SENSATIONAIL Gel Polish Starter Kit (including lamp), Scarlet Red

Product Information

The polish (we opted for Scarlet Red) was on the thin side, which made application really easy. There’s no chance of clotting here.

These instructions explain step-by-step how to apply a shellac manicureusingthe products in the Sensational starter kit: The lamp is large – exactly what you’d find at an upmarket nail bar – and feels very advanced compared to many of the others on the market. It has a cooling fan, two different power modes and a base (which is surprisingly rare). If you didn’t think gel nail kits could be adorable, think again. Le Mini Macaron is a gel nail kit complete with a diminutive LED lamp shaped like the eponymous French confection. It isn’t a stretch to say the entire set could fit into a small handbag. One of the things we found most important was not to rush the preparation phase. Make sure your nails are filed, smooth, buffed and totally clean. A strong foundation is essential for obtaining the best results.Yes – all of these kits are suitable for absolute beginners. However, practice will make perfect as it takes skill, patience and a steady hand to become adept at gel nail application. It’s something of an art form, so do prepare to quite literally mess up as you start out. If it's at the top, you need to make sure you seal the free edge. I can't describe it very well. There may be youtube videos. But before you paint the nail, run yoir polush brush with a little polish on it along the top edge of the nail so you catch the top, edge and bottom of the nail. You shouldn't see any white from any angle. We tried the Pillar Box Red shade and found the consistency to be wonderfully smooth; a little really went a long way. Two coats provided solid coverage, and despite our amateur status our nails emerged looking like they’d just come out of a salon – juicy, neat with no sign of chipping or peeling. They’ve lasted well, too, with those results surviving intact for almost two weeks now.

We loved the instruction manual. It uses simple, clear language which we found easy to follow; there’s absolutely no room for confusion.

Yes, the upfront cost of a kit is in most cases more than a single gel treatment in a salon. However, by investing in a kit you’ll save yourself a fortune in the long run. If you look at it as an investment, you’ll actually find it’s pretty cheap. What do gel nail kits contain? Many dermatologists are worried about this because (meth)acrylate chemicals are used widely in medical procedures, including enamel tooth coatings, white dental fillings, orthopaedic bone cement, insulin pumps, and diabetic glucose sensors. That means the implications of developing a sensitivity to these chemicals are far worse than never being able to use gel nails again. In all of the sets we’ve featured you’ll find a lamp, at least one shade of nail colour, nail tools such as files and buffers, as well as base and top coats of varnish. Many, but not all, kits contain equipment for removing gel nails. Beauty award-winning SensatioNail allows you to create a stunning gel manicure, at an affordable price, without sacrificing on the salon-quality. Available in a variety of eye-catching shades, SensatioNail gel colour is formulated to last up to two weeks with a flawless and glamorous shine. SensatioNail gel colour Lastly, it’s crucial that you “cap” the free end of the nail with the colour and the top coat. This is super simple: just run the brush over the nail edge. If you don’t do this, you can expect early chipping.

The lamp is one of the sturdier options out there, and the glossy and smart design feels expensive – it’s a cut above the insubstantial lamps included with some other kits. It’s also larger than many others as you can easily get your hand inside. It’s really simple to use even if you aren’t really familiar with LED lamps.Yes. Some nail polish brands claim to offer gel nails in one pot, but while these presumably offer a juicy, shiny finish, they won’t be securely bonded to the nail or chip resistant, and they won’t have the staying power. The heat aspect of the gel nail application process is what gives a perfect finish that lasts for several weeks. What tips should I bear in mind? If you’re looking for stunning gel polishes in an array of beautiful colours, look no further than our range of SensatioNail gel polishes. Get fabulous long-lasting nails at home with SensatioNail damage-proof nail polish that provides up to 2 weeks of chip-free shine and pigmented nail colour. You’ll find various versatile shades, from earthy nude hues to bold pops of colour, this gel polish brand caters to all tastes. Innovative SensatioNail Peel Off nail polish is ideal for those commitment-phobes who want to shake up their nail colour frequently, while SensatioNail starter kits include everything you need to create the ultimate manicure. The SensatioNail collection, here at Nail Polish Direct, is just one of the many leading brands in the gel polish department. Explore our complete nail polish range for a plethora of stunning shades to suit every occasion or style.

We also appreciate that Manucure doesn’t over-promise. It says the gels last for up to ten days, and that seems like a respectable goal for a brand that is so hard-working in terms of its sustainability commitment. With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.READ NEXT: The best face mask to try The best gel nail kits to buy in 2023 1. Semilac Starter Set Love Me: Best gel nail kit for customisability