I recently came across this base coat which helps you achieve a gel polish like look at home without the UV light. Its called Gelous Nail Gel, I got it at my local Sally's for $5.99!! And the best part is you can use this with any regular nail polish!!
I know this all sounds way to good to be true and in a way it minorly is ... I've been using this for the last couple of months and I'd say my manicure lasts about 7ish days before I start getting some chippage. Which I've found is perfect for me because by then I'm ready to change my color and I like short nails so they usually need a trim. All in all I would definitely recommend this for a those of you who do your nails at home a lot. Before using this product I would find my polish chipping after about 3-5 days so I like how I can get away with a few more days with this basecoat.
How to use Gelous:
Step 1: Obviously start with clean dry polish free nails, apply 2 coats of Gelous allowing a couple of minutes in between for drying
Step 2: Apply any nail polish of your choice, allow it to dry for a couple of minutes
Step 3: Apply another coat of Gelous, allow this layer to dry a bit longer 5ish minutes
Step 4: Apply another coat of your nail color
Step 5: Finish with a top coat, I use Out the Door (also $5.99 at Sally's), I like this top coat a bit better than the ever popular Seche Vite because it doesn't get super thick after just a couple of uses.