We Tried Le Mini Macaron's Gel Manicure Kit & Weren't Impressed Beyond The Packaging

Gel manicures have been all the rage for years now, and while you used to have to get them done at a salon, there are many DIY kits you can try in the comfort of your home now. Granted, you don't feel as pampered doing your own nails, but sometimes you need a last-minute mani when plans suddenly come up or your polish begins to chip.

The gel polish market is constantly evolving, as seen with products Le Mini Macaron's 1-Step DIY Glossy Gel Manicure Kit, which comes with its own LED lamp — a nice touch considering that UV nail polish dryers have sparked health concerns. For $38 at Ulta Beauty or on Le Mini Macaron's website, you also get a small nail file, a cuticle stick, 10 remover wraps, and a nail polish of your choice. We chose the shade Cherry Red, but there are nine other options to choose from, too. According to the set's description, the polish's formula contains a base and top coat, so it's pretty much a one-step application. Yes, you read that right: You don't apply your base and top coats separately with this set. We couldn't wait to give the kit a try because of this, but it unfortunately didn't nail it.

Though the set as didn't win us over, we have to give Le Mini Macaron points for its packaging. The entire kit, including the LED lamp, comes in the color you chose. The Cherry Red shade we chose is perfect for the holidays, and upon opening the box, we thought it would make a great gift. However, the application proved difficult and frustrating, making us take back that thought. 

First, we were sure to avoid the biggest gel nail polish mistake: not prepping your nails before beginning. As instructed, we pushed back our cuticles with the provided stick and cleaned the surface of our nails with polish remover. We applied a thin layer, but the formula kept spreading outside of our nails, so we kept having to clean them up.

The LED lamp can only cure one finger at a time, so the process is a bit tedious. You insert each finger into the lamp for 30 seconds on the first round and then again after the second coat. The lamp shuts off automatically after 30 seconds, which was a convenient touch at least. Mechanically, though, it could use some work: The top and bottom are separate and come together with magnets, but they kept shifting apart, meaning we had to adjust them often. The heat from the lamp also got uncomfortable at times, so those with sensitive skin may want to avoid using it.

We all know that gel manicures are difficult to remove — after all, they're meant to stay put for weeks — but Le Mini Macaron makes it a touch easier with its remover wraps. The little packets contain cloths with acetone, and you simply tear them open and insert your fingers into each pad. Then, remove the adhesive, and wrap the packets around your nails tightly. Wait for about 15 minutes, and the polish will be broken up but not removed completely. We were able to scrub the remainder off with a file and use nail polish remover to get most of the debris off, but we were disappointed that the removers didn't fully live up to their name. It's also worth noting that the kit only includes 10 remover packets — enough for one manicure — so you'll have to purchase more separately for future uses.

Ultimately, if you have the patience and dexterity to use this kit (and particularly love gel manicures), go for it — you could find a new favorite product. As for us, this set didn't wow us enough to break it out again, so we'll stick with regular polish or treat ourselves to a gel manicure at our favorite nail salon.