Gel nails: How to do it at home – and which are the best high street brands?

Closer Online's verdict: Sally Hansen is known for being a high quality high street nail polish brand, so it will be no surprise to hear that this was the only polish that didn't chip at all. It dried super fast, although it was quite a thick liquid, so it was a little difficult to get a good second coat on top. It wasn't quite as glossy as the other gel nail polishes. However, by the end of the week, it looked as though I'd only put it on two days ago. The bottle is nice and big as well, so you'd get loads out of it.Closer Online rating: 5/5amazon.co.uk

Closer Online's verdict: Nails inc is so popular and the beautiful packaging certainly helps. It was one of the prettiest bottles – and let's be honest, it does make a difference. It went onto the nail really easily and quickly, and it stayed perfect until day 3, when it ever so slightly chipped at the top – but it was hardly noticeable. It only became noticeable at day 5 where it got very chipped at the top and bottom of the nail, but it kept its beautiful shiny sheen.Closer Online rating: 4/5amazon.co.uk

Closer Online's verdict: Essie is chasing Nails inc for the title of prettiest bottle – just look at that! It was super easy to put on and looked amazing once the second layer had gone on. Sadly, it accidentally got knocked quite hard on the third day (don't trap your fingers in doors, girls) so there was a bit of a smudge where I'd tried to tidy it up. After that, it got chipped quite easily, but equally, it was my second most used finger so it did well to go through all that trial and tribulation and still look fab. The sheen was nice too – although it did stain the nail slightly after removal.Closer Online rating: 4/5amazon.co.uk

Closer Online's verdict: As one of the most popular high street make-up brands, Rimmel is definitely one to watch. It dried very quickly, which is great if you're in a rush – but it looked very thin on the first layer, so two or three coats would definitely be necessary. Unfortunately, it had started chipping by only the second day. It didn't stay very well throughout the week, and nearly a third of the nail was showing by the end.Closer Online rating: 3/5amazon.co.uk

Closer Online's verdict: It's got to be said, Maybelline was pleasantly surprising – it lasted the entire week with only so much as a little scratch on the edge of one nail, and even that only occurred on the last day. It had a beautiful finish, although that could have been the lovely shade, and it kept its shine the whole week.Closer Online rating: 5/5amazon.co.uk

Closer Online's verdict: This shade is being marketed as a bright and fun festival colour, and it certainly is that. Whilst it went on super easy, it still looked a little thin after two coats, so a third looked good. The shine stayed nicely throughout the week, and only started to chip at day 5.Closer Online rating: 4/5izabellehammon.com

Closer Online's verdict: This polish stayed strong for a week before chips started to appear. The brand has a wide range of colours and it's very easy to use - grab yourself an LED lamp and enjoy.Closer online rating: 4/5Grab yourself the Red Carpet Manicure Starter Kit including LED light, for just £54.95.amazon.co.uk

Closer Online's verdict: The dryer was very intuitive – using a sensor to see when there was a nail under it ready to be dried, and it flashed after 30 seconds so you knew when to take it out. VERY clever. Unfortunately, this nail polish too was a little precarious, and it sadly chipped at the top after just a couple of days. However, the rest of the polish stayed on perfectly throughout the week, and again came off super easy at the end.Closer Online rating: 4/5amazon.co.uk

Closer Online's verdict: This set came with four shades – red, pink, nude and silver, as well as a top coat and a base coat. Although it was a bit of an arduous process to put on as there was a lot to do, it was totally worth it. Just make sure you use the lint wipes to get rid of the tacky top layer! It stayed on perfectly throughout the week, although the nail grew up quite a bit so there was a lot showing at the bottom. AND it was very easy to take off!Closer Online rating: 4/5Get the Mylee White Convex Curing Lamp kit with essentials - prep and wipe, gel remover, base and top coat and LED lamp at JustBeauty.co.uk for £39.99 - or the new PRO lamp for £37.99.amazon.co.uk

Closer Online's verdict: Can we just take a second to revel in the fact that this set is ROSE GOLD HEAVEN?! We think this would make the perfect Christmas present, FYI. SensatioNail's most recent, limited edition offering didn't disappoint, with the nail varnish lasting 6 days until it became loose at the sides/top on two nails - although that could've been due to not sealing it properly during painting (still new to this!). Rose gold is a lovely shade for Christmas and this kit has a load of bonus extras (like two super sharp pairs of rose gold clippers and a really high quality metal nail file) which come in handy even when you're not using the kit. Did we mention that it's rose gold?!Closer Online rating: 5/5boots.com