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 top-selling 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 interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
-
If I See You Wearing Any of These Summer Nail Trends, I'll Immediately Know You Have Taste
Hop on before they hit the mainstream.
-
According to Celebrity Manicurists (and Hailey Bieber), "Soft Serve" Nails Are Taking Over Summer 2025
So yummy.
-
This Is Going to Be *the* Biggest (and Most Elegant) Pedicure Trend of the Summer, According to My Nail Artist
Got milk?
-
Dua Lipa's Grand Prix Manicure Combines Two of the Chicest Nail Trends of the Summer
Swooning!
-
Remember Jelly Shoes? This Juicy Manicure Is the '90s-Inspired Nail Equivalent
Ooey-gooey and oh so fabulous.
-
I Thought I Was Over This "Juvenile" Nail Color, But Rihanna Just Convinced Me Otherwise
Perfect for summer.
-
Lisa Just Co-Signed Selena Gomez's Go-To Date-Night Nail Color—I'm Sprinting to My Manicurist
This shade stretches way past Valentine’s Day.
-
Confirmed: The Watery Nail Trend Is Set to Replace Milky Nails This Spring
Sheer nails just got an upgrade.