7 Best Gel Polish Starter Kits in 2025. Easy Selection Guide

Whether you are a beginner trying gel manicures for the first time or a “DIY nail artist” looking to upgrade your tools, a gel polish starter kit is the best investment. In this article, S&L Beauty will guide you on how to choose the right kit and review the 7 best gel polish starter kits in 2025, helping you achieve salon-quality nails at home without overspending.

What Is a Gel Polish Starter Kit?

A gel polish starter kit is a complete package that includes all the tools and products you need to perform a full gel manicure at home. Unlike regular nail polish that air-dries, gel polish is a special formula that needs to be cured under UV or LED light. This curing process is what gives gel nails their long-lasting durability and luxurious shine.

The main purpose of a starter kit is to save beginners from the hassle of choosing separate products. Instead, you get a ready-to-use set where every item works together seamlessly.

Common components in a kit include:

• UV/LED Lamp: The most essential tool that cures the gel for durability.
• Gel Base Coat: Helps gel polish adhere to the natural nail.
• Gel Top Coat: Locks in color, adds shine, and prevents scratches.
• Gel Polish Colors: Pre-selected trendy or popular shades.
• Nail Prep Tools: Nail file, buffer, cuticle pusher, cuticle oil.
• Cleansers & Wipes: For prepping nails before application and wiping sticky residue after curing.

The biggest difference between gel polish and regular polish lies in the curing process and durability. While normal polish lasts just a few days before chipping, gel polish can remain flawless for 2–3 weeks.

How to Choose the Best Gel Polish Starter Kit 2025

With hundreds of products on the market, it can be overwhelming. Focus on these key factors:

• Lamp power & curing time: LED lamps are now the standard because they cure faster and use less energy than traditional UV lamps. Choose at least 36W–48W. Timer settings (30s, 60s, 90s) are very helpful for beginners.
• Color selection: Do you prefer nude, classic red, or bold trendy tones? Some kits have just 6 basics, while larger kits offer 12+ colors for creative freedom.
• Tools & accessories: A quality kit should include basics (file, buffer, cuticle pusher). Premium kits may also include nail art brushes, rhinestones, and cuticle oil.
• Safety standards: Pick brands transparent about ingredients. Look for 5-Free or 9-Free formulas (free from harmful chemicals like Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP). Opt for cruelty-free and HEMA-free to reduce allergy risks.
• Beginner-friendly design: A good kit comes with clear instructions, smooth gel formulas, and is easy to apply in thin coats.
• Price & value: Avoid overly cheap kits, as they may include weak lamps or low-quality gels. The best choice is a mid-range kit from a trusted brand, balancing price and performance.

Top 7 Best Gel Polish Starter Kits 2025

Brand	Lamp Wattage	Number of Colors	Best For
S&L Beauty	48W LED	100+	Perfect for Beginners
Beetles	48W LED	6-12	Overall for Beginners
Gellen	36W LED	6-8	Budget-Friendly
Modelones	48W LED	7	Color Variety & Trends
Makartt	54W LED	6	Professional-Quality
GAOY	48W LED	15-20+	Huge Color Selection
Vishine	24W Mini LED	4	Travel & Portability

S&L Complete Gel Nail Starter Kit Upgraded – Perfect for Beginners

The first name on the list of the 7 best gel polish starter kits in 2025 is the S&L Complete Gel Nail Starter Kit. This set has been upgraded by S&L Beauty with superior features, offering users the perfect at-home nail experience.

Designed to bring salon-quality nails home, the S&L Complete Gel Nail Starter Kit Upgraded comes with all essential tools:

• UV LED Gel Nail Curing Lamp
  
• Nourishing Cuticle Oil Serum
  
• Gel base coat
• Gel top coat
• Easy Gel Polish Remover
  
• Nail file & buffer
• Alcohol wipes for cleaning

Advantages of S&L Complete Gel Nail Starter Kit Upgraded:

• Beginner-friendly: Simple design, hygienic, safe, and perfect for creating durable, even gel nails.
• Vegan gel polish formulas: 5-Free, cruelty-free, and free from harmful chemicals.
• High-quality & elegant packaging: Also makes an ideal gift.
• Cost-saving: Just two DIY manicures at home cover the cost compared to salon visits.
• Affordable: Priced at $100, suitable for everyone.
• Special gift: Comes with 1 free gel polish color of your choice from a collection of 100+.

Beetles Gel Polish Starter Kit- Best Overall for Beginners

Beetles has become a dominant force in the at-home nail world, and for good reason. Their starter kit strikes the perfect balance between quality, affordability, and ease of use. The included 48W lamp is powerful enough for quick, even curing, and the polishes are known for their high pigmentation and smooth application.

