At-home gel manicures are more than just a DIY trend that only hands out mediocre results. The best gel polishes can give you a salon-quality manicure without all of the time and money spent at the salon (because, trust us, that time and money quickly add up).
While doing your manicure at home gives you the power to pick and choose your color whenever you want, you're never going to get the results you're hoping for without first picking the perfect gel polish for you.
We constantly hear stories of people choosing the wrong gel polish and ending up with adverse effects (like allergic reactions, for example). Side effects are often the result of misuse or choosing a polish that's ingredients just don't work with you.
But don't worry! To help you avoid any nail travesties, we're here to guide you in the right direction. Follow our guide below on what makes a good gel polish and how to choose the best ones.
What Makes a Good Gel Polish?
One of our non-negotiables when it comes to good gel polish is how good it is for our bodies and the environment. While most of us are becoming more conscious of our everyday decisions, such as what ingredients go into our food or favorite body lotion, we sometimes forget about what ingredients go into the formulation of our nail polish and whether or not they are good for people and the planet.
When picking a good gel polish, opt for one that is non-toxic. Many brands will share on their label that they are '10-free' or '7-free.' Essentially, this means that they are free of some of the most toxic chemicals commonly found in most nail polishes, such as parabens, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, as well as some animal byproducts.
A really good gel polish is also made to last and look like it was professionally done (even if it wasn't). You'll want to look for a polish that is streak-free, chip-resistant, and capable of withstanding daily wear and tear.
How to Choose the Good Ones
1.Do Your Research
Learning about the ins and outs of at-home gel polish manicures before you get started can make all of the difference when it comes to having a successful outcome. If you're new to using gel polish at home, it's always a good idea to research what brands and types of gel polish are best. And, if you can, read reviews on the brand or specific gel polish you're eyeing so you can hear what real customers have said about it.
You can also read up on some of our favorite nail advice here on our blog!
2.Weed Out the Bad Stuff
For healthy nails, it's best to avoid gel polishes that contain ingredients such as toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde, as these are known to cause inflammation and could potentially lead to serious complications and disease.
Toluene:
Toluene is a chemical solvent often used in aviation and automotive fuel and is toxic when inhaled, ingested, or comes in contact with skin. It has also been known to cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and much more.
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP):
DBP is a phthalate ester that has been linked to birth deformities and reproductive impairment. This ingredient is also best to stay away from as it can cause skin, nose, eye, and throat irritation.
Formaldehyde:
You've probably heard of formaldehyde before. It's most notable for being a colorless poisonous gas often used as a disinfectant and even an embalming fluid for dead bodies (gross, we know). It's best to avoid this chemical at all costs—especially in things you put on or near your body—as it is a known carcinogen capable of causing cancer and skin burns.
3.Look for What's Good
Choosing the right polish isn't just about weeding out the harmful ingredients (though it is important). It can also be about picking a gel polish that offers supporting ingredients such as green tea extract, biotin, omega fatty acids, and keratin that can help boost your overall nail health.
4.It's All About the Finish
After weeding out the ingredients that are best to avoid, you'll want to pick a gel nail polish that is long-lasting and easy to apply. This will give you the best overall finish and ensure that your manicure lasts and lasts.
Why We're One of the Good Ones
As a brand that's passionate about offering the best natural beauty and personal care products to fit your daily lifestyle, Lagunamoon gel polish is nothing short of good. In fact, we're almost too good.
Our gel polish is vegan, non-toxic, and made with naturally occurring resin (you won't find formaldehyde or toluene here). They are free of potential allergens and have a light, extremely tolerable smell.
Our gel nail polishes are also designed to help strengthen your natural nail and enhance nail tenacity after extended use. Plus, they are long-lasting, resists chipping, and are super easy to take on and off. And because each of our gel polishes was created to have no streaks, shrinkage, or lifting plus 30% more shine than other polish brands, you are guaranteed a perfect-looking manicure every time.
We have something for everyone and every occasion, from neutral nudes to brilliant bolds with lots of shine—you can shop our selection of all different finishes and colors here!
Want to know more about professional nail care tips and tricks, nail art inspirations, and more? Check out our blog, where you can find out more about our products and everything else beauty, self-care, and good nails.
