply and allow you to create a thin layer without unevenness or lumps. But they are not without drawbacks - the color coating will most likely have to be applied in several layers, and this requires additional time. In addition, such material can flow under the cuticle, which can ruin your manicure. Thicker formulations minimize the risk of streaking and can be applied in just one layer. But it will take longer to dry them in a more powerful device.
• Application system. It can be single-phase, two-phase and three-phase. The names speak for themselves - for a single-phase system you only need one product that serves as a base, color and top coat. Two-phase and three-phase, respectively, involve the use of several products depending on the type of material.

However, you should not unquestioningly trust the “3 in 1” mark on the bottle. This product will save money and time, but will not provide adequate durability. Especially if you have brittle and damaged nails that need additional strengthening. Single-phase coating will delight you for up to two weeks, after which it will begin to chip and peel off.

Two-phase products combine the action of a base and gel polish, but need to be secured with a glossy or matte topcoat. They are quite rarely found in stores due to low demand. For an impeccable result, it is better to perform a standard three-phase manicure - separately purchase a base, color and top coat. You can find quality products in the Royal Gel online store.

Buy a good primer and degreaser separately. The base can be regular or rubber. Modern products have a self-leveling effect - during the polymerization process they are evenly distributed over the plate. Bases with a camouflage effect can be used as an independent coating - thanks to the presence of pigments, they mask imperfections and give the nails a light natural tint. At the final stage, do not forget to apply a top coat that will create beautiful highlights and provide reliable protection.

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.

How to remove gel polish and how to remove it correctly?

It is almost impossible to ruin your nails when applying gel polish, but this is possible if it is removed incorrectly.
Let's look at all the ways to remove gel polish and, most importantly, the correct way to remove the coating. Gel polish can be removed by soaking in liquid (or special napkins with foil and impregnation), as well as sawdust.

Maceration

When soaking, we file the surface of the coating, namely the top, with a coarse file (approximately 80/100 grit), apply a napkin soaked in liquid for removing gel polish coating, and cover it with foil. Within 15-20 minutes, the liquid dissolves the coating, after which we remove the remaining coating, removing it with a soft orange stick. You should not immediately use iron pushers - they can damage the nail plate, since beginners often cannot distinguish where the base layer ends and the natural nail begins.

Sawdust

When filing, you can use a coarse file, but completely cutting off the coating from the nail will be quite problematic and time-consuming, so many masters use a cutter to file the coating down to the base, leaving it on the nail (You file off the color as soon as a translucent coating becomes visible from under the color - this is the base , there is no need to cut it down). Next, the base coating must be soaked using the same technology. This saves time and does not injure the native nail with sawdust.

There is also a method for removing gel polish completely with sawdust - removal is done using a nail machine. This method is performed only by professionals with extensive experience and requires special training, since it is easiest for them to damage 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

How to choose an online gel polish store?

Of course, each person chooses exactly the online store that he likes and meets his personal needs, however, there is a set of factors that are worth paying attention to when choosing any online store, even not in the nail industry.
What to pay attention to:

• Availability of certificates.

An online store must have product quality certificates confirming its originality and safety of use. It is necessary to have positive reviews, not only on the products of the online store themselves, but also on work, service and resolution of conflict situations.

• Quality assurance and customer support.

We provide quality guarantees for all our products, as well as guarantees of customer support in any controversial situations. Unfortunately, even in the most expensive and high-quality brands there is a possibility of defects, there is nothing to worry about, the main thing is to contact the support service in time, provide the necessary documents about the purchase of this product, as well as photographs of the product with the fact of defect or the product itself for exchange.

• Partial redemption.

In our online store there is a relatively new partial redemption service, which allows you to select only the goods you need directly upon receipt of the parcel at the point of delivery and refuse shades and goods that turned out to be not what you imagined.

• Keeping track of trends and new products.

Also a very important factor when choosing an online store is the timely arrival of new products and new trends in manicure. We monitor the latest new gel polishes and carefully select the best and most popular gel polish companies for our clients. Every year we bring out the fashionable shades of the season so that our customers can be in trend.

• Taking care of clients.

We put together the best nail design ideas, we ourselves describe each shade of gel polish by density, texture and, based on this data, we create a convenient filter for choosing shades, and also, which is important for our clients, we provide the most reasonable prices for products.

