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Going to a salon to recreate spotlight-steal-worthy nails is a taxing affair for your pocket and your time. Hence, when you have a date to attend in a few hours or need to accompany your friends for some last-minute plans, the best home gel nail kits act as a knight in shining armor and get you party-ready in a jiffy!
After using the best at-home gel nail kits for a few weeks, we were smitten by their longevity, finish, color pigment, ease of application, and chic-like packaging.
While gel manicures look stunning, they are surrounded by concerns that exposing your gel nail-painted hands to UV rays can trigger the risk of skin cancer and melanoma. Based on the results of a systematic review of literary studies published on NCBI and the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, there is little to no carcinogenic risk from gel manicures.
So, if you have been coveting the wonders of gel manicures and sitting on the fence, this is good news for you. To make the process of achieving stunning nails even more accessible, we have rounded up the best at-home gel manicure kits based on our experience and expertise.
Scroll on to get celebrity-like nails without breaking the bank!
Our top picks
7 Best Home Gel Nail Kits to Replicate Salon-Styled Nails
The Morovan gel nail polish kit is a messiah for beginners wishing to experiment with nail art. It is available in a vibrant shade range of eight colors to complement your daily moods and OOTDS. The gel polish has a toxin-free formulation that provides an alluring, long-lasting finish. Furthermore, it does not accumulate airborne dust and is suited for mundane use. What we really appreciate is the fact that it comes with a curing lamp that reduces the waiting time by 50%. Let us also tell you that with this purchase you also get a nail glitter to replicate the tinkling pattern of the stars in the night sky onto your nails. Last but not least, the nail gel kit comes with sequins and glitters that make your nails look gorgeous without making them look gaudy.
Pros
- Smooth pliable texture
- Easy-to-understand instructions
- Hassle-free application
- Strengthens brittle nails
- Beginner friendly
Cons
- Packaging is fragile and needs to be handled with care
2
Best Non-clumpy Texture
GAOY Nude Gel Polish Set
On parameters of coverage, finish, and longevity, the GAOY nude gel manicure kit has exceeded expectations. It comes in an attractive subtle shade range of nudes, beiges, browns, peaches, and taupes to complement people of all skin tones and undertones, and best personify no-makeup makeup looks. It also emits a low odor and lasts around four weeks without peeling, chipping, or fading. As a reviewer on Amazon rightly states, “The product is designed to sheer perfection.”
Pros
- Quick drying formula
- Does not get clumpy
- Smooth gliding formulation
- Brightens dull nails
Cons
- Some nude shades may be too transparent
3
Best Pigmentation
JEWHITENY 36PCS Gel Nail Polish Kit
The JEWHITENY at-home gel nail kit has all the tools a nail art enthusiast needs. It comes with 33 gel colors, a 120w nail lamp with an LCD screen, and a curing lamp that makes drying a breeze. Furthermore, the gel nail colors do not contain any adhesive ingredients that cause nail damage or hamper the cuticle bed. We loved how it provided the nails with a natural-looking appearance that remained unfettered for almost 3 weeks. Based on our expertise, we believe it is undoubtedly one of the best at-home gel nail kits because it contains tools to nourish the nail bed and treat nail cuticles without causing injuries.
Pros
- Non-stingy
- Peel resistant
- Does not crack
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Quantity could be more
4
Best Consistency
VENALISA Gel Nail Polish
Design your nails to perfection with the Venalisa home gel nail kit. It comes in a range of reds and pinks to complement date nights, sleepovers, movie nights, and party outfits. On using the product we found that each application of these gel nail paints lasts up to a month without fading or budging. We were also impressed with the fact that it is made of natural resin that makes it safe for all skin types and does not cause inflammation, redness, or allergies. The best part is that it is available at a pocket-friendly price of less than 20 dollars and is perfect for college-goers on a tight budget.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic soft brush
- Attractive reflective finish
Cons
- Shades of some colors may vary
5
Best Chip-resistant
JEWHITENY 28 Colors Poly Gel Nail Kit Starter
Create and recreate trendy nails at home with this 28-color gel nail kit from JEWHITENY. This gel nail starter kit comes with a poly extension gel that makes the nails stronger to control than any alternative product. The texture of these gel nail polish is lighter than acrylic which prevents your nail from suffocating. To add on, it has a curing time of less than 90 seconds and hence is a renowned choice among nail spa professionals. We love how it comes in a versatile shade range of 28 colors to complement an entire wardrobe of outfits.
Plus you get stickers and glitters to help you personify your nails and ace your nail art game.
