Manicure at home: 5 gel polishes that dry without a lamp

Gel polish without drying in a lamp is an option for applying a durable coating to your nails at home. Such materials do not require a base, can be applied in one or several layers, have a wide range of colors, are durable for up to 7 days, and sometimes do not require the use of a top coat. You can dry gel polish with sunlight, air, water or special catalysts of liquid or creamy consistency.

The cost of gel polishes that do not require drying in a lamp ranges from 200-800 rubles; a low price does not always indicate low quality of the material.

Features of gel polish without drying in a lamp

Gel polish without drying in a lamp is a decorative coating that hardens on nails with the help of a special catalyst (it can be included in a kit or sold as an independent product unit). The catalyst can have a liquid or cream consistency; some manufacturers produce gel polishes that dry when exposed to water.

There are several similar varnishes on the market:

insensitive - dry exclusively naturally;

aqueous – hardens only after contact with water;
biogel - used strictly for health purposes and dries without drying in a lamp;
Brigitte Bottier is a new product in the nail industry that hardens naturally.

Most often, gel polishes without drying in a lamp are hybrids - “3in1” or “2in1”, when the coating already contains hardeners.

We recommend reading the article on how to do a manicure with red gel polish. From it you will learn about manicure design options for short and long nails and application techniques. And here is more information about how to remove shellac at home.

Will it dry without a UV lamp?

Some gel polishes dry without a UV lamp, but the process will take quite a long period of time, and the durability of the coating is questionable - it is useless to expect a perfect manicure for 3 weeks.

Is it possible to do a shellac manicure without a lamp?

You can do a manicure without a lamp and with shellac, the process will proceed faster, because in this case it does not involve applying a base layer and a final one. The only thing worth paying attention to is the instructions on the bottle with a decorative coating.

Some shellacs are produced only for use with subsequent drying in a lamp; there are options for hardening the layer in water or in air (under natural conditions). In the latter cases, the bottle must be marked “No lighte gel”.

Gel polish marked “No lighte gel”

Advantages of hybrids

Advantages of using hybrids that do not require drying in a lamp:

The decorative coating is easy to apply evenly on the nail;
there is no stage of sawing off the surface of the plate - the risk of injury and introduction of an infectious agent is minimal;
there is no need to use a primer during the process, which negatively affects the condition of the nail;
there is no harmful effect of ultraviolet rays on the nails and skin of the hands - they do not dry out;
It only takes a few minutes for the decorative coating to harden;
a wide range of color shades and effects, but mirror, matte, holographic and other coatings will take a little longer to dry than classic glossy ones;
easy removal of gel polish - done with regular nail polish remover;
Such gel polishes often contain nutritional components.

Gel polishes without drying in a lamp
The most important “plus” of the coating is that it can be applied at home independently and for this you do not need to purchase special equipment or complete professional training courses.

Flaws

Unfortunately, gel polishes without drying in a lamp also have individual disadvantages:

if the varnish is of poor quality, the coating will be dull;
Almost always such a gel must be applied in 2-3 layers, otherwise it will not lie evenly;
the multilayer coating takes a long time to dry and still remains somewhat soft - physical impact leaves marks on it;
if you use such a decorative coating, then over time the nail plate will become colored;
the finished coating retains its flawlessness for a maximum of 7 days, and much less with active exposure to water and contact with aggressive liquids/powders.

Manufacturers introduce frankly toxic substances into the composition of such gel polishes - formaldehyde, resins, toluene, camphor of synthetic origin, dibutyl phthalate. All of them are dangerous to human health, so experts recommend choosing a product labeled “3-free” or “5-free”.

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Do I need to dry the top?

The top should be dried in a lamp - this is the recommendation given by all professionals. Otherwise, after 2-3 days it will be removed from the decorative coating with a thin film.

If a woman fundamentally does not want to use an ultraviolet or LED lamp in a manicure, or she does not have such equipment, then instead of a classic top coat, you should use a colorless regular varnish - it will simply add shine to the decorative coating.

