We've Discovered the Secret to Getting the Perfect Gel Mani At Home

It’s a great feeling when you leave a salon with picture perfect glossy nails. There’s something about having manicured hands that can make you feel so much more put-together, no matter if you’re wearing a top-to-toe tracksuit or a power suit.
Some people are blessed with great nails and great habits (no nail nibbling in sight), some are naturally talented at nail art, and some, well, aren’t. I definitely fall into the latter and had long given up even trying to do my own nails at home, knowing that the average nail polish—no matter how many days wear they promised—would get chipped on my hands in under an hour. Even if I get the professionals to do it, unless it’s a hardwearing gel manicure, there’s no hope.
So when I recently discovered Le Mini Macaron’s DIY gel manicure sets, let’s just say, it was a game-changer. Nothing will ever beat that post-salon spoilt feeling, and I’m not claiming to be the next Sharmadean Reid, but if you’re a gel-mani addict like me and you can’t get out to the salon at the moment (I feel you), this may be the product your at-home beauty routine has been shouting out for.
Whether you decide to go all out deluxe with the maxi lamp or the classic one-nail-at-a-time standard sets, follow our expert tips here and you’ll get the perfect finish. You may never look back.
Shop Now
Up next, the little-known beauty brands that should be on your radar.

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily landed at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she has styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
-
A Good Sandal-Worthy Pedicure Is Everything to Me—7 Stylish Summer Nail Colors I Can't Stop Wearing
Limoncello! Periwinkle! Ultramarine!
-
It's Officially a Limoncello Summer: See How It Will Influence Your Hair, Nails, and Scent
I'm sensing a complete takeover.
-
The "Italian Market" Manicure Is Summer's Peak Nail Trend—See the Best Designs to Send to Your Manicurist
This sparks joy.
-
Gel Manis at Home Are Shockingly Easy—10 Expert-Approved UV Lamps That Save You Time and Money
They're a must-have.
-
Not Butter Yellow, Not Sheer Pink: The Dreamiest Nail Color to Wear All Summer, Per Rihanna and Selena
The trendsetters have spoken.
-
It's Official: "Pool Water" Nails Are Replacing Milky Manicures This Summer
The trend is flooding my FYP. Pun intended.
-
Sabrina Carpenter's Throwback Manicure Is the Stylish Summer Nail Inspo I Didn't See Coming
Hint: It's one of fashion's most popular prints.
-
I Tried the Controversial Manicure Taking Over TikTok—My Nails Look Unreal
10 out of 10, would do it again.