Hello bravegirl ... I agree with Izzi ... Don't get conflicted with bits and bobs of information and , with you tube, be very careful whose videos and which videos you watch. There is some shocking stuff on you tube and lots of duff information.
If I am reading your question correctly, you want to know if L&P is similar to gel in that gels offer different types of gel for different things; some for smoothing and some for enhancing? If that is your question, then the answer is no.
BUT ... you do need to be aware that there is a great difference between different qualities of L&P! Go with reputation ... The best L&P is different in many important and positive ways (both for the client and the nail technician) to the lower-end or even the middle-end brands.
