If you’re searching for the best nail polish sets, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you love the long-lasting shine of gel polish or prefer the easy application of regular polish, there are amazing sets available that will make your nails look salon-fresh. The best nail polish sets offer great colour variety, good quality, and value for your money. Popular options include the Beetles Gel Polish Set, OPI Nail Lacquer Mini Sets, and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel collections.
Why Nail Polish Sets Are Worth Your Money
Buying a nail polish set is smarter than buying single bottles one at a time. Here’s why:
You save money – Sets usually cost less per bottle than buying colours separately. This means more shades for your rand!
You get matching colours – Most sets come with colours that look great together. This makes it easy to mix and match or create fun nail art.
Perfect for beginners – If you’re new to doing your own nails, a set gives you everything you need to start.
Great for gifts – Nail polish sets make lovely presents for friends, sisters, moms, or anyone who loves pretty nails.
Understanding the Difference: Gel vs Regular Polish
Before we look at the best sets, let’s talk about what makes gel and regular polish different.
Regular Nail Polish
Regular polish is what most of us grew up using. It’s easy to put on and doesn’t need any special equipment. You simply apply it and let it dry in the air.
Pros:
- Easy to apply at home
- No special lamp needed
- Simple to remove with regular nail polish remover
- Cheaper than gel options
- Wide range of colours available
Cons:
- Chips within a few days
- Takes longer to dry completely
- Not as shiny as gel
Gel Nail Polish
Gel polish needs a UV or LED lamp to cure (harden) the polish. It lasts much longer than regular polish and has a super shiny finish.
Pros:
- Lasts 2-3 weeks without chipping
- Very shiny and professional looking
- Dries instantly under the lamp
- Stronger than regular polish
Cons:
- Needs a UV or LED lamp
- Harder to remove
- Can be more expensive
- Takes practice to apply well
Best Gel Nail Polish Sets in South Africa
1. Beetles Gel Polish Set
This is one of the most loved gel polish sets you can find. Beetles offers sets with 6, 12, or even 20 colours. The formula is thick but easy to work with, and the colours are true to what you see in the bottle.
What I love about it:
- Great colour payoff
- Lasts up to three weeks
- Works with most UV/LED lamps
- Affordable price point
Price range: R300 – R600 depending on the size
2. Modelones Gel Polish Starter Kit
Perfect for beginners! This set comes with everything you need – base coat, top coat, colours, and sometimes even a lamp.
What makes it special:
- All-in-one kit for newbies
- Good quality for the price
- Easy to apply formula
- Nice colour selection
Price range: R400 – R800
3. Gellen Gel Nail Polish Set
Gellen offers beautiful colour combinations in their sets. They have everything from soft pastels to bold reds and deep winter shades.
Highlights:
- Rich, pigmented colours
- Long-lasting formula
- Low odour
- Doesn’t damage nails with proper removal
Price range: R350 – R550
4. Makartt Gel Polish Collection
For those who want trendy colours, Makartt is a great choice. They often release sets that follow current fashion trends.
Best features:
- Fashion-forward colours
- Smooth application
- Professional results at home
- Good bottle size
Price range: R400 – R650
Best Regular Nail Polish Sets
1. OPI Mini Nail Lacquer Sets
OPI is a salon favourite worldwide, and their mini sets let you try lots of colours without spending too much. The quality is top-notch, and the colours are gorgeous.
Why it’s great:
- Salon-quality polish
- Beautiful colour range
- Perfect mini sizes for trying new shades
- Long-lasting compared to other regular polishes
Price range: R350 – R500
2. Essie Nail Polish Sets
Essie is known for their stunning colours and smooth formula. Their sets often include their most popular shades.
Standout features:
- Creamy, smooth formula
- Wide brush for easy application
- Fashion-inspired colours
- Great for everyday wear
Price range: R300 – R450
3. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Set
This is a brilliant option if you want gel-like results without a lamp. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel gives you shine and wear time close to real gel polish.
What sets it apart:
- No lamp needed
- Lasts up to 8 days
- Easy removal
- Widely available in South Africa
Price range: R250 – R400
4. Revlon Nail Enamel Collection
Revlon offers good quality at friendly prices. Their sets are perfect for everyday use and come in classic colours everyone loves.
Key points:
- Budget-friendly
- Quick drying
- Chip-resistant formula
- Easy to find in local stores
Price range: R150 – R300
5. China Glaze Nail Lacquer Sets
Known for their fun and funky colours, China Glaze sets are perfect for those who like to be bold with their nails.
Highlights:
- Unique colour options
- Good quality formula
- Great for nail art
- Long-lasting shine
Price range: R300 – R500
Where to Buy Nail Polish Sets in South Africa
Finding good nail polish sets in South Africa is easier than you might think. Here are your best options:
Online stores:
- Takealot
- Superbalist
- Beauty Bounce
- Clicks online
- Amazon (with shipping to SA)
Physical stores:
- Clicks
- Dis-Chem
- Woolworths
- Pick n Pay
- Foschini
Tip: Keep an eye out for sales during Black Friday, end-of-season clearances, and holiday specials. You can often get amazing sets at half price!
