Beauty Nails 6 Top Coats That Make Regular Nail Polish Look Like a Gel Manicure By Marianne Mychaskiw Marianne Mychaskiw Instagram Marianne Mychaskiw is a New York-based freelance writer, editor, and lover of Britney Spears who covers everything from beauty and style, to wellness and entertainment. A graduate of St. John's University, Mychaskiw was a previous staffer at InStyle, working her way up from intern to associate beauty editor — so you already know she will never leave the house without slathering on mineral sunscreen. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on June 23, 2017 Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: SPL IMAGES/Getty Hail the gel manicure. Widely praised for its long-lasting abilities and a shine that won't quit for weeks, the treatment is by far one of our favorites on the salon menu, and if you get a particularly good one, working the same mani for a month is a possible feat. The downfall? That annoying, growing-out period where the gels start to lift and catch your hair underneath every time you run your fingers through, and of course, the damage done to our natural nails after the fact. Consider gel effect top coats the loophole, which deliver that same mirror-like shine, minus the upkeep and brittle nails. They give any traditional lacquer in your kit that coveted gel finish, but can be taken off with plain old nail polish remover. Shop our six favorites below. VIDEO: How to Master the Rise and Shine Manicure 01 of 06 Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Top Coat Courtesy Buy Now 02 of 06 Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Gel Top Coat Courtesy Buy Now 03 of 06 Dior Gel Top Coat Courtesy Buy Now 04 of 06 Seche Vite Vive Instant Gel Effect Top Coat Courtesy Buy Now 05 of 06 Essie Gel Setter Top Coat Courtesy Buy Now 06 of 06 Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat Courtesy Buy Now Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit