Table of Contents Show
Korean or K-beauty is becoming increasingly popular as more people are getting introduced to brands from Korea. They are undoubtedly quite unique from anything in the West. One thing they have been doing really well is gel nail polish with translucent and magnetic effects that they have. So here at BeautiClassy, I have decided to review these 10 best Korean gel nail polish just for you!
1. Best Overall – Modelones Jelly Gel Nail Polish Set 6 Colors
Specification
- Color: A1 Jelly Bean
- Finish Type: Glossy, shimmery
- Liquid Volume: 0.24 fl oz. (7 ml) each
- Material Type: Non-toxic, natural, cruelty-free, vegan
Description
Get the best overall Korean gel nail polish with the Modelones Jelly Gel Nail Polish Set 6 Colors in a wide variety of colors!
Features
Long-lasting nails: keeps your nail polish on for longer
Color variety: available in many colors
Smooth gel formula: easy to apply
How to use
- Get your nail shaped with a file to get your desired nail shape
- Use a cuticle stick to clean your nails and finish cleaning with an acetone-soaked cotton ball
- Apply a thin base coat and dry it (2 minutes under a UV lamp or 10 minutes naturally)
- Then apply the gel nail polish, going over your nail 2 to 3 times to get the color you want
- Cure the nail again under a UV lamp
- Add the top coat and then cure it for 2 minutes under a UV lamp
- Finish off with a tissue soaked in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the sticky layer
Expert Verdict
Right off the bat, I could feel the difference in the lovely applicator that made applying the gel to my nails very easy! It left no sides uncovered and made an even coating on the nail without much effort. Then the gel nail polish itself had a nice glossy finish to it. I really loved the A1 Jelly Bean color but there are so many colors to choose from that you would not be disappointed getting the color that you want. The smooth gel formula itself was fantastic as it went on the nail with 2 to 3 coats without streaking or causing unevenness either. Overall, a great Korean product without any faults to it making the Modelones Jelly Gel Nail Polish Set 6 Colors my best overall!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great applicator for even application | |
| Smooth gel that went on easy | |
| Many colors available | |
| Long-lasting (up to 15 days) |
2. Best for UV LED Soak Off – MAYCHAO Jelly Gel Nail Polish Set of 6 Colors
Specification
- Color: Icy jelly
- Finish Type: Glossy
- Liquid Volume: 0.25 fl oz. (7.3 ml) each
- Material Type: Alcohol-free
Description
Get a Korean gel nail polish that is both UV and LED soak-off friendly with the MAYCHAO Jelly Gel Nail Polish Set of 6 Colors
Features
Chip resistant: won’t easily chip
Easy cure: can be cured with both UV and LED lamps easily
Low odor: doesn’t smell as much
How to use
- Get your nail shaped with a file to get your desired nail shape
- Use a cuticle stick to clean your nails and finish cleaning with an acetone-soaked cotton ball
- Apply a thin base coat and dry it (UV lamp: 1-2 minutes; LED lamp: 20-30 seconds)
- Then apply the gel nail polish, going over your nail 2 to 3 times to get the color you want
- Cure the nail again under a UV lamp for 2 minutes or 30 seconds under an LED lamp
- Add the top coat and then cure it for 2 minutes under a UV lamp or LED lamp for 30 seconds
- Finish off with a tissue soaked in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the sticky layer
Expert Verdict
When you don’t have access to a UV lamp, it can be hard to get a good set on a gel nail. But if you have a bright LED lamp, then you are sure to be able to set the MAYCHAO Jelly Gel Nail Polish Set of 6 Colors quite easily! It is also very chip resistant so you won’t have to worry about the nail polish getting stripped of your nails. However, getting the right color that you want can be difficult as you need the right amount of nail polish to get the desired finish you are looking for.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| UV and LED lamp friendly | Hard to get the right color |
| Cures quickly and sets easily | |
| Chip resistant |
3. Best for Different Skin Nail – beetles Gel Polish 6 Colors Jelly Nail Polish Nude Pink Gel Set
Specification
- Color: A5-Nude Parade
- Finish Type: Glossy
- Liquid Volume: 0.25 fl oz. (7.5 ml)
- Material Type: Alcohol-free
Description
beetles Gel Polish 6 Colors Jelly Nail Polish Nude Pink Gel Set has a color for all skin tones that will highlight your nails beautifully!
