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The 6 Best Gel Nail Kits For A DIY Mani
Our runner up is £100 off!
Few things in the beauty realm feel as satisfying as a fresh set of gel nails – but feeding our manicure habit can be time-consuming and costly. The solution? Do your own gel nails at home – no, seriously.
Today, there's a host of genuinely brilliant at-home gel nail kits that anyone can get the hang of, no matter how unsteady their hand. Trust us: you'll be refreshing those tips with one eye on Netflix in no time.
You may be sceptical about an at-home gel nail kit being as good as the professionals, but we’ve tried and tested the best on the market for salon-worthy results. Whether you just want a classic French manicure or are brave enough to experiment with some nail art, there’s a kit that can sustain all your gel nail needs.
How To Apply Gel Nails
While you may not be able to do the job quite as quickly as a manicurist, we've simplified the process so it doesn't seem like such a daunting task. A DIY gel manicure is the ideal night-in activity, if you ask us, and remember, practice makes perfect.
- Prep nails by filing them to your desired shape. Then buff the nail's surface and push back the cuticles. Finish by cleaning with a cleanser or alcohol wipe to ensure they're squeaky clean.
- Apply a thin layer of base coat before putting your nails under the LED lamp for 60 seconds (most lamps will time this for you). Top Tip: go over the tip of your nail with a coat of polish to seal and prevent premature chipping.
- Apply a thin layer of the colour of your choice, then cure for 60 seconds. Coat, cure, repeat at least twice, or until the colour is opaque.
- Finish by applying a layer of your top coat and curing for 60 seconds.
- Clean your nails to remove any stickiness and you're good to go.
The Best Gel Nail Kits For An At-Home Mani
Bluesky Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
Bluesky Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
This is as straightforward as nail kits get, coming with all the essentials you need for a perfect mani, and it’s easy to set up and use. We found our nails stayed shiny throughout the week with no chipping or peeling for eight days.
14 Day Mani Signature Gel Polish Starter Kit
14 Day Mani Signature Gel Polish Starter Kit
14 Day Mani is here to disrupt the market, promising to provide a salon-level gel manicure that lasts for two weeks. For those who like to customise their colour, this starter set lets you choose your own four shades from a range of 100 when you buy. The kit also comes with a buffer tool and base coat for keeping nails healthy, plus a top coat for a welcome pop of shine.
Sensationail Gel Polish Starter Kit
For speedy results that look seriously professional, this is the kit for you. The sensor-activated lamp is perfectly sized for your entire hand (or foot), and the choice of polish shades is impressive. But the best part? There's no faffing around with primers and top coats – instead, a single swipe of colour is all it takes.
Green Flash Full Kit Green Flash
Green Flash Full Kit Green Flash
A hardcore gel habit can be tough on your nails, but Manucurist's 84% natural polishes are designed to deliver the gloss and wear without the damage. They can also be removed with your regular nail polish remover, so no foils or extra admin is required.
Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kit - Fairy Floss
Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kit - Fairy Floss
Le Mini Macaron has a whole host of on-point polishes and nail art accessories in its collection. This original kit contains everything you need to get started, so invest in this first, then explore all the adorable add-ons later. (We’ve got our eyes on this crazy chromatic powder topper.)
Mylee Gel Polish LED Manicure Kit
Mylee Gel Polish LED Manicure Kit
Mylee’s LED curing lamp has an in-built timer and roomy shape, which makes it simple to use on fingers and toes. With bottles of nail prep included, the application process is quick and the finish is super professional. What more could we ask for from an at-home mani kit?
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