Finding The Best Nail Polish
Painting your nails can be a therapeutic experience. It gives you the opportunity to spend time with yourself or friends while expressing yourself with fun colors and cute designs. Whether you’re painting your toes or fingers, there’s nothing quite like the nostalgic feeling and the soothing self-care.
But you know what’s not healthy? Chipped nails, sticky polish, and wasted money on expensive salon visits. So it only makes sense to find your favorites from the best nail polish brands.
However, the industry has exploded. There’s a huge selection of colors and finishes from companies and stores of all kinds. Below you’ll find our list of the best nail polish brands, along with everything you need to consider to find the perfect products for your nails.
12 Best Nail Polish Brands
1. Tenoverten
Tenoverten was founded just over ten years ago by Nadine Abramcyk, Adair Ilyinsky, and Jaclyn Ferber. The trio wanted to create a salon where nail care felt luxurious and inviting. Their focus was on “formulas that cleanse, condition, color, and shine—all without harmful ingredients.”
They eventually opened a salon in New York, focusing on the perfect ten nails and creating a personalized, one-of-a-kind experience. The brand’s nail polishes and at-home care kits aim to convey this feeling, with numerous shades to suit all aesthetics, and the packaging itself feels minimalist yet luxurious.
In addition, the brand has ten clear commitments to people and the environment, with a collection of healthy, cruelty-free ingredients and safe formulas. They are free of harmful chemicals and instead provide nails and fingertips with the care they need.
All Tenoverten nail polishes retail for just $12 each, while other essential items range in price from $10 to $180.
Highlights
- Large selection of nail polishes, nail and cuticle care products, kits, and sets
- Many different shades and colors to choose from, from bold to neutral
- Minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic
- New York City salon
- Sheer and opaque finishes available
- Consciously formulated
- Natural, vegan, and cruelty-free
2. Deborah Lippmann
Deborah Lippmann was founded in 1999 by her namesake and specializes in the production of long-lasting nail polish. This is only logical, as the one and only Deborah Lippmann is known as a celebrity manicurist.
After years in the business, she decided to create her own collection to replicate her techniques and reflect what was missing from the market: “a diverse range of nail colors and luxury care products.”
Famous actresses like Reese Witherspoon and Kate Winslet have made this brand a household name in the world of high-quality nail polishes. The variety of finishes and colors is known for its long-lasting durability, while also being super easy to apply and affordable.
Additionally, the products are free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP, and camphor, and are not tested on animals. All Deborah Lippmann nail polishes retail for $20, while tools and extras can cost up to $35.
Highlights
- Comprehensive range of care products from nail care and skin care to lip balm
- Comprehensive instructions for the perfect manicure and pedicure
- A variety of colors and classic shades
- Diverse finishes from shimmery to matte and glittery to glossy
- Easy filtering by color or finish
- Cruelty-free
- Free shipping on all orders
3. OPI
A cult favorite in the nail world, OPI was founded by George Schaeffer in 1981. Today, the brand is a division of Wella Operations US LLC and focuses on providing high-quality products and services with an emphasis on industry safety and innovation.
The polishes are available in a wide range of different colors and finishes to suit every taste, from bold and sparkling to neutral and transparent. The formula is specially designed for safe application, while being lightweight, opaque, long-lasting, and durable.
Today, the brand is available in over 100 countries, thousands of salons, and virtually every conceivable beauty store. It also offers a professional product line for a complete salon experience. Furthermore, it partners with various charities to give back from all its success.
With over 240 shades and finishes to choose from, OPI nail polishes retail for $12.
Highlights
- Large selection of different nail polish colors and finishes for every occasion
- Easy nail shopping for any occasion (job interview, wedding, etc.)
- Nail care products also available
- Extra discounts for professionals
- Long-lasting and chip-resistant formulas
4. Essie
Another well-known brand on our list, Essie, was also founded in 1981. It was created by Essie Weingarten, whose vision was to “help women feel special and give them the perfect manicure.”
With this in mind, Essie decided to create 12 bold yet timeless shades, some of which are still part of the collection today. From then on, the collection evolved rapidly: it now included base and top coats, was worn by celebrities, and spread worldwide.
With thousands of different colors over the years, including timeless shades and trendy options, Essie has continually won the hearts of professionals, DIYers, fashion icons, and influencers.
Depending on where you shop, Essie nail polishes retail for $8-$12.
Highlights
- Large selection of iconic nail colors, limited editions, and more for every taste
- Multiple benefits such as fast drying and a salon-like gel finish
- Easy shopping by color and finish
- Tips and trends from professional manicurists available
- Widely available in salons and retail stores
- Vegan and e-finish-free
5. Sally Hansen
The brand was founded in New York in 1946 by Sally Hansen herself, who believed in independence and female empowerment. Since then, it has enjoyed worldwide popularity for its collection of shades and finishes, as well as its commitment to constant innovation.
