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We then narrowed the winners' list to the most user-friendly options that offered the best and longest-lasting results.
These eight outperformed the rest, hands down.
The longevity was impressive, tooher manicure lasted nearly two weeks without chips, and a pedicure three weeks.
PHOTO: Olive & June
The only minor drawback?
The brand recommends removing the polish with its gel removal system, which needs to be purchased separately.
Still, this kit (and the results it delivers) is impressive enough to convert nail salon devotees.
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And other gel kits Ive used have been more difficult and never lasted long.
The only downside is that theres a slight learning curve when applying the nails.
You’ll also getextension geland foil for shaping.
PHOTO: Amazon
Her nails looked just as good two weeks later: shiny and vibrant without any cracks or chips.
The removal process was a piece of cake, too.
After soaking them in acetone, the gel scraped right off.
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And while her nail plates were somewhat brittle, they weren’t completely wreckednothing a littlecuticle oilcouldn’t solve.
Danielle, tester:This kit is a good starter for those interested in gel extensions.
And I loved the fact that the LED lamp came with three timer controls.
PHOTO: Amazon
Though the brand promises up to 14 days of wear, it began chipping after about seven days.
Since the directions are confusing, you’ll want to read through all the steps before starting.
Meg, tester:This is a good kit for a solid week of use.
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Dominique, tester:My manicure lasted one-and-a-half weeks without chipping.
And even when it did finally chip, it was minimal.
It’s like a little party in a boxfun and user-friendly, even for beginners.
PHOTO: DND Gel
Since the lamp is so small, you’ll need to dry your thumb separately.
Still, our tester was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the gel dried and hardened.
The smooth, shiny results exceeded our expectations.
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However, the gel started peeling within a couple of days and was entirely gone shortly after.
(You might get better results if you properlyprep your nail platesand apply thinner coats.)
Our tester’s nails weren’t damaged afterward (a win!
PHOTO: Ulta
The brand’s beginner-friendly starter kit boasts a three-step process and a 30-second dry time.
Once cured, our tester’s nails were hard and smooth without any tackiness.
Though she noticed one small bubble, the pro-level polish and top coat delivered extra-shiny, streak-free results.
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While it promises up to two weeks of wear, the gel started peeling once she cleaned her kitchen.
Her nail beds were slightly brittle afterward, but an extra dose ofhand creamwas enough to correct the damage.
Toni, tester:It was so simple!
PHOTO: Amazon
It was only three stepsquick and easy to applybut overall this product did not last long.
One thing to keep in mind if you do a lot with your hands.
The brand’s starter kit earned a perfect score for ease of use thanks to the straightforward instructions.
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Our tester was very pleased with the results, specifically the stunning color and smooth, exceptionally shiny finish.
The manicure did end up chipping after about six days.
However, this feature-rich set is an excellent value.
PHOTO: Amazon
The lacquer applies evenly and sets without dripping.
Once dry, she was basically rocking aprofessional manicure.
Her nails were still evenly coated at the two-week mark and looked perfect from a distance.
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Lucy, tester:After two-plus weeks, there is very minimal chipping.
Apply one coat of primer, then the base coat.
Apply two coats of color, curing in between coats, and finish with one layer of topcoat.
PHOTO: Amazon
In short, no.
This will make your nails thinner and weaker.
That’s why we recommend applyingsunscreenor wearing UV gloves while giving yourself agel manicure.
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Youll need the right tools and a little bit of patience, says Basurto.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soften the gel, she says.
Finish by (gently)scraping off any polish with a cuticle pusher.
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If applied properly, Aaron says that gel nails typically last up to two weeks.
Basurto and Nguyen add that they may even last up to three weeks if applied properly.
Why Trust Byrdie
Melanie Rudis a contributing writer for Byrdie.