The Best Inexpensive Long-Lasting Nail Polishes

Brigitte Bottier Gel Formula Nail Polish

Rating: 4.7

The first among budget funds is varnish, which will help you create a salon manicure yourself at home. The super-glossy formula ensures high durability of the coating. One layer can mask the natural pigment of the plate. The advantage of the varnish was the combination of base and color coatings. Due to this, the nail is maximally protected from impact, and the texture dries quickly without forming unevenness or bubbles.

A special, professionally designed brush helps you paint the entire nail in one stroke, without going beyond its boundaries. The palette is wide. In it you can choose a color for work, leisure, and festive events. In case of constant contact with water or mechanical shocks, the manicure remains in its original form.

According to reviews, the coverage is guaranteed to last 7 days, but for some users it lasts longer. Chips, cracks, and scratches do not appear. The color saturation remains for the entire period of wear. The glossy effect is similar to gel polish, but the procedure itself is very simple and takes minimal time.

Advantages

composition without toluene and formaldehyde;
super glossy long lasting formula;
85 classic and fashionable shades;
2 in 1: base + color;
flat, rounded brush.

Flaws

not identified.

Gel-based nail polish Irisk Professional ETERNAIL

Rating: 4.6

The second place is occupied by a decorative product from a French brand, which will replace gel polishes and will remain on the nails for 7 to 10 days. The palette consists of a variety of shades: delicate and sophisticated, bright and bold, rich and natural. One layer is enough for intensive coverage. This saves a lot of time and makes using the ETERNAIL series product budget-friendly.

The texture is plastic and spreads well on the surface. After drying, a dense layer is formed that is not subject to chipping or delamination. The brush has the optimal length, width and stiffness. With her, the procedure will go without complications. The manicure is neat and does not require adjustments.

The brand has proven the high quality of its products, which is confirmed by numerous positive reviews from users. The original names of the tones were appreciated by many girls. The transparent bottle conveys the color accurately. The lid screws on tightly and does not slip out of your hand during the procedure.

Advantages

shades that do not fade over time;
palette of various tones;
does not form waves or irregularities;
resistance to damage;
comfortable brush.

Flaws

not identified.

How to dry gel polish without a lamp at home and what you can do

How and with what you can dry gel polish without a lamp at home:

Catalyst . It is suitable for applying insensitive gel polishes to nails; it is applied to plates already coated with a coloring composition and can be of a liquid or creamy consistency. In the first case, you need to literally apply a drop of catalyst to each nail - it will spread and harden on its own. The creamy catalyst is applied to the nails and lightly rubbed into them.
Water . Dipping already painted nails into a bath of cool water and thus getting the decorative coating to harden is only possible if a special water-based gel polish is used for the manicure.

In a complicated way . Each applied layer of decorative coating must be treated with an activator. It has a creamy consistency and is rubbed into the nail plate. After this, you will need to dip your fingers in a bath of cool water.

How to dry shellac

You can also dry shellac without using a special lamp:

ice water - fingers are dipped in cold water or placed in the freezer;
coating with cold materials - before applying the gel polish, place the bottle with it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, then quickly apply it to the nail plates;
using a cyanoacrylate-based catalyst - literally 1 drop on the nail spreads and hardens quickly, simultaneously fixing the color coating.

Nails coated with shellac can be kept in the sun - drying will be very long, but quite effective. Some people use a regular hairdryer, but results can only be achieved if it is powerful and can produce a cold stream of air. For these simplest methods of drying shellac, you only need to apply one coat.

How to coat

Applying a decorative coating without further use of a drying lamp requires taking into account some nuances , and first you need to prepare everything for the procedure:

gel polish of the selected color;
file;
buff, but exclusively with a soft texture;
catalyst, if necessary for drying the coating.