The brand initially launched with just two products, both designed to create the nails of your dreams. Today, the brand is best known for its Miracle Gel, which offers a thick, glossy, gel-like finish that’s long-lasting and extremely durable.
Sally Hansen products are designed for people who value their self-care. That’s why the company offers products that go beyond nails and include tanning, hair removal, and beauty tools. The idea is simple: We find strength in self-care and enjoy doing it.
Sally Hansen is committed to offering high-quality products at affordable prices. Nail polishes cost between $3 and $15.
Highlights
- Extensive collection with 500 different shades, different finishes, and benefits for every nail.
- Nail care products also available.
- A vegan, plant-based nail polish collection without 15% clay called GOOD.KIND.PURE.
- Nail tutorials available.
- Available in stores.
6. UN/DN Laqr
When it comes to trendy colors and bold patterns, UN/DN Laqr is your one-stop shop. Founded by the one and only Machine Gun Kelly, the brand’s focus is on self-expression, creativity, and bold moves.
With the statement, “I can express myself one way today and something else tomorrow,” MGK highlights the power of nail polish: It’s a way to reinvent yourself, to be the person you want to be, to continue to change every day, and to reflect those changes in the colors and designs you wear.
However, the brand is best known for its diverse collection of nail polishes, featuring unique finishes from chrome to matte to ultra-gloss in a variety of shades that exude power and reflect the passion of the hands that wear them.
UN/DN Laqr varnishes start at $18, but kits and sets can cost a total of $86.
Highlights
- Unique collection of nail polishes and finishes
- Focus on creativity and self-expression
- Available individually and as a set
- Easily sort by look, color, or finish
- Highly pigmented colors
7. Pleasing
Born from the great mind of Harry Styles, the 1D star known for wearing stunning shades and polishes on a daily basis, “Pleasing” is all about easy-on-the-eyes (just like the man himself), soft pigments, and self-expression.
Launched in late 2021, the collection currently includes four essential nail polishes, along with some skincare and apparel. Each polish has a pearlescent, comfortable finish, ideal for mixing and matching to create endless combinations.
This brand isn’t just for Harry Styles fans—the goal is simple: “to provide joyful experiences and products that stimulate the senses and blur boundaries.” This means the nail polishes are designed to be worn on any hand, any time, and for any occasion.
The products are sustainably manufactured, with a focus on using healthy and safe ingredients as well as recyclable and compostable packaging. The nail polishes retail for $27 each, and the set of four costs $87.
Highlights
- Unique collection of nail polishes and other beauty products
- Soft, understated, easy-to-wear shades
- Biodegradable formula with sustainable, plant-based solvents
- Vegan and cruelty-free
12-free - Free shipping on all orders over $75
8. Nails.INC
Nails.INC was born out of a need for innovation in 1999. Essentially, Thea Green was looking for a company that offered high-quality nail polish and a quick manicure all in one place, but couldn’t find it, so she founded it herself.
With a focus on completely vegan products and a range of plant-based ingredients, this brand offers a wide selection of nail polishes and finishes, available individually or in sets. Thanks to the color selection, there’s something for everyone, offering endless possibilities for looks and designs.
Although this brand has been worn by many celebrities and featured in numerous magazines, Nails.INC is best known for its high-quality formulas and long-lasting finishes, all made from plant-based ingredients.
Nails.INC nail polishes are available at an affordable price and feature high-quality formulas, retailing between $10 and $30.
Highlights
- Large selection of nail polishes in various finishes and colors
- Available individually or as a set
- Vegan and cruelty-free 21-free
- Many promotions and coupons
- Sister brand of INC.redible Cosmetics
- Free shipping on orders over $80
9. Smith & Cult
Founded in 2014 by Dineh Mohajer, Smith & Cult offers a collection of products for complete body care—from eyes, lips, and face to nails. The brand was actually born by chance, as Mohajer was originally a medical student in Southern California and spent her evenings mixing nail polish colors for fun.
She originally used the blends to create the popular and fun makeup and nail polish line Hard Candy. With Hard Candy’s origins in mind, Smith & Cult evolved into a more mature and timeless option, focused on being yourself and finding a way to express that through makeup and nail polish.
Today, the brand is best known for its commitment to creating a beauty revolution with a collection of trendy yet timeless options, including its polishes. Each polish is created with the environment in mind and is 8-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Smith & Cult nail polishes start at $18, and sets retail for up to $63.
