I have been a fan of DIY manicures for years. Before this social distancing era, I would also treat myself to a manicure or pedicure once in a while to keep my cuticles in check and enjoy a relaxing mani/pedi experience. My weekly go-to now is to apply a great polish with a gel top coat. I mentioned in my MERIT clean beauty review post that my beauty routine is clean-ish which definitely applies here. I’ll opt for a clean polish whenever I can and add a great gel top coat for long lasting shine. I’ve noticed that the best gel polishes last for at least a week, sometimes two weeks, without chipping or getting dull. DIY manicures are a great way to save money on your beauty routine. You can always alternate between manicures at home and salon appointments to get the benefits of shaping and cuticle maintenance from the professionals at salons.
Everything below in this list of best nail polishes for DIY manicures is available to order on Amazon. The best gel nail polishes or clean polishes are long wearing, gives your nails great shine, and come off easily when it’s time to change your polish color. I consider these the best polishes because they do all of that and more! If there’s one not listed here that you love, drop me a note and let me know. I’d love to review a few more DIY manicure picks here.
best nail polishes on Amazon - gel top coats
Gel Genius top coat
I have been using this Londontown Gel Genus top coat for years. It has great shine, is a long lasting top coat that lasts at least a week for me without chipping, and doesn’t require any special machines to use. It dries quickly and easily after application. This is my top pick if you’re looking for the best gel polish top coat on Amazon!
Sally Hansen shiny
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Shiny Top Coat is available on Amazon and easy to pick up at a local drugstore if you need it ASAP. I have been using this gel top coat for years and I love the thick and glossy shine it adds to nails, smoothing out any DIY manicure imperfections.
Essie Gel couture
essie Gel Couture Platinum Grade Finish Top Coat is another fan favorite on Amazon. It’s easy to apply, doesn’t require any special equipment to dry, and comes off easily when it’s time for a polish change. If you’re already an Essie fan, this gel top coat is a great find.
best polishes on Amazon - clean polish finds
Lakur Neutrals
LONDONTOWN’s Lakur Nail Polish The Full Monty Nude on Amazon is a great neutral shade to layer with their gel genius top coat. My favorite is that Londontown’s polishes are, “vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and formulated without nine of the most common toxins found in nail care so that everyone can safely use our products.”
Smith & Cult
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Pink Shades on Amazon are another clean polish favorite. I love their shades, the colors are high quality and the packaging is beautiful to look at. Smith & Cult is an, “8-Free Formula: Vegan and Gluten Free. Guaranteed to be formulated without Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide, Triphenyl Phosphate.”
Lakur colors
LONDONTOWN Lakur Enhanced Color in Amalfi Blue is one of my favorite polishes on Amazon and is a perfect shade for a pop of color. It’s one of the best clean polishes I’ve used over the years and available on Amazon. Londontown Lakur polishes, “are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and formulated without nine of the most common toxins found in nail care.”
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