Buff with a soft texture Set of gel polishes Sally Hansen Miracle Gel File 3D shine without drying in a lamp
The application algorithm is as follows:

Use a file to process each nail, giving them the desired shape.
Use a buff to remove the gloss from the nail plate; movements should be performed without any effort.
Apply the varnish using gentle movements.
Fix the color coating with a catalyst, if this is provided for in the instructions for the gel polish.

In order for the color of your nails to become saturated, you need to make a bath of cool water - 15 minutes of keeping your fingers in the water is enough to strengthen your nails and calm them down after the aggressive procedure of filing them.

Watch the video on how to do a gel manicure without a lamp:

What tools will you need?

To carry out the procedure for nail extensions with gel polish, you must have a number of special devices with you:

lamp for drying gel polish (UV, LED);
brushes for applying gel;
tips;
buff for polishing the top layer of a natural nail;
containers for mixing gel;
tweezers for removing cuticles;
manicure scissors;
special lint-free wipes for degreasing the nail and removing the sticky layer of the top coat;

In addition to tools, you will need the necessary material:

antibacterial hand sanitizer;
degreasing liquid;
oil for finishing cuticles;
basic gel polishes;
gel polishes with colors;
final gel coating.

All instruments must be treated with special antibacterial agents or a special sterilizer must be used.

How long does it take for gel polish to dry without a lamp?

Gel polish dries on average 15-20 minutes without a lamp, but much depends on the specific type of decorative coating:

if drying involves only a natural method (in air), then it will take an average of 30-50 minutes;
under direct sunlight (typical for shellac) - about 60 minutes;
Gel polish dries in water for a maximum of 15 minutes;
By placing your fingers in the freezer, 2-3 minutes are enough for the coating to completely harden.

Long-lasting nail polishes without a lamp: a review of popular companies

There are a lot of long-lasting nail polishes without a lamp on the market from popular companies and little-known ones (Sally Hansen, Laimoni, Pupa and others), their cost varies, but low does not at all symbolize low quality.

Sally Hansen

This company's line includes only 6 bright shades, but they are enough to create an original manicure. The gel polish contains an oligomer and a photoinitiator, which polymerize when exposed to sunlight. This decorative coating is applied without prior degreasing of the nail plate and without applying a base; the brightness and integrity of the varnish is maintained for 5-7 days.

The cost of Sally Hansen gel polish, which dries without a lamp, is no more than 500 rubles. It is sold together with a top coat, which provides a glossy shine to the manicure.

Limoni

The varnishes from this manufacturer apply in an absolutely even layer and dry very quickly - 10 minutes is enough to get a durable coating with a glossy shine. Gel polish can be removed with regular liquid and acetone. The composition of the varnish is unknown because the manufacturer chose to keep it secret. Therefore, experts recommend making sure there are no allergies before performing a manicure.

The price of gel polish from Limoni ranges from 600 rubles.

Pupa

It features a wide range of color shades, dries in 15 minutes and provides a glossy color finish without the use of a hardener. The gel polish itself has a thick texture, so it lies on the nail plates without smudges or any unevenness. After the coating has completely dried, it resembles a glass mosaic and when exposed to sunlight, it “plays” with multi-colored highlights.

The price of the bottle is only 200-230 rubles; women note the comfortable and moderately hard brush, which is able to work on all hard-to-reach areas of the nails due to its easy gliding.

Vivienne Sabo

This manufacturer has launched a gel polish on the market that applies to nails without bubbles or roughness and without drying in a lamp. The bottle contains a convenient brush, which is quite soft and paints a large area of the nail plate in one “pass”. The line has all possible color shades.

The cost of gel polish does not exceed 210 rubles per bottle.

CND

This brand has been operating in the nail industry market for a long time, its products are distinguished by impeccable quality characteristics. Gel polish, which does not require drying in a lamp, is applied evenly, does not form bubbles or roughness, and applies well even in two layers. The range of colors is sufficient to create any manicure.

The cost of the bottle is about 600 rubles, but this price is justified: the composition of the gel polish is safe for health, rarely causes allergies, and the coating retains its shade and integrity for 10 days.