Highlights
- A wide range of highly pigmented nail polishes in various shades and finishes, from glitter to semi-transparent
- Eye, lip, and face makeup also available
- Luxurious and high-quality packaging
- Long-lasting, high-quality finishes
- Vegan and cruelty-free
8-free - Free shipping on orders over $35
10. Olive & June
When it comes to a comprehensive self-care routine, Olive & June has it all covered with its selection of manicure and pedicure products. The brand was founded in 2013 by Sarah Gibson Tuttle in Beverly Hills, California.
The company’s original goal was to enhance the salon experience with affordable prices. Since then, it has expanded to include those who prefer to do their own nails. With polishes for everyone, the brand has a clear goal:
“We believe that no matter who you are, where you live, what you do, or what you wear, you can have a perfect manicure that makes you feel like your best self.”
Today, the brand offers a wide selection of nail polishes in all possible colors and finishes, which can be ideally combined to create the desired look. The brand also brings the salon feeling right to your home with its nail, hand, and foot care products.
Prices for Olive & June products vary. Individual nail polishes retail for $8, while press-on sets can cost $40.
Highlights
- Large selection of nail polishes, press-on nails, and nail care products
- Wide selection of colors and finishes
- Nail systems, kits, and sets available
- Affordable prices
- Many coupons and discounts available
- Free shipping on orders over $45
11. LeChat
LeChat doesn’t own your tongue—it owns your nails. With a collection of polishes, glitter, and acrylic nail kits, this brand offers everything you need for DIY nail art at home. The brand was founded in 1993 by Newton Luu, inventor of the Powder Gel System, and Jackie Truoung.
The brand initially focused on providing professionals with innovative products that make nail care and salon visits more luxurious and unique. Today, the products are available to all shoppers, with a focus on the acronym behind the name: Learn, Experience, Create, Help, Achieve, and Teach.
With a focus on innovation, the brand offers the latest and trendiest shades and finishes, while also offering classic colors and options for a complete look. Prices for classic LeChat nail polish start at just $5, while specialty colors retail for up to $15.
Highlights
- Pure varnishes and lacquers in various shades and finishes, as well as accessories for acrylic, powdered nails, gel nails, and more
- Innovative systems and lacquers
- Provides a realistic salon experience
- Tutorials available
- Discounts for professionals
- Free shipping on orders over $150
12. JINSoon
JINSoon was founded by Jin Soon Choi herself, who moved from Korea to New York in 1991 and quickly began working in nail salons. When Jin realized there was barely any time between clients, let alone to see clients, she decided to branch out on her own and create a more personalized, unique salon experience.
She quickly became a sought-after manicurist for celebrities, photoshoots, and models and decided to open her own salon in 1999. With Sarah Jessica Parker as her first client, the shop got off to a wonderful start and flourished from there.
Since then, the brand has grown and expanded further. Today, it sells nail polish for home users and nail enthusiasts. All polishes are completely vegan and cruelty-free, as well as free from harmful chemicals and toxic ingredients.
Additionally, the brand is known for its high-quality, chip-resistant formula. Many of the shades are named after models with whom Jin has regularly collaborated, giving each nail polish a unique and interesting touch.
With a variety of individual nail polishes, unique collections, and sets, JINSoon’s prices range from $16 to $42.
Highlights
- Large selection of nail polishes and nail care products
- UV filters to protect color
- Long-lasting, ultra-glossy finish
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- 10-free
- Spa locations in New York
- Free shipping on orders over $30
Which Nail Polish Brand Lasts the Longest?
It’s hard to say which of the best nail polish brands lasts the longest, as this is more a matter of personal experience and preference. However, some offer polishes specifically formulated for a long-lasting finish, whether as a topcoat or as the color itself.
And it’s safe to assume that cult brands like Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen offer long-lasting nail polishes. These three brands have had years to perfect their formulas. Not to mention, they have a large following and receive rave customer reviews.
Plus, these brands are all easy to find in stores and shops, so if you’re looking for a salon-quality finish at an affordable price, you’ve come to the right place!
What is The Most Famous Nail Polish Brand?
We’ve listed the best nail polish brands. But which has the most followers and is therefore a household name? OPI and Sally Hansen follow closely behind, but Essie takes the title with over 2.1 million followers on Instagram and 3.4 million likes on Facebook.
This brand can be found in every salon, store, and on the nails of your favorite influencers and even nail art professionals. Its selection of finishes, shades, and textures offers everything from timeless to trendy options, making it one of the most recognized nail polish brands.
What is The Healthiest Brand of Nail Polish?
If you’re looking for brands that focus on producing non-toxic and clean polishes, you’ll be happy to hear that several options stand out in our list of the best nail polish brands. Here are our top picks:
- Nails.INC
- Olive & June
- Pleasing
Each of these brands offers a range of colors and finishes and is free from potentially harmful or toxic chemicals and ingredients. Nails.INC and Olive & June are both cruelty-free and vegan, while Pleasing offers a collection of nail polishes made with plant-based and vegan ingredients.
