I tend to judge nail gels by three things: how easy they are to control, how natural the colour looks and whether they make shaping feel straightforward rather than messy.

These three have noticeably different textures and tones, so I would reach for each one for a slightly different type of manicure.

Milk Molecula 06

Milk Molecula 06 has a translucent, jelly-like texture with a muted taupe-brown tone that looks understated rather than heavy. I would choose it when I want a manicure that feels modern and minimal, especially if I am building a soft neutral base instead of going for an obvious pink or beige. The texture appears fluid enough to spread smoothly while still giving enough body to shape the nail, and the shade has that slightly smoky quality that works especially well for pared-back manicures.

Nail Republic Gel Classic 204

Nail Republic Gel Classic No. 204 is much lighter and creamier in appearance, with a soft beige-pink colour that immediately gives a cleaner, brighter result. Compared with the Milk Molecula shade, this one looks more classic and neutral, so I would use it for everyday manicures, short nails or a base that needs to look polished without drawing too much attention. The consistency appears dense but workable, which is exactly what I want when I need a little more control around the apex and sidewalls.

Atashi Keratin Gel

Atashi Keratin Gel has the warmest look of the three, with a rosy pink shade that makes the nails appear softer and slightly more refined. I would pick this one when I want a manicure to look naturally enhanced rather than completely neutral, particularly for almond or oval shapes where a warm pink can make the whole nail look more elegant. The gel looks smooth and self-levelling, with enough opacity to create an even base while still keeping the finish natural.

All three work within the same pink manicure territory, but they create very different moods. Milk Molecula 06 is the most muted and contemporary, Nail Republic 204 is the cleanest classic pink, while Atashi gives the warmest and most softly flattering finish.