Isla Bennett
Gel nail polishes are available at various online and offline retailers. Some online options include Sally Beauty, Ulta Beauty, Walmart, Beyond Polish, and Gelous. You can also purchase gel nail polishes from Amazon or directly from brand websites such as Kiara Sky. In-store options include Sally Beauty and Walmart. When purchasing gel nail polish, you may also need to consider buying a UV or LED lamp for curing, unless you opt for a no-light-required formula.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online Retailers | Sally Beauty, Beyond Polish, Ulta Beauty, Amazon, Walmart, Gelous, Kiara Sky |
| Brands | ASP, Beetles, Modelones, Lavender Violets, Gelish, DND Gels, OPI, Essie, Nina Ultra Pro |
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, Green, Glitter, Metallic, Grey, Neon, Nude, Brown, Orange, Yellow, Pink, Red, Purple, Magnetic, Galaxy Cat Eye, Speckle, Fluro, Pearlescent, Temperature-Changing, Thermal, Bright, French Manicure, Sheer, Pastel, Blooming, Builder in a Bottle |
| Kits | Basic, Essentials, Starter, Super Starter, Ultimate |
| Tools | UV/LED Nail Lamps, Base Coats, Top Coats, Colour Coats, Manicure Tool Packs, Rubber Base Coat, Specialty Gel Nail Polishes, Rubber Top Coat, Nail Primer, Builder Gel, Nail Polish Remover |
| Removal | Soak nails in acetone and gently push the polish off with a nail tool |
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What You'll Learn
Online retailers
There are a variety of online retailers that sell gel nail polish. Ulta Beauty offers a range of gel nail polishes, including the Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish by OPI and the Miracle Gel Desert Oasis Nail Polish Collection by Sally Hansen. They also provide free shipping and same-day in-store pickup options. Beyond Polish is another online retailer with a vast selection of gel nail polishes from various brands, including OPI, Le Mini Macaron, and Essie. For those new to gel manicures, Gelous offers gel nail polish starter kits that include nail lamps, base coats, top coats, colour coats, and manicure tools. Their website provides step-by-step instructions and offers convenient payment options such as Buy Now, Pay Later. Additionally, online marketplaces like Amazon carry gel nail polish brands such as Beetles, Modelones, and Lavender Violets. Traditional retailers like Walmart also offer gel nail polishes from brands like OPI and Nina Ultra Pro. Lastly, Sally Beauty provides an extensive range of gel nail polishes, powders, and removers, with the option to purchase online and pick up in-store.
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In-store
If you're looking to buy gel nail polish in-store, there are a few options available to you, depending on where you're located.
In the US, you can find gel nail polish at Walmart, drugstores like Walgreens, and nail supply stores. Walmart offers the Sensationail brand, and drugstores stock the Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polish (which comes in a box and differs from other Sally Hansen products). You can also try nail supply stores, but some may require a nail tech license to purchase from them.
One of the most popular options for buying gel nail polish in-store is Sally Beauty Supply. They offer a large selection of brands, including ASP, Gelish, and Finger Paints. ASP, in particular, has been recommended by several people online. You can browse the selection on their website and then pick up your chosen products in-store.
Another option for buying gel nail polish in-store is Ulta Beauty. They offer a range of gel nail polishes, including popular brands like OPI and Sally Hansen. You can browse their selection online and take advantage of free store pickup on the same day.
When choosing a gel nail polish, it's important to consider the season, your wardrobe, the occasion, and your skin tone. Light pastel shades are perfect for spring, while deeper tones suit the cooler months. Choose a colour that complements your most-worn clothing items and opt for classic nudes or reds for a professional look. Warmer shades tend to flatter darker skin tones, while cooler shades look great on lighter skin.
Applying gel nail polish is a bit different from using traditional nail polish. First, prep your nails by filing, buffing, and cleaning them with nail polish remover. Then, apply a thin base coat and cure it under an LED or UV lamp. Apply the gel polish in thin layers, curing each coat under the lamp. Finish with a top coat and cure again to seal in the colour and provide a glossy finish.
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Gel nail polish brands
There are many brands of gel nail polish available, and you can purchase them online from websites such as Sally Beauty, Beyond Polish, and Ulta Beauty. You can also buy gel nail polish from your local drugstore or beauty supply store.
Some popular gel nail polish brands include:
- OPI: OPI offers a wide range of gel nail polish colours, including their Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish and GELevate lines. Their polishes provide a glossy finish and can be cured under a UV or LED lamp.
