Let’s face it, regular nail polish walked so gel formulas could run. The quick-drying, long-lasting, high-shine alternative to standard polish has levelled up the manicure game, making chip-free nails a reality.
So for those who are ready to make a longer-term commitment that doesn’t require a trip to the salon, an LED light or even a time consuming soak-off removal, it’s time to acquaint yourself with these smudge-proof, at-home gel nail polishes.
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OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish System
Available in just about every shade imaginable, the OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish System is part of a three-step routine that involves a specially formulated base and top coat to deliver a high-shine, professional finish manicure that lasts up to 10 days. No polish-setting LED light required.
“The absolute BEST part was that it dried SOOOO QUICKLY!! And as someone who ALWAYS smudges her nails this was amazing for me. They’re literally touch-dry in about a minute.” – Debbie Black
$22.95 at Myer
essie Gel Couture Nail Polish
essie’s Gel Couture Nail Polish range has been designed to last. With no need for a base coat, these uncomplicated, long-wear shades (that will stay with you for up to 12 days chip-free) offer something for everyone. The only downside will be having to choose between the striking reds, vibrant purples and sheer nudes.
$16.95 at Adore Beauty
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish
There’s a reason this bh favourite has taken out multiple Best In Beauty Awards. Formulated with a patented technology designed for longer wear, the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish offers a life-proof manicure. For a professional finish, paint two coats of colour and one coat of the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel™ Matte Top Coat. And when the time comes, easily remove with a regular nail polish remover.
$9.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Maybelline NY SuperStay 7 Days Gel Nail Color
Enriched with calcium, iron and silica, the Maybelline NY SuperStay 7 Days Gel Nail Color range offers a smooth, gel resin formula. Plus, their one of a kind, patented full-fit brush moulds to every nail shape for a flawless, chip-free finish.
“The end result feels almost like it was done by salon. It dries very quickly, no more than 15 minutes. I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH THE PRODUCT. I would definitely purchase more if they produce more colours that i would wear.” – Joey502
$4.69 at Chemist Warehouse
Main image credit: @essie
That OPI colour is to die for. Love!
In the Summer Time I always paint my Toe Nails with a Coloured Nail Polish will give OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish System a try really like the idea that you don’t need an LED light to use it.
Will also try the OPI Nail Polish Clear Coat for my Finger Nails. And the Base Coat.
You had me at ‘chip proof’. Great info.
I’ve always preferred OPI nail polishes, but lately I’ve been going for Essie.
The Essie bottle is cool!
Yeah chip proof is great for my toenails because I leave that on for quite a while before taking it off.
I have an obsession with nail polish and just love the colours shown above and the great brands too!
So many choices
Big love for OPI,. Got to 7 days once without a chip using all the product steps in their Infinite Shine System.
I really like the OPI range and the quality too.
I can definitely vouch for the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish. When I went to Hawaii both times, I painted my toe nails and they lasted for the 2 weeks I was away. Even bashed one of big toes on the lava rocks in the water at the beach and although my nail was bruised, the nail stayed in tact until I got home and took the polish off.
These are all so pretty!
A top coat definitely helps with preventing chips
Of these, I’ve only used the Sally Hansen & it’s fantastic! I use the top coat (not the matte one) over regular nail polish too, & it increases the longevity – but it doesn’t last quite as long as when I use it with SH Gel polish.
Ive never used a gel polish
Thanks for the article though nail polish is not my thing
A big fan of Sally Hansen. It even goes on smooth, almost self leveling.
I haven’t tried all of these nail polishes I have tried Sally Hansen, they still chip quite quickly for me .. I’ll try OPI and see how it goes.
The OPI sounds good, although I have never paid that much for a nail polish.
I’ve never used a gel nail polish. In fact, these days I might only wear nail polish once a year.
I rarely wear nail polish, I used to apply it only on a special occasion.
I love the colour of the Essie one 🙂 Any clues as to what shade this is?
OPI is great quality.
I’m the same, I just prefer not to bother with anything that requires too much maintenance
A DIY job never looks as good as the professionals, especially on your dominant hand.
Me too. Think I’m getting lazy the older I get.
I only paint my toes nails these days. Part laziness, part motivation & it also depends if I am wearing open toed shoes or not.
I’ve heard good things about OPI but I haven’t tried it yet.
Essie and OPI are great, the Essie all in one top and base coat is good too
I have not worn nail polish regularly for so long, I think I wore it once in the last year… I should look at the bottles I have an either use them or chuck them.
I haven’t used a gel polish in a very long time, I really should get back into it again
I love Essie colors; I should try one of the gels.
Wanna try next essie Gel Couture. SH is a of a bad quality (being nice here).
I don’t use polish on my nails however I do like to paint my toenails during summer as I am wearing mostly sandals then. I’ve never tried a gel polish however I would consider using one on my toenails.
Don’t use gel nail polish… Maybe worth a look at….
The Maybelline gel polish is actually the best! It’s so affordable (especially during half-price sales) and I find it lasts longer than my Essie or OPI polishes!
Love the colours shown here. I have only used OPI but have yet to try gel -Looks like it is a must to try. Good article Thanks
I haven’t tried any of these
Good to know, thanks Arlise for the heads up
I swear by the OPI and Essie polishes they are amazing every time 🙂
I have tried Essie in the past. They got lovely colours.
I better get out some of my OPI. The polish I had on last week, lasted one day before most peeled off.
Hahaha, I was pretty lazy to start with, I can’t imagine any further declines in my beauty regime.
I have not painted my nails for a long time. Going to try a gel polish and see if it is long wearing then might start doing my nails again.
OPI is great for chip proof polish.
OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish is my faviourte nail polish
Love Opi but Sally Hansen is also a favourite
Looks like some good recommendations.
I have not tried OPI’s nail polishes yet, but they are on my list of products to try.