Are you in the search for Korean gel nail polish? We hear you. This guide will tell you some of the best Korean gel nail polish on the market now and what makes them so great. And if you are new to the whole Korean gel nails, we’ll also be glad to share with you what the fuss is all about, tips, and more.
When you take your nail game seriously, you know that gel polish isn’t only gel nail polish and that there are a few things you need to consider if you are going for a specific look. You need to consider the polish’s quality while also considering the price.
And while we all are guilty of falling for the cheapest option, experience has shown us that this only means sacrificing quality in the long run. And since not all nail gels are created equal, here is where going for a Korean gel nail polish makes all the difference; the secret is in the formula, thickness, and ease of application.
Korean gels are so good that you don’t need to worry about harmful chemicals being present in your nail polish compared to others. And with these Korean gel nail polish brands promising you various colors, it becomes super easy to do a gel manicure at home. Stick around and find out more about Korean gel nail polish below.
Korean Gel Nail Polish Vs. Regular Gel Nail Polish
Regular gel polishes and Korean gel polishes are different in consistency. Korean gel does share many basic similarities with standard gel polish. However, it is important to note there are a couple of key differences.
The packaging is known to be very cute and eye-catching. The bottles stand out from your typical gel polish. The colors are extremely pigmented. It’s a low odor.
The consistency is known to be thicker (similar to syrup), meaning you do not need to apply many coats.
Korean nail art is also a lot more pop. With many more charms and studs to nails, the 3D action is still very present. This design gives off a holographic look and is achieved with chunks of different cellophane.
Therefore, Korean gel tends to be thicker, requiring one 1-2 coats at max for full coverage.
How To Apply Korean Gel Nail Polish
Step 1 Apply top coat
Start with one thin layer of nail base coat to get maximum adhesion. This one also prevents nails from getting stained or yellow. You can opt for a clear or light pink base coat.
Step 2 Apply your color
Now take your color and apply a thin layer below the cuticle. Continue applying thin layers until the top of the nail (or bottom, depending on your personal preference) is the darkest.
Step 3 Continue with the rest of the nails
Continue applying color to your other nails. Repeat the second step for a second or third coat.
Step 4 Finish with top coat
Use a top coat, and cure under the lamp for 1-2 minutes.
Best Korean Gel Nail Polish
RARJSM Nude Sheer Jelly Pink Gel Nail Polish
What We Like
- Toxic Free
- Glossy Finish
What We Don’t Like
- Hard to open
The sheer pink gel nail polish is long lasting for 21+ days with perfect shine under the proper application. Perfect for nail effect applications such as Mermaid Effect, Holographic, and Glitter Gel.
It’s also a commonly used base color for nail art and can be paired with the color of your favorite gel nail polishes to create any style. The nude shade of the gel is perfect for a natural source finish or to enhance the coverage of bright colors.
Remember the gel polish needs to be cured under LED or UV nail lamps. Average for Nail Lamp 60-120 secs.
What Our Testers Say
I order the classical pink set. I have mainly used it so far was 236. My favorite shade so far, but it is very sheer and quite streaky, so I recommend a very thin coat. I did 2-3 coats. Thin coats, then wait a bit, as gravity makes it all even and not streaky.
GOPAS Nude Gel Nail Polish
What We Like
- Toluene Free
- Glossy, Matte
- Non-Toxic
What We Don’t Like
- Not full coverage
GOPAS gel nail polish set, new fashion design style, full but natural-looking, help you find the perfect gift for your style and match, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, and other festivals.
These nude neutral gel nail polish will make your nails look Looks radiant and more attractive.
Neutral nude gel polish set is made of safe 11 toxin-free ingredients, no harsh ingredients or adhesives that lead to damaged nails, paraben & cruelty-free, anti-chipping, low odor, and skin-friendly, will not hurt your nails.
What Our Testers Say
These are the best! Polish itself is long-lasting and easy to apply. They glow SO brightly!! We LOVE them!
Beetles Jelly Gel Nail Polish
What We Like
- Rose Cocktail
- Glossy
- Easy Application
What We Don’t Like
- May cause allergies
Beetles Gel Nail Nude Color Rose Cocktail, elegant shades of popular and trendy colors suitable for all seasons and daily routine life.
9 Toxin Free Ingredient makes it safe and has a low odor. With proper application, last at least three weeks.
If you’ve started doing your own gel nails at home and are looking for a milky white, you will love how this is super easy to apply; it looks nice and shiny like you’ve been to the salon.
Tips
Base and Top coat required. If gel feels thick or tacky, place in hot water for 1-2 minutes, remove from water and shake well.
butter LONDON Jelly Preserve Strengthening Treatment
What We Like
- Cruelty-Free
- Paraben-Free
What We Don’t Like
- The brush may have a defect
The 2-in-1 translucent nail color & 10-FREE nail treatment formula gives the effect of a delicious sheer jelly look while rejuvenating the look of nails & helping to repair damage from harsh nail formulas & practices.
Nourish, strengthen and rejuvenate the look of dry, brittle nails, lock in moisture
Apply one coat to clean, dry, bare nails for an ultra-sheer look, or layer two or three coats to enhance pigment.
What Our Testers Say
I really like it. I have had a rough go with my nails, bringing them back to life. It keeps my nails looking sheer and nice, all while helping them grow back out nicely. I would highly recommend it.
Douborq 10 Colors Clear Gel Nail Polish Set
What We Like
- Easy-application
- Long-lasting
What We Don’t Like
- Shimmer
Elegant shades of translucent crystal shimmer are the all-year-round popular style. It comes with purple, gold, green, blue, and green color nail polish for nail art DIY at home.
