The Best Nail Polishes
At-home manicures not only save you precious time, but they could also save you tons of money. The best home manicures start with great nail polish. Choosing your polish is a matter of taste, and a must-have polish can vary based on your needs, experience, and stylistic inclinations. We've scoped out the market to bring you a selection of options suitable for a variety of styles and budgets.
What to Look For
Choosing a nail polish to suit your aesthetic is truly a matter of personal preference. For some people, that means rich colors, a quick-drying formula, or non-toxic ingredients. Finding a color that you connect with is of utmost importance, but assuring that it’s easy to apply will also ensure that you can get the best results at home. Our top pick from OPI blends both of these needs, with an extensive color selection and rapid drying formula that makes it easy to achieve salon-quality results at home. If you’re looking for a distinctive style to set you apart from the rest, the holographic polish from Ownest could be a fun departure from your usual hue. Take a look at the rest of our favorites below, and you’re sure to find a polish to match your style.
OPI Nail Lacquer Long Lasting Nail Polish
Beauty in a bottle
OPI is a well-known name in the nail care game, and once you try this long-lasting nail polish you’ll see why. The formula is thick enough that just a single coat could last for days or even a full week without chipping. They come in a range of skin tones to complement most complexions, and there are a bunch of louder colors available for special occasions.
Pros:
- Rapid drying formula
- Simple understated style
- Easy to achieve salon-quality results
Cons:
- Works best when combined with an OPI base coat
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat Nail Polish
What’s the point of a great polish if it’s not finished off with the right top coat? Seche Vite is our top pick for a must-have top coat. It works to protect the polish beneath from annoying chips, helping it to last longer and preventing that dull look that can happen to a bright, bold polish over time. Regardless of what base coat you use, this top coat nail polish should always be your final step.
Pros:
- Dazzling high-shine finish
- Dries in just one minute
- No UV or LED light needed
Cons:
- The strong smell might require ventilation while applying
Revlon Chip Resistant Nail Polish
I won't fade away
It’s a frustrating thing to realize that your much-loved manicure has been chipped to tatters a few days later. Luckily, Revlon’s chip-resistant nail polish reduces the chances of this disappointment at the source. The formula has chip defiant and anti-fade technology so color can stay looking fresh much longer. This is great if you want to prolong your manicure or if you work with your hands a lot and find your polish chips often.
Pros:
- Smooth polish is easy to handle
- Bubble-free application
- Precision brush
Cons:
- Understated fashionistas might not appreciate the bold color selection
Cirque Colors Cruelty-Free Nail Polish
Au naturel
Many nail polish brands are eco-conscious when it comes to the ingredients they use, but Cirque Colors takes it more seriously than most. This nail polish is cruelty-free and doesn’t include toxic ingredients like toluene, formaldehyde, or parabens that are often present in other brands. On top of that, the polish is long-lasting and gives a nice sheen, without being too shiny.
Pros:
- Suitable for vegans
- Handmade in small batches
- Available in a ton of bold colors
Cons:
- More expensive than other polishes
Ownest Holographic Nail Polish
Trendy claws
The glitter and holographic trend continues to catch attention in the fashion world, particularly in the world of nail art. Ownest’s polish is highly pigmented for those fun moments when you want to truly stand out from the crowd. The holographic nail polish shines when viewed from different angles in the sunlight. The color goes on smoothly and each coat dries down pretty quickly, so you won’t have to wait around before you show them off.
Pros:
- Non-toxic formula
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- The brush applies evenly
Cons:
- Requires up to four coats for full coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
How many coats of nail polish do I need?
Thicker, quality nail polishes may only take one coat, but most polishes require two coats or more for full coverage. That important second coat prevents the streaky look that can make a manicure look cheap or lead to chipping. In addition to the nail polish itself, it’s always best to apply a base and top coat to make a manicure last.
How long should nail polish take to dry?
The drying time for nail polish can vary from a few minutes to 20 minutes. One way to speed up the drying time is with a quality top coat. This seals in your nail color and can cut drying time down by a few minutes.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.