Top 5 Gel Nail Kits for Every Budget

Getting your nails done is one of the common yet special ways to pamper yourself. You can get it done on any time of the week without having to move much around. It’s so very relaxing and most importantly, you get to home with the prettiest nails. Try these Gel Nail Kits within reasonable budget and we promise you it won’t break your bank.

Now, while conventional nail polishes are left to air dry, most of us don’t have the time to do that, especially if we are sneaking in nail appointments in between meetings.

This is when gel manicures enter to save the day. They can be done within minutes using LED light tech which is used to harden the nail polish. Besides that, they can be extra glossy and very smudge-proof! Also, they tend to last longer than your regular manicures. And the best part is you don’t always have to be at a salon to enjoy them, get your own gel nail kits. This can be done at home by yourself or with the help of a friend.

Here, we have listed some of the best, reliable, pretty gel nail kits out there.

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Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Starter Kit

$67.95 at Amazon

This set comes with everything you need in a professional gel nail kit to prepare for a red carpet-worthy moment.

Start with the rep Max Adhesion Sanitizer which cleanses your nails. Then, you’ve got to apply the base coat, let it cure as per instructions. Next, apply your choice of colour. And cure dark shades for 3 minutes and light shades for 2 minutes under the portable light. Finally, complete the look with their topcoat gel. Also, did you know curing takes only 45 seconds if you’re using the professional LED light?

People are loving its efficiency and durability by stating that “it has lasted a full month without a single chip both times!”

Also, watch out that you may not get the exact colour combo you order. One Amazon user wrote, “I would consider the color a mystery, and be prepared to buy a different one if you don’t like what you get.” Plus, if you’re new to nails, DIYing and glamour, this will still be easy. One happy review reads as, “It is super easy to get your nails done with this kit. It comes with everything you need. By reading the instructions and watching some YouTube tutorials I was all set.”

Pros: Beginner-friendly, long-lasting, glossy, easy application, well-equipped, fast

Cons: You may not get the colour you want, Contains acrylic acid so avoid skin contact (the instruction doesn’t state that)

• LED light: Yes
• Other kit contents: Nail primer, base coat, top coat, cuticle oil, pre- and post-application cleanser, gel polish remover, foil remover wraps, nail wipes, wood pushers, cuticle stick buffing strips, nail file
• Drying time: 45 seconds to three minutes

Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit

Buy this on Amazon

This is one of the modern, compact gel nail kits out there. You can enjoy up to 10 salon gel manicures from the comfort of your home. And each application last for about two weeks!

Aside from that, it dries instantly and gives your nails the glassy shine. People also love how the products feel healthy too. One review reads, “ I really love the acetone in this kit because it comes with vitamin e oils and things in it to moisturizer the cuticle as well which is so good!”

Even if your hands get busy, using gel nails kits as this leads to positive experiences such as the following. “On my first try, the polish lasted 8 days (!!!!) despite me not taking care of my nails, typing, washing dishes, etc. I am very impressed.”

Pros: Safe as it lists to avoid skin contact, dries quicker, last longer

Cons: Some users say it’s too small

• LED light: Yes
• Other kit contents: Cleanser pads, base coat, top coat, gel polish remover, cuticle stick, buffer, alcohol cleaning pad
• Drying time: 30 seconds

CND Gel Basic Kit

$223 at Beyond Polish

This is for those who live “less is more” motto with a luxe spice. If you’re looking for gel nail kits that does the essentials in the best way, this is for you. Even if you change your mind, you can easily remove the application without feeling like you’re tearing off your nails.

Also, this one keeps it simple with base coat, top coat, polish and LED light, of course. Therefore, you need to have other materials such as cleansers and buffing tools at home. Since it’s small, it’s great when you’re travelling.

In terms of  the safety of ingredients, it’s fully transparent and states the respective ingredients.

Pros: Portability, safe, easy to remove

Cons: May not be worth the price for certain lifestyles

• LED light: Yes
• Other kit contents: Base coat, top coat
• Drying time: No claims

Gelish Harmony Gelish – Professional Kit

Buy Relish Professional Kit on Amazon

Get chic, salon-standard nails done with well-rounded gel nail kits as this. You’d find base coats, topcoats, nourishing nail serums, and a storage-friendly curing lamp — along with cotton balls, foils, and a professional-grade nail polish remover. It’s the whole package! This way, your gel nails are maintained well and are far from chipping. One happy customer wrote, “Easy application, good wear time on my first application of one single coat and no other polish. And easy removal, just as stated in the instruction. Love the portability of the travel LED lamp as well!”

Pros: Good for keeping nails both pretty and healthy, long-lasting

Cons: Some users weren’t impressed with the light

• LED light: Yes
• Other kit contents: base coats, topcoats, nourishing nail serums, cotton balls, foils and a professional-grade nail polish remover.
• Drying time: No claims

Le Mini Macaron 1-Step Gel Manicure Kit

Buy Le Mini Macaron Gel Kit

This must be one of the cutest and genius gel nail kits to exist! What does it come with?  A macaron-shaped LED lamp, a gel polish in a matching shade (0.29 oz!!), cuticle pusher, mini nail file, gel polish remover wraps and a great instruction guide. Hear us out, it’s a one-nail-at-a-time situation with the lamp but it takes only 30 seconds for each. It’s totally worth it. One loyal customer wrote on Amazon, “Is it annoying to do one nail at a time? For a multitasker like me who can only spare one finger at a time… nope, it’s amazing!”

You can take it anywhere you want. Everything about it is convenient as you can remove it easily using the soak-off remover wraps. The brand claims that the gel polish last for 7-10 days. Overall, this is an amazing travel addition that fits easily and gets the job done. A customer confirms, “… is extremely small and lightweight so you can travel with it and basically polish your nails anywhere in less than 20 minutes.”

Pros: Good for travels, lightweight, easy to use, cute aesthetics, great for gifting

Cons: Some users found it to chip easily, Few coats are necessary with some colours

• LED light: Yes
• Other kit contents: Gel polish, cuticle pusher, mini nail file, remover wraps
• Drying time: 30 seconds

Picking the right gel nail kit

Safety: Make sure both packaging and ingredients meet the FDA requirements. Transparency is very important. And make sure to support recognised or widely-trusted brands. Follow the instructions and use the right lighting source as getting this wrong can lead to skin conditions such as dermatitis. Besides that, avoid skin contact as much as possible. The reason being the allergen present in these products can again lead to dermatitis. However, it can be cured once you’ve discontinued the gel manicure. However, take the necessary precautions.

UV Light: Make sure this is included in the gel nail kits you purchase. And if you are worried about its effects on your health, it’s understandable. However, you’re all good as American Medical Association confirms the gel manicure UV exposure is low enough to harmful.

Gel nail polish colours: Usually, you don’t get many colours in one but more, the merrier.

Accessories: Unless, you’re an expert and already have the tools at home, it’s best to go for a gel nail kits which is fully equipped.

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