15 Best Builder Gels For Nails That Work

Here are the best builder gels that will help build up your nails. If you’re looking for new nail art supplies to try that will help you achieve a strong DIY manicure, look no further than builder gels.

We work with builder gels all the time here and have some great first hand information to share with you.

Builder gels are different than regular gel nail art kits. It is specially formulated to create a strong and long-lasting manicures on natural nails and nail tips & forms.

Have you ever wanted to give yourself a manicure but didn’t know where to start? Well, we are here to help!

In this blog post, we will be sharing some of the best selling builder gels that we have used here for creating the perfect at-home manicure.

What is builder gel?

Builder gel is a type of thick, viscous gel used in the beauty and cosmetics industry, particularly in nail care. It is applied to nails to create extensions, add strength, and shape the nails.

Builder gel is often used in the process of sculpting and building artificial nails, providing a durable and long-lasting result. Check out our complete guide to using builder gels if you are new to nail art.

Best Builder Gels

1. Morovan builder gel kit

Here is a hard builder gel that is thick enough so it won’t run, and also and self leveling. Morovan’s formula is easy to spread onto the natural nail or form.

And it will go on smoothly when using a medium brush. This is one of the best builder gels for lengthening your nails or for nail embeds. For those of you who are beginners, this is a good brand to try.

2. Morovan Color builder gel

Morovan also offers a builder gel kit with 6 jelly polish colors to choose from. They have several different color combinations on the same listing so you can choose what colors you like.

With these builder gel kits, you also get a brush, nail file and forms. The forms are good for building up the gel if you are not using nail tips. If you have not used builder gel before, it does take practice to get the nails perfectly shaped.

After curing, there will be a sticky layer on the nail surface. You just need to wipe the surface of the builder gel nail with a slip solution or rubbing alcohol to remove it easily.

3. Saviland builder gel in a bottle

What builder gel comes in a bottle? For those who are looking for a builder gel that comes in a a bottle, this gel from Saviland is a great one to try. There’s many different ways to use this builder gel too.

You can use this for extending your natural nails, nail repairs, or to reinforce thin nails. This brand also carries a wide variety of nail art supplies like nail dipping powders.

If this is your first time with a builder gel, you might find that a brush on gel might be easier to apply to your nails or forms than the builder gels that come in pots. 

4. Saviland builder gel in a pot

Looking for a builder gel that won’t run out quickly? Look no further than this builder gel for nails that comes in a pot!

This large pot of builder gel is perfect for building up your natural nails or nail forms. This builder gel is long-lasting and crack resistant.

We have used Saviland products before and regularly use their fine liner nail brush sets to get a perfect line by the cuticle area.

5. Saviland builder gel color kit

Saviland also offers a clear, pink and nude builder gel sets like this one. This set comes with three colors of hard gel for nails, a 15ml top coat base coat, 100pcs nail forms, 1pcs gel nail brush and 1pcs nail file.

So if you are looking for a great gift idea for someone who is just starting out with a builder gel, then this is a good set to start out with.

This clear nail extension gel is made of high quality resin materials. It has high transparency and high glossiness.

6. Born Pretty extension gel

Let’s head on over to the Born Pretty shop. We have worked with this brand so many times and absolutely love their formulas.

If you need just a clear builder gel, this shop has an extension builder gel that will give you a hard finish once cured.

7. CND Designer Dips builder gel

CN Designer Dips also carries builder gels including clear and pink. This builder gel is HEMA free. 

Many people find that HEMA-based builder gels have a strong, unpleasant odor. HEMA-free builder gels typically have a lower odor or are odor-free, making them more pleasant to use.

HEMA-free builder gels may have improved adhesion properties, which can result in a longer-lasting and stronger nail enhancement.

8. Beetles builder gel in a bottle

Here is a builder gel that comes in a bottle. These kinds of builder gels are easy to use since you just brush them on.

When you need a quick coat onto your natural nail to help strengthen, then this is the way to go. 