El Corazon

The gel polishes from this manufacturer contain both natural and artificial ingredients, together they have a restorative, healing effect on the nail plate, although weakly expressed. But the manufacturer does not hide the fact that he included formaldehyde in the gel polish - a component that ensures quick drying of the decorative coating without a lamp.

The cost of gel polish ranges from 500 rubles.

Belor Design

This is a brand from Belarus that has launched gel polishes on the market with minimal drying time without a lamp and in a wide variety of color shades. Such varnishes are distinguished by their resistance to water and even external physical influences - if you exclude chips from impacts, abrasion of your fingertips after working without gloves, then you will need to do a new manicure no earlier than in 2 weeks.

Nail polish Belor Design Podium Gel Effect

The price of Belarusian gel polishes is quite affordable - about 300 rubles per bottle.

Evelin

The well-known brand has launched high-quality gel polishes on the market, without containing dangerous, toxic substances. The coating dries quickly and lies flat on the nail plate without bubbles or smudges. The durability of the gel polish is stated by the manufacturer to be 7 days, but experts still recommend following the rules of carefully “wearing” a manicure.

The price of the bottle is about 700-800 rubles, many experts consider it slightly overpriced.

Lumene

The low cost of gel polishes from this manufacturer does not mean low quality at all - the coating has clear advantages:

does not contain harmful components;
dries in just 15 minutes;
lays down evenly.

But there is also a distinct drawback of gel polishes from Lumene - they contain natural plant-based ingredients, which can provoke a fairly strong allergic reaction.

The price of a bottle of gel polish that does not require drying in a lamp is about 400 rubles.

Avon

The price of gel polishes is low, the quality is not the highest, but quite tolerable - the coating can withstand a wear time of 5-7 days. It is necessary to take into account that the coating may lie unevenly and with bubbles, and to prevent this from happening, experts still recommend degreasing the nail plate.

The price of the bottle does not exceed 200 rubles; the variety of colors is dominated by pastel shades.

Weekly gel polish effect

Gel polishes with a weekly effect are decorative coatings that dry under the influence of light waves. The longer you wear this manicure, the harder and more stable it will become. The varnishes are positioned as a “manicure for a week”, and this fully corresponds to the stated characteristics, but only if the coating is applied to absolutely healthy nails and the application technique is followed.

The most famous varnish gels with a weekly effect are Solaris and Binary; they have the following features:

applied in two layers;
require the use of a top coat or any fixing varnish;
no need to pre-apply base;
if the nails are damaged or weakened, it is recommended to renew the coating every 2-3 days;
The brush allows you to apply the gel polish evenly, without streaks or smudges.

Long lasting varnish from Binary

Manicure at home: 5 gel polishes that dry without a lamp

To get a long-lasting manicure with gel polish, you don’t have to go to a professional. If you are used to painting your nails at home yourself, but don’t want to buy an expensive lamp for drying gel polish, then our selection is just for you! We have selected the 5 most durable varnishes that look great and dry without a UV lamp.

Advertising

Let's dot all the i's right away: if you are used to wearing Shellac or any other durable coating (for example, OPI) that dries with ultraviolet light for 2-3 weeks, you should not expect the same unsurpassed durability from “homemade” gels. varnishes

Yes, this is really a new generation of nail polishes, they really last a long time, have a glossy shine and dry without a lamp. And yet, in terms of durability they are inferior to the same Shellac, although they give a head start to ordinary varnish. As a rule, these coatings are pleasing to the eye for 6-8 days, the result is very good!

Gel polish Miracle Gel from Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen's 16 vibrant Miracle Gel shades will come in handy this spring. These varnishes dry quickly, and thanks to the oligomer and photoinitiator in their composition, they harden without a lamp and last for more than a week. You need to apply the coating without a base - just on a grease-free nail. A glossy top coat is applied over the colored layer, which provides the main durability; there is no point in using these varnishes without a topcoat.

Price: about 570 rub.