Features
For all: works well with all skin tones
Jelly color: gives off a nice nude pink jelly color
Shiny finish: brilliant shine with a smooth finish
How to use
- Get your nail shaped with a file to get your desired nail shape
- Use a cuticle stick to clean your nails and finish cleaning with an acetone-soaked cotton ball
- Apply a thin base coat and dry it (2 minutes under a UV lamp or 10 minutes naturally)
- Then apply the gel nail polish, going over your nail 2 to 3 times to get the color you want
- Cure the nail again under a UV lamp
- Add the top coat and then cure it for 2 minutes under a UV lamp
- Finish off with a tissue soaked in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the sticky layer
Expert Verdict
Getting a Korean gel nail polish that works for different skin can be quite a challenge. But the beetles Gel Polish 6 Colors Jelly Nail Polish Nude Pink Gel Set is able to shine through it all and give a lovely smooth finish to your nails! The nails give a lovely shine which I loved and I think it would look great on all skin tones as well. However, it was quite a challenge to properly set the gel nail polish on my nails so do be wary of that.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Works for all different skin tones | Can be difficult to et |
| Great shine to the nails | |
| Smooth finish |
4. Best for Translucent Gel – MTSSII Korean Jelly Gel Nail Polish Translucent Gel Polish Set
Specification
- Color: Jelly Gel Nail Polish
- Finish Type: Translucent
- Liquid Volume: 0.28 fl oz. (8 ml) each
- Material Type: Alcohol-free
Description
The translucent gel finish on the MTSSII Korean Jelly Gel Nail Polish Translucent Gel Polish Set is unmatched!
Features
Translucent finish: nice hue of color with a translucent effect
Highly pigmented: gives off a great color with great coverage
Mild smell: no irritating nail polish smell
How to use
- Get your nail shaped with a file to get your desired nail shape
- Use a cuticle stick to clean your nails and finish cleaning with an acetone-soaked cotton ball
- Apply a thin base coat and dry it (2 minutes under a UV lamp or 10 minutes naturally)
- Then apply the gel nail polish, going over your nail 2 to 3 times to get the color you want
- Wipe with alcohol and cure the nail again under a UV lamp
- Add the top coat and then cure it for 2 minutes under a UV lamp
- Finish off with a tissue soaked in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the sticky layer
Expert Verdict
I quite liked the MTSSII Korean Jelly Gel Nail Polish Translucent Gel Polish Set because of the great translucent effect that it was able to give off. It really felt nice, especially with French dip powder to get a really cool design. You can achieve salon levels of design with this nail polish and it went on very easily on my nails without much of a hassle. However, it did leave a tacky feel on my nail which wasn’t noticeable but I could definitely feel it. So be sure to wipe with alcohol after you added the gel coat and then once again after the top coat has been cured.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy coverage | Coats feel a bit tacky so be sure to wipe with alcohol afterward |
| Translucent effect | |
| Salon level beauty |
5. Best for Rainbow Effect Magnetic – DouborQ Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Rainbow Effect Magnetic Gel Polish
Specification
- Color: Rainbow
- Finish Type: Shimmery
- Liquid Volume: 0.52 fl oz. (15 ml)
- Material Type: Magnetic gel polish
Description
The color of the rainbow in a shimmery finish in the DouborQ Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Rainbow Effect Magnetic Gel Polish gives an endless possible number of designs!
Features
Holographic magnetic polish: a unique design with every color
Salon-level beauty at home: save a trip to the salon for a rainbow effect at home
Cat eye magnet included: magnet included with the rainbow gel nail polish
How to use
As this is a magnetic gel nail polish, you will be using a cat eye magnet included in the list to get the desired nail design you are looking for.
- Get your nail shaped with a file to get your desired nail shape
- Use a cuticle stick to clean your nails and finish cleaning with an acetone-soaked cotton ball
- Apply a thin base coat and dry it (2 minutes under a UV lamp or 10 minutes naturally)
- Then apply your preferred color coat, going over your nail 2 to 3 times to get the color you want
- Apply the holographic magnetic gel and cure it for 1 minute.
