FYI, This Holographic Gel Nail Polish Lasts For Over Two Weeks

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Gel manicures are the superior type of manicure, and I simply won't be hearing anything else at this time.

If you're new to the gel mani game, let me introduce you: Gel manicures can be painted in the salon or at home with the right polish or kit. They sometimes require a UV light to dry, and are long-lasting for up to two or even three weeks in some cases. Chipping? A thing of the past.

Peep a few of the best gel nail polishes, below:

Basically, in my ~professional~ opinion, they're a higher quality at-home manicure than one you'd get with basic nail polish. Because of this, they're also more expensive than regular polish—though they'll almost always be less expensive than a salon manicure. Lucky for you, I did the research on the best-tested, most top-rated gel polishes people are raving about.

Meet the expert: Julie Kandalec is a celebrity manicurist and licensed nail artist and beauty mentor.

Ahead, check out our picks for the best gel manicures to buy when you decide to perfect your at-home gel mani, carefully curated from online reviews and best sellers. Happy painting!

transparent Soak Off Jelly UV Gel Polish

If you're all about a glossy finish, look no further than this stunning set from GAOY. These jelly polishes come in two blush shades that can be used separately or together to create fun looks. They're long-lasting, non-toxic, and fragrance-free.

Rave Review: "This is a wonderful collection of soft shades that work great with my gel lamp. The application is smooth, and I get tons of compliments!"

Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish

ICYMI, Deborah Lippmann has a great reputation in the nail polish industry. It has stand-out ingredients such as biotin, keratin, green tea extract, and more to aid nail health while helping you achieve a stunning manicure.

Rave Review: "The color is stunning, the polish offers fantastic coverage, and the brush is perfect for a flawless application. I'll be buying more for sure!"

Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish

Essie is iconic for a reason. When they came out with gel polish in addition to regular polish, heads turned. Don't understand why? For starters, getting a sleek finish only requires an easy two-step application process. It's also formaldehyde-free and cruelty-free.

Rave Review: "This has a curved brush so it very easily covers my nail bed in three strokes. I applied two coats, waited for it to dry, and then the top coat gave it an impeccable gloss and hardness!"

Shellac Among the Marigolds Gel Polish

This shellac gel polish is one of the most solid choices out there, recommended by Women's Health's own lifestyle director, Lindsay Geller. If this bright marigold-inspired color isn't your thing, just know that there are over 160 other unique shades to chose from.

Rave Review: "CND was the brand that made me fall in love with gel manicures. The polishes last long, come in a gorgeous color range, and feel so smooth for weeks." —Lindsay Geller, Lifestyle Director at WH

Gel Nail Polish Top And Base Coat Set

With gel, prepping your nails (trimming, filing, and cleaning) is everything, and that doesn't exclude a base and top coat to sandwich your color between. As Amazon's bestselling gel set, the reviews for this set are glowing—it'll pair nicely with any of the polishes on this list.

Rave Review: "I love that this actually works. [My nails] stay without chipping for over three weeks. The longevity and the ease of use makes this an all-star product for me."

Gel Nail Polish

Everyone should have a solid red color in their collection. This thick, non-toxic formula can last for up to three weeks. It also layers well and is super budget-friendly. It's the perfect bold shade to add to your collection.

Rave Review: "The consistency of this gel is fantastic. It goes on smoothly and is thick enough that I don't have to worry about imperfections."

Holographic Gel Polish Set

I obviously had to include a holographic gel polish—it's one of my favorite kinds of designs to get. Bring the party wherever you go with this highly-rated polish that looks different on any color you might layer it over. It doesn't have a strong smell, and it's eco-friendly. Plus, for under $10, you can't go wrong!

Rave Review: "Application was smooth, and I got a ton of compliments. I plan on trying it with several different undertones and can’t wait to see how each one turns out."

