Whether you miss your nail salon visits, you’re trying to save a little money on manicures, or you’re simply going stir crazy, now’s the time to learn how to do your own gel mani. Unlike regular at-home manicures, gel require zero drying time, so you can get back to business ASAP (that epic 5,000-piece puzzle won’t put itself together, after all). Bring the spa to you, safely remove your old gel mani, then it’s time to get going. We found the best options for getting your gel mani on at home, from starter kits to lights—plus one super-easy cheat.
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.
This set’s macaron-shaped light cures one nail at a time, while the all-in-one polish sets without additional foundation, bond, or top coat steps. (The lamp will still work with other gel polishes, however.)
Le Mini Macaron, US$35, urbanoutfitters.com
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Get up to 10 gel manicures with this all-encompassing starter kit from the trusted brand. The shade, Shell We Dance, is a soft neutral you’ll actually want to wear again and again.
Sally Hansen, US$55.99, amazon.com
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Related article: The Easiest Way To Nail Your At-Home Manicure
This starter kit contains everything you need for your first gel mani, from foundation to top coat, plus three mini polishes and a travel-size LED lamp.
gelish, US$104.99, sallybeauty.com
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Most at-home kits have smaller LED lights for convenience, but if you have the storage space, this larger lamp lets you cure your whole hand at once, just like at your nail salon.
gelie-cure, US$65, zoya.com
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Related article: The Beginner's Guide To Acrylic Nails
Not ready to make the commitment? The shine from Essie’s Gel Couture polishes and top coat ($11.50 each) comes pretty darn close to the real thing and can last up to two weeks, no lamp required.
Essie, US$11.50, ulta.com
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For those who want the full salon experience, this 32-piece kit gives you everything you need to shape and polish your nails like the pros, including six neutral, wearable polishes.
Vishine, US$46.99, amazon.com
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If you don’t want to buy an entire kit, this user-friendly LED lamp has four different time settings, and can be used for pedicures too.
SUNUV, US$52.99, amazon.com
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