Pros:

• Powerful and reliable 48W LED lamp with timer settings.
• High-quality, long-lasting gel polishes.
• Includes a full set of manicure tools.
• Excellent color collections available.
• 9-Toxin Free and cruelty-free formulas.

Cons:

• Polish bottles are small (mini-sized).

Gellen Gel Polish Starter Kit - Best Budget-Friendly Kit

For those wanting to try gel manicures without a significant initial investment, the Gellen starter kit is an unbeatable value. It provides all the essentials at a very accessible price point. While the 36W lamp is slightly less powerful than premium options, it's more than sufficient for home use and cures effectively.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable.
• Comes with a good range of classic colors.
• Includes all necessary prep and removal tools.
• Perfect entry-level kit for experimentation.

Cons:

• Lamp is less powerful, requiring slightly longer curing times for darker colors.
• Polish consistency can sometimes be thick.

Modelones Gel Polish Starter Kit - Best for Color Variety & Trends

Modelones is the brand for the fashion-forward nail enthusiast. They are known for their trendy and unique color palettes, from vibrant neons to stunning glitters and moody darks. Their starter kit pairs a high-performance 48W lamp with a curated selection of their beautiful polishes, making it easy to create eye-catching designs.

Pros:

• Excellent, unique, and highly pigmented color options.
• Powerful 48W lamp ensures a solid cure.
• Formulas are smooth and easy to work with.
• Often includes fun extras like nail art decorations.

Cons:

• Slightly higher price point than basic kits.

Makartt Gel Polish Starter Kit - Best Professional-Quality Kit

If you're serious about your DIY nails and want results that are indistinguishable from a high-end salon, the Makartt kit is worth the investment. Makartt is a brand trusted by many nail technicians. Their kit features a robust 54W lamp for lightning-fast curing and professional-grade polishes with exceptional durability.

Pros:

• Very powerful 54W lamp for professional-level curing.
• Extremely durable, chip-resistant polish formula.
• Includes high-quality manicure tools.
• Excellent for both gel polish and polygel extensions.

Cons:

• Highest price point on this list.
• Might be overkill for very casual users.

GAOY Gel Polish Starter Kit - Best for a Huge Color Selection

If your philosophy is "more is more," then GAOY is the brand for you. GAOY kits are famous for packing an incredible number of colors into one affordable package, often 15, 20, or even more. This makes them perfect for aspiring nail artists or anyone who loves to change their nail color frequently and experiment with different designs.

Pros:

• Unmatched variety of colors included in one kit.
• A reliable 48W lamp provides consistent curing.
• Incredible value for the sheer number of polishes you receive.
• Ideal for nail art and building a large color collection quickly.

Cons:

• The massive color choice can be overwhelming for an absolute beginner.
• Individual polish bottles are very small (sampler size).

Vishine Travel Gel Polish Kit - Best for Travel & Portability

For the person on the go, this compact kit from Vishine is a perfect companion. It features a foldable, mini 24W LED lamp that is surprisingly effective and can be powered via USB. While it's not designed for heavy-duty, everyday use, it's perfect for touch-ups or doing your nails while traveling.

Pros:

• Incredibly compact and lightweight.
• USB-powered lamp is convenient for travel.
• Very affordable.
• Sufficient for quick manicures and repairs.

Cons:

• Low-wattage lamp requires longer curing times.
• Limited tools and color selection included.

Benefits of Using a Gel Polish Starter Kit

Why has the DIY gel nail trend exploded? Here are the key benefits:

• Cost savings: One salon manicure costs $30–60. A starter kit ($40–80) can be reused multiple times. After just 1–2 DIY sessions, you break even.
• Ultimate convenience: No appointments, no travel time. Do your nails anytime – whether during a relaxing evening or weekend movie night.
• All-in-one solution for beginners: Kits are specially designed with instructions and compatible products, no guesswork required.
• Long-lasting results: With proper application, at-home gel nails last 2–3 weeks with shine and scratch resistance comparable to salons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does one gel polish starter kit last?

A: One manicure lasts 2–3 weeks. Each bottle in a kit can cover 10–20 full sets, making it very cost-effective.

2. Is doing gel nails at home safe?

A: Yes, if done correctly. Avoid contact with skin, work in a ventilated space, and remove gel using acetone (not peeling). Choose 5-Free or 9-Free products for added safety.

3. Is it easy for beginners?

A: Very easy! Starter kits are designed for beginners. After 1–2 tries, you’ll get the hang of it and enjoy the process.

4. Do I need to buy extra items?

A: Kits usually cover your first few manicures. Later, you may want to buy pure acetone for removal, more gel colors, or nail art accessories if you like experimenting.