Fort Greene Gel Polish

This Brooklyn-inspired nail polish brand is known for their gorgeous shades, a must for anyone who wants something a bit more unique than the standard pastels or reds. Here's where you come to get earthy green tones, neon orange, and highlighter yellow nails.

Rave Review: "The colors are awesome! There’s pretty much no smell of chemicals unlike other nail polish, and it goes on very easily. I am definitely going to purchase more!"

Gel Matte Top Coat

Looking for a way to mix up at-home manis? Make them matte—there's something so satisfying about that smooth layer, and this highly-rated matte top coat will get the job done easily.

Rave Review: "Great shine! It lasts forever and is easy to remove! It's literally a three-in-one."

Gel Nail Polish Kit

If you're not thrilled by the idea of having to go on a hunt to find a UV lamp, you'll love this gel kit, which has everything you'll need for the perfect manicure. It also comes with nail drills, files, 20 colors of gel polish, and more. Note: High-quality UV lamps can go for over $100, so keep in mind that the one in this set won't work the way the ones the pros use do.

Rave Review: "For the price, I was surprised. This set is excellent! The UV lamp dries fast and works great! The polish is smooth and not too thick or thin."

GelColor

Here's a more neutral nude shade for any nude nail looks you might want to try. OPI is always a solid choice for gel because it's always what the salons I go to use. Between the quality and brand reputation, your manicure is sure to last.

Rave Review: "I was looking for a nude sparkle that would still show a bit of my natural nail underneath, and this is it. It's definitely going to be a long-time favorite!"

Soak-Off Gel Polish

Testers love that this gel polish actually lasts two weeks, but they do warn others to add a base and top coat to prevent it from peeling off. It also soaks off easily, so you won't be struggling to take it off when you're ready for something new.

Rave Review: "This is a gorgeous nude color! Two coats created smooth, solid coverage. I’ve already ordered a second bottle in case Gelish discontinues this!"

Miracle Gel Nail Polish

You didn't think I'd forget about Sally Hansen, did you? Luckily, Miracle Gel gives you the feeling of gel, with the ease of removal that regular nail polish offers. You know what that means? There's no UV/LED light needed.

Rave Review: "I can't believe this, but this nail varnish actually lasts. I only had two tiny chips after a week when used with the brand's top coat. I'm definitely going to order other colors."

How does gel nail polish work?

While getting a gel manicure seems simple, there's actually a decent amount of science behind how it works. "Gel is a nail coating that cures with free radical reaction, which is when photoinitiators in the resin react to the wavelengths emitted in a UV lamp," explains Julie Kandalec, a celebrity manicurist and licensed nail artist and beauty mentor.

She adds that regular polish tends to be a bit "softer" and more porous, while the ingredients in gel make it more durable and scratch-resistant.

Can I dry gel nail polish without a UV light?

Unfortunately, your favorite shade of gel polish won't dry out without UV light. "Gel polish has different chemicals and ingredients that must be cured by UV light versus regular polish that cures under oxygen," says Kandalec. "You can put gel on and wait four hours—it'll be just as wet as when you first [applied it]."

Additionally, many people believe that LED light can serve as replacements for UV light. While LED does have some level of UV, Kandalec notes that it's far less than what you would get from a standard UV lamp.

Is gel nail polish safe for my nails?

The short answer: yes. However, it's best practice to invest in reputable brands rather than random ones. "If it's been tested and you're using it the same way the manufacturer has suggested, it should be safe," says Kandalec.

She adds that you also shouldn't be mixing products, using a lamp that's over or under curing, putting the gel on your cuticles, or peeling the polish off.

What’s the best way to remove gel nail polish?

Many nail artists will remove gel polish by wrapping your nails in tin foil that contains a piece of cotton soaked in 100% pure acetone.

On the other hand, some people like to use a more advanced acetone-resistant top coat, which would require the top layer to be filed off before soaking, says Kandalec. If you're worried about removing gel the wrong way, visit your nail tech to help you out.

You Might Also Like

• Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream

• These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals