This article has been updated to reflect more information on the featured products. It was based upon top reviews and expert opinion. The following top-rated products are still available.
Regular manicures don’t cut it when you want nail polish that lasts through all kinds of weather. Gel manicures are made from a gel-based nail polish, which is then cured using a UV/LED lamp to protect the nails. These manicures are durable and last for years.
A gel manicure in a salon has its drawbacks. Many brands also offer gel nail kits and gel products for at-home. Some polishes shine the same as salon shellacs but without the use of a UV light.The bonus: Home gels can be removed much faster than salon-based ones. They are less likely to cause damage to nails.
Here are the best-rated gel nail varnishes according Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab experts and reviews. Gel nail varnishes are available in many colors and finishes, so you can keep your nails trendy. You can make the salon more luxurious by lighting a favorite candle, and applying a cuticle oil. Apply a rich hand cream.
These are our top picks
Gel nail polishes at its best
Sally Hansen
Miracle Gel Nail Polish
Top Value Gel Nail Polish
Essie
Gel Couture
Best UV Gel Nail Polish
CND
Shellac Gel Nail Polish
Gel Nail Polish with LED Light – Best Gel Nail Polish
Gelish
Gel color: Take off
Gel nail polish with intense shine
OPI
GelColor Nail Polish
Nail Art: Best Gel Nail Polish
Polish Beetles Gel
Kit of nail art gel liners
Home use of gel nail polish
DEBORAH LIPPMANN
Gel Lab Pro Nail Color
The Best Luxury Gel Nail Polish
DIOR
Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer
The Best Gel Nail Polish For Work Hands
NAILS INC.
GEL Effect Nail Polish
Gel nail Polish is Easy to Remove
Revlon
Long-wearing ColorStay Gel Envy Polish Nail Polish
Gel-Like Nail Polish
Olive & June
7-Free Nail Polish
Good Housekeeping: Why should you trust it?
Dori PriceMore than 15 years experience has been gained in the field of writing nail stories and research. This knowledge is combined by the industry’s top professionals, such as nail technicians and dermatologists. Expert in all things nail, she is well-versed in nail colours, treatments and professional services. Katie Berohn An ex-Good Housekeeping assistant in beauty, reporting on GH Beauty Lab product testing.
Katie Berohn
Katie Berohn, the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day magazines, is part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group.
Dori Price
Contributing beauty editor
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor.
Here are 11 of the Best Gel Nail Polishes in 2022
