7 Best LED Lamps for a Pro-Level, At-Home Manicure | Allure

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Gel polish devotees know shiny, long-lasting manicures cost a pretty penny, so when we came across the best LED lamps, (sometimes referred to as UV lamps—even when there isn’t a UV bulb involved) we breathed a sigh of glossy relief. Even if you know you pale in comparison to your god-sent nail tech, giving yourself a gel manicure at home from time to time can help save some cash, give you the long-lasting nail color you want, and even inspire you to get creative with your claws. Without further ado, shop the best UV lamps the web has to offer, plus nail artist and dermatologist insight on what makes a good one.

Lke

Amazon

Why it's worth it: LKE's Gel UV LED Nail Lamp brings salon-level quality at a chef's-kiss price. It's equipped with 21 LED light beads that turn on automatically when you slide in your hand, and its open-back design protects your freshly painted nails safe from smudging. The lamp also offers three timer settings with an LCD screen to track the countdown.

Size: 8.5 x 5.2 x 2.9 inches | Watts: 40 | Who it's for: everyone

Gelish

Amazon

Why it's worth it: You can get big mani energy without a big bulky lamp with Gelish's Mini LED Light is proof. Petite and powerful, this lamp is ideal for curing soak-off polishes (Gelish makes a ton of those, like this metallic hue or this lavender pastel) and only takes 45 seconds. Since it's effectively travel-sized, keep in mind you can only cure four fingers (or toes) at a time.

Size: 7.3 x 4.3 x 3.5 inches | Watts: 45 | Who it's for: people looking for a travel option

Sunuv

Amazon

Why it's worth it: A go-to for both professionals and rookies, Sunuv's UV LED cures nails quickly using 30 LED beads and features three timer options: five seconds to tackle a single nail or secure a gem or sticker, 30 seconds for a base coat, and 60 seconds for the top coat. While you're at it, tack the brand's base and top coat duo onto your purchase.

Size: 6 x 7.5 x 8.5 inches | Watts: 48 | Who it's for: everyone

MelodySusie

Amazon

Why it's worth it: This cordless 2-in-1 Gel X Lamp by MelodieSusie allows for super-precise application, nail by nail, using UV and LED light to cure acrylics and gels. You can adjust the lamp's swivel neck to position it at your ideal angle and recharge it for up to six hours of anywhere-use.

Size: 7.4 x 5.5 x 4.3 inches | Watts: n/a | Who it's for: people who want a portable option

Le Mini Macaron

Nordstrom

Anthropologie

Why it's worth it: Okay, cute. Le Mini Macaron's Le Pro does the trick and looks pretty doing it (and makes for a great gift). With 36W and three-time settings, this lamp fits all five fingers simultaneously without bringing on the bulk. If you'd rather go for a set, Le Mini Macaron has you covered—like this advent calendar is unreal.

Size: 8.9 x 8.9 x 3.7 inches | Watts: 36W | Who it's for: people who care about looks

Manicurist

Amazon

Why it's worth it: The Manucurist Green Flash Slim LED Gel Nail Polish Kit reminds us that nothing hits quite like a bundle. It includes everything you need for a DIY OMG moment: a base coat, top coat, Coral Red polish, a bottle of non-acetone remover, five nail clips, and an LED lamp. It functions a tad differently than your typical gel mani, though: The Green Flash polish lasts ten days and can be removed with acetone-free nail polish remover.

Size: 11.6 x 9.5 x 4.7 inches | Watts: 36W | Who it's for: people who want an easy-removal option

Gelcare

Amazon

Why it's worth it: The wireless, rechargeable Gelcare LED Nail Lamp powers up automatically using a hand sensor and features a grooved plate insert to guide your hand to the perfect spot for precise drying. You can pick from three timer settings—30, 60, or 120 seconds—to cure your nails and slide out the bottom plate to make extra room for pedicures when it’s the time. Naturally, Gelcare offers a stunning range of polishes and nail care products to complement your new gadget. We love this jelly, Rose Water shade.

Size: N/A | Watts: 36W | Who it's for: everyone

When shopping for a lamp to set your gels, you might notice that "UV" and "LED" are used interchangeably or together. So what's the deal? "One main difference is the bulb—LED stands for ‘light-emitting diode.’ A diode is a type of bulb," says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. “UV lamps emit broad-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light. This means they cover a wider range of wavelengths to cure gel products.” The downside is that UV lights take longer to cure nails—think two to three minutes.

Both lamps cure polishes, but true UV lamps have largely been phased out. “I have not seen a nail lamp with traditional UV bulbs in probably close to 8 years—they are very outdated,” she says.

In short, yes. You're right to be hesitant about anything that exposes your skin to UV rays, but, as Kandelic puts it, "you get more UV exposure walking to your mailbox than in an entire nail appointment."

Gel polish itself can be potentially irritating, so if you're experiencing an adverse reaction, you might not be tolerating the chemicals in your lacquer. Dana Stern, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of nail-care line Dr. Dana, explained to Allure that you can get contact dermatitis from a gel manicure; you'll notice it on the skin surrounding the nail. Still, this isn't an allergic reaction. Rather, it's a response to an "irritant" due to “damage to skin cells caused by overexposure to a harsh chemical,” she says.

Ideally, go for a system over a single product. You get the best results "by using a full system as it was meant to—base color, colors, top coat, and their lamp—and following the manufacturer's directions," says Kandalec. While there are a ton of high-rated options on Amazon, if you're shopping for something not on this list, be sure it's from an authorized seller that supplies an MSDS (material safety data sheet) with the lamp or kit.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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