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The Best Nail Polish Brand
Your Ultimate Guide to Nail Lacquer Products
We’ve all been guilty of grabbing whatever nail polish we can find at the department store and calling it a day. But nail care is something we need to pay more attention to because nails can become sensitive over time if we’re not careful. That’s why we recommend checking your nail polish brand’s ingredients list, or better yet, taking the time to research if they’re free of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde.
With that being said, we’re here to recommend the best nail polish names with long-lasting formulas that have passed the test. Let’s go!
What are the Best Nail Polish Brands?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Quick Drying |  Best Long Lasting |
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. PureThe Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure nail polish is cruelty-free, vegan, non-toxic and is has a vibrant and wide array of colors. | Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail PolishIf you want a nail polish that dries quickly, doesn't chip easily, vegan, and nontoxic, then Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Polish is the one for you. | OPI Nail LacquerOPI Nail Lacquer offers beautiful colors, thick coat, and easy application that's sure to last a long time. |
Functionality:⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price: ⭐⭐⭐ | Functionality:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price: ⭐⭐⭐ | Functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price: ⭐⭐⭐ |
Let’s Go Over Each Nail Polish
#1: Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure
One of the most well-known and best nail polish brands, the company started with just two nail products in 1946 launched by Ms. Hansen herself.
Now, one of the largest brands across the world, the reputable nail brand has over 500 shades and multiple lines, including gel polish for a fantastic gel manicure made easy without multiple coats–only one or two coats needed for a beautiful pigmented look.
Their latest collection of cruelty-free, vegan nail polish formula, aptly named “Good. Kind. Pure,” is our pick for the top nail polish brands to buy.
Their nature-inspired colors come with an all-new vegan formula that lasts up to two weeks. This long wear, high shine, high gloss nail polish is 16-free, meaning it’s free of 16 toxic ingredients found in other harsh nail polish formulas.
They also pride themselves on their collection of gel polish and salon-quality manicure range, nail care products, and accessories.
Pros and Cons of the Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Vegan and cruelty-free ✔️ Works as a top coat and hardener ✔️ Drugstore brand that lasts long ✔️ One of the most well-known brands | ✖️ Expensive if bought from outside the US |
#2: Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish
We’ve all been there: patiently waiting 10 minutes for our nails to dry, only to rummage through our purses and ruin our fresh polish.
Thankfully, Essie’s Expressie polish line dries instantly, so you can avoid those kinds of mishaps. This is your perfect polish on the go, complete with a glossy coat for that lovely local salon look compared to other brands.
Essie nail polish has been around for over a decade, and the brand is a crowd favorite and approved by many beauty editors (Meghan Markle reportedly wore the shade Ballet Slippers, which is a standout shade, for her wedding day).
But the collection of Essie Expressie color coats is what seals the deal for us. This line has a quick-drying formula and is chip-resistant without the harsh chemicals present in it, perfect for different skin tones, especially for darker skin tones.
It’s the brand’s first 8-free high-shine nail polish arsenal, a vast improvement from their previous 3-free collections, giving you that shiny finish. It’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and triphenyl phosphate.
Pros and Cons of the Essie Expressie
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Free of 8 harmful ingredients ✔️ Beauty editors and fan-favorite brand ✔️ Comes in fun colors | ✖️ Costly |
#3: OPI Nail Lacquer
This salon favorite is a favorite for a good reason. Approved by many beauty editors, OPI nail polish colors are a favorite for their long-lasting polish that has a high pigment, and high shine formula (using just one coat will be enough!) that is chip-free as well.
You’ll also know OPI by their wide shade range and their catchy names, including “Eiffel for this Colour” from their France collection, “La Paz-itively Hot” from their South America line, and “Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees” after the co-founder of the brand, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann.
If those adorable names aren’t enough to make you go grab one right now, then you might be swayed by the fact that OPI nail polishes are 3-free, or free of DBP, toluene, or formaldehyde.
Another selling point is their wide brush that makes it easy to apply polish to the whole nail in just one swipe streak-free.
The brand also sells gel polish, nail treatments, mani/pedi products, and nail lotions.
Pros and Cons of OPI
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 3-free ✔️ No UV light needed ✔️ Chip-free manicure ✔️ Unique, memorable shades | ✖️ Not a budget-friendly polish ✖️ May contain other harmful ingredients |
#4: ORLY Top 2 Bottom Nail Treatment
If you frequent a lot of nail spas in the country, you’ve probably seen a lot of ORLY nail products lining the shelves. This nail lacquer brand is known for its high-quality, long-wear catalog inspired by the latest fashion trends, so its popularity across the globe comes as no surprise.
The brand has more than cemented itself as a classic. In fact, the brand’s founder, Jeff Pink, actually created and popularized the original French manicure. Talk about iconic.