After applying pearl gel polish, you can use a dotting pen to draw circles or any pattern you like, and you will shell thread effect. Using a durable topcoat strengthens the nails’ color resistance and keeps good tenacity.
Made from natural resin, healthy ingredients, and low smell, providing you with a comfortable nail experience.
Tips
Before applying, please ensure your nails are completely dry, clean, and oil-free. Don’t apply the gel on the skin or cuticle.
Makartt Gel Nail Polish Set Bundle
What We Like
- Long-lasting
- Matte Finish
- Variety
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
22 gel colors UV nail polish set and 3 IN 1 base coat top coat, Makartt 2020 opaque gel polish set are in a range of popular-trendy best selling colors.
Deliver both high-gloss finish and beautiful Matte finish. One color, two displays, giving your nails a variety of charms.
Bright colors show youth and liveliness, suitable for all daily working or dating, party, or ceremony activities. Perfect for professional salon or at-home personal use.
Tips
With proper application, the Makartt gel nail polish kit set can last up to 2 weeks. A durable base coat and top coat strengthen the nail’s color resistance and maintain good tenacity.
Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit
What We Like
- Chip Resistant
- Non-Toxic
- Glossy
What We Don’t Like
- The gel takes a long time to dry
On like polish, wears like gel, off in just minutes, and offers a mirror shine finish. The Gellen nail polish can last over two weeks with a proper application.
This gel polish is environment-friendly with healthy ingredients, low smell, and is non-toxic. Made from natural resin, wears like gel, good tenacity.
Tips
Applying every thin coat is the key; make sure the brush doesn’t have too much on it before starting the strokes.
Common Questions About Korean Gel Nail Polish
Why has Korean gel nail polish become popular?
Another reason Korean gel nail polish has become popular is the type of nail art currently trending.
While most of these designs considered “trendy” in Korea are also trendy everywhere else, it’s important to note that there are some differences in the type of nail art we see in the east versus the west.
What is Korean gel nail polish?
Korean gel nail polish allows the gel polish to be evenly applied without flow to the cuticles or sidewalls. Clean Formula. Health isn’t compromised to maintain quality. Get major staying power with our 5-free, vegan and cruelty-free formula. Quality and value.
Is Japanese gel better than Korean gel nail polish?
Japanese Gels are stronger and more versatile than typical Gelish. Unlike other soft gels, Japanese Gels incorporate a built-in gel builder, meaning they are strong enough to have nail extensions done on top of them without using a separate product.
Why choose Korean gel nail polish?
Regular nail polishes have a thin, liquid consistency. So you’ll need to put multiple coats of nail varnish to completely make your nail color look opaque. This isn’t the case with Korean nail gels. One coat is enough to cover the entirety of your nail in rich color.
Korean nail color is more strongly pigmented, so the color you see in the bottle is the color you will get on your nails.
Most low-end nail polish brands contain one or more of the “unhealthy” nail polish ingredients, toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde. Most Korean brands claim to be free from these harmful substances.
What are Korean jelly nails?
Syrup nail art it’s a technique popular a few years ago in Korea that permits you to shade your nails using one or more semi-transparent nail polishes.
It could seem like a simple gradient nail art, but the nail polish ensures you get a special effect that gives exactly the idea of syrup or jelly.
What to look for in the best Korean gel nail polish?
- Rich pigments: The polish you choose should capture the color nuances of the bold and elusive shades perfectly.
- Balanced Consistency: Korean gel polish is evenly applied without flow to the cuticles or sidewalls.
- Clean Formula: Health isn’t compromised to maintain quality. Get major staying power with a 5-free, vegan and cruelty-free formula.
- Quality and value: Go for a more affordable and accessible option than major retail brands.
What are some of the top Korean gel nail polish brands?
- Gentle Pink: The Korean Gel brand based in South Korea collects and analyzes the latest trends from renowned luxury brands based on season and popularity. The colors go through multiple sample tests until they have the right color.
- Kenzico is a high-quality professional range of Korean gel polish and accessories based in South Korea. The products are made from 100% cosmetic materials and are 14-free. The formula is known for being easy to soak off and providing durability and high-gloss shine.
What are popular Korean gel nail polish colors?
- Yellow: A vibrant yellow can brighten up your day and perhaps your whole summer outlook. Don’t be shy to try out the brightest of the brightest yellow.
- Blue: The right shade of blue can add the right amount of brightness to any look. It deserves to be on everyone’s list of Korean nail colors to try.
- Light green: Neons are basically like neutrals these days! You can try out the light neon green trend and enjoy the summer to the fullest.
- Orange: Orange is a great color and is generally associated with fall. It can add extra warmth to your hands. You can create a two-tone shade with lighter orange at the bottom and a darker orange at the top bit of your nails.
- Pastels: If you’ve had too many bright colors and want something soothing, you can choose pastel color shades.
- Glitter: Never going out of style is valid for glitter also, no matter what season it is. You can wear it independently or mix it up with solid-color nail polish.
How to prepare your nail before applying Korean gel nail polish?
- Gently push back the cuticle and remove any dead or excess skin if necessary.
- Use your nail file to file the edge of your nails to your desired shape. Pay special attention to the cuticle area and sides of the nails; these areas are where lifting may occur due to poor preparation.
- Buff your nails gently with your nail buffer.
- Proceed to use a soft brush to clean your nails.
How to remove Korean gel nail polish?
- File off the top coat gently by nail buffer.
- Use gel nail remover or soak a cotton pad with acetone and place it on top of each nail.
- Wrap each fingernail for about 10-15 minutes. Use a stick or cuticle pusher to remove the softened gel gently.
- Lightly buff nails again when the gel totally removed.
