9 Best Gel Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed

To effectively remove professional gel polish you can:

• Soak the gel polish in acetone
• Remove through filing

Both of these methods can cause quite a bit of damage to your natural nails, so it pays to invest in a nourishing nail cream and a protective nail strengthener, to give your natural nails a break between each manicure. 

Consider the price of your salon gel mani, you will save a lot of money in the long run by investing in a lamp and practising at home. However, if you struggle to paint your less dominant hand or don’t have the time to spend curing each layer, it may not be the best option for you.

Check out our 10 Best Nail Polish Removers here! Then, invest in cuticle oil to keep your nail beds super smooth!

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 lasts flawlessly for far longer than regular nail varnish. They offer all the benefits of gel nails: tougher and shinier than regular nail polishes, but without the need for professional equipment or hefty removal. These give you a look without curing under a UV light, making it quicker and more efficient. 

The texture of the formula will feel slightly thicker and stickier but will dry down to a solid, chip-resistant finish. Some brands offer just a gel look topcoat, and others, you can find a gel style within the coloured polish itself.

A great option to invest in is a gel-effect top coat. All you have to do is use it with regular nail polish for a similar effect to that of more expensive and time consuming polishes. 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. 

Check to see if your regular nail polish brand has a gel effect top coat, this way you can guarantee the formulas will work together for the best finish and longest wear.

If you like to wear the same nail colour for a long time, neutral shades that blend in with your skin tone, including subtle orange, cream, or brown, work best and are not as prone to visible chipping compared to flashier counterparts.

If you are starting and are unsure what colours work for you, opting for a colour that doesn't draw too much attention is a great place to hone your nail painting skills before jumping into neon shades of green, for example.

Neutral colours will guarantee to match any outfit or make-up look, making it the most efficient choice. A smart choice for office environments will maintain a professional, well-groomed look for work.

If you like your nails to be the centre of attention, we cannot recommend sheen gel nail polish enough. Pick a strong colour such as red, pink, or even white to really highlight your hands. Striking nails also work great in evening settings as they are wonderful at counterbalancing dark areas through natural reflection.

If you like to wear a lot of monotone clothing - think black everything - opting for a flashy nail colour can drastically change the way you look. Most people look great in a combo of black and red, but we will leave it up to you to find your favourite accent colour.

Much like choosing a lipstick, think about your skin undertone to decide which shade will be the most flattering. If you have warm or olive tones, an orangey-red will really pop. Cooler skin tones will suit blue-toned cherry reds and deep wine shades. Play around and see what you prefer as ultimately it's your choice!

If you like to lift your spirit or mood through a little self-care, we recommend a pearl polish to keep your nails looking effortlessly glamorous. Perfect for brunch with friends, or attending a ceremony, pearlescent tones work great for anyone over 30 looking for that extra hint of sophistication

What's more, pearlescent toned polish is renowned for its complementary properties when paired with a lot of jewellery. If you like your nails to be less of a stand-alone statement and more an essential piece to your entire look, we think this is the best choice for you.

For those that want to elevate a natural nail look, try a pearlescent toned polish. This sophisticated style will match almost any outfit and make-up look without drawing too much attention. Perfect for a special occasion, pearlescent polish adds a subtle touch of glamour to tie the look together.