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

What not to do after applying gel polish

The basic rules are:

• After applying gel polish, it is advisable to avoid procedures involving water during the first 24 hours (washing floors and wet cleaning, swimming in the pool and hot tub);
• During the entire period of wear, it is advisable to carry out all household work and work with chemicals, as well as detergents, only with gloves, since aggressive components of chemicals can damage the coating;
• Do not knock with your nails, open lids and jars with your nails, or put additional stress on the coating.
• During the day it is better to refrain from visiting the bathhouse, sauna, or paraffin therapy.

Which gel polish is better: Bluesky or Cody?

Both companies have earned a good reputation and, undoubtedly, manicure fans have heard about them. How to choose among these titans? Let's try to understand the pros and cons. So, the advantages of Kodi Professional:

• Fashionistas are constantly delighted with the abundance of colors of this company's products. Moreover, the shades are saturated, and their brightness does not fade over time.
• The consistency is good - the varnishes are not prone to spreading. The dense layer is preserved, chips do not form
• The smell cannot be classified as a repulsive chemical

Cons of Kodi Professional:

• These varnishes are not suitable for busy people - the application and drying process is quite long
• Although the coating does not chip, it may show through at the tips.
• The composition cannot be called harmless
• The price won't suit everyone

Gel polishes from Kodi Professional delight with the palette.
Now let's talk about the benefits of gel polishes from BlueSky Shellac:

• The cost is small
• At the same time, air bubbles, smudges and chips occur infrequently. This polish lasts for 2-3 weeks.
• The application process is hassle-free thanks to the convenient brush. Like the withdrawal process
• The palette is varied, the shades are rich
• Any bases and tops

IMPORTANT: These varnishes cannot be combined except with the base and top coat from Kodi Professional.

Disadvantages of BlueSky Shellac:

• According to some reviews, the consistency is thicker than we would like
• But perhaps the most important drawback is that in the absence of breaks between manicures, the condition of the nails worsens . However, if you give your nails a rest, they will not suffer.

Gel polishes from Kodi Professional delight with their palette

What is the difference between gel polish and shellac and which is better?

Let's go back to 2010, when the CND corporation created a revolutionary product - a hybrid of gel and varnish. But she didn’t call it gel polish, but “Shellac”.

Essentially, gel polish and shellac are the same thing. Simply “Shellac” is the name of a certain brand of gel polishes. But due to the fact that shellac became the world's first gel polish, a merging of concepts occurred. For example, the same thing happened with the Pampers brand: very often you can hear that diapers are called diapers.

Therefore, to the question: “Which is better – gel polish or shellac?” The answer is simple - there is no difference between them.

IMPORTANT!

Keep in mind that if you go to a professional manicure store and ask for shellac, the seller will most likely give you “Shellac” from the CND corporation. Therefore, if you want to get acquainted with the entire range on the market, and not just one brand, then ask for gel polish.

What is better: biogel, shellac, acrylic paints, multivarnish or gel polish?

Let's try, as in the paragraph above, to compare the pros and cons of various manicure options. Since needs are individual, it is up to the readers to decide what is best.

So, the advantages of biogel:

• The most important advantage is harmlessness . For this reason, biogel is approved for pregnant women. It contains protein-rich tix tree resin and a set of vitamins. Accordingly, there is no need to be afraid of irritation from the biogel
• If for any reason the plate has lost its healthy and beautiful appearance, rehabilitation with biogel is what you need!

IMPORTANT: It has been proven that nail brittleness is significantly reduced.

• Removal is also harmless, since the biogel is completely softened under the influence of a special solution
• The durability of this manicure is generally good.
• shades to choose from

Now about the cons:

• Price – it is slightly higher than the cost, for example, of acrylic
• Approximately once or twice a month it is worth carrying out a correction in the salon
• Despite the praised durability, sometimes the coating does not adhere well to a wet nail

Biogel manicure is beautiful and useful.
Now let's talk about shellac. Advantages:

• It perfectly strengthens nails , preventing splitting. In other words, any girl has the opportunity to grow long beautiful nails
• Longevity is excellent - at least 3 weeks. During this time, household chemicals will not be able to harm the coating.
• Fans of rich shine are recommended to pay attention to this product

IMPORTANT: Among all coatings, shellac gives the strongest shine.

• Both the classic and brighter palettes are constantly updated
• Like biogel, shellac does not contain formaldehyde
• This product can be easily removed at home - you just need to purchase a special product

Flaws:

• The cost is comparable to a full extension. But don’t forget about correction! Naturally, girls with rapidly growing nails will have to have it done more often and, accordingly, pay more.
• Shellac is sensitive to temperature changes. Heat and humidity sometimes cause nails to expand and contract. Cracks appear through which water and dirt can seep through. And since shellac decorates nails for a long time, there is a risk of developing an infection under such a shell.