- Use the cat eye magnet to get your desired effect on your nail and cure the nail again under a UV lamp for 1 minute
- Add the top coat and then cure it for 2 minutes under a UV lamp
Expert Verdict
If you have never heard of the use of magnets to design your nails, then you aren’t the only one. I have only recently learned of this trend and found a unique rainbow shimmer from DouborQ Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Rainbow Effect Magnetic Gel Polish! It works well alone or with a color coat to get any type of rainbow design on your nails that you would otherwise have to from the salon. The magnet may be weak but I think it makes the design aspect all the more interesting due to the level of control that you can have over it. The only sad part is finding the color you like and matching it with the magnetic gel nail polish. Each color will give a slightly varied design so you will have to get used to that to really make this shine. But once you get it right, it will always shine!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Rainbow shimmer | Have to get the right color to get the desired effect |
| Design to your desire | |
| Weak magnet which gives more control of the design |
6. Best Semi-Transparent Effect – OPUIU 24 PCS Jelly Nude Pink Gel Nail Polish Kit
Specification
- Color: Sheer jelly nude pink
- Finish Type: Shimmery
- Liquid Volume: 0.24 fl oz. (7 ml)
- Material Type: Odorless and fragrance-free
Description
Get a semi-transparent effect on your nails with the OPUIU 24 PCS Jelly Nude Pink Gel Nail Polish Kit and its different shades of pink!
Features
Semi-transparency: gives a nice transparent effect with single or multiple coats
Odorless: has little to no nail polish smell
Color-coded bottles: easily find the color you are looking for
How to use
- Get your nail shaped with a file to get your desired nail shape
- Use a cuticle stick to clean your nails and finish cleaning with an acetone-soaked cotton ball
- Apply a thin base coat and dry it (2 minutes under a UV lamp or 10 minutes naturally)
- Then apply the gel nail polish, going over your nail 1 time to get the translucent effect
- Cure the nail again under a UV lamp for 1 minute
- Add the top coat and then cure it for 1 minute under a UV lamp
Expert Verdict
There are so many colors to choose from, I just wish that there were other colors I could get with the OPUIU 24 PCS Jelly Nude Pink Gel Nail Polish Kit! This is how gel nail polish should be, with the full kit included so that you don’t have to worry about using a different base coat or top coat. The semi-translucent effect was a sight to behold on my nails and worked perfectly with single or multiple coats to give the desired transparency I was looking for. With no tacky feel, it was a great Korean gel nail polish to use, I just wish there were more colors to choose from since I also wanted to get semi-transparent blue nails as well!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| No tacky feel | Limited color range |
| Great semi-transparent effect | |
| Full kit included |
7. Best Long-Lasting Wear – IBN UV/LED Gel Nail Polish Top & Base Coat Twin Pack
Specification
- Color: Clear
- Finish Type: Glossy
- Liquid Volume: 0.33 fl oz. (10 ml)
- Material Type: Base and top coat
Description
A base and top coat for all your Korean gel nail polish with IBN UV/LED Gel Nail Polish Top & Base Coat Twin Pack to keep it lasting longer!
Features
Quick drying: easy to set and quick-drying even without a UV lamp
Long-lasting effect: helps to protect your nails from wearing down and chipping
How to use
- Get your nail shaped with a file to get your desired nail shape
- Use a cuticle stick to clean your nails and finish cleaning with an acetone-soaked cotton ball
- Apply a thin base coat and dry it (30 seconds under a UV lamp or 3 minutes’ air dry)
- Then apply the gel nail polish, going over your nail 2 to 3 times to get the color you want
- Cure the nail again under a UV lamp for 2 minutes
- Add the top coat and then cure it for 1 minute under a UV lamp
Expert Verdict
When you want just a clear coat on your nails without any color, a base coat and top coat will do just fine. And with the IBN UV/LED Gel Nail Polish Top & Base Coat Twin Pack, you get one that will last for a really long time! It helps to protect the nail from wear and tear and makes your nail chip resistant. Since this is just a top and base coat, you can wear this on any type other Korean gel nail polish to make them last longer than their usual time too! However, this product has no color coat so you will have to use another one to get the color on your nails.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Protects your nail | Not a color coat |
| Makes your nail polish last longer | |
| Works for all Korean gel nail polish |
8. Best for Cruelty-Free and Vegan – MEFA Gel Nail Polish Set Spring Summer
Specification
- Color: 1A-Candy Bling
- Finish Type: Glossy and matte
- Liquid Volume: 0.17 fl oz. (5 ml)
- Material Type: Cruelty-free and Vegan
Description
MEFA Gel Nail Polish Set Spring Summer is a cruelty-free and vegan Korean gel nail polish that keeps your nails stunning and protects the environment!
