Question 1

What's the difference between gel nail polish and regular nail polish?

Accepted Answer

Gel nail polish requires curing under a UV or LED lamp to harden, while regular lacquer simply air-dries. The practical upshot: gel lasts 14–21 days with minimal chipping, whereas a standard polish typically chips within 5–7 days. The trade-off is removal — gel needs soaking in acetone or professional stripping, which can weaken nails if done too frequently. For home use without a lamp, hybrid gel-like formulas (such as Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy) offer a useful middle ground.

Question 2

How do I make nail polish last longer without a UV lamp?

Accepted Answer

Start with a base coat — it improves adhesion and prevents staining. Apply two thin coats of colour rather than one thick coat, and finish with a top coat to seal the edges. Reapplying the top coat every two days adds meaningful extra wear. Avoid hot water immediately after painting, and keep nails away from harsh cleaning products without gloves. Done properly, this routine can push a standard lacquer to 10 days.

Question 3

Is expensive nail polish actually worth it — or is Rimmel just as good?

Accepted Answer

It depends entirely on what you're optimising for. Rimmel's 60 Seconds range is genuinely good value for frequent colour-changers — the pigmentation is solid and the quick-dry formula works as advertised. Where premium brands like CHANEL or LONDONTOWN pull ahead is in finish quality, colour depth, and consistency across the nail. If you're painting your nails once a week in basic shades, the price difference is hard to justify. If you care about a flawless, long-lasting result in a specific finish, the gap is real.

Question 4

What does '5-free' or '10-free' mean on nail polish bottles?

Accepted Answer

'Free' formulations exclude a specific number of potentially harmful chemicals. 3-free removes toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and formaldehyde — now the industry baseline. 5-free adds formaldehyde resin and camphor to that list. 10-free goes further still, eliminating additional plasticisers and preservatives. For most occasional users, 3-free is sufficient. If you paint your nails multiple times a week or have respiratory sensitivities, a higher-free formulation is worth seeking out — particularly given the enclosed spaces most people paint in.

Question 5

Which nail polishes are best for beginners who struggle with a clean application?

Accepted Answer

Look for wide, flat brushes and self-levelling formulas — Bourjois's 1 Seconde range is a strong starting point, with a broad brush that covers the nail in two or three strokes. Medium viscosity polishes are the most forgiving: thin formulas flood the cuticle, thick ones drag and streak. Avoid glitter and holographic finishes until you're comfortable with the basics — they're the hardest to apply evenly and the most difficult to remove cleanly.

Question 6

Can I use nail polish remover on gel polish at home?

Accepted Answer

Standard acetone remover won't fully remove cured gel polish — you need to soak cotton pads in pure acetone, press them against each nail, and wrap in foil for 10–15 minutes. This softens the gel enough to push off gently. Avoid peeling or scraping, which strips the top layer of the nail plate and causes long-term damage. If you're using gel polishes regularly, it's worth keeping a proper nail polish remover formulated for gel on hand.

Question 7

Are there any nail polish brands to avoid in 2026?

Accepted Answer

We wouldn't say avoid outright, but there are patterns worth knowing. Very cheap unbranded polishes — particularly those without any 'free' certification — often contain higher levels of toluene and formaldehyde resin, which produce strong fumes and can cause nail brittleness over time. Stick to named brands even at the budget end: Essence and CATRICE, both under 3 £, are properly formulated and widely available in the UK. The real trap is buying a large bottle of an unfamiliar brand on the basis of price alone — consistency between batches is poor, and you may find the colour looks nothing like the cap.

Nail Polishes Price Comparison

Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine nail polish 8 ml Bordeaux Gloss

Max Factor Nailfinity Gel Colour 230 Leading Lady 12ml

Max Factor Nailfinity Gel Colour 330 Max's Muse 12ml

Max Factor Nailfinity Gel Colour 310 Red Carpet 12ml

Max Factor Nailfinity Gel Colour 200 The Icon 12ml

Max Factor Nailfinity Gel Colour 215 Standing Ovation 12ml

Max Factor Nailfinity Gel Colour 420 Spotlight 12ml

Rimmel Super Gel 035 Pop Princess Pink 12ml

Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine, 300 Glaston Berry, 8ml

Nail Polishes Price Comparison