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.
Pros: The formula is "smudge correcting," making application easier when you're trying to paint your left hand with your freshly-lacquered right hand. Made in Los Angeles, California girls will appreciate tongue-in-cheek polish names like "On the List" and "Who You Know." The price covers steps one and two; additional colors are $9.99.
Cons: The polish didn't live up to the seven-days claim made on the packaging for any testers.
