There’s not much better than getting a fresh set of nails. But sometimes the salon can be too expensive or you want to test your own skills. This is where gel nail polish comes in, and there are tons of gel nail polish brands out there!
Thanks to the long-lasting and durable formula, gel nail polish has become increasingly popular in recent years. Not only does it provide a shiny and flawless finish, but it also lasts for weeks without chipping. It’s favoured by both professional nail artists and at-home manicure enthusiasts over normal nail polish – which doesn’t last anywhere near as long and doesn’t have that same salon-finish look.
If you’re new to the world of gel nail polish, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the best gel nail polish brand for you. Luckily, we’re here to give you a rundown of our tried and tested top 10 gel nail polish brands you need to try today!
Let’s jump in!
Top of our list is Mylee. With well over 150 gel polishes and colours, there’s absolutely no shortage of options. From regular gel polishes to top coats, base coats, gel nail kits, nail tools and lots of nail art goodies, Mylee has everything needed for at-home gel manicures.
Their gel nail polish is vegan, HEMA-free and cruelty-free,making it a popular choice for those who are conscious about the products they use. Their formula provides a salon-quality finish from the comfort of your home, so there’s no need to break the bank with expensive salon appointments.
On top of all that, these polishes will last up to 3 weeks without chipping, which is perfect for those busy weeks when you don’t have time to touch up your nails constantly. Mylee offers a wide range of colours, from classic nudes to vibrant neons and everything in between, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Candy Coat is a true brand for the millennials. The bright, fun and exciting branding definitely reflects the quality of their products. They offer a wide range of gel polishes, including essential nail tools and accessories.
Their products are used by nail artists and celebs all over the globe, so you know it’s got to be good. The brand is cruelty-free, so you can enjoy painting your nails with a clear conscience.
Aside from a fabulous gel polish collection, they also have other cosmetics, such as hand lotions and scrubs for that all-around hand pampering experience.
The Gel Bottle has over 360 gel polish colours, so you’ll never run out of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a more subdued nude or a bold neon, they’ve got it all.
Their polishes are known for their high pigmentation and long-lasting wear, helping you achieve the perfect salon-quality manicure from home.
Their polishes are also vegan and cruelty-free, making them a popular choice for ethical consumers. The Gel Bottle Inc also offers other nail products, such as cuticle oils and strengthening treatments to keep your nails healthy and strong.
They even have a nail academy, called TGB Academy, which helps those wanting to be nail technicians learn the craft of gel nails. A seriously cool and unique aspect of this brand!
Sally Hansen is a well-known brand in the nail polish industry, and their gel nail polishes certainly do not disappoint. They offer a wide range of colours and finishes, including regular gel polish, glitter gels, and even chrome effect gels.
Their Miracle Gel collection is patented with Miracle Gel™, which provides long wear with no UV lamp required. This is perfect for those who want the lasting power of gel nails without having to invest in a UV lamp.
It’s even the Number 1 selling gel polish in the US, proving that it’s a top contender in the world of gel nails.
Bluesky is a big name in the world of gel nail polishes. They offer a wide range of colours and finishes, from classic nudes to bold metallics. Their formula is known for being highly pigmented and long-lasting, making it a top choice for those wanting salon-quality nails at home.
They also have a subscription service – Nail Mail – which delivers new and exclusive colours to your doorstep every month. This adds an element of surprise and fun to your at-home manicures!
Their gel polish and gel polish kits can be used by at-home and professional nail artists alike, making it a versatile and reliable option for all.
Another big name in the nail polish industry, OPI offers a huge range of gel polishes in various finishes and colours. They are well known for their high-quality formula that lasts up to 3 weeks without chipping.
Their gel polishes are also cruelty-free, and the brand holds a strong position against animal testing in the beauty industry. They offer a wide range of colours, from classic shades to trendy and vibrant hues.
In addition to their gel nail polishes, OPI also has a range of nail treatments that help strengthen and improve the health of your nails. So not only will you have stunning nails, but they’ll also be healthy and strong!
Essie is a long-standing brand in the nail polish industry, and their gel nail polishes are a fan favourite. They offer a wide range of colours and finishes, from pastel nudes to bold metallics.
Their formula is known for being 8-free and vegan, alongside being long-lasting and highly pigmented. They also have a range of top coats, base coats, and nail treatments to ensure your nails stay healthy and fabulous.
The new collection ‘Love by Essie’ even offers gel polishes that are 80% plant-based – which is a huge step towards sustainable beauty.
Rimmel is a cult favourite in the beauty and cosmetics industry, and their gel polishes are no exception. They offer a wide range of gel polishes, including their popular ‘Super Gel’ collection that lasts up to 14 days without chipping. The high shine and glossy finish give the appearance of a gel manicure without the need for a UV lamp.
Their formula can also be removed with regular nail polish remover, which makes it super easy to switch out colours whenever you feel like it.
Last but not least on our list of top gel nail polish brands is Glitterbels. These UV-curable polishes last up to 3 weeks of wear, without chipping or peeling. They offer a wide range of colours, including glitter gels and even HEMA-free polishes.
In addition to their gel polishes, they also offer other nail products such as cuticle oils and top coats to keep your nails in top shape.
Their formula is known for being highly pigmented and long-lasting, making it a favourite among professional nail technicians.
Rounding Up the UK’s Top Gel Nail Polish Brands
There are lots of incredible gel nail polish brands out there, each with its own unique offerings and formulas. Whether you’re an at-home manicure enthusiast or a professional nail artist, these 9 brands are sure to give you the perfect salon-quality finish every time.
Just remember to always follow proper application techniques and invest in a good quality UV light or LED lamp for the best results – if the polish requires it.
What gel nail polish brands are vegan?
Some of the most popular entirely vegan nail polish brands include The Gel Bottle and Essie.
What gel nail polish brands are HEMA-free?
Mylee is one of the most popular HEMA-free gel nail polish brands. Glitterbels is also HEMA-free.
Does it matter what gel nail polish brand you use?
Quality will obviously differ between gel polish brands, so it’s important to choose a good quality brand for the best results. Quality can range from long-lasting shine to chip resistance, so it’s research your options before buying. Always read reviews and research online (like our list above) to find the best gel nail polish brands that suit your needs.