Pros
- Blends easily
- Best for beginners and professionals
- Non-sticky texture
- Best for gifting
Cons
- The texture may be too thick for some
6
Best Peel-resistant
Sensationail gel polish starter kit
Manicure within minutes with this Sensational gel nail starter kit. It contains an LED lamp, a gel cleanser, gel primer, base and top coat, gel polish, cotton pads, nail buffer, and a manicure stick. Well, that’s clearly everything you need to create salon-like nail art just by sitting in the comfort of your home. Moreover, the product has an all-in-one quick-drying formulation that makes it suitable to be used by people on the go. Although the kit may be slightly pricey, we believe that your nails will definitely thank you for giving them this wonderful treat.
Pros
- Prevents color fading
- Chip resistant
- Non-messy
- Strong base coat
Cons
- Unsatisfactory packaging
7
Best Fade-proof shades
ROSALIND 64PCS Gel Nail Polish Kit
Rosalind home gel nail kit has managed to gain all attention for a couple of reasons. The kit contains a vibrant range of mind-boggling 45 shades. With this kit, you also get a base coat polish and a top coat polish to attain a desirable matte or glossy finish. We like how this comes with tools for cleaning for a mess-free application. The included curing lamp with three timer settings is also a plus we found when we tried the product as it contributed to the hassle-free drying experience.
Pros
- Vibrant fade-proof shades
- Makes manicures and pedicures easy
- Occupies minimum storage space
- Comes with additional stickers
Cons
- Small in size
Next, we have enlisted a few factors that can help you filter your purchase.
How to Choose Best at Home Gel Nail Kit?
Here are a few factors that you can consider while choosing the best home gel nail kit for yourself:
1. Composition of Ingredients: One must always be vigilant while shopping for the best gel nail kit. It is advisable to invest in a kit with nail polishes that possess a humble percentage of emollients like avocado oil, and jojoba oil to nourish the nail bed and prevent water loss. A percentage of vitamin C to reverse sun damage caused to the cuticle bed is a bonus. On the other hand, it is wise to stay away from nail polishes that contain sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and alcohol.
2. Texture and Finish: The texture and finish desired by the individual to adorn and complement along with their OOTD also are vital parameters while deciding which at-home gel manicure kit to pick. For someone who wishes to have a bold, non-shimmery finish one should look for matte finishes whereas for someone who wishes to have a more glittery or shiny finish with a hint of shimmer should opt for glossy nail paints.
3. Packaging: As nail paints tend to be liquid, it is important for the packaging to be robust and breakproof. It is recommended to look for products that come in sustainable packaging.
4. Additional Accessories: To aid in decorating your nails, it is best to opt for gel nail art kits that have glitters and stickers to curate and recreate existing fashion trends. To facilitate better and more durable longevity of the gel nail paint always look for a gel nail kit with an acrylic dip powder to prevent the color from fading and budging. In addition, it is wise to invest in a kit that comes with UV lamps, a cuticle pusher, cuticle oil, regular polish, LED light, UV light, cotton balls, a cuticle stick, a nail file, a gel base, cleansing wipes, post-removal creams, and other nail tools for a long-lasting manicure.
5. Skin Tone and Undertone: For your nails to look best, it is always advisable to select shades that complement your skin tone and undertone. For people with lighter skin tones and those wishing a nude finish, one can opt for peaches and pinks and for those with green and blue undertones, you can opt for blue and pink-based red tints for a ravishing finish and browns and taupes for a neutral look. For darker skin tones, blues, emeralds, and blacks complement best.
Conclusion
Due to the lightweight formulation of the nail polishes, their robustly pigmented color, and their aesthetically appealing nail designs, the popularity of the best gel nail kits doesn’t seem to be ceasing any time soon. Nails are a personification of a person’s inner beauty and an indicator of one’s self-love. For all nail art newbies, the Morovan Poly Nail Gel Kit is an impeccable choice, while for people wishing to flaunt minimalistic nails, our editors pick the GAOY Nude Gel Polish Set. For more amazing options, explore our list of recommendations for the best gel manicure kits.
FAQ’s
Is gel bad for your nails?
Most gel nail polishes have unique skin-safe, non-toxic formulations enriched with natural and scientific skin-safe benefactors and thus are safe on the skin.
Can I remove gel nails at home?
Most gel nail polish kits come with a remover and hence can be removed at home.
How long do gel manicures last?
With a proper application of the best gel nail polishes, the product lasts on your nails for up to 4 weeks without fading, budging, chipping, or cracking.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Our certified makeup and beauty expert, Sayantani, is a big fan of gel nail kits. She believes that they are the go-tos to spruce up her style, charm, and everything that makes her look sassy. After hours of research and plenty of tests and trials, she has curated a few of her favorites for you. Personally, she loves the Morovan Poly Nail Gel Kit which contains nail polishes, a curing lamp, sequins, and glitters that make her nails look gorgeous without making them look gaudy. You can check out the rest of her top picks and bring home the best of the best kits today itself.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More