Gel nail polish Nail Atelier from Vivienne Sabo

Despite the modest price, this gel polish from Vivienne Sabo pleased us with its quality: it applies well, does not bubble, and, of course, does not last like Shellac, but for the first 3-4 days it looks flawless; ordinary varnishes cannot boast of such a result. It can be easily removed with nail polish remover; there is no need to wrap your nails in foil or file off the coating.

Price: about 150 rub.

Gel polish Eternail from Irisk Professional

One of the pioneers among gel polishes that dry without a lamp is from Irisk Professional. This coating is quite dense and durable; just one layer is enough to apply some shades. And the varnish dries very quickly - only 2-3 minutes. Manufacturers of the polish promise that it will last 10 days, but in reality this figure should be divided by two: you spend about 5-6 days with it, but then you still have to update your manicure.

Price: about 250 rub.

Gel nail polish without lamp Vinilyx from CND

Many ladies who try not to spoil their nails with long-lasting gel polishes choose Vinilyx coating from CND. Over the past few years, it has been presented in almost any salon. For some, this varnish lasts more than a week, for others it chips after 3 days - this is individual and depends on the oiliness of the nail. Overall Vinilyx is a very high quality product, easy to apply and quite long lasting. True, it has one drawback - the choice of shades is not very rich, and most of the colors are dark.

Price: about 400 rub.

Avon Gel Finish Gel Polish

This gel-based polish was invented for the laziest: it has neither a base nor a top coat, just apply 2-3 layers of color to the nail plate, and that’s it! True, in terms of durability it is inferior to its competitors: it looks flawless for 3-4 days, and then it begins to chip along the edges of the nail. In any case, it lasts longer than regular varnish, which often looks unpresentable already on the second day, and is not at all expensive.

Price: about 150 rub.

An alternative to gel polish without a lamp

Gel polish that dries without a lamp should not be constantly applied to the nails, so it is worth choosing an alternative, and these options include:

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro - the composition does not contain harmful components, the coating is quite stable and retains its color, gloss and evenness of the coating for 5 days;
Essie Gel Couture - available in 32 colors, can be applied in two layers to obtain a more saturated shade, does not require a base coat, can be removed with regular nail polish remover;
Zoya Professional Lacquer - does not contain formaldehyde and toluene, the coating is simply removed from the nail plate, does not stain it or have a harmful/destructive effect, has a convenient brush and does not leave smudges or streaks when applied;
Irisk Professional Eternail is a complete imitation of a gel coating, dries in air for 3 minutes, is applied in one layer, the bottle contains a narrow and rounded brush, the varnish lies on the surface of the nail without streaks or streaks.

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Essie Gel Couture Zoya Professional Lacquer Irisk Professional Eternail

WHICH MANUFACTURER IS BETTER

Of course, you should pay attention to trusted brands, because this is a certain guarantee of quality. CND Vinylux products (USA) have the following properties:

applied evenly;
does not form bubbles on the surface;
maintains shine and original appearance on nails for a week;
does not require the use of a base;
dries when exposed to air and natural light, like regular varnish;
convenient brush and standard bottle volume of 15 ml.

The manufacturer offers a wide palette of fashionable shades, which is constantly updated, which is also a definite plus. It is recommended to apply CND Vinylux in two layers. A special feature is the use of the proprietary finishing coating CND Vinylux Top Coat. The transparent top contains photoinitiators, thanks to which the gel polish can harden without the use of a UV lamp. It also serves as color protection and prevents it from losing its brightness.

In the Pikinail online store, gel polish can be purchased at a price of 619 rubles. We offer a large selection of shades! Order right now by number, or through the “Basket” section on the website.

Can regular varnish dry under a UV lamp?

Regular varnish does not dry under a UV lamp because it contains:

pigments – provide color to the coating;
polymers - make the top layer shiny;
plasticizers - make the coating durable and elastic at the same time;
solvents.

The latter are needed to harden the layer - the solvent evaporates in the air, which makes the decorative coating resistant to abrasion.

Small fan-dryer for manicure

Why does the UV lamp not dry gel polish?

