So here is the deal: I recently developed an allergy to gel nail polish, which as a beauty journalist, came as a bit of a blow. If you’ve landed on this story, you might be in the same predicament are are considering some gel nail alternatives. I love having my nails done, and I’ve always loved the longevity of gel treatments which make my beauty admin far more streamlined. Nail polishes chip far too quickly for my liking, and I’m too impatient to let it dry and I’ll inevitably smudge all of my hard work.
However, every cloud had a silver lining, so I’ve taken this as an opportunity to explore some gel nail alternatives and honestly? I’ve been really blown away by some of the gel-effect nail polishes that are around right now.
Nail varnish formulas have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and while gel-effect nail polishes might not last for weeks on end, I’ve found some seriously long-lasting nail polishes that have made my manicure last for between seven to 10 days of wear—with minimal chipping. Plus, removing regular nail polish is way easier, and doesn’t pose the same damage that removing gel nails at home can bring. And the bonus is that it makes switching up your nail colour more regularly far easier.
Scroll ahead to find the best gel nail alternatives I’ve switched to and swear by.
When I recently sat down with celebrity nail manicurist Harriet Westmoreland, she introduced me to Chanel’s newly formulated Le Vernis nail polishes, and my new favourite nail top coat, Le Gel Coat, which Westmoreland finished my mani with above. No joke—this French manicure lasted all week, and only started lightly chipping afterwards from thereafter. As someone who is heavy handed, I found this to be seriously impressive. It adds a thick and glassy layer to the nails that really resembles gel, and locks in the polish underneath. Speaking of which, the new shades are so chic.
Makes a regular mani last for ages.
The perfect ‘naked nail’ pink.
I have my eyes on this sage green shade to try next.
So pretty as a French manicure.
CND is one of my favourite gel brands, and they also have a range of at-home nail polishes which are equally as good. Back when I used to work for nail magazine, I discovered this top coat which is loved by nail technicians. It encases nails with a protective layer that genuinely locks in your nail polish for a chip-free finish for a good week. Apply ever other day and you can probably make it last for even longer, too.
Makes your manicure exceptionally long-lasting.
I don’t want to alarm you, but this is the exact nail shade Zendaya wore recently.
Poppy Fields is such a classic bright red—it looks great on toes too.
Celebrity manicurist Iram Shelton has long influenced me on OPI’s nail polish shades, which in my opinion, have the best range of pink and nude shades going. Bubble Bath is perhaps one of the most-loved shades, which offers a sheer wash of pink and suits everyone. The formulas are seriously long-lasting and glossy, so I always keep a few different shades in my roster.
Bubble Bath suits everyone.
Prefer a beige-toned nude? Try Bare My Soul
Funny Bunny is a milky white favoured by many, including Hailey Bieber for her glazed doughnut nails.
Nails Inc have some of my favourite nail finishes for when I want to switch up my usual neutral mani. The Glowing Somewhere nail perfector is my go-to for replicating the chrome powder effect (which only works with gel polish) without the need for the powder. It has a milky finish and a subtle iridescent that makes it so pretty. Plus, Nails Inc nail polishes have long-wearing formulations, so you can trust they’ll last.
Fake the glazed doughnut nails look without chrome powder with this iridescent nail polish.
Beauty Editor Eleanor Vousden wearing Nails Inc Glowing Out Nail Polish.
This sheer pink polish has become one of my favourites for achieving blush nails—it’s like cream blusher for your nails.
The Gel Effect range has some beautiful shades—this is one of Nails Inc’s bestsellers.
When Shopping Editor Remy Farrell tried the Manucuritst Green Flash Kit, I was immediately influenced. This might look like a gel kit, but this polish is in fact formulated without methacrylate monomers and HEMA, which are the molecules that are can cause allergies in normal gel polish. Simply paint your nails, set them under the LED lamp and enjoy chip-free nails for up to 10 days. A great option if you like the ritual of gel nails with professional results. It also removes like regular polish too.
I’m adding this kit to my wishlist immediately.
This dark pansy shade will see you through all seasons.
Love milky nails? This sheer white achieves the look instantly.
I’ve seen the shade Moon on nail techs and it’s so pretty. Think subtle, pearly shimmer.