Beetles builder gel is different from than acrylic nails which need monomer, and hard gels so they are very beginner friendly.

Can last just as long as acrylic as long as it is taken care of and if the product is applied correctly.

9. Beetles builder gel set

For those just getting into builder gels, Beetles also has a set of three that comes with the foundation, builder gel and the top coat.

When it comes to builder gel, starting with a base prep is essential. Without taking the necessary steps to properly prepare your nails and polish them off accordingly, you could waste valuable time and energy during the builder gel application process.

Plus, it’s necessary in order for builder gels to stick and adhere to the natural nail bed. 

10. IBD clear builder gel

IBD also has the best selling builder gel that comes in a pot. This is thicker than regular builder gel that comes in a bottle.

And you can use this for building up a natural or fake nail tip. This gel is also good for embeds and adding loose glitter elements to your manicure.

11. Modelones hard builder gel

This is a very popular builder gel because it’s so easy to use. You get quite a lot in this pot so it will last for a while when you are doing manicures at home. This set comes with some forms and also a brush.

See our complete review of Modelones builder gel.

You can use this builder gel for nail extensions, nail carving and nail art decorations like dried flowers. It’s quite thick so it will pretty much stay in place while you are working with it until it cures.

12. Mia Secret builder gel

Looking for a professional builder gel to create gorgeous nails at home? Look no further than this builder gel by Mia Secret. This self leveling gel is perfect for creating nail art extensions.

Their gel is easy to apply with a brush. It’s consistency is easy to work with to make nail extensions using sculptural nail forms.

13. Milky White builder gel

Here’s an Etsy shop that has so many cool and fun nail art supplies including builder gel. If you are looking for some fun ways to use builder gel, then definitely check out this shop.

They offer builder gels in many different colors so you can pick out your favorites to try for your manicures.

14. Milky White Builder Gel

Milky white builder gel is one of the most unique and beautiful shades when it comes to manicures and very versatile.

It’s a cool tone that often looks great with any other color. Although milky white can look simple and elegant, it also works well with other decorations for more dramatic effects.

It’s an especially good choice for a French manicure because it helps bring out the contrast between the pinky-white tip and natural color of your nails.

15. IBD pink builder gel in a bottle

Another easy to use builder gel that comes in a bottle. Here is the IBD hard gel nail extension gel.

This is formulated to self level slowly so that it will stay in place but also level out properly. You can brush this on and then with your brush, refine the nail before curing.

IBD focuses on building stronger relationships with the best salons and professionals the world has to offer, changing the way we experience beauty and nail care one salon visit at a time.

Tips for using builder gel

1. Proper Nail Preparation

Before applying builder gel, ensure your nails are clean, dry, and free from oils. Lightly buff the nail surface to create a better bond. Use a dehydrator or primer as needed to improve adhesion.

2. Thin and Even Application

Apply builder gel in thin, even layers. Building up the product gradually allows for better control and a more natural-looking result. Avoid applying the gel too thick, as it may lead to uneven curing and a less durable finish.

3. Use a Quality UV or LED Lamp

Invest in a high-quality UV or LED lamp for proper curing. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended curing times for each layer. Inadequate curing can result in the gel not setting properly, leading to problems such as peeling or lifting.

4. Perfecting the Shape

Shape the builder gel as you go. Before curing each layer, ensure the desired shape is achieved. Builder gel is often used to create extensions or enhance the natural nail shape, so take the time to sculpt it to your preference.

5. Top Coat Application

Finish with a top coat designed for builder gels. This adds a glossy finish and enhances the durability of the manicure. Make sure to cap the edges of the nails to seal the builder gel layers properly.

Builder Gel FAQ’s

In Closing: Thank you for taking the time to explore these tips for using builder gels. We hope you find them helpful in achieving beautiful and long-lasting nail enhancements.

If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences and tips, feel free to do so below. Happy nail care, and may your results be as fabulous as your nails!

If you decide to use builder gels and are removing them with a nail drill, you will also want to check out these nail dust machines.