Pros: The new spring and summer shades for Deborah Lippman are gorgeous, and the Gel Lab Set can be used with any of them. Plus, you can apply the base coat and top coat with nail polishes outside the Deborah Lippman collection, so the sky is the limit, color-wise. Bonus: Staffers loved the high-gloss finish of the top coat.
Cons: The priciest of the bunch, this set is also the most time-consuming. It takes a total of four steps: one base coat, two separate coats of polish and a top coat.
Pros: The rounded, full brush picks up just the right amount of polish for each nail, and the colors in the line are beautiful and sophisticated. For a staffer with dry, peeling nails, this polish remained chip-free for several days when other brands chipped immediately. Another tester said the high-shine lacquer looked exactly like a professional gel manicure.
Cons: The top and base coat can only be used with the L'Oréal Extraordinare line, which is somewhat limiting. In addition, each polish must be purchased separately for $7.99.
Pros: One tester says this polish works especially well under duress: She put it to the test by going to the beach and lugging a bunch of equipment around for a photo shoot. "Usually my polish would have chipped in five seconds, but I stayed chip-free for another two days," says the tester.
Cons: If you like bold, bright colors you'll love this line, but the color selection lacks neutrals.
Pros: No top coat and no base coat required -- this is a one-step system to gel nails, and it's also the most affordable gel polish we tried.
Cons: While the color selection boasts a range of beautiful shades, it doesn't include anything remotely textured -- a disappointment for the glitter-loving amongst our testers.
Pros: One tester said this polish felt the most like professional gel nails. It's high-gloss, nicely pigmented and stood up to daily CrossFit sessions.
Cons: This three-step system requires you to purchase a $20 starter kit in addition to the polish, which costs $12.50 apiece.