How to Choose the Right Nail Polish Set for You
With so many options available, picking the right set can feel hard. Here’s how to make the best choice:
Think About Your Lifestyle
Do you have a busy life with lots of hand work? Gel polish might be better because it won’t chip easily. Do you like changing your nail colour often? Regular polish is easier to remove and change.
Consider Your Skill Level
If you’re just starting out, a regular polish set or a complete gel starter kit is your best bet. These come with everything you need and are easier to work with.
Look at the Colours
Pick a set with colours you’ll actually wear. There’s no point in buying a set of 12 bright neons if you only wear neutral shades. Think about what colours match your wardrobe and skin tone.
Check the Reviews
Before buying, always read what other people say about the product. Look for comments about:
- How long the polish lasts
- How easy it is to apply
- Whether the colours look like the pictures
- How well it removes
Set a Budget
Nail polish sets range from R150 to R800 or more. Decide how much you want to spend before you start shopping. Remember, expensive doesn’t always mean better!
Tips for Making Your Nail Polish Last Longer
No matter which type of polish you choose, these tips will help your manicure last:
For Regular Polish:
- Always use a base coat – This protects your nails and helps polish stick better
- Apply thin coats – Two thin coats are better than one thick coat
- Cap the tips – Run the brush along the edge of your nail to seal the polish
- Use a good top coat – This adds shine and protection
- Let each coat dry properly – Wait 2-3 minutes between coats
- Avoid hot water – For the first hour after painting
For Gel Polish:
- Prep your nails well – Push back cuticles and remove any oil from the nail surface
- Don’t skip the base coat – It’s very important for gel to stick
- Keep polish away from cuticles – This stops lifting and peeling
- Cure each layer properly – Follow the timing for your lamp
- Apply thin, even coats – Thick coats don’t cure properly
- Seal with top coat – Don’t forget to cap the tips!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
With Regular Polish:
- Shaking the bottle (roll it between your hands instead)
- Applying polish on oily nails
- Skipping base or top coat
- Not waiting for polish to dry before doing activities
With Gel Polish:
- Using too much product
- Not curing long enough
- Getting polish on your skin or cuticles
- Peeling off gel polish (this damages your nails!)
- Using a lamp that’s not strong enough
How to Remove Nail Polish Safely
Removing Regular Polish:
- Soak a cotton pad with nail polish remover
- Press it on your nail for a few seconds
- Wipe off the polish
- Wash hands and apply hand cream
Tip: Use acetone-free remover if you have dry or weak nails.
Removing Gel Polish:
- Gently file the shiny top layer of the gel
- Soak cotton pads in acetone
- Place soaked cotton on each nail
- Wrap each finger with foil
- Wait 10-15 minutes
- Gently push off the softened gel with an orange stick
- Buff nails lightly and apply nail oil
Never peel off gel polish! This takes layers of your natural nail with it and causes damage.
Building Your Nail Polish Collection
Starting a nail polish collection is fun and rewarding. Here’s how to build one smartly:
Must-Have Colours:
- A nude or pink that matches your skin tone
- Classic red
- Deep berry or plum
- Neutral grey or taupe
- Fun bright colour (orange, coral, or pink)
- One glitter or shimmer shade
- Clean white and true black
Seasonal Additions:
- Summer: Bright corals, oranges, and electric pinks
- Winter: Deep reds, burgundies, and forest greens
- Spring: Soft pastels and lilacs
- Autumn: Browns, burnt oranges, and mauves
My Personal Experience with Nail Polish Sets
As someone who has been doing my own nails for over five years, I’ve tried many different sets. I started with cheap sets from local markets, moved to mid-range brands, and have also used salon-quality products.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Price matters, but not as much as you’d think. Some of my favourite polishes come from affordable brands. The secret is in the application and proper nail prep.
I also found that having both gel and regular polish options is great. I use gel when I need my nails to look perfect for a week or two, like for events or holidays. For everyday changes and playing with colours, regular polish works perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper application and care, gel polish can last 2-3 weeks without chipping. Some people even get 4 weeks of wear.
Gel polish itself doesn’t damage nails. The damage comes from improper removal – especially peeling it off. Always remove gel properly with acetone.
Yes! You can apply regular polish over cured gel polish. This is a great way to change colours without removing your gel base.
Yes, real gel polish needs a UV or LED lamp to cure. Products like Sally Hansen Miracle Gel are not true gels – they’re regular polish with a gel-like finish.
Regular polish is gentler on weak nails because it’s easier to remove. If you want to use gel, make sure to give your nails breaks between applications.
Look for sets with consistent reviews, good colour payoff in photos from real users, and polishes that don’t need many coats for full coverage.
Wrapping It Up
Finding the best nail polish set depends on your needs, budget, and how long you want your manicure to last. Gel polish sets like Beetles and Modelones are perfect for long-lasting, salon-quality nails at home. Regular polish sets from OPI, Essie, and Sally Hansen give you easy application and beautiful colours for everyday wear.
Whatever you choose, remember that practice makes perfect. Your first few attempts might not be flawless, and that’s okay! Keep trying, follow the tips in this guide, and soon you’ll be doing your own nails like a pro.
Ready to start your nail polish collection? Pick a set that matches your style, grab a good base coat and top coat, and get painting! Your beautiful nails are waiting.
Got questions about nail care or want more beauty tips? Follow Salon Journal for the latest trends and helpful guides for all your beauty needs.