
There are many gel nail polish brands on the market, and it can be challenging to find the best one. Some popular brands include OPI, S&L, Nails Inc, Londontown, and Madam Glam. When choosing a gel nail polish, it is essential to consider factors such as colour variety, finish, durability, ease of application and removal, and price. While some polishes offer a high-gloss finish, others may provide a longer-lasting manicure. It is also worth noting that some gel polishes require curing with a UV lamp, while others can be air-dried.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand name | S&L, OPI, Nails Inc, Dazzle Dry, Londontown Lakur Enhance Color Nail Polish, Madam Glam, Orly, Maybelline Fast Gel Nail Lacquer, Ugly Duckling, Kiara Sky, Gelish, IBD, Cuccio, Beetles, Modelones, Light Elegance, Aprés |
| Number of shades | S&L: 100+ shades; OPI: 250+ shades; Most brands: 80+ shades |
| Finish | Creme, matte, metallic, milky, opaque, pearl, sheer, glossy |
| Durability | S&L: 2+ weeks; Nails Inc: 1 day; Londontown Lakur Enhance Color Nail Polish: 5 days; Madam Glam: 2 weeks; Maybelline Fast Gel Nail Lacquer: 1 week |
| Curing time | Londontown Lakur Enhance Color Nail Polish: 3 minutes per coat; Dazzle Dry: 2 minutes per coat |
| Ease of removal | Madam Glam: easy to remove; Maybelline Fast Gel Nail Lacquer: easy to remove; Londontown: requires filing, acetone, cotton ball, and foil |
| Shine | S&L: highly pigmented, glass-like shine; OPI: lacks shine; Nails Inc: lustrous and high-coverage; Dazzle Dry: shiny and smooth; Londontown Lakur Enhance Color Nail Polish: vibrant; Madam Glam: remained perfect for nearly two weeks |
| Consistency | Madam Glam: perfect thickness to avoid runoff and streaky finish; Orly: thicker than normal nail polish; Dazzle Dry: sheer |
| Application | Nails Inc: smooth application; Orly: easy to apply; Maybelline Fast Gel Nail Lacquer: easy to apply; Sally Hansen: requires first coat to be very evenly applied |
| Price | OPI: high price point; Dazzle Dry: pricey; Londontown Lakur Enhance Color Nail Polish: pricey |
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What You'll Learn

Madam Glam
One of the standout features of Madam Glam is its commitment to eco-friendly practices. The brand's gel polishes are formulated with eco-friendly ingredients, ensuring that customers can feel confident in their choice. In addition, the brand often hosts sales and promotions, making their products even more accessible and affordable. For instance, they offer a VIP program that provides members with exclusive savings, early access to new products, and free shipping in the US and Canada.
The Madam Glam gel polishes are known for their flawless, long-lasting wear, with a promise of up to four weeks of shine without chipping. The brand's base coat gel and no-wipe top coat gel enhance the manicure experience, providing a smooth and glossy finish. The polishes are also easy to remove, with lighter shades soaking off in just 5 seconds per nail using their removal products, and darker shades requiring only light filing before soaking off in 10 seconds.
Overall, Madam Glam is a reliable choice for those seeking a gel nail polish brand that delivers on its promises. With its professional-grade formulas, eco-friendly practices, and commitment to customer satisfaction, it has gained a loyal following among those who prioritize quality and convenience in their nail care routine.
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$5.09 $5.99

OPI GelColor
While OPI GelColor excels in colour variety, there are some functional aspects that could be improved. Some users have reported a sticky finish, overly liquid consistency, and lengthy drying times, which can make the application process more challenging. In addition, at the high price point that OPI commands, better durability is expected as the gel manicure starts to chip after about 5 days.
However, OPI GelColor is still a good choice for those who value colour selection and salon-quality shine. The brand offers high-quality, long-lasting nail polish that is easy to use and provides a glossy finish. The UV-lamp-free dry time is also convenient, taking only 1-2 minutes per coat.
Compared to other gel nail polish brands, OPI GelColor stands out for its extensive colour options. While some other brands may offer similar shine and durability, they often lack consistency across different colours. OPI GelColor delivers consistent results regardless of the shade, ensuring that your nails always look their best.
