6 best builder gels of 2025 & Tips for beginners

Builder gel is a thick, high-viscosity gel that helps strengthen and extend natural nails, making it a flexible alternative to acrylics and traditional gel polish. However, choosing the right builder gel isn't always easy—especially for beginners. In this article, S&L Beauty brings you the top 6 best builder gels of 2025 along with tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

Beginner’s guide to buying builder gel

There are now many types of builder gel available on the market, offered by a wide range of brands. Each type comes with its own unique features — some are specifically formulated for professional nail technicians, while others are more beginner-friendly and ideal for those who enjoy doing their nails at home.

When you're buying builder gel for the first time, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind:

• Viscosity: Thicker gels are easier for sculpting, while thinner gels are better suited for applying overlays on natural nails.
• Self-leveling ability: This feature helps the gel smooth itself out, minimizing application mistakes and creating an even surface.
• Durability: Choose a builder gel that adheres well and resists lifting or chipping for long-lasting wear.
• Color: Select clear, nude, or colored gels depending on your aesthetic preferences and the style you want to achieve.

6 best builder gels of 2025

Now, let's get to the exciting part: our top 6 builder gel picks for 2025. These gels have been selected based on their quality, ease of use, durability, and popularity among both beginners and professionals.

S&L Soft Builder Gel

S&L Beauty was founded in 2019 with a mission to provide high-quality beauty experiences at affordable prices for all customers. In addition to offering a wide variety of gel nail polish shades, S&L’s builder gel has also received highly positive reviews from users.

S&L Beauty soft builder gel is especially praised for its ease of use, making it an excellent choice for beginners who are just getting started with builder gel. The product has a medium-thick consistency and smooth self-leveling ability, allowing for better control and easy building of strong nail structures. It's an ideal option if you're looking for a gel that creates a solid foundation without excessive flow during application.

For those focusing on short nail extensions or natural overlays, the "soft" nature of S&L Beauty Soft Builder Gel is a major advantage, as it allows more flexibility and ease during the learning process of nail application techniques.

Key Features

• Best builder gel for weak nails: Strengthens thin, brittle nails while maintaining natural flexibility.
• Smart soak-off formula: One of the best builder gels that can be easily removed with acetone — gentle and safe for natural nails.
• Self-leveling consistency: Creates a smooth, bubble-free surface for salon-quality results at home.
• Versatile application: Ideal for overlays, building an apex, or adding strength and thickness. S&L is recognized as one of the best builder gels for both beginners and professionals.
• Color: Crystal-clear transparency that works perfectly for natural looks or as a base for nail art.
• Finish: Ultra-glossy, smooth, and glass-like shine for a luxurious, long-lasting appearance.
• Cures quickly under LED/UV light: Ensures strong adhesion and lasting durability.
• Convenient packaging: Modern, compact bottle design for easy storage and precise application.
• Ideal 15ml volume: Provides multiple uses, offering excellent value for money.
• Soak-off gel type: Easily removed without damaging natural nails.
• Advanced protection: Helps prevent chipping, cracking, and peeling while supporting quick and gentle gel removal.
• Price: $12 for 15ml, offering great value for the quality.

Makartt Gel 5 in 1 Building Base Coat

Makartt’s builder gel is known for its excellent balance of quality and affordability. The 5-in-1 Building Base Coat is a versatile product that works as a base, builder, nail strengthener, and even for nail tip adhesion.

Its smooth consistency and strong hold make it beginner-friendly, while still offering the strength needed for overlays and light extensions. It’s also available in natural shades, perfect for a clean, salon-style look at home.

Key Features

• Multi-purpose: base, builder, adhesive
• Beginner-friendly texture
• No running or sagging
• Affordable and widely reviewed

OPI Builder Gel

From the globally recognized OPI brand, this builder gel features Intelli-Gel Technology for self-leveling and high adhesion. Its thick texture is easy to control and provides a long-lasting, professional finish with up to 3 weeks of wear.

OPI Builder Gel is especially popular in salons but is also suitable for at-home users thanks to its forgiving formula. It’s ideal for those who want flawless overlays or light sculpting with minimal effort.

