Gel manicures are definitely the gold standard if you’re looking for a longer-lasting and chip-resistant mani that will maintain its shine-heavy glossy look for two (sometimes three, if you’re lucky) weeks post-salon visit. While they’re worth the money for some, regular gel manicures are not the most affordable beauty habit to take on, nor is it easy to do your self at home—-or is it?

 Most gel manicures require a UV light to cure the gel polish and ensure you get the full wear time from the application. And while you can invest in your own UV light to get the look at home, these devices aren’t exactly foolproof to master. And, just like traditional nail polishes, they’re not exactly error-proof either.  You still pose the risk of several beauty blunders, including bubbles and smudges.

Fortunately, it’s now super easy to achieve salon-quality results from home with the help without having to deal with a UV lamp to get the look without your nail technician. There are plenty of next-level gel polishes that give your nails the same sparkling sheen that’d you’d get at the salon without the salon prices. These one or two-step formulas are seriously one of the best beauty innovations of all time if you ask me. Ready to try your own DIY mani at home? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite gel polishes for a sleek, salon-level mani.

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