Top 10 Best Gel Nail Polishes in the UK 2021(Essie, Sally Hansen and More)

Picking out a gel nail polish to buy online can be made much easier by keeping in mind a few basic pointers. Here we'll talk you through the details of using different types of gel polishes, the key features of each, and their perks and drawbacks. Let's get stuck in.

There are two types of gel polish available online which you'll probably be choosing from; serious professional-grade polishes and more accessible gel-effect versions by high street brands. Here we explore the benefits of both and think about the process of using and removing them.

These gel polishes are a very thick variety that hardens to a tough shell-like layer and will last a good couple of weeks before growing out. They need to be set with a UV lamp, which you'll have to buy separately and are better suited to serious manicure junkies or even professional nail artists seeking to offer clients the best possible results. 

Their main draw is that they're fairly indestructible, only chipping after serious wear and tear. They also build up your nails to give the appearance of thick, durable talons – hiding weaker, less impressive claws just beneath! The downside? They require some serious effort and chemicals to remove. 

Soaking the gel polish in acetone is one option, which works well but causes damage to your natural nails. Gel nails can also be removed using some rather aggressive filing, which again is not the best for your real fingernails. If you insist on proper professional-grade polish, be sure to invest in a nourishing nail cream and a protective nail strengthener, to give your natural talons a break between manis.  

As an alternative to the more advanced gel polishes, there's now a happy medium on the market: gel-effect nail colours. They look tougher and shinier than regular polishes but don't require a UV lamp to be set, or harsh chemicals and violent scrubbing to remove - they can be removed with plain old nail polish remover. 

Gel-effect polish gives nails a glossy finish that also lasts flawlessly for far longer than regular nail varnish. It builds up a fairly thick layer that won't budge or crack but can be removed much more quickly than a professional manicure. Many high street gel nail brands come with a special final coat, which helps to accentuate their shine. 

The third option you have is to simply buy a gel-effect top-coat and use it with a regular nail polish. It won't be as impressively thick as when used in tandem with a gel-effect polish, but it's a slightly more affordable way of ensuring polish looks slick, and lasts a good deal longer than without it. 

Of course, most nail varnishes contain somewhat stronger chemicals than say, a gentle facial soap, but there are certain ones to be aware of so you can know which are harmful and which are deemed safe according to national health standards.

Two ingredients that are definitely best avoided are toluene and dibutyl phthalate. These are officially prohibited and would be illegal if found in modern nail polishes. Formaldehyde - a natural organic compound - is another ingredient that sometimes appears on nail varnish ingredients lists. It sounds scary but is in fact deemed safe to use by EU regulations. 

These days it's mostly absent from high street nail colours, but may appear in more high-strength, professional formulas. Check your polish is formaldehyde-free for peace of mind. 

Proper gel polishes should last a minimum of two weeks, if several layers are applied and dried each time using a UV lamp. Gel-effect nail varnishes however, should come with a rough estimate of their lasting time.

If you want a polish that can be relatively easily removed, pick one that promises around 7 days of wear. This means it can be easily cleaned off before you get impatient for the next colour. Polishes that promise to last 10 days and upwards will generally be thicker and tougher when dried, bringing you closer to that authentic 'shellac' manicure look. 

Those who want to make sure they're buying the kindest possible product should look out for the leaping bunny logo, which proves your gel polish was not tested on animals. You can also conduct some research on the brands' ethical stance via their website.

Stronger professional gels are sometimes imported from countries with different ethical standards to the UK, so it's best to note this when you're purchasing one. But there are many gel-effect polishes that are entirely vegan and cruelty-free, which is great news!

With these thoughts fresh in your mind, you can now take a look at our selection of the top 10 best gel nail polishes available to buy online in the UK this year. With a mix of UV-curing and daylight curing products, we hope we've found something for every taste. 

Whether your weakness is manicures, pedicures, or pampering yourself from talon to toe, have a peek at our other related articles – they're chock full of advice and product recommendations to give your nails all the self-care they deserve. 

So that's that! Our user-friendly buying guide should hopefully have helped you get your claws into the basics of gel nail polish, allowing you to easily identify what makes for an effective and good value product. You'll be all set for a scintillating manicure that will last without chipping, and bring effortless chic to any Christmas party or New Year's feast. 

Author: Annie Hopkins