Key Features

• Self-leveling & bubble-free
• High gloss finish
• Salon-trusted brand
• Long wear up to 3 weeks

Kiara Sky Gelly Tip – Builder

This builder gel is part of Kiara Sky’s Gelly Tip system and is perfect for creating strong, natural-looking overlays and extensions. Packaged in an iconic bottle, the gel is soft, soak-off, and beginner-friendly.

Its flexible formula supports nail growth and helps prevent chipping or lifting. It’s an excellent choice for users who want salon-quality nails without using acrylics.

Key Features

• Soak-off formula (15–20 min)
• Flexible and long-wearing (up to 3 weeks)
• Ideal for overlays and light extensions
• Cruelty-free and damage-free

Glitterbels Builder Gel

Loved for its creamy consistency and smooth application, Glitterbels Builder Gel is a go-to for both professionals and beginners. It comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, including subtle shimmers.

The gel offers excellent control, self-leveling properties, and strong adhesion, making it easy to achieve a flawless finish. Glitterbels is often praised for providing salon-level results at home.

Key Features

• Smooth and easy to apply
• Self-leveling and durable
• Available in shimmer/nude tones
• Suitable for sculpting and overlays

Gelish Brush On Builder Gel

This “Builder in a Bottle” from Gelish is perfect for those who want quick, hassle-free application. The brush-on format feels like applying regular polish but delivers salon-strength results.

Its self-leveling formula prevents flooding, bubbles, or uneven finishes. It’s also soak-off, cruelty-free, and vegan—making it a convenient and conscious choice for nail lovers.

Key Features

• Brush-on application
• Crystal clear and bubble-free
• No sidewall flooding
• Soak-off, vegan, and cruelty-free
• Wear time: 21+ days

Key Tips for Choosing Builder Gel as a Beginner

Choosing the right builder gel as a beginner can feel overwhelming, but here are some key tips to guide you:

• Start with a soft builder gel: Soft gels are generally more flexible and easier to work with for beginners compared to hard gels. They are also typically easier to soak off, which can be less damaging to your natural nails if you're still learning the removal process.
• Look for self-leveling formulas: Self-leveling properties mean the gel will smooth out on its own, reducing the appearance of brush strokes and making it easier to achieve an even surface. This is a huge advantage for beginners.
• Consider the viscosity: Thicker gels are better for sculpting and creating extensions, while thinner gels are good for overlays. As a beginner, you might find a medium-viscosity gel the easiest to manage.
• Read reviews: Before making a purchase, take the time to read reviews from other users, especially those who identify as beginners. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the ease of use and overall performance of the product.
• Start with clear or nude shades: Clear builder gel is versatile and allows you to apply any gel polish color on top. Nude shades can provide a natural look and are also a good starting point. Avoid highly pigmented or glittery builder gels initially, as they might be more challenging to apply smoothly.
• Don't forget the essentials: Ensure you have all the necessary tools, including a UV/LED lamp for curing, nail prep solutions (like dehydrator and primer), and appropriate brushes for application. Some brands offer starter kits that include these items.

FAQs About Choosing the Right Builder Gel

What is the difference between soft builder gel and hard gel?

Soft builder gel and hard gel differ primarily in their flexibility and removal process. Soft builder gel is more flexible and can typically be soaked off with acetone, similar to regular gel polish. It's often used for overlays on natural nails or short extensions.

Hard gel, on the other hand, is much more rigid and durable, making it ideal for creating longer and more sculpted extensions. Hard gel requires filing for removal as it cannot be easily soaked off. For beginners, soft builder gel is generally recommended due to its ease of use and removal.

Should I use soft or hard builder gel for doing nails at home?

If you're new to doing nails at home, soft builder gel is the better choice. It's more flexible, easier to apply, and safer to remove by soaking. In contrast, hard gel requires more skill and tools, making it less beginner-friendly. Starting with soft gel helps you learn the basics with less risk.

Does builder gel have a self-leveling formula?

Yes, many builder gels are self-leveling, meaning they spread evenly on their own after application. This makes them easier to use, especially for beginners, as they help create a smooth, professional finish with less effort. When shopping, look for gels that mention “self-leveling” in the description or reviews.

S&L Beauty hope this article helps you choose the right builder gel that suits your needs. With patience and consistent practice using the right products and techniques, you’ll soon be able to create beautiful and strong nails just the way you want!