The first ORLY product certainly reflects that same originality. The ORLY Top 2 Bottom combines the hardening formula of a solid base coat and the quick-dry sheen of the perfect top coat.
Made with no toxic ingredients, this nail treatment lets you save time by mixing two types of nail polish in one.
For those always on the go, this quick nail treatment is perfect for you. It’s also designed with an award-winning gripper cap for foolproof application.
Pros and Cons of ORLY Top 2 Bottom
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ High-shine finish ✔️ Top coat and base coat in one bottle ✔️ Trademark easy-grip cap for the easiest application | ✖️ More expensive than other brands |
#5: S&L Nail Polish
S&L Nail Polish stands out among nail polish brands for its innovative look that combines regular polish’s convenience with gel nail polish’s durability.
Known for its chip-free wear and long-lasting formula, particularly for nail ridges, this high-quality nail polish delivers a glossy finish that mimics a professional nail salon look without the need for harsh chemicals.
It’s perfect for those who want a long-lasting manicure while protecting their natural nails.
With only two coats, S&L Nail Polish achieves full coverage and a smooth, even color that adheres seamlessly to the nail plate.
The gel-like polish is best paired with the brand’s top coat for enhanced shine and long-lasting wear—about a week or more, even on bare nails. It’s compatible with a UV lamp or LED lamp for those who want a quick-drying manicure but perform equally well without them.
The polish is available in a variety of classic shades, from subtle nude tones to bold, vibrant colors, making it versatile for any occasion.
Pros and Cons of the S&L Nail Polish
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Long-lasting wear ✔️ Protective wear | ✖️ Labor-intensive removal process |
#6: Zoya Nail Polish
Zoya Nail Polish has earned its place as a favorite among nail polish beauty brands for its commitment to both beauty and health. Boasting a 10-free formula, Zoya polishes are free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and camphor, making them a safer choice for maintaining the health of natural nails.
With over 400 shades to choose from, ranging from subtle nudes to bold classics, Zoya offers something for everyone. Its long-lasting nail polish formula ensures a chip-resistant manicure for up to a week, especially when paired with its top coat, delivering a glossy finish that rivals a nail salon experience.
Known for its smooth application, Zoya’s high-quality nail polish provides full coverage in just two coats. Plus, they can make your nails dry without waiting too long or using an LED light.
The vegan and cruelty-free formulation aligns with ethical beauty standards, making it a top choice for conscientious consumers.
Pros and Cons of the Zoya Nail Polish
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Non-toxic ✔️ Durable finish ✔️ Ethical production | ✖️ Needs high-quality nail polish remover |
Tips to Apply Nail Polish Like a Pro
One of the best things about nail polish is that you can do a manicure yourself in the comfort of your own home. Don’t be intimidated by a DIY manicure because once you try these tips, you’ll be able to do your nails like a pro in no time.
1. File & Buff Your Nails in One Direction
Don’t scrape your nail file back and forth as you see in the movies. This could lead to splinters. Instead, go from the outer corner to the center in one direction for a neat and clean look. Sometimes, you just have to wait for proper nail growth so you can file better.
2. Soak Your Hands
Treat yourself by adding a hot water soak to your usual at-home manicure. Fill a small basin with warm water and a few squirts of gentle cleanser. Then, gently exfoliate your hands using a body scrub before soaking them for 3-5 minutes in the water. This also makes your cuticles easier to push back.
3. No Cuticle Cutting!
Cuticles are part of what protects your nails from infection, and cutting them may destroy that layer of protection. Instead, use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles and give your nails a nice oval shape.
4. Want Neat Nails? Use Petroleum Jelly
One of the challenges of a DIY mani is the tendency to paint outside the nails and onto the sides of the skin. To prevent this, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your nails using a cotton bud. Goodbye, messy polish!
5. Don’t Forget the Base-ics
If you’re doing your own nails, applying a base coat and a top coat can save your nails, quite literally. They prevent breakage and splits, prevent staining on your nail bed from darker polishes, and also help the color of the polish last longer.
Conclusion
With these amazing brands, you’ll be guaranteed to nail down your look every time with a salon-worthy finish.
For more insights on all things beauty and fashion for Filipinas, check out our blogs and product reviews right here.
Editor’s Choice
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure.
We’re all about taking the best care of our nails, and the Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure is a nontoxic nail polish collection that is vegan and 16-free.
It comes in 35 no-chip, ultra-shine shades for every occasion you can think of — from subtle nudes for a classy finish to deeply pigmented reds for a sultry look!
This cruelty-free nail polish tops our list for its reputation as a long-wear nail lacquer. With its shade range diversity and ultra-pigmented formula, we can’t really get enough of it.