How to Shop The Best Nail Polish Brands
Now that we’ve published our list of the best nail polish brands, we’d like to share all the details you should consider before making your final decision! Read our tips below.
Brand
It’s always important to choose a brand that aligns with your beliefs and values. This is especially important if you’re looking for vegan and cruelty-free options, as well as plant-based ingredients. Brands should also pursue ethical and sustainable sourcing practices so shoppers know their money is being well spent.
However, all of the companies on our list of the best nail polish brands are credible and ethical sources that clearly outline their policies and values to make shopping super easy.
Quality
Painting your nails isn’t something you want to do every day. Nail polishes should be made from high-quality ingredients and have the right formula. This means they’ll last at least a few days or a week, contain plenty of pigment, and never feel sticky or tacky.
You’ll be happy to hear that all the options on our list of the best nail polish brands are made with high-quality ingredients and formulas for long-lasting, stunning results.
Quantity
Nail polish sets, travel bottles, and large bottles all contain different amounts of polish. However, it’s important to consider the differences between brands and the amount of product you get for the price.
Formula
As we already mentioned in our list of the best nail polish brands, a good formula is essential for beautiful, salon-quality results. Another important consideration is how each brand handles its ingredients and avoids toxic ingredients.
The formulas shouldn’t be too thin or too thick—there really is a “just right” consistency. Different consistencies are ideal for different finishes. Jelly-like, sheer looks are generally thinner, while dark colors are usually a bit thicker.
Color Range
Depending on what you’re looking for, it’s important to find a brand with an optimal color palette. Some of the options on our list of the best nail polish brands offer a wide variety of colors to suit every taste, while others focus more on niche palettes for shoppers seeking a specific look or trendy colors.
Durability
You use your hands a lot throughout the day, and your nail polish shouldn’t lose its shine or chip from frequent washing. The formulas need to be durable and long-lasting, so you don’t have to constantly touch up your nails and worry about what you’re doing with your hands.
Finishes
The best nail polish brands offer a variety of finishes, including matte, glossy, sheer, and glitter. This allows shoppers to create different looks and combine multiple polishes to create a striking design.
Additional Nail Benefits
Nail polishes add color and expression to your hands. But the best nail polish brands offer even more. Some polishes contain ingredients that strengthen and moisturize nails, heal damaged nails, extend the life of your manicure, and prevent discoloration.
Price
Nail polish prices vary depending on the ingredients, brand, and the various special features offered. Polishes with trendy finishes and added benefits tend to be a bit more expensive, but high-quality formulas generally last longer because you don’t need to use as much to achieve the desired look.
What is 10-Free Nail Polish?
Since we’ve mentioned 3-free, 7-free, and 10-free several times, you might be wondering what we’re talking about. Essentially, the best nail polish brands are free of at least three ingredients that have been classified as toxic. Here’s how each term describes their commitment to safe formulas:
- 3-free: The products are made without the three most toxic chemicals found in most nail polishes: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate.
- 7-free: The products are made without the three ingredients listed above, as well as formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene.
- 10-free: The polishes are made without the chemicals listed above, as well as parabens, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and animal byproducts.
All of these ingredients can cause skin irritation and/or are toxic if ingested.
Is Nail Polish Toxic?
If you’re wondering if nail polish is toxic, the short answer is: No, nail polishes aren’t inherently toxic. And as mentioned above, the best nail polish brands are 3-free and up to 10-free, meaning they avoid the use of toxic ingredients.
However, some nail polishes can cause skin irritation. Therefore, it’s important to choose brands that use non-toxic ingredients. Nail polish is also toxic if swallowed. Therefore, keep your fingers away from your mouth while applying nail polish, avoid biting your nails, and always store polishes out of reach of children and pets.
Which of The Best Nail Polish Brands Are Trending?
After browsing our list of the best nail polish brands, you’re probably familiar with OPI, Sally Hansen, or Essie. As it turns out, there’s a good reason so many shoppers are overfilling their carts with these polishes.
These brands are well-versed in both classics and trends, keeping an eye on the latest products, coolest colors, and most popular finishes and designs. No matter what you’re looking for, these three brands are at the forefront and guaranteed to have the hottest shades and textures in the nail world.
Final Thoughts
A successful nail set isn’t just about the color—it’s also about the brand behind the color, the quality of each polish, and the emphasis placed on the product’s performance and durability. Finally, you can perfect your manicure at home, treat yourself, and find your own personal color.
Regardless of which brand you ultimately choose from our list of the best nail polish brands, we are sure that you will hit the nail on the head.
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