The Best At-Home Gel Nail Polish I’ve Ever Used!
Are you tired of the same old nail polish routine? Looking for something that’s not only fabulous but also SAFE for you and the environment? You’re in luck! In today’s blog post, I’m excited to share my experience with the best gel nail polish for at-home perfection. It’s drama-free and non-toxic, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who loves a perfect manicure without the harmful chemicals! Let’s dive into this non-toxic gel nail polish review and discover how the best gel nail polish can elevate your nail game while keeping your health in mind!
I can’t even begin to express how EXCITED I am to write this post. For those of you who may not know me, I am very passionate about having perfectly painted nails. Not crazy nail designs or super long ones, but that shiny, chip-free manicure that always looks freshly done. I also do my best to make BETTER choices—from the food that we eat to the products we use on our bodies—I strive to find a balance of living well and healthfully without being too dramatic. The best gel nail polish helps achieve that balance.
Finding the best gel nail polish has become a game changer for my nail care routine. It provides that salon-quality look from the comfort of home.
Which, when you are kinda obsessive-compulsive about making sure your manicure is always flawless, can mean painting your nails very often. Ask my husband—he teases me that I am always doing my nails. Admittedly, my at-home manicures and pedicures are my primary form of self-care, right along with my skincare routine. Finding the best gel nail polish has made this routine even more enjoyable.
With the best gel nail polish, achieving a flawless finish is simpler than ever. I can finally enjoy a professional look without stepping foot in a salon.
The best gel nail polish has revolutionized the way I approach my manicure routine. Say goodbye to chips and hello to long-lasting shine!
When I was asked to test Olive and June’s new Drama-Free Gel, I jumped at the opportunity. While I’ve dabbled in all forms of nail paint and enhancements at home, before trying this at-home gel system I’ve most often used The Best Non Toxic Nail Polish I’ve also raved about the best non-toxic hybrid gel nail polish with a 1-minute removal as well as using Best Drugstore Press On Nails under $10 for special events. Discovering the best gel nail polish for at-home manicures has truly changed my at-home nail experience.
What is Gel Nail Polish?
Gel nail polish is a specific formula of nail paint (base, color, and top coat) that will NOT dry on its own—it requires a special UV light or LED lamp to cure the polish. This curing step is what gives it better and longer-lasting adhesion to your nails. It also provides thicker, plumper coverage that strengthens your natural nails to feel more like faux tips or enhancements. Generally speaking, salon gel manicures are done in a nail salon, but you can also DIY them at home with an at-home gel nail kit.
Many people looking for a maintenance-free option so that their nails look great turn to gel, but there are some downsides to consider. The two main reasons people avoid gel polish are the toxic ingredients (specifically HEMA) and potential nail damage, most often from the gel nail polish removal process.
Why Olive & June is the Best Gel Nail Polish Choice
Choosing the best gel nail polish means opting for quality and safety. It’s essential to select brands that prioritize non-toxic ingredients. The right best gel nail polish can offer vibrant colors and durability, ensuring your nails look stunning for weeks.
If you are reading this blog post, you probably have concerns about either or both negative points of gel. And this new Drama-Free Gel from Olive and June is the solution to BOTH concerns!
Are There Non-Toxic Gel Polishes?
Gel nail polish is known for its long-lasting and durable nature, but it often comes with a downside. Many gel polishes contain harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to our health. These chemicals include formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which have been linked to various health issues.
However, there are now non-toxic gel nail polish options available. These brands have eliminated toxic chemicals like HEMA, making them a safer choice for those who still want the benefits of gel without compromise. One of the most common questions is, “Which gel brands are HEMA-free?”
Which Gel Brands are HEMA-Free?
The HEMA in gel nail polishes is a great concern for many, not just due to its toxicity but because prolonged exposure can cause a HEMA allergy with skin irritation. These allergic reactions develop with long-term exposure to HEMA chemicals on your skin. This makes at-home gel especially dangerous since most DIY’ers aren’t as experienced as a professional nail technician at keeping the gel away from the cuticle or skin around the nail.
Investing in the best gel nail polish is a decision you won’t regret. The results speak for themselves!
To achieve the best results with the best gel nail polish, ensure you follow the proper application techniques for a perfect finish.
HEMA allergy is very painful, and unfortunately, once it develops, you can no longer use gel nail polish that contains HEMA. And virtually all professional nail salon gel manicures contain HEMA.
What is the Best HEMA-Free Gel Nail Polish?
When I learned that Olive & June Drama-Free Gel Nail Polish isn’t JUST keeping with their 15-free standard but actually took it a step further by making it fully HEMA-Free as well, I nearly cried tears of joy. While I don’t have a HEMA allergy, it’s an ingredient that I am just not comfortable using on my body.
Olive and June’s Gel System is DIY-friendly and perfect for those who want a long-lasting manicure at home. Plus, purchasing directly from the Olive and June website gives you the best selection of products and colors.
You can also use my discount code HAYLEYN20 to save 20% on your first system purchase! However, if you prefer shopping in person, Olive and June Gel Polish & supplies can also be found in-store at Walmart, Target, CVS, and Walgreens.
