Top picks from Londontown, Madam Glam, Essie, and more. How to apply gel nail polishes at home, and tips for maintaining gel nails – we got it all covered.
Ever found yourself rushing between meetings, errands, and social plans, only to realise your nails need a quick refresh? There’s no better time to ditch the chipped polish and level up your nail game than now. Imagine flawless nails that last through it all—no touch-ups required.
A long-lasting, flawless manicure, gel nail polishes offers a shiny finish and durability that traditional nail polishes can’t match. The trend has revolutionised the way we care for our nails.
Want to know all about gel nail polish – its benefits, and tips on how to achieve a salon-quality manicure right at home.
What is Gel Nail Polish?
Gel nail polish is a special kind of nail polish that is cured under UV or LED light, making it last significantly longer than traditional nail polish for gel nails. Unlike regular nail polish, gel polish is more resistant to chips, smudges, and scratches.
The formula is thicker, providing a much more durable layer, and the drying process is almost instantaneous once exposed to UV or LED light.
Gel nails are available in a wide range of colours, finishes, and even textures. From classic reds to shimmering metallics, there’s a gel nail polish to suit every mood and occasion.
5 Best Gel Nail Polishes For Summer 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Benefits of Gel Nail Polishes
Gel nail polishes offer several advantages over regular nail polishes. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider switching to gel polish:
- Long-Lasting
Unlike traditional nail polish for gel nails, which can chip after a few days, gel polish can last up to two weeks without chipping. The curing process ensures that your nails remain intact, even with daily wear and tear.
- No Drying Time
One of the best things about gel nail polish is that it dries instantly under UV or LED light. You won’t have to worry about accidentally smudging your nails after applying the polish. This makes it perfect for busy people who need to save time without sacrificing the quality of their manicure.
- Shiny Finish
Gel nail polishes provide an incredibly glossy and smooth finish that traditional polishes can’t replicate. The shine lasts for the entire duration of your manicure, leaving your nails looking freshly done for weeks.
- Stronger Nails
Gel nails add a protective layer to your natural nails, making them less prone to breaking or chipping. The additional strength is particularly beneficial for those with weak or brittle nails.
How to Apply Gel Nail Polish at Home
Applying polish gel nails at home is easier than you think. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking manicure without stepping foot in a salon. Here’s how to do it:
5 Best Gel Nail Polishes For Summer 2025: Everything You Need to Know
- Prep Your Nails
Start by cleaning your nails and removing any old polish. File your nails to the desired shape, and push back your cuticles. Cleanse your nails with an alcohol wipe to remove any oil and debris, ensuring the gel polish adheres properly.
- Apply the Base Coat
A base coat is essential to help the gel polish stick to your nails. Apply a thin layer of base coat and cure under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply the Gel Polish
Next, apply the first layer of gel nail polish. Be sure to apply a thin layer and cure it under the lamp. Repeat this process with a second coat for full opacity.
- Apply the Top Coat
Finally, apply a top coat to seal the polish and add a glossy finish. Cure under the lamp one last time. After curing, wipe your nails with an alcohol wipe to remove the sticky residue.
- Moisturise Your Cuticles
To keep your nails healthy, don’t forget to moisturise your cuticles after finishing your manicure.
Tips for Maintaining Gel Nails
- Avoid Excessive Moisture
While gel nails are durable, exposure to water for prolonged periods can cause them to lift. Be mindful of wearing gloves while doing dishes or using harsh chemicals.
- Don’t Pick or Peel
Never peel or pick at your gel nails. This can damage your natural nails. If your gel nails start to lift, visit a professional for removal. - Use a Cuticle Oil
To keep your nails looking their best, apply cuticle oil regularly. This will keep your nails and cuticles hydrated and healthy.
Removing Gel Nail Polish Safely
Removing polish gel nails requires a bit more effort than regular nail polish, but it’s worth it to keep your nails healthy. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Soak Your Nails
Soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on your nails. Wrap your nails in foil to keep the cotton ball in place. - Wait and Remove
After about 10-15 minutes, remove the foil and cotton ball. Gently push off the gel polish with an orange stick or cuticle pusher. If the polish doesn’t come off easily, soak for a bit longer. - Hydrate Your Nails
After removing the gel polish, apply cuticle oil and hand lotion to keep your nails and skin hydrated.
5 Best Gel Nail Polishes For Summer 2025
- Madam Glam Soak-Off Gel Polish
5 Best Gel Nail Polishes For Summer 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Madam Glam’s Soak-Off Gel Polish offers a vast array of 300+ shades in various finishes like shimmer, shine, matte, jelly, and opaque.
What truly sets Madam Glam apart is its impressive durability. After two weeks of wear, the polish remains as glossy as day one, with no signs of dulling. Equally impressive is its easy removal process. After soaking your nails in acetone or using the foil method for 15 minutes, the gel polish practically peels off, leaving minimal residue.
- Dior Vernis Gel Shine Nail Lacquer
5 Best Gel Nail Polishes For Summer 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Dior Vernis Gel Shine Nail Lacquer is all about vibrant color and a high-gloss finish. The polish offers a luxurious quality, delivering rich, pigmented color without being thick or gloopy. The super glossy finish gives nails that high-shine, gel-like look, making it feel like a professional manicure at home.
- Londontown Gel Color
5 Best Gel Nail Polishes For Summer 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Offering a wide variety of bold shades, Londontown Gel Color is easy to find the perfect color to suit your mood. The polish provides excellent color payoff with just one coat, delivering a rich and vibrant hue that’s perfect for those in a hurry.
Another standout feature is how easy it is to remove this gel polish—no soaking in acetone necessary! Regular nail polish remover does the trick, making cleanup a breeze.
- Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro
5 Best Gel Nail Polishes For Summer 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro offers an easy-to-use gel polish experience, ideal for those who want salon-quality nails without the hassle of a UV light. What’s especially great about this polish is that it doesn’t require UV light, making the whole process simpler and faster than traditional gel manicures.
Removing the polish was also a breeze, thanks to the “stripper” product that comes with the polish. This finger-sized mitt, soaked in acetone and other ingredients, effectively removes the polish in less than five seconds per finger.
- Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish
5 Best Gel Nail Polishes For Summer 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish stands out with its smooth application and relatively thin formula, making it easy to use even for beginners. While it doesn’t boast the most shades on this list, it certainly offers a vast spectrum of colors—from soft, neutral pinks to vibrant, bold blues, making it versatile for any occasion.
The polish pairs well with the brand’s matching top coat, providing up to a week of chip-free wear. Removal is simple, though it’s advisable to use a base coat, especially with the darker shades, as they tend to leave stains on your nails after removal.
If you’re after a long-lasting, easy-to-remove gel polish with a wide range of colors to choose from, Essie Gel Couture is a solid option. Just be mindful of the staining with darker shades, and you’ll be good to go!