Shellac shines very beautifully.
Now it’s worth talking about the advantages of acrylic paints:

• a beginner can use
• The palette will satisfy every taste. In addition, you can experiment with shades by mixing them
• The paints have an easy-to-apply consistency

IMPORTANT: For dilution, it is enough to use ordinary water.

• Any nails are suitable as a canvas - natural, extended, even covered with gel polish
• The coating dries in literally minutes
• One manicure session usually takes a little material.
• Acrylic paints are not harmful to health

Now about the cons. Perhaps one of them is the instability of the coating. Without several layers of a special fixing agent, the manicure will quickly wear out.

Cute nail designs using acrylic paints

About the advantages of multivarnish:

• The shine is simply amazing, comparable to diamond
• Durability also deserves praise - from 10 to 14 days. Even if you actively do household chores
• The palette is varied
• There is no sticky layer
• Thanks to its convenient texture , applying multivarnish is comfortable, and it doesn’t take much time.

IMPORTANT: Of course, subject to following the instructions.

Among the shortcomings, one can note, perhaps, some difficulty in removal.

Beautiful nail design coated with multivarnish

Now let's talk about the advantages of gel polish:

• It has been proven that gel polish coating allows nails to grow faster. They are strengthening
• Durability is on average 2 weeks
• Dries quickly under a UV lamp
• You can beautifully transform even short nails

Flaws:

• Cheap gel polishes can give the nail plate a yellow pigment
• You can only work with gel polish yourself if you have experience. It is preferable to contact a specialist

IMPORTANT: This applies to both gel polish coating and its removal.

• After 4-5 manicure sessions, you definitely need to take a break.
• You may be allergic to some components

This is how a beautiful manicure with gel polish can turn out.
It’s not for nothing that they say that hands show a woman’s age. Therefore, a well-groomed manicure is an indispensable component of the image of any self-respecting lady. And considering that there is simply no time to do it often in the modern world, gel polish may be the ideal solution to the problem!

The best mid-price gel polishes

Let's move on to mid-price products that have the best quality-to-cost ratio. Gel polishes have greater durability compared to budget products. The manicure remains unchanged for up to 3-4 weeks. Trendy shades with different textures, effects and consistency will allow you to create a coating of any complexity and your wildest fantasies. The best representatives of this category, which are used by manicurists and girls at home, were selected for the rating.

Which lamp is suitable for polymerizing gel polish?

It is impossible to obtain a super-resistant coating on your nails without special electrical equipment. Unlike regular varnish, varnish with a polymer composition does not dry in air. A lamp is needed to harden it. She may be:

• light-emitting diode (LED);
• ultraviolet (UV);
• with cold cathode spiral (CCFL);
• hybrid (UV+LED or CCFL+LED).

UV devices with fluorescent light bulbs are considered outdated, as they take the longest to dry the coating (1–2 minutes). However, they are suitable for polymerizing any gel polishes. LED lamps with light emitting diodes are second generation devices. They work quickly, but do not affect all types of artificial materials. CCFL technology is similar to the more advanced UV technology, but is becoming increasingly rare on the market.

UV+LED hybrid lamps are deservedly the most popular. They allow you to quickly and effectively dry all known gel polishes, gels and biogels in a matter of seconds. The power of the device also matters. The optimal indicator is 36–50 W.

Storage recommendations

Even the highest quality and most expensive product can lose its properties due to improper storage or transportation. The following tips will help you maximize your shelf life.

• Keep vials away from sunlight. They are produced in bottles that do not allow ultraviolet rays to pass through, but this does not mean that they can be stored directly on the windowsill. Due to carelessness, the gel polish may not be closed tightly enough - just a few seconds of sun exposure are enough for lumps to appear inside. The ideal place for storage is a dark and dry cabinet with opaque doors. Gel polishes should be transported in a closed box.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature in the room where gel polishes are stored. For this reason, they should not be kept near a radiator or heat fan. The manufacturer always indicates temperature recommendations on the packaging.
• During the manicure procedure, place open bottles away from the polymerization lamp. It is better to cover them with a lid after each use.
• Gel polishes contain an unstable chemical formula that can separate under the influence of external factors. Before use, they can be lightly shaken so that the consistency becomes uniform. But you should not shake them for a long time (for example, in a car). This will lead to the formation of tiny bubbles that negatively affect the durability of the coating.