The Ultimate Guide to the Best Nail Polish Brands

Hey there, nail lovers! If you‘re anything like me, you know that a fresh manicure has the power to instantly boost your mood and confidence. But with countless nail polish brands out there all claiming to be the best, how do you choose?

Never fear, I‘ve done the hard work for you! As a nail enthusiast who has personally tested hundreds of polishes over the years, I‘m excited to share my ultimate guide to the very best nail polish brands. Whether you‘re devoted to DIY manis or prefer to leave it to the pros, these top picks will help you achieve salon-quality results at home.

But first, let‘s talk about why investing in a quality nail polish brand matters. A good polish should apply smoothly, dry quickly, provide rich color payoff, and resist chipping to extend the life of your manicure. It‘s also important to choose brands that prioritize nail health and safety by avoiding harmful toxins and chemicals in their formulas.

With those factors in mind, I evaluated dozens of popular brands and narrowed it down to the absolute best based on:

  • Brand reputation, history and ethos
  • Product quality, performance and durability
  • Shade range and finish options
  • Ingredient safety and non-toxic formulas
  • Customer reviews and ratings
  • Overall value for the price

Whether you‘re loyal to classic drugstore brands or prefer trendy indie labels, my curated list features the best of the best to suit every nail need and budget. Let‘s dive in!

The 15 Best Nail Polish Brands

1. OPI

No "best nail polish" list is complete without OPI. Founded in 1981, this iconic brand is beloved by nail techs and at-home mani enthusiasts alike for its high-performing formulas and massive shade selection. OPI is best known for its fun, creative polish names and of-the-moment collections created in collaboration with celebrities and pop culture phenomena.

Key features:

  • Over 200 shades in classic and trendy colors
  • Chip-resistant, heavily-pigmented formula
  • Exclusive lines for salons and professionals
  • Animal cruelty-free

OPI nail polishes retail for $10.50 each and can be found at Ulta, salons, and beautycarebrandscom.

2. Essie

Essie is another nail industry veteran, with roots dating back to 1981 when founder Essie Weingarten started the line with just 12 shades. The brand quickly took off as a backstage staple at fashion shows and has since expanded to include hundreds of iconic colors coveted by everyone from busy moms to A-list celebs.

What sets Essie apart:

  • Beloved signature shades like Ballet Slippers and Marshmallow
  • Gel Couture line mimics a gel mani without UV light
  • Quick-dry drops for speedy manis
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and 8-free formulas

Essie polishes are priced at $9 and sold at drugstores, Target, Ulta and essie.com.

3. Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen has been a drugstore nail care staple since 1946. The brand is committed to making innovative, affordable, and easy-to-use nail products for the masses. In addition to a vast selection of polishes, Sally Hansen also offers nail and cuticle treatments, nail art tools, and press-on nails.

Why it‘s a top pick:

  • Complete Salon Manicure line includes base coat, strengthener and top coat in one
  • MiracleGel provides up to 14 days of gel-like wear and shine
  • GOOD.KIND.PURE vegan, plant-based polishes
  • Frequent limited edition collections with on-trend finishes and effects

Find Sally Hansen at any drugstore or mass retailer for $3-$10 per polish.

4. Deborah Lippmann

Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann turned her industry expertise into an eponymous line of nail colors and treatments in 1999. The luxury brand is a favorite of A-listers for its long-wearing, health-focused formulas in a dazzling array of finishes from creams to shimmers to glitters.

Standout features:

  • Unique shade range created by a nail artist
  • Hydrating, nail-strengthening formulas
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and 7-free
  • Award-winning All About That Base and Gel Lab Pro base and top coats

Deborah Lippmann nail polishes cost $20 each at Sephora, Nordstrom, and deborahlippmann.com.

5. Olive & June

Olive & June started as a Beverly Hills nail salon in 2013 and has since expanded into an affordable luxury nail care brand. With the mission of empowering women to master the at-home mani, Olive & June offers high-quality tools and polishes along with virtual workshops to teach nail art skills.

Why people love it:

  • The Studio Box includes everything you need for salon-quality manis at home
  • 7-free, vegan, and cruelty-free nail polishes
  • 25% of profits donated to charity
  • Fun how-to content on Instagram reels

Olive & June nail polishes retail for $8 at Target and oliveandjune.com.

Other top nail polish brands rounding out my list:

  1. Orly – Wide shade range, professional quality since 1975
  2. Zoya – Big 10 Free, longest wearing natural nail polish
  3. CND Vinylux – Weekly polish system, wears like gel
  4. Butter London – Clean, cruelty-free formulas with skin-nourishing ingredients
  5. China Glaze – Bold, heavily pigmented shades in unique finishes
  6. Nails Inc. – Vegan formulas powered by superfoods and vitamins
  7. Pacifica – 100% vegan and 16-free with a focus on sustainability
  8. Côte – Salon-quality, boutique non-toxic polishes
  9. Smith & Cult – Luxury range with unique bottle design
  10. Cirque Colors – Indie brand known for unconventional colors and finishes

Nail Polish FAQ

What does "