What the Gel?
What the Gel?
What the Gel?
What the Gel?
What the Gel?
What the Gel?
What the Gel?
What the Gel?

What the Gel?

4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
256 Reviews
$ 10.50
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Gel-like Top Coat

  • Trusted by 100,000+ polish lovers
  • Easy returns — happiness guaranteed
  • In stock, ready to ship
  • Backordered, shipping soon
Product Type
Top Coat
Finish
High Gloss
What it does
Long-Lasting Wear High-Gloss Finish Protection
What it helps with
Short wear time Lack of shine Chipping too soon

Designed with a volumizing texture that offers a plump glossy finish. The thicker film offers a protective shield to help prevent splitting. Maximizes the wear characteristics of nail lacquer and smoothes surface imperfections. Thicker formula provides reinforcement and protects nails as well.

How to Use

Application: Apply one coat of gel-like top coat to shaded nails.

Note: "No" UV light required.

Watch

Which Top Coat Is Right for You?

Different finishes, different needs — choose the one that fits your routine.

In a Rush

Fast-drying top coat

For days you don’t want to wait

Dries quickly with a lightweight, clean shine you can rely on.

View Details

What the Gel?

Gel-like top coat

For a gel-like look, without UV

Plump, glossy finish with a gel-like look and added protection.

View Details

Matte-ly in Love

Matte top coat

For a modern, matte look

Soft velvet finish with no shine — just smooth texture.

View Details

Pearl Drops

Satin top coat

For a softer, satin glow

Subtle pearlescent sheen that gently catches the light.

View Details

Helpful add-ons

Make touch-ups, re-dos, and fresh starts easier.

4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
Based on 256 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 208
Total 4 star reviews: 18
Total 3 star reviews: 14
Total 2 star reviews: 6
Total 1 star reviews: 10
80%would recommend this product
How often do you use your hands?Rated 1.5 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
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256 reviews
  • DP
    D. P. R.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Age Range 35 - 44
    What is your nail type? Breaking
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 week ago
    Excellent product!

    This topcoat makes nail polish very shiny also protects and last longer. My nails feel stronger every time I use it. I will recommend this product and this company for their excellent customer service!!!

    How often do you use your hands?Rated 2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
    Was this helpful?
  • T
    Tay
    Verified Reviewer
    I do not recommend this product
    Age Range 35 - 44
    What is your nail type? Thin
    Rated 2 out of 5 stars
    3 weeks ago
    Long lasting but takes too long to dry

    This topcoat adds a nice shine and appears to make my nail polish last longer. The downside is it takes hours to dry down and by then I usually will have bumped into something or rested my hand on a surface leaving indents and imprints. I have found this to be the case no matter the nail polish or number of layers I use underneath. This might sound like user error but I do not have a single other topcoat including Essie Gel, OPI, Seche Vite that takes this long to dry down. After 2+ hours, I still found it liable to be tacky/gummy. I would not recommend for this reason.

    How often do you use your hands?Rated 1.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
    Was this helpful?
  • SP
    Shannon P.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Age Range 45 - 54
    What is your nail type? Breaking, Stained
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 month ago
    So shiny!

    I had my doubts about how gel like this would be considering that its formula is free of harmful chemicals. It is very shiny and after applying a few days ago hasn't lost its shine. Very happy with it.

    How often do you use your hands?Rated 1.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
    Was this helpful?
  • BB
    Bea B.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Age Range 65+
    What is your nail type? Weak, Stained
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 months ago
    Love it

    Purchased this because I like Ella& Mlla. This gel works very well for me. I also love your polishs.

    How often do you use your hands?Rated 2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
    Was this helpful?
  • A
    Angela
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 months ago
    5 Stars

    Great product

    Was this helpful?
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Easy steps to long-lasting nails

A simple routine for smoother application and longer wear

STEP 1

Prep + Clean

Clean, dry nails help polish apply smoothly and evenly.

Shop Nail Care

STEP 2

Base Coat (1 thin layer)

One thin layer helps polish adhere and look more even.

Shop Base Coat

STEP 3

Color (2–3 thin coats)

Apply 2–3 thin coats, letting each layer dry before the next.

Shop Nail Colors

STEP 4

Top Coat (seal + protect)

Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your manicure.

Shop Top Coat

As seen in

Cosmopolitan
Health
Life & Style
Nails Magazine
In Touch

Thoughtfully made for your nails

Made without the harsh chemicals commonly found in traditional polish

17-Free Formula

Made without the harsh chemicals commonly found in traditional polish

Gentle on nails

Helps minimize dryness and staining when used with a base coat

Cruelty-free & vegan

Never tested on animals

Salon-quality color at home

Smooth application, glossy finish

Learn more about our formula

FAQs

Answers to common questions about choosing, applying, and using top coats.

A top coat helps protect your manicure, smooth the finish, and enhance the final look—whether that’s glossy, matte, or satin. It’s the last step that seals everything in.

Each top coat is designed for a different need:

  • In a Rush dries quickly when time is limited
  • What the Gel? creates a gel-like shine without UV
  • Matte-ly in Love transforms polish into a modern matte finish
  • Pearl Drops adds a soft, satin glow

All four protect your manicure—they just finish it differently.

Yes. Our top coats are designed to work with all ella+mila nail polishes and most standard nail polishes.

No. All ella+mila top coats air-dry—no UV or LED lamp needed.

Apply your top coat once your color feels set to the touch. For best results, allow each layer of polish a short moment to settle before sealing it in.

Yes. Reapplying a top coat can help refresh the finish and smooth the look of your manicure.

Yes. All ella+mila top coats are 17-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.

If you want a classic, versatile finish, start with:

  • In a Rush for everyday use
  • What the Gel? if you love a plump, glossy look

You can always experiment with matte or satin finishes once you find your favorite.

More to love

Free shipping over $55

See shipping details

Easy returns & exchanges

Read our return policy

Fast support if you need us

Contact us