We’ve Got To Hand It To Them, These Gel Nail Kits Are The Real Deal

Look, it’s no secret. Times are tough, and cutting down on expenses wherever we can is our top priority. But for most of us it looks like our favourite in-salon beauty treatments are falling by the wayside (we miss the salons). So finding more affordable at-home options is now a must. Enter: the DIY gel mani. Yep, gone are the days of waiting three to five business days for your nails to dry only for them to chip in a matter of hours. Because you can now get salon quality equipment in the comfort of your own home. And you know what? You deserve a trendy mani…

So pop on your favourite rom-com, sit down and get to actually enjoy the process of doing your nails with these gel nail kits…

2024’s Top 3 Gel Nail Kit

1. Esmio Basic Starter Kit, $186, Esmio 
2. GlamrDip Dip Perfect Complete Kit, $159, GlamDrip
3. Sunday Nails Starter Kit, $64.99, Sunday Nails

Esmio Basic Starter Kit

From $186 at Esmio 

If you’re looking to basically create your own salon at home then this is the kit you’ll want to go for. Initially starting off with just three colour choices in this kit, you’ll soon be able to expand your range with so many (like, over 60) options to choose from. Not only will you be spoilt for choice, but this kit comes with an LED lamp that looks exactly like the ones you see in salons with a countdown feature and all. You might notice, there’s no base or top coat included in the kit, and at first think ‘how annoying’! Nope, with this specifically designed formula, a coat (or two) of your favourite colour is all you need! And that’s not even mentioning that purchasing this gel nail kit will see proceeds going to three worthy charities. Great nails and a great cause? We think it’s a no brainer!

Key features:

• LED lamp features countdown timer
• Huge range of trending colours
• Buffing files included

Available at:

• $165 (usually $186) from Esmio

GlamrDip Dip Perfect Complete Kit

From $159 at GlamrDip

Full transparency: this isn’t a ‘gel nail’ kit. But it is a top tier ‘dip nail’ kit. Yep, you’ll be getting your at-home nails with this unique dipping formula instead. Simply paint the bonding (and shine-boosting) formulas onto your nails, dip your tips into the (Aussie-grown) botanically-infused powders, and you’ll be on your way to salon-quality at-home nails. 

Key features:

• 18-free formula
• Nail-strengthening ingredients
• Results last up to five weeks 

Available at:

• $134 (usually $159) at GlamrDip

Sunday Nails Starter Kit

From $64.99 at Sunday Nails

If you thought taking your mani experience home was already a time-saving godsend, just wait until we introduce you to Sunday Nails. This seriously fast nail kit comes with semi-cured gel nail stickers. Yep, the wide range of colours (and trendy patterns) are already part of the set, but don’t worry they’re still flexible enough to wrap around your nails. Simply apply, shape and cure. Voilà, you’ve now got long-wearing gel nails! 

Key features:

• Flexible semi-cured stickers
• Ultra-quick application time
• Huge range of colours

Available at:

• $64.99 from Sunday Nails

Opallac At-Home Gel Starter Kit

From $99 at Priceline

This cruelty-free kit is here to give you smooth, shining, long-lasting nails. Made without a long list of nasties, you know that your nails will be happy and healthy underneath your chip-resistant mani. This gel nail kit comes with three chic colours, top and base coats and every tool you’ll need to create your freshest mani yet. 

Key features:

• Includes gel removal solution
• Cruelty-free 
• Packed in Australia 

Available at:

• $99 at Priceline

Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit

From $219.42 at Amazon

Of course, one of the top nail polish brands (thanks Sally Hansen) was always going to come out with a top-performing at-home gel nail kit. You’ll be able to get all the colours and formulas you already know and love from the comfort of your couch. With a stunning mirror-shine formula, people will be asking who did your nails. The answer? YOU.

Key features:

• Up to 10 at-home manis 
• Chip-free formula 
• 7 Watt LED lamp

Available at:

• $219.42 from Amazon

Manucurist Green Flash Routine Set

From $128 at MECCA

Look, we aren’t going as far as to say we’re Francophiles but the love that we have for French beauty is unparalleled. The French just know what they’re doing when it comes to gentle, natural skin-loving ingredients. So, it comes as no real shock that this completely-made-in-France gel nail kit packs a true punch. With a formula that’s made from 84 per cent plant-based ingredients, this mani is set out to give your nails the nourishment they’re after. Added bonus: when you’re ready to change it up, this gel polish can be removed just like regular nail polish!

Key features:

• 84 per cent plant-based
• Vegan 
• Easy to remove

Available at:

• $128 from MECCA

Are DIY gel nails worth it?

Let’s be real. If you’re willing to work to achieve top-tier results, 100 per cent yes, they’re worth it. But if you’re a chronic ‘nail-art getter’ and your artistic skills leave a little to be desired then maybe you’re best to keep heading into the salons. However, for those that like to keep it simple and often opt for the same three colours (you know what works!), investing in one of these DIY gel nail kits is a great way to still keep your nails looking fresh all while saving heaps of cash.

How to remove gel nail polish at home

It’s the age-old conundrum. You’ve gotten your nails painted with a gel polish (stunning), but it’s been a few weeks and they’re starting to look, well, ratty. And that’s where you’ve got to make the call. Do you re-do them, or do you take it off for a breather? If you’re looking to get your gel nail polish off at-home without completely wrecking your nails underneath (that can happen) here are some helpful tips.

Firstly, give them a quick buff with a nail file. We know, it sounds silly, but that allows for step two to work its magic more effectively. So, what’s this mysterious step two? Well you’ll need some acetone (be sure to check the nail polish bottle to ensure it actually contains the ingredient). Soak a cotton pad in the stuff and apply it to your nails. And the truly in-salon experience comes when you take pieces of aluminium foil and wrap your nail tips up securely. After a few minutes (we’d give it five to ten to make sure), remove the foil and push away at the now loose polish. And ta-da, gel nail clad no longer. Just be sure to follow up with some nourishing cuticle oil. 

Related Links

• Did you know this scary fact about old school UV lamps? Check out why the change to UV cured was a must…
• Want to make the change to at-home gel nails but still have remnants of SNS? Here’s how to safely remove it at home…

Main Image Credit: @esmio_australia

Do you get your nails done in a salon? Would you make the DIY switch?