Features
Quick set: dries up relatively quick
Included remover: nail kit with the remover to try on all the different colors
Environmental friendly: no animals were harmed and uses vegan ingredients
How to use
- Get your nail shaped with a file to get your desired nail shape
- Use a cuticle stick to clean your nails and finish cleaning with an acetone-soaked cotton ball
- Apply a thin base coat and cure it (60 seconds under a UV lamp or 5 minutes naturally)
- Then apply the gel nail polish, going over your nail 2 to 3 times to get the color you want
- Cure the nail again under a UV lamp
- Add the top coat and then cure it for 60 seconds under a UV lamp
- Finish off with a tissue soaked in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the sticky layer
Expert Verdict
When you are conscious of the environment, K-beauty has got your back! The MEFA Gel Nail Polish Set Spring Summer offers great nail polish that is both cruelty-free and uses vegan ingredients in its nail polish to give off a great range of colors. For the price you get so many different colors and also a nail polish remover to help you switch between colors whenever you like. Sadly, it doesn’t last long as I would have hoped since it chips and wears off pretty easily by the end of the week. But for the different types of colors you get, you will be switching around pretty often!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great color range | Doesn’t last as long as I would have liked |
| Cruelty-free and vegan ingredients | |
| Included nail polish remover |
9. Best Washable – Modelones Gel Nail Polish Set, 36 Colors 7ml All Seasons Collection Gel Polish Nail Kit
Specification
- Color: A0-Multicolors
- Finish Type: Glossy and matte
- Liquid Volume: 0.24 fl oz. (7 ml)
- Material Type: Formaldehyde-free and non-toxic
Description
Have ease of mind with the best washable Korean gel nail polish in the Modelones Gel Nail Polish Set, 36 Colors 7ml All Seasons Collection Gel Polish Nail Kit!
Features
Easily washed: remove the nail polish with ease
Wide range of colors: get up to 36 different colors in both gloss and matte finish
Giftable: included gift box so you can gift it to your friends and family
How to use
- Get your nail shaped with a file to get your desired nail shape
- Use a cuticle stick to clean your nails and finish cleaning with an acetone-soaked cotton ball
- Apply a thin base coat and dry it (2 minutes under a UV lamp or 10 minutes naturally)
- Then apply the gel nail polish, going over your nail 2 to 3 times to get the color you want
- Cure the nail again under a UV lamp
- Add the top coat and then cure it for 2 minutes under a UV lamp
- Finish off with a tissue soaked in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the sticky layer
Expert Verdict
Washing off nail polish can be a pain. Some stay on your hands even after multiple acetone washes. But the Modelones Gel Nail Polish Set, 36 Colors 7ml All Seasons Collection Gel Polish Nail Kit is a great nail polish that washes away after the first wash! Along with it being the best washable nail polish on the list, it is also long-lasting so it will only come off if you want it too! The wide range of colors is complemented by its washability so that you can try all of the included glossy and matte finish gel nail polish! However, the kit lacks a top coat so you would have to use a separate top coat to finish your nail polish.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide range of colors | Top coat not included |
| Takes only 1 wash | |
| Will only come off when you want it to |
10. Best Glossy – Vishine Long Lasting Soak Off Nail Polish Base + Top Coat Set Gel 15ml
Specification
- Color: Clear
- Finish Type: Glossy
- Liquid Volume: 0.5 fl oz. (15 ml)
- Material Type: Base + Top coat set
Description
Bring the gloss to your nails with the perfect base and top coat pairing in the Vishine Long Lasting Soak Off Nail Polish Base + Top Coat Set Gel 15ml!
