The 7 Best Gel Nail Polish Kits We Tested for At-Home Manicures

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsYou’ll Also NeedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

You’ll Also Need

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo: People / David Carr

Amanicurecan make you look and feel more put-together, whether it’s for a special occasion or part of your everyday look. But let’s face it: Heading to the nail salon every couple of weeks costs substantial time — and money.To save some cash, you might try your hand atDIY gel nails. Light-cured manicures used to be something you could only get at a salon, but with the right products and tools, you can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home.We tried out several at-home kits, complete with prepping products, lacquers, top and base coats, clippers, filers, and drying lamps. This might sound like a lot, but we promise it’s actually pretty easy. After putting 10 sets to the test, we narrowed it down to the most user-friendly, quick-drying options with professional-looking results. Keep reading to learn more about the best at-home gel kits that PEOPLE tested.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Morovan Nail Kit at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:SALESally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit at Amazon$60$45Jump to ReviewBest Value:Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Portable:Le Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set at Nordstrom$68Jump to ReviewBest Polish:Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish + Top Coat Kit at Ulta$22Jump to ReviewBest for Nail Care:Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Starter Kit at Amazon$80Jump to Review

Amanicurecan make you look and feel more put-together, whether it’s for a special occasion or part of your everyday look. But let’s face it: Heading to the nail salon every couple of weeks costs substantial time — and money.

To save some cash, you might try your hand atDIY gel nails. Light-cured manicures used to be something you could only get at a salon, but with the right products and tools, you can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home.

We tried out several at-home kits, complete with prepping products, lacquers, top and base coats, clippers, filers, and drying lamps. This might sound like a lot, but we promise it’s actually pretty easy. After putting 10 sets to the test, we narrowed it down to the most user-friendly, quick-drying options with professional-looking results. Keep reading to learn more about the best at-home gel kits that PEOPLE tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Morovan Nail Kit at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:SALESally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit at Amazon$60$45Jump to ReviewBest Value:Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Portable:Le Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set at Nordstrom$68Jump to ReviewBest Polish:Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish + Top Coat Kit at Ulta$22Jump to ReviewBest for Nail Care:Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Starter Kit at Amazon$80Jump to Review

Best Overall:Morovan Nail Kit at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:SALESally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit at Amazon$60$45Jump to ReviewBest Value:Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Portable:Le Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set at Nordstrom$68Jump to ReviewBest Polish:Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish + Top Coat Kit at Ulta$22Jump to ReviewBest for Nail Care:Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Starter Kit at Amazon$80Jump to Review

Best Overall:Morovan Nail Kit at Amazon$36Jump to Review

Best Overall:Morovan Nail Kit at Amazon$36

Best Overall:

Best Budget:SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best Budget:SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit at Amazon$40

Best Budget:

Best for Beginners:SALESally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit at Amazon$60$45Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:SALESally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit at Amazon$60$45

Best for Beginners:

SALE

Best Value:Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best Value:Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit at Amazon$40

Best Value:

Best Portable:Le Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set at Nordstrom$68Jump to Review

Best Portable:Le Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set at Nordstrom$68

Best Portable:

Best Polish:Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish + Top Coat Kit at Ulta$22Jump to Review

Best Polish:Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish + Top Coat Kit at Ulta$22

Best Polish:

Best for Nail Care:Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Starter Kit at Amazon$80Jump to Review

Best for Nail Care:Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Starter Kit at Amazon$80

Best for Nail Care:

Best OverallMorovan Nail KitPHOTO: Amazon$36 at AmazonStar QualitiesImpressive longevity of more than two weeksIncludes an LED lampThorough instructions with helpful illustrationsRed FlagsSlight learning curve with the extensionsMorovan’s Poly Gel Kit clocked perfect scores for drying time, finish, durability, removal ease, and post-removal nail health. While there was a slight learning curve, we thought the instructions were thorough and easy to understand and appreciated the illustrated how-to booklet. The kit includes the essentials for a pro-level manicure, such as eight polish shades (six opaques and two ombrés), a primer, dehydrator, base and top coats, an LED lamp, and grooming tools.The nail extensions were the most challenging component, requiring an extension gel and shaping foil to achieve the desired look. However, once the gel was applied, the drying process was seamless. After two weeks, only two extensions had fallen off, and the polish was easily removed. For those willing to take on the challenge, this kit offers a long-lasting, salon-quality manicure at home.Shades:8 |Dry Time:2 minutes |Lamp Included:YesPHOTO: People / David CarrPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best OverallMorovan Nail KitPHOTO: Amazon$36 at Amazon

