Don’t have the energy or time to sit in a salon for a gel manicure? We get it, that’s why buying a gel manicure set is one of the best ways to get professional-level nails on your own time.
Whether you’re in a salon or doing it yourself at home, the standard gel manicure process is pretty simple: Prep the nails and cuticles, apply a base coat, two coats of polish, and a topcoat. The only difference is that you’ll need to “cure” each layer of polish under a UV lamp until it hardens (usually somewhere around 60 seconds). You’ll also need to swipe your freshly manicured nails with some alcohol to remove the sticky layer of moisture that rises to the top while during the curing process.
Despite how simple the manicure itself is, finding the right gel nail polishes and UV lamp for you might not be as easy as you’d expect. “Customers should keep in mind to look for kits that match their skill level,” explains nail artist Tom Bachik. “Some gel kits are three-step including a base coat, color, and topcoat, while others are only two- or even one-step, meaning there is no base coat and the whole process is easier.”
To help you sort through the tons of kits online, we’ve found the eight best at-home gel nail kits, recommended by nail artists and beauty editors. Whether you’re a total gel manicure newbie or a veteran of the curing lamp, there’s a kit in here for you.
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