Features
Glossy finish: gives any nail polish an extra glossy finish
Perfect application: is scratch-resistant and makes no dents on nails
Color resistant: a clear coat that does not blend in with colors and leaves a shiny finish
How to use
- Get your nail shaped with a file to get your desired nail shape
- Use a cuticle stick to clean your nails and finish cleaning with an acetone-soaked cotton ball
- Apply a thin base coat and dry it (2 minutes under a UV lamp or 10 minutes naturally)
- Then apply the gel nail polish, going over your nail 2 to 3 times to get the color you want
- Cure the nail again under a UV lamp
- Add the top coat and then cure it for 2 minutes under a UV lamp
- Finish off with a tissue soaked in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the sticky layer
Expert Verdict
Glossy nail polishes are great but without the perfect base and top coat, the gloss won’t be able to shine. That is why the Vishine Long Lasting Soak Off Nail Polish Base + Top Coat Set Gel 15ml is just the pairing you need for any type of gel nail polish color you have! It is color resistant so you wouldn’t have to worry about your base and top coat mixing with the nail polish color. Then there is the glossy shine you get and I just have one word for it: amazing! It does take a bit of time to dry and set properly but that just means you get a lasting glossy finish on your nail polish!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Works with all colors | Takes time to dry |
| Amazing shine | |
| Lasting glossy finish |
✨ You May like: Is Estee Lauder Double Wear Water Based?
Why Is My Gel Nail Polish Not Drying?
There could be various reasons why your gel nail polish is not drying properly. Some of it is the fault of the nail polish itself which could be highly pigmented or very thick in general which extends the drying process even more. If your nail polish is also old or of poor quality, then you can expect it to not dry with satisfactory results.
However, there might be faults in the application itself. Put too thick of a layer and you get a gel nail polish that will take an awfully long time to dry up as well! In the preparation of the nail, you will need to buffer and file the nail properly so that the nail polish sticks to the nails properly. If you skip this step, chances are the uneven texture of the gel nail polish causes the drying process to be longer than usual.
Then there is the setting itself. Usual gel nail polish can dry fairly easily in the air. But with Korean gel nail polish, you will need either a UV lamp or an LED lamp to set it properly. If the intensity of the lamps isn’t good enough, you will be left with runny nail polish even after having it under the lamp for the recommended time.
All of these have a very simple remedy to it. First, make sure that you are using good quality nail polish and apply it in an even thin layer to help the drying process be quicker. Make sure to buffer and file your nail before you start applying your nail polish to give an even surface and equal amounts of drying all over. Lastly, if the problem is with your lamp, make sure to clean the surface of the lamp and get the correct lamp for your nails. Otherwise, you will be left with runny and gloopy gel nail polish on your nails!
How to Remove Gel Nail Polish with Sugar?
Removing gel nail polish with sugar is a great DIY method! When you are out of acetone or general nail polish remover, then “granulated” sugar will be the answer to remove nail polish from your nails. Here are some of the things that you will be needing to get you started:
- 2 Tsp of granulated sugar
- Bowl of soap water
- Cotton pads
- Cuticle oil or coconuts oil (avoid essential oils)
- Grinder
- Nail file
Then it’s all about following the necessary steps to start the nail polish removal process.
- File your nails
- Grind the sugar and make the granulated sugar rub mixture
- Soak your nails for 10-20 minutes in a bowl of soap and water
- Soak cotton pads or balls in water and then take some of the sugar rub mixtures on it
- Rub your nail polish with the cotton ball until it completely wipes off the nail polish (when your nails feel dry, sprinkle some water on it or soak the cotton ball again and take more of the sugar rub)
- When you have completely removed the nail polish, wash your hands and apply cuticle oil on your nails to help keep them nice and healthy
And with that, you are done with removing gel nail polish with sugar!
FAQs
Korean gel nails are mild to odorless gel nail polish to give the perfect nail polish look.
The great thing about Korean gel nails is that they use non-toxic ingredients so they are relatively safe to use on nails.
Korean gel polish is free from HEMA monomers that can enter your nails and cause allergic reactions.
The Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish is one of the longest-lasting nail polishes.
These can only be bought by professionals because they are to be used by beauty technicians and salon nail artists who are experienced in using them.
Final Thoughts
Korean beauty products are really fascinating. Never did I think that magnets would be incorporated in such a way to make nail designs which is why I adored the DouborQ magnetic gel polish. However, my favorite was no brainer: Modelones Jelly Gel Nail Polish! It was such a fantastic Korean gel nail polish that had nothing wrong with it at all. It incorporated every good thing about all of the other products on this list combined (minus the magnetic part) and gave a flawless finish. I hope that you have found a nail polish of your liking from this list and I assure you that you will be classy wearing it!
✨ Next Attraction: What Do Panda Eyes Makeup Meaning?