Best OverallMorovan Nail Kit

Best Overall

Morovan Nail Kit

PHOTO: Amazon

$36 at Amazon

Star QualitiesImpressive longevity of more than two weeksIncludes an LED lampThorough instructions with helpful illustrationsRed FlagsSlight learning curve with the extensions

Star QualitiesImpressive longevity of more than two weeksIncludes an LED lampThorough instructions with helpful illustrations

Impressive longevity of more than two weeks

Includes an LED lamp

Thorough instructions with helpful illustrations

Red FlagsSlight learning curve with the extensions

Slight learning curve with the extensions

Morovan’s Poly Gel Kit clocked perfect scores for drying time, finish, durability, removal ease, and post-removal nail health. While there was a slight learning curve, we thought the instructions were thorough and easy to understand and appreciated the illustrated how-to booklet. The kit includes the essentials for a pro-level manicure, such as eight polish shades (six opaques and two ombrés), a primer, dehydrator, base and top coats, an LED lamp, and grooming tools.

The nail extensions were the most challenging component, requiring an extension gel and shaping foil to achieve the desired look. However, once the gel was applied, the drying process was seamless. After two weeks, only two extensions had fallen off, and the polish was easily removed. For those willing to take on the challenge, this kit offers a long-lasting, salon-quality manicure at home.

Shades:8 |Dry Time:2 minutes |Lamp Included:Yes

PHOTO: People / David CarrPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best BudgetSensatioNail Gel Starter KitPHOTO: Amazon$40 at Amazon$28 at Walmart

Best BudgetSensatioNail Gel Starter Kit

Best Budget

SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit

$40 at Amazon$28 at Walmart

Star QualitiesIncludes the essentialsQuick dry timeRed FlagsGel began to chip after one week

Star QualitiesIncludes the essentialsQuick dry time

Includes the essentials

Quick dry time

Red FlagsGel began to chip after one week

Gel began to chip after one week

While the brand claims up to two weeks of wear, the gel started chipping after about a week — slightly longer than regular lacquer but not as long as a professional gel manicure. Although this affordable set only comes with one polish color, you can buy additional bottles individually and build your collection.

Shades:1 |Dry Time:3 minutes |Lamp Included:Yes

PHOTO: People / David CarrPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best for BeginnersSally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter KitPHOTO: Amazon$60$45 at Amazon$45 at Target$60 at UltaStar QualitiesSmooth, hard, and shiny results with no streakingSuper easy three-step processRed FlagsOnly includes one shadeIf you’re a gel nail novice, this set has your name on it. Sally Hansen’s beginner-friendly Salon Starter Kit earned a perfect score for ease of use. We thought the three-step process was incredibly simple and we appreciated the lightning-fast drying time. (Curing your nails with the included LED lamp only takes about 30 seconds.)Once dry, our nails were smooth, super shiny, and hard without any stickiness. While the kit only comes with one color, you can buy more bottles individually. But despite promising up to two weeks of wear, our manicures didn’t last very long. This may not be the best option for people who work with their hands, but it’s still a great choice for anyone looking to explore lightly cured nails at home.Shades:1 |Dry Time:30 seconds |Lamp Included:YesPHOTO: People / David CarrPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best for BeginnersSally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter KitPHOTO: Amazon$60$45 at Amazon$45 at Target$60 at Ulta

Best for BeginnersSally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit

Best for Beginners

Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit

$60$45 at Amazon$45 at Target$60 at Ulta

Star QualitiesSmooth, hard, and shiny results with no streakingSuper easy three-step processRed FlagsOnly includes one shade

Star QualitiesSmooth, hard, and shiny results with no streakingSuper easy three-step process

Smooth, hard, and shiny results with no streaking

Super easy three-step process

Red FlagsOnly includes one shade

Only includes one shade

If you’re a gel nail novice, this set has your name on it. Sally Hansen’s beginner-friendly Salon Starter Kit earned a perfect score for ease of use. We thought the three-step process was incredibly simple and we appreciated the lightning-fast drying time. (Curing your nails with the included LED lamp only takes about 30 seconds.)

Once dry, our nails were smooth, super shiny, and hard without any stickiness. While the kit only comes with one color, you can buy more bottles individually. But despite promising up to two weeks of wear, our manicures didn’t last very long. This may not be the best option for people who work with their hands, but it’s still a great choice for anyone looking to explore lightly cured nails at home.