Overall, if you're looking for a gel nail polish brand that offers a diverse range of colours and a glossy, salon-quality finish, OPI GelColor is a great option to consider. While there may be some minor drawbacks in terms of consistency and drying time, the ease of use and long-lasting results make it a popular choice for achieving beautiful, well-manicured nails.
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S&L
The S&L formula delivers a premium finish, with a highly pigmented, glass-like shine that rivals any salon-quality manicure. This high-gloss effect is a signature feature of gel nail polish, setting it apart from traditional nail polishes. The S&L polish also boasts impressive durability, lasting for over two weeks without chipping or losing its lustre. This longevity means you can enjoy your manicure for an extended period without worrying about touch-ups or reapplication.
Another advantage of S&L is its reasonable pricing. Despite offering a premium finish, it comes at an affordable cost, making it accessible to those who desire salon-worthy nails without breaking the bank. This combination of quality and value for money is a significant selling point for those seeking a reliable and high-performing gel nail polish option.
While the formula excels in performance, there is one minor drawback to the S&L packaging. The bottles all have a similar design, making it challenging to identify the colour inside at a glance. However, this issue is mitigated by the presence of coloured stickers on the bottles, allowing for easy identification once you become familiar with the shade range.
Overall, S&L gel nail polish is an excellent choice for those seeking a durable, high-shine manicure with a vast array of colour options. With its reasonable pricing and impressive performance, it's no surprise that S&L is a top-rated brand in the world of gel nail polishes.
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Nails Inc
When it comes to gel nail polish, Nails Inc. is a brand that stands out for its innovative formula and impressive results. The Nails Inc. gel nail polish range offers a unique 4-in-1 product that combines the base coat, treatment, colour, and top coat in one convenient step. This all-in-one solution simplifies the process of achieving a salon-quality manicure at home.
One of the key advantages of the Nails Inc. gel nail polish is its smooth application and streak-free finish. The formula glides on effortlessly, providing a seamless and lustrous look. Our tester noted that it took only a few streak-free swipes to achieve a high-coverage, glossy appearance. The result is a sleek and elegant manicure that rivals the results of a professional salon treatment.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Nails Inc. gel nail polish also delivers on performance. While it dries quickly, within a few minutes, it maintains its shine and lustre. However, it is important to note that, like with many gel nail polishes, chipping may occur within a few days, especially with darker shades. Nonetheless, the removal process is straightforward, with the polish soaking off easily using the brand's removal products.
The Nails Inc. gel nail polish range offers a variety of shades, from neutrals to bolds, allowing you to find the perfect colour for any occasion or mood. The formula is known for its opaque coverage, often requiring just one coat to achieve the desired look. This feature not only enhances the convenience of the product but also prolongs the life of the bottle, making it a cost-effective choice.
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Sally Hansen
The Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Collection is a two-step process. First, you apply two coats of your chosen colour to clean, dry nails and allow them to dry. Then, you lock in your manicure with a shiny or matte top coat, which helps to extend the longevity of your nail look and prevent chipping.
One of the benefits of gel nail polish is its high-gloss finish, and the Sally Hansen collection delivers on this, providing a lustrous and high-coverage look. The brand also offers a wide range of colours to choose from, so you can find the perfect shade to match your mood or occasion.
While Sally Hansen is a popular option, there are also other brands that are worth considering when it comes to gel nail polish. Some alternatives include Nails Inc, which offers a smooth application and a high-shine finish, and Dazzle Dry, which provides a five-piece system that includes a nail prep solution, base coat, colour, top coat, and a formula to restore thickness.
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Frequently asked questions
Madam Glam’s Soak-Off Gel Polish is a great option for a long-lasting manicure. It has a thick base coat that creates a smooth foundation for the coloured gel, and it lasts for almost two weeks without chipping or dullness.
For an easy at-home manicure, you can try the Maybelline Fast Gel Nail Lacquer. It is fast-drying and easy to apply, but it is less opaque than other polishes. Nails Inc is another good option for a smooth application and a high-gloss finish.
OPI GelColor has over 250 shades to choose from. However, it has a lengthy drying time and a strong chemical scent, so you might want to consider other brands if overall quality and ease of use are important to you. S&L is another good option, with over 100 shades of wonderfully vibrant colours at an affordable price.











































