I go in phases of loving to get a manicure and then going months with nothing on my nails. I adore that chic elegant look that a gel nail polish manicure gives. I stare at my hands while driving and think - who is this sophisticated lady? Ohlala - she's just so put together and polished (pun intended). And then I start to pick at it... and I rip the top layer of my nail off. Then suddenly I'm driving and looking at my hands and think - holy hell, it looks like a raccoon went to town on my poor sad nails. I can't seem to find a happy medium.
I have friends who are religious about getting their nails done. They go so often that they probably know the middle name of their nail tech's third cousin twice removed. They show up with unique designs and shapes. I'm in awe of them. I have ADHD and I'm not ashamed to use that as my crutch to complain about feeling dread at making the appointment, getting to the appointment and sitting still at the appointment... and don't get me started on the small talk. No, thank you, ma'am. On top of all of that - I feel like regular gel and dip manicures ruin the strength of my nails.
However, I STILL want to look down at my hands and think - well, aren't these the hands of a fancypants! That being said, I've found some great regular polishes out there that are super long-lasting and don't chip as easily as the nail polish of yore. For those of you who are like me and want polished nails but don't want gel, acrylics or dip, check out these great alternatives that are just as good!
This was my first gel-like purchase a while back, and I do love it. Tried and true. I apply two coats and it usually lasts about a week with very little chipping (the step 2 top coat is key!). This one has great shine to it.
Buy on Amazon: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish
Also a two-step polish with needing to use their gel couture top coat, this one in particular seems to be the go-to for almost anyone I've spoken to about the best gel alternative. People rave about Essie Gel Couture and I've had it last as long as two weeks!
Buy on Amazon: Essie Gel Couture
I was first introduced to Butter LONDON several years ago, but a friend and I were most taken with the square bottle... until I used it, and I love the shine of this one! The best part is this brand of polish is toxic-free.
Buy on Amazon: Butter LONDON Patent Shine 10x
Technically not a "polish" but had to include these. A former co-worker had these on once and I became obsessed. They are so easy to use. You clean your nails, find the strip that matches the size of your nailbed, press the sticker down and you can strip away any excess. I like them because they come in all sorts of fun designs and work as a good alternative to those gel art nails you see all over TikTok.
Buy on Amazon: Dashing Diva Nail Polish Strips
This is the most "gel-like" polish in my opinion - a spot-on alternative for gel nails. I definitely try to use 2-3 coats, and I actually pair it with the Sally Hansen Gel Top Coat. A bit on the pricier side, this is quite long lasting and a good investment. Treat yourself!
Buy on Amazon: Deborah Lippman Gel Lab Pro
I love the fact that this brand does not contain formaldehyde, Toluene, DiButyl Phthalate (DBP) and camphor (read: toxic-free!). Great option for those of you that want to stick with clean beauty. It's probably the least gel-like in looks once it dries but it does have lasting power.
I would be remiss if I didn't include OPI. It's probably the brand you most associate with your gel manicure. Does it last as long without chipping as some of the others? Maybe not. But when you need your fix of Lincoln Park After Dark (seen here), you just have to do it!
Buy on Amazon: OPI Nail Laquer
While this is not polish, you MUST get this. For those of you trying to repair your nails after months of gel or dip manicures or you need to strengthen your nails in general, this is the be-all end-all product. You'll thank me later.
Buy on Amazon: Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream
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