A quick and chip-free manicure has never been this easy.
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Few feelings come close to the wave of happiness you experience after getting a fresh gel manicure, especially if it’s been a while since your last salon visit. Whether it's the shine of a natural polish or the “click clack” of extensions, new nails can put you in a good mood. The only thing that can change that feeling is handing over your debit card to pay for said nails or discovering your nails chipped before you can actually enjoy them. An easy fix to that little problem, though, is investing in an at-home gel nail kit.
Gel nail kits are totally DIY-friendly, equipped with all the tools you need to get salon-quality manicures at a fraction of the price. What makes it even better is that gel polish lasts much longer than traditional polishes, with less of a chance of chipping or fading. Complete with a variety of colors, a base and top coat, and a UV or LED light, nail kits aren’t just a great alternative for the salon, they are also a fun DIY project as well. We understand that you always want a cute set of nails, and for that reason, we’ve put together a list of nine of the best at-home gel nail kits for you to try.
Top picks for the best at-home gel nail kits in 2023
Ahead, shop the nine best at-home gel nail kits to tide you over until your next salon visit.
For those who don’t know, Manucurist prioritizes sustainability and ensures that all their products are eco-friendly. So, it's no surprise that the materials inside the Discovery Kit (and its packaging) are completely sustainable and can be recycled. We also love that the design is foldable, so it’s very convenient to take on the go, especially if you’re a high-maintenance gal who always needs her nails done.
A Manucurist reviewer said: “Very easy and beautiful manicure! This is my first kit and I thought I would fail, but the instructions are very simple and it went well the first time. I am very happy.”
Size: 2.95 x 9.06 x 5.12 in; 1.9 lbs
We’ve got our eyes on Morovan's Poly Gel Nail Kit, especially because thousands of users have reviewed this item on Amazon. Not only is it equipped with the basics (a lamp and a variety of polishes), but it also comes with a complete set of nail art tools. If you want to channel your inner artist, here’s your chance.
An Amazon reviewer said: “Hold onto your nail clippers, folks, because I have just unearthed the Holy Grail of nail artistry – the Morovan Poly Gel Nail Kit! This little treasure chest of beauty magic transformed my humble fingertips into dazzling, Instagram-worthy masterpieces that could give the Mona Lisa a run for her money.”
Size: 12.2 x 8.66 x 4.53 in; 3.22 lbs
Gelish is one of those brands that really gets it when it comes to gel polish—it's all in the name. The at-home versions of their kits match the pro-grade options. You can’t go wrong with this regimen, which comes with several mini polishes to find your favorite shade.
An Amazon reviewer said:“Great buy! Colors are nice and lasted almost 3 weeks : ) Would highly recommend this one.”
Size: 7.5 x 7 x 4.5 in; 1.7 lbs
For those looking for length, the Apres Gel-X nail kit gives you salon-worthy extensions from the comfort of your home. Housed in this sleek black box are nail tips in varying sizes that are completely customizable, as the nail tips are sturdy enough for filing and shaping. Elsewhere in the box, you’ll find the four-step system, plus accessories for a polished, pro-level look.
Apres Nails star rating: 4.8/5 stars
“Aprés Nail’s Gel-X Nail Extension Kit is the perfect starter kit for someone interested in creating easy but durable gel extensions. It has all the products needed, along with your choice of a box of Gel-X Tips. If you’re not exactly sure how to use all the products together, don’t worry! Each of our Gel-X Tip boxes comes with a QR code that links to a tutorial on how to use Gel-X. We also offer different types of Gel-X Kits.” — Eunice Park, licensed manicurist, and research and development manager at Apres Nails
Size: 12 x 7 x 6 in; 2.45 lbs
The Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit is ideal for any beginner. It comes with a small UV light, base and top coats, and a shade of your choosing. Sally Hansen also sells a range of gel polishes separately so you can test them all out.
Ulta star rating: 4.1/5 stars An Ulta reviewer said: “The manual was very easy to follow. I like the color even though it’s a bit more sheer than the picture on the package. I love the fact that I can do it myself without hesitation. Great product.”
Size: 5.60 x 2.70 x 9.50 in; 1.19 lbs
If you don’t have any nail tools or want to start fresh, this is an ideal beginner’s kit. Not only does the set include the base and top coat, six neutral shades, and a UV light, but it also comes with cuticle oil, a nail file, clippers, and a cuticle pusher. Basically, it has everything you need for a precise at-home mani from start to finish. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there’s also a mattifying top coat for a funkier finish.
An Amazon reviewer said: “I got this to do my nails at home. It works great when you follow directions. I love it!”
Size: 8.78 x 8.74 x 4.02 in; 2.38 lbs
This 19-piece kit brings the salon to you. The kit even comes with a gel cleanser and lint-free wipes to ensure your nails are properly prepped and finished. The uber-fast LED light will cure your polish in a flash.
A Walmart reviewer said: “I love this kit! It leaves it looking professionally done, with easy-to-follow instructions and comes with everything you need. The end results are gorgeous! Way more fun and less pricey than going to the spa every 2 weeks. Everyone asks where I got them done and I tell them about the Sensationail kit and great pricing at Walmart. Definitely do recommend!”
Size: 9.94 x 8.75 x 8.0 in; .73 lbs
It doesn’t get more compact and convenient than this tiny on-the-go gel manicure kit. You can skip the base coat and top coat on this one because the colored polish does it all on its own. All you have to do is plug in the USB UV light, paint one nail, cure, and repeat. You can easily use this on your toes for a quick pedicure.
An Ulta reviewer said: “I bought this set because I was tired of spending $40+ every other week on a gel mani. With this set, my nails didn’t even start chipping until after a week which I think is not bad for an at-home gel mani.”
Size: 6.7 x 2.4 x 2.4 in; .35 lbs
Do you ever have a tough time deciding on the perfect color? Or want to try something new? This is the nail kit you need. With a variety of different colors, there will always be a shade to match your mood. It also comes with sequins and nail gems for whenever you want an added shimmer.
An Amazon Reviewer says: “I love the color options in this set! The UV light that’s included and easy at home process make this kit pretty incredible. It does a really great job.”
Size: 8.98 x 5.59 x 4.92 inches; 2.14 Pounds
Both regular and gel polish can be worn down and weakened with frequent hand-washing, sanitizer, and lotions/oils, but gel manicures typically last longer when the nail beds are properly prepped and the polish is fully cured. Eunice Park, research and development manager at Apres Nails, says gel-x nails can last even longer. “With proper prep and application, Aprés Nail Gel-X sets can last two to four weeks. Many people are able to go even longer than four weeks, but I wouldn’t recommend going too long. The balance of the nail will be off, which can damage your natural nail,” she says.
The answer to this question is completely subjective, as it is contingent upon your personal needs and habits. If you go to the nail salon regularly, and if gel is your manicure of choice, then perhaps investing in a DIY gel kit could be a cost effective way to cut back on grooming expenses. The majority of the nail kits listed above are below $100, and if you do the math, this is technically less than two visits to the nail salon (depending on where you get your nails done, of course).
Eunice Park is an LA-based manicurist and Aprés Nail’s Research & Development Manager
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care.
Tatjana Freund is a beauty obsessive with years of experience writing about and reviewing products. She has interviewed countless skincare professionals and continually tests the newest innovations.
Lauren Tappan is a freelance editor, covering fashion and beauty for ELLE.com.
Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE's beauty assistant writing and researching all things hair, makeup and nails.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors also poured over reviews for dozens of top-rated gel nail kits, evaluating each on their features offered and customer feedback.
Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
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