Can you tell the difference between normal nail varnish and gel polish by looking?

[BlueMarigold]

I very rarely get my nails done but I recently bought some nail varnish from Boots and had a couple of people ask me where I got them done. I was very happy until it chipped after a couple of days. I know that gel polish is supposed to last longer. But does that mean that it is hard to actually tell the difference just by looking?

I can always tell I think. You can get some that are pretty similar to gels but wouldn't retain the gloss and hardness for as long. If you don't get gels already make sure you know what you're getting in to in terms of removal and what your nails may be like after.

No it looks the same. But it's harder (imho) to take off. You need to buff it off.

In the first day or so normal polish can look as good (but generally doesn't look as thick) but then tends to dull slightly and wear at the tips even if it doesn't chip.

Interesting to know that visually it’s hard to tell the difference. Cost wise it seems cheaper to do it at home. If it’s for a special occasion it only needs to last that day.

Not on day 1, not so if it's for a special event, regular polish is just fine and won't trash your nails. (Mine take months to recover if I use gel. Yes, even when correctly removed).

Gel looks 'fatter' to me.

I can see it, it’s the high shine (and very obvious regrowth)

I had an awesome top coat that did the same, and appeared plump, although didn’t last 10 days etc. it’s discontinued now.

I can tell the difference quite easily, its the thickness. I don't know why it matters though, the issue is more what suits you. I don't wear polish alone as I never seem to sit enough for it to dry and it chips immediately whereas I can get my gels to last a week. I'm rough with my hands though and love having nails done so perhaps I pay more attention to other people's nails than most!

Yes, as others have said, thicker, glossier, etc

Gel is always shinier.

With gel there is always a gap, whereas you can paint right up to the cuticle/skin.

I have been tempted to get a home kit and try to do the gel without leaving a gap as I do like the fuller look of gel.

I recently saw a YouTube video where someone was asking a dermatologist what the rash around her nails were and she said it was an allergy to gel polish and warned her viewers not to do it at home. This allergy can cause major issues, and is relatively common, so one medication and treatment can't be used. It's not worth the risk IMO

I can tell the difference. If people asked you where you got them done, it doesn't necessarily mean they looked like gels though, you can get normal polish done at a nail bar.

My nails never recovered from getting gel ONCE (not removed properly though as I had no clue how it was meant to be done). I wish I'd never done it, they're horrible, constantly peeling and brittle, they were so healthy before everyone commented on how lovely they were 😭

Oh no I am too scared to get gels now! I am also a bit worried about putting my hands under a uv lamp so I think I will just stick to normal nail varnish. If it comes off I can just redo it.

If you apply a layer of gloss top coat each day, it extends the wear a lot.