How to get started doing your own Gel Nails at Home
To get the best results, you’ll want to start by purchasing an Olive and June Gel Polish System. Not only does it contain everything you need to get started, it also is very budget friendly. Everything included in the system is designed to work together for optimal results. I do not recommend using different brands of gel base/color/top with random UV/LED lamps. I suggest purchasing a system with 6 colors, this will give you 50+ manicures for less than $100 when you use code HAYLEY20 at check out.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You will need to use a USB changing block to operate the lamp. That is the only thing that you may NEED to purchase. It must be AT LEAST 15W – I use THIS CHARGING BLOCK and it’s perfect, plus it’s a matching pink.
The Application Process: Pro Tips for Perfect Nails
Here’s a quick breakdown of the overall process:
- Prep Your Nails: Use a cuticle pusher, file, and buff lightly. Dip prepped nails into acetone removal pot.
- Apply a Thin Layer of Base Coat: This helps the color adhere properly. Cure using the Olive and June Lamp.
- Apply Two to Three Thin Coats of Gel Polish: Thinner is better to prevent lifting.
- Cure Each Coat Under the Olive and June Nail Lamp: it is specifically designed to work perfectly with their gel polish formula. Base and Top coat is a short/single press, color coats require a long press or 2x a single cure.
- Seal with a Top Coat: This locks in the shine and provides extra protection.
- Avoid allowing the gel to touch your skin, use the clean up brush as needed.
Following these steps will give you long-lasting results that look like they were done by a professional nail technician. The best part? The curing time is quick, and the final look is a brilliant shine that lasts.
After using the best gel nail polish, the removal process should be gentle to maintain healthy nails. Always prioritize safe practices.
My Favorite Olive and June Gel Nail Colors
I felt it is prudent to share which colors of olive and June gel that I use the most often – if you didn’t know – I own every single color of polish Olive and June has ever made. That includes their Non-toxic Nail Polish, Quick Dry Nail Polish AND Drama-Free Gel.
All the gel colors are also available in nail polish and quick dry formulas as well, so if you want a matching mani-pedi and don’t want a gel pedicure, you can but both formulas!
Olive and June Colors I am currently obsessed with:
- The Queen Takes her Tea with Milk – This is my all time most favorite sheer neutral polish color. I you want that goes with everything, clean looking mani, start with this.
- Secret Recipe – This is my go-to Red. It’s slightly blue tinted and looks very flattering with my neutral skintone. I also wear CV often, but it pulls a little more orange on me.
- Obsessed – Is that moody dark Burgundy that we all need in our polish rotation in 2025. It’s stunning and universally flattering
- Pink Goldfish – is the olive and June version of a glazed donut manicure. You can wear it alone for a neutral shimmer or layer it over any color to add some iridescent sparkle!
However, I think you definitely can’t go wrong with the Olive and June Best Selling color collection to get started if you are undecided.
Removal Process: No Damage, No Drama
A lot of people avoid gel polish because of the removal process. But with Olive & June, removal is fast, easy and non-damaging. I highly recommend using the Olive and June Removal system for best results.
Removing a gel manicure is where the most potential for damage occurs. This is not due to the gel itself, much like peeling gel off your nails, it’s user error. When done correctly, your nails will be just as healthy after removing your gel mani as they were before, only they will have grown longer!
How to Remove Gel Manicure Without Damage:
- Using a coarse grit nail file, remove the glossy top coat from your gel manicure. You want to see visible color transferring onto the nail file. The more you file off the easier removal is. Stop immediately if you hit your natural nail.
- Soak a removal sponge in Acetone
- Place each soaked sponge on the surface of your nail and place in the silicone nail cover.
- Add heat using Heated Salon Hand Pouches to speed up the removal process.
- Wait 10-15 Minutes, then gently slide off the polish with a cuticle pusher or gel removal tool, repeat as necessary for tough spots.
Removal typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish for experienced users like myself. Beginners may take longer. Unlike some other brands, Olive & June’s formula doesn’t require excessive scraping, which protects your nail health.
Why Buying Directly from Olive & June is a Good Idea
If you want access to exclusive savings and the widest range of colors, shopping directly on the Olive & June website is the best option. Not only do you get first access to new releases, but you can also use my exclusive code HAYLEYN20 for 20% off your first Gel Nail System.
While you can also find Olive & June Gel Polish at Walmart, Target, CVS, and Walgreens, purchasing from the official website ensures you get the best selection, the most special offers available and you can easily earn rewards!
Plus, they often have special offers and exclusive savings, making it an affordable choice for anyone who loves a polished look without the salon price tag.
Final Verdict: The Best At-Home Gel Nail Kit
In summary, the best gel nail polish can transform your nail care experience, offering ease and elegance at home.
If you’re looking for a soft gel system that delivers a high-shine finish, long-lasting results, and an easy removal process, Olive & June’s Gel Nail System is the best option. It’s beginner-friendly, making it ideal even if there’s a slight learning curve, and it outperforms many other brands of gel nail polish on the market.
Don’t overlook the benefits of the best gel nail polish; it’s the perfect solution for anyone who loves a polished look.
Explore the best gel nail polish options available today and elevate your at-home manicure game!
👉 Ready to try Olive & June’s Gel Nail System? Get yours here and use code HAYLEYN20 for 20% off your first system! SHOP HERE
So, are you ready to experience the benefits of the best gel nail polish? Let me know how it works for you!