Shades:1 |Dry Time:30 seconds |Lamp Included:Yes

Best ValueGellen Gel Nail Polish KitPHOTO: Amazon$40 at Amazon

Best ValueGellen Gel Nail Polish Kit

Best Value

Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit

$40 at Amazon

Star QualitiesOffers several timer and drying settingsIncludes 12 gel colors plus a base and top coatComes with grooming tools, nail-prep products, and embellishmentsRed FlagsTakes 90 seconds to dry

Star QualitiesOffers several timer and drying settingsIncludes 12 gel colors plus a base and top coatComes with grooming tools, nail-prep products, and embellishments

Offers several timer and drying settings

Includes 12 gel colors plus a base and top coat

Comes with grooming tools, nail-prep products, and embellishments

Red FlagsTakes 90 seconds to dry

Takes 90 seconds to dry

For something a bit more comprehensive, Gellen might be your best bet. We gave the brand’s Gel Starter Kit a perfect score for ease of use and loved the 12 included bottles of polish, various nail embellishments, grooming tools, and UV lamp. The directions say to dry each coat for 60 seconds under the light, but we found that our nails were still tacky after a minute, so you might need a little longer to fully harden the lacquer (we found that 90 seconds was the sweet spot).

Shades:12 |Dry Time:90 seconds |Lamp Included:Yes

PHOTO: People / David CarrPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best PortableLe Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure SetPHOTO: Ulta$68 at Nordstrom$68 at UltaView on Leminimacaron.com

Best PortableLe Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set

Best Portable

Le Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set

PHOTO: Ulta

$68 at Nordstrom$68 at UltaView on Leminimacaron.com

Star QualitiesDries after one minute under the included lampSmall sizeIncludes a laptop-friendly USB cordRed FlagsLamp is small, so you have to dry your thumbs separately

Star QualitiesDries after one minute under the included lampSmall sizeIncludes a laptop-friendly USB cord

Dries after one minute under the included lamp

Small size

Includes a laptop-friendly USB cord

Red FlagsLamp is small, so you have to dry your thumbs separately

Lamp is small, so you have to dry your thumbs separately

Though we loved how this quick-drying paint looked, the polish began peeling within a few days and was completely gone soon after. (You might get longer-lasting results if you use a nail-prepper product, apply thinner coats of paint, or dry your nails for longer.) Our nails weren’t damaged, and while the staying power was disappointing, we still think this kit is an excellent choice for travel.

Shades:2 |Dry Time:1 minute |Lamp Included:Yes

Best PolishEssie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish + Top Coat KitPHOTO: Amazon$22 at Ulta$19 at Macy’s$23 at Walgreens

Best PolishEssie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish + Top Coat Kit

Best Polish

Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish + Top Coat Kit

$22 at Ulta$19 at Macy’s$23 at Walgreens

Star QualitiesPolish lasted with minimal chippingRemoval process left our nails damage-freeThick, non-dripping formulaRed FlagsLamp is not included, so it took a while to dry

Star QualitiesPolish lasted with minimal chippingRemoval process left our nails damage-freeThick, non-dripping formula

Polish lasted with minimal chipping

Removal process left our nails damage-free

Thick, non-dripping formula

Red FlagsLamp is not included, so it took a while to dry

Lamp is not included, so it took a while to dry

If you want to get the gel manicure look sans the UV drying light, then a great option is the Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish. This thick polish applies no differently than a regular polish (besides its goopy, yet non-dripping formula) and dries down to a hard, gel-like surface that leaves your nails looking like a glossy salon job. We sported these nails around for more than two weeks and experienced very minimal chipping, which feels up to par with the professional manicures we’ve gotten in the past. Not to mention that removal was a breeze — simply use acetone for a damage-free process that leaves your nails looking just as healthy as before.

Shades:1 |Dry Time:15 minutes |Lamp Included:No

Best for Nail CareRed Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Starter KitPHOTO: Walmart$80 at Amazon

Best for Nail CareRed Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Starter Kit

Best for Nail Care

Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Starter Kit

PHOTO: Walmart

$80 at Amazon

Star QualitiesIncludes cuticle oil and foil wrapsNails dried quickly with lampNails were healthy after removalRed FlagsBrushes were a bit uneven and frayed

Star QualitiesIncludes cuticle oil and foil wrapsNails dried quickly with lampNails were healthy after removal

Includes cuticle oil and foil wraps

Nails dried quickly with lamp

Nails were healthy after removal

Red FlagsBrushes were a bit uneven and frayed

Brushes were a bit uneven and frayed

We did notice that the brushes were a bit uneven and frayed, which made it hard to get all the edges of our nails perfectly. But with a steady hand, we were able to paint on our glossy shades while knowing our nails and skin were protected. Upon removing the polish after two weeks, we were pleased to find that our nails were as strong as ever.

