I’m a big fan of gel nail polish. I usually use it when I don’t want to bother with my nails for a few weeks, as my nails are relatively low-maintenance, virtually chip-free and look fresh all the time.

My concern, though, is that traditional gel polish that requires a UV lamp can dry the nails. The remedy is Nourishing Cuticle Care from Sephora Collection.

Generally, it’s not ideal to use UV gel nail polish often. They make your nails brittle and thin, which is why I do it only when absolutely necessary.

But there are options, such as gel polishes that require no UV light so you can easily do them at home.

Another option is to keep a few bottles if you’re the type who likes to switch nail colors often. UV-lamp gel polishes require an extra trip to the salon to take off.

If you’re patient enough for a two-step process, there’s Sally Hansen Miracle Gel which comes in various colors—from pale pinks to wild blues. The top coat makes for chip-free wear.

Essie is another option for gel lovers. The Gel Couture line is said to be durable for up to two weeks with Platinum Grade Finish Top Coat. I’m a fan of clean white nails which suit many skin tones such as the Pre-Show Jitters shade.

There is also Dress is More, described as a “creamy white that’s dusted with pink,” which is a good nail color that won’t clash with any outfit.

Butter London

On the high-end side of nail polishes, there’s Butter London. I like its Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer during busy days. There’s no top coat needed. Just two coats of this highly
pigmented product are all you need for chip-free wear up to 10 days.

Butter London is also nail-friendly because it has no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene or TPHP.

A wonder product that turns any nail polish into a gel one is Chanel Le Gel Coat. You can use it between gel manicures, so you can make your manicure look fresh all the time.

Deborah Lippman’s unique Gel Lab Pro Nail Color may be the therapy your nails need. It provides not only gel protection but also nail care ingredients such as green tea extract, biotin, and omega-6 fatty acid.

I strongly suggest you look into these non-UV gel options to find the one you can take with you everywhere.