Builder Gel Products

I've tested dozens of builder gels over the years—from $8 Amazon finds to $40 salon brands. Here are the ones actually worth your money, organized by budget and experience level.

Disclosure: We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Budget-Friendly Options

Great for beginners or anyone who wants quality without breaking the bank. These products deliver solid results under $20.

Beetles Builder Gel for Nails
Beetles

Beetles Builder Gel for Nails

$

Best for: Beginners

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Modelones Builder Nail Gel Kit
Modelones

Modelones Builder Nail Gel Kit

$

Best for: Beginners

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Makartt Clear Gel Builder Kit
Makartt

Makartt Clear Gel Builder Kit

$

Best for: Budget buyers

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Mia Secret Formagel Builder Gel Kit
Mia SecretPro

Mia Secret Formagel Builder Gel Kit

$$

Best for: Intermediate

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Gelish Structure Brush-On Builder
GelishPro

Gelish Structure Brush-On Builder

$$

Best for: Professionals

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Professional Grade

Salon-quality products with superior performance. Worth the investment if you're serious about nails or working professionally.

The GelBottle BIAB™ Builder In A Bottle
The GelBottle Inc.Pro

The GelBottle BIAB™ Builder In A Bottle

$$$

Best for: Professionals

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Au Lait HEMA-Free BIAB™
The GelBottle Inc.Pro

Au Lait HEMA-Free BIAB™

HEMA-Free$$$

Best for: Sensitive clients

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Kokoist Excel Builder Clear
KokoistPro

Kokoist Excel Builder Clear

$$$

Best for: Professionals

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Quick Comparison

ProductPriceBest ForHEMA-FreeViscosity
Beetles Builder Gel for Nails$BeginnersNoMedium
Modelones Builder Nail Gel Kit$BeginnersNoMedium
Makartt Clear Gel Builder Kit$Budget buyersNoMedium
Mia Secret Formagel Builder Gel Kit$$IntermediateNoMedium-Thick
The GelBottle BIAB™ Builder In A Bottle$$$ProfessionalsNoSelf-leveling
Au Lait HEMA-Free BIAB™$$$Sensitive clients✓ YesSelf-leveling
Kokoist Excel Builder Clear$$$ProfessionalsNoMedium
Gelish Structure Brush-On Builder$$ProfessionalsNoSelf-leveling

In-Depth Reviews

What to Look For

🔍 For Beginners

  • • Self-leveling formula (more forgiving)
  • • Medium viscosity (easier to control)
  • • Brush-in-bottle format (convenient)
  • • Budget-friendly to practice with

💅 For Professionals

  • • Pot format for more control
  • • Multiple viscosities for different uses
  • • HEMA-free for sensitive clients
  • • Proven long-term wear performance

Ready to Start?

Check out our beginner's guide for step-by-step instructions on using any builder gel.

View Application Guides