Gel manicures used to feel like a treat reserved for salon visits, but rising appointment costs have nudged more of us towards doing it ourselves. Thankfully, nail polish brands and at-home gel kits have come a long way since the days of crackle nails and DIY marbling. Once you get the hang of them, today’s options can even rival professional results, be it with HEMA-free formulas or a builder-in-a-bottle system.
There’s no denying there’s a learning curve (and a bit of initial outlay), but stick with it, and the long-term savings quickly stack up. More importantly, having the right kit – including a good cuticle oil and nail file – can make all the difference to a glossy, chip-resistant finish or a manicure that peels within days. With that in mind, I’ve been testing a range of popular sets to find the ones worth your time and money.