Shades:1 |Dry Time:45 seconds |Lamp Included:Yes

Although these kits include almost everything you’ll need for a DIY gel manicure at home, we suggest adding sunscreen and cuticle oil to your shopping list to keep your hands protected and hydrated.

Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen

Amazon

$14 at Amazon

According to board-certified dermatologistDr. Rachel Nazarian, UV exposure carries “a small but real risk,” especially for cumulative damage, such as regular salon manicures. “Not only does UV light increase the risk of skin cancer through the creation of unstable molecules, but it also contributes to premature aging of the skin,” says Dr. Nazarian. “There are a lot of reasons to avoid the UV lamps at the salon: cancer, dark spots, wrinkles, and thin, crepey skin.” If you do choose to use a UV lamp for curing, though, she recommendsapplying sunscreenbeforehand to keep your hands better protected.

L’Occitane Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil

Sephora

$22 at AmazonBuy on for $22

Similar to applying serums and moisturizers to the skin, a goodcuticle oilis an essential part of nail care along with a goodnail strengthener. Cuticle oils hydrate the cuticle and skin and promote healthy nails. Whether you rock natural nails or go the gel or acrylic route, adding cuticle oil to your nail care regimen will keep your nails strong and flexible.

What to Know About At-Home Gel Kits

Included Shades

While some at-home gel kits come with several shades of polish, many starter sets only include one or two. That said, additional colors are often sold individually so you can build up your collection over time with shades you’ll actually wear. An extra bottle ofwhite nail polishis great for timeless French manicures and trendier “glazed donut” nails.

Curing Lamp

Most (but not all) kits come with a UV or LED lamp. As celebrity nail artistElle Gersteinexplains, “[Gel polish] needs a UV light to cure/dry and provides a chip-free manicure that lasts much longer than regular nail polish.” Depending on the bulbs and wattage, each coat will take anywhere from 30 seconds to three minutes to cure. Most of our top picks (except forEssie’s Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish) come with an LED/UV lamp, so we’ve got you covered.

Staying Power

One of the main draws to at-home gel nails is the promise of professional-level longevity. The products, tools, and formulas should ostensibly provide similar results to what you’d get at a nail salon. However, most of the options we tried didn’t last more than a week. A myriad of factors come into play here: improper use of the kits, the level of day-to-day wear and tear on your nails, not making sure all natural oils were removed from your nails before painting, etc. Be sure to thoroughly read all instructions and don’t skip on any nail care suggestions from the manufacturer for best results — and consider wearing reusable gloves when cleaning and doing the dishes.

Removal

Unlike manicures withregular nail polish, gel manicures generally call for soak-off removal. This means you’ll douse 10 cotton pieces with pure acetone, place them on your nails, wrap them in foil, and let them sit for about 15 minutes. After soaking, the polish usually scrapes off without a fuss. If you don’t feel like making multiple trips to the store, you can grab theRed Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Gel Starter Kitand utilize its foil wraps, gel polish remover, and more, right from the get-go.

People / Tamara Staples

We selected 10 at-home gel kits to try firsthand. Each set was evaluated for ease of use, drying time, finished look, staying power, ease of removal, and nail integrity post-removal.

Every category was rated on a scale of one to five (lowest-performing to highest). The kits with the highest average ratings earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list.

Frequently Asked Questions

LED nail lamps can cure gel manicures more quickly than UV nail lights. While the price of LED lamps is higher, LED bulbs last longer than UV bulbs so the cost may be lower in the long term. Note that some gel polishes are specifically formulated to be used only with UV nail lamps, so an LED nail lamp will not work for those polishes.

Metal and some plastic nail forms are reusable. Nail forms made of paper or foil are disposable and only intended for one-time use.

Alyssa Brasciais a writer for PEOPLE who covers beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle products and has written for many outlets, including InStyle, Shape, and Southern Living. To compile this review, she considered insights from our testers, who evaluated each product for ease of use, drying time, finished look, durability, ease of removal, and nail integrity post-removal. She also spoke with experts who provided professional expertise on what to look for in the best at-home gel nail polish kits.

Our Expert Panel

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

source: people.com