Sometimes the UV lamp does not dry the gel polish, in which case the reasons may lie in the following:

The gel polish has expired or the material was stored incorrectly;
the lamps in the equipment have not been changed for a long time and have become less powerful;
gel polish is intended for drying exclusively in LED lamps;
the layer of color coating is too thick;
low quality gel polishes.

Sometimes the varnish does not dry because too much pigment is added to its composition - this is the difference between materials of light, pastel shades. Experts recommend applying such coatings in an extremely thin layer - it is better to make several of them and dry each one thoroughly in a lamp.

Why do you need to dry under ultraviolet light? Is it necessary?

Gel polish must be dried in a lamp, unless otherwise indicated on the package, but this is necessary for:

strong adhesion of all layers of coating to the nail plate;
obtaining a solid colored layer, its resistance to external influences;
securing the top.

By drying the coating in a lamp, you can achieve the longest possible period of wearing a manicure - up to 3 weeks, if you protect the gel polish from impacts and aggressive liquids.

Types of gel for nail extensions

Gels for nail extensions are selected individually, depending on the type of procedure:

Basic purpose gel . This type is used when building in a three-phase method. It is colorless in appearance and helps adhere the material to the nail plate.
Sculpting gel . It is also used in three-phase extension in the second stage to form an artificial nail.
Gel camouflage. This is a gel with natural shades, which is often used to create a French manicure.
Finishing gel. This is a fixative, it evens out the color scheme and gives a glossy or matte sheen.
Gel chewing gum . This is a new material in the manicure industry, its use is to create the shape of an artificial nail from the middle.
Biological gel . This product is used to build up and cover the natural plate for its deep nutrition and healing.

Don't miss the most popular article in the section: How to draw monograms on nails step by step for beginners. Instructions with photos.

If the gel polish is not dried under a lamp, what will happen?

You can avoid drying gel polish under a lamp, but for this you should choose specific materials with the appropriate instructions on the bottle. But such materials are still characterized by low stability - they are worn for no more than 5 days in a row, the surface remains soft and even when lightly pressed with a sharp object, marks and cuts remain.

We recommend reading the article about the difference between gel polish and shellac. From it you will learn what is the difference between gel polish and shellac, what is better and what is more harmful, and also how to extend the wearing period. And here is more information about how to do a French manicure with gel polish.

Gel polishes provide a flawless manicure in bright colors, but the use of such materials requires the purchase of additional equipment - an ultraviolet or LED drying lamp. This limits the possibility of using gel polishes at home, but women can use coatings that do not require drying in a lamp. It is enough to choose the appropriate option and strictly follow the application algorithm.

Types of gel

All shellac can be divided into two groups. The first refers to photosensitive ones; they can only be dried with a lamp. However, recently at home they have been using a gel that does not require drying, or rather, does not require drying in a lamp. The fact is that shellac, which does not require drying, is almost identical in composition to a conventional decorative coating.

However, even in this second group of nail polishes you can find those that cannot harden without the use of special catalysts. Most often they are understood as cyanoacrylate monomer. This product can have a creamy or liquid texture. It is applied to the surface of the nails to harden the varnish.

To work properly at home, you need to decide what kind of shellac you will use, and what additional tools and materials you may need. The fact is that shellac, which must be dried in a lamp, cannot be dried in any other way. Therefore, if you don’t have a drying lamp, you need to choose the second option.

Today, another gel polish is a special shellac that dries under the influence of water. This option is also ideal for working at home. This nail polish can be dried by dipping your nails in water. How long to keep your nails under water depends on the manufacturer. It usually dries in no more than ten minutes.

To determine how you can dry your nail polish, you need to carefully examine the product bottle. In particular, it should indicate the lack of photosensitivity.

Some girls manage to dry even the nail polish that needs to be baked. Of course, it dries in a normal environment, however, it is extremely difficult to say how long it will take you. In this case, you can dry such shellac in direct sunlight or using a simple blue light bulb.