- Sally Hansen: Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel Desert Oasis collection features desert-inspired hues and a no-light formula that dries naturally. They also offer a Miracle Gel Top Coat that seals in colour and adds shine.
- Le Mini Macaron: This brand has a range of gel nail polish duos, such as the "French Bisous!" set, which includes a deeper tone for the cooler months.
- Essie: Essie's Bedazzled Longwear Nail Polish Collection includes pastel shades like a muted sage green, perfect for spring.
- Red Carpet Manicure: In addition to their nail polishes, this brand also offers a Fortify & Protect LED Gel Base Coat that strengthens nails.
Other gel nail polish brands to consider include IBD, I Scream Nails, JINsoon, KBShimmer, Kiara Sky, Kokoist, Kupa, Lancome, Lily and Fox, Londontown, Loud Lacquer, Madam Glam, Maniology, and more!
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Application and removal
Applying gel nail polish requires several supplies, so it is recommended to purchase an at-home gel manicure kit that has all the supplies needed for application and removal. Most gel nail kits only have the supplies needed for application, so it is important to check that the kit includes removal supplies as well. The gel colour brand is also important, as the best gel polishes will last over two weeks without chipping and will have a vibrant shine.
To apply gel nail polish, a UV/LED curing lamp is critical as it is used to harden the gel polish layers, making the manicure more durable and chip-resistant. "Curing" refers to the process of drying gel nails under a UV/LED lamp, which quickly dries the nails so they don't chip or smudge. This is why gel manicures tend to last longer than other types. Before applying the gel polish, a cuticle pusher can be used to expose as much of the nail bed as possible, so that it takes longer for the nails to visibly grow out. A nail buffer can also be used to gently file and buff away imperfections, making the nail's surface smooth and even for easy application of gel polish.
Nail clippers should be used before a gel manicure to shape the nail. After the gel polish is applied, do not clip your nails, as this will break the seal at the tip and cause the gel polish to peel off. When removing gel nail polish, a medium-grit nail file can be used to smooth the edges and grind down the surface. This helps to maintain the desired nail shape and prepares the nails for new polish. If you are applying soak-off gel polish, use a 180-grit nail file to remove a hardened top coat before removing the soak-off gel polish.
Acetone offers an effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. To do this, soak cotton pads in acetone and cover each nail with them, then wrap the nail with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes, then try to rub off the polish with the cotton pad. Remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth run under warm water. Wash your hands or feet with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
Alternatively, you can let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This method helps prevent the nails from catching on clothing and other objects. It is important to resist the urge to pick at the gel nail polish, as picking and scraping it off can damage your nails.
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Gel nail polish kits
There are many gel nail polish kits available on the market, which can be purchased from online retailers such as Kiara Sky, Sally Beauty, and Ulta Beauty. These kits typically include everything you need to create salon-quality manicures and pedicures at home, with options for beginners as well as professional users.
One example is the DND Gel Starter Kit, which provides an all-in-one solution for creating high-quality nail treatments. Kiara Sky also offers professional at-home gel nail kits, which include prep, primer, builder, top coat, Gelly Tips, and a mini lamp for curing. These kits come in various shapes, including almond, coffin, stiletto, and square, and do not require a nail drill or e-file for application.
Another option is the Green System nail polish kit by Manucurist, which includes a degreaser, drying drops, base coat, top coat, and colours. This kit is vegan and plant-based, dries without a lamp, and offers long-wear for over seven days.
When choosing a gel nail polish kit, it is important to consider the curing method. Most gel polishes require a UV or LED lamp for curing, but some no-light options are available, such as the Miracle Gel Desert Oasis Nail Polish Collection by Sally Hansen. Additionally, certain brands like OPI offer long-wear nail polishes that provide a glossy finish.
The cost of gel nail polish kits can vary depending on the brand and the number of included items. For example, ASP Soak-Off Gel Polish, available at Sally Beauty, offers 97 colour options at a price of $10.99.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polishes can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Ulta Beauty, as well as from specialist beauty suppliers like Sally Beauty and Beyond Polish.
Popular brands of gel nail polish include OPI, Essie, Sally Hansen, Kiara Sky, and DND Gels.
Gel nail polishes come in a wide range of colours, including nudes, reds, pastels, metallics, and glitter. You can also find gel nail polishes in different finishes, such as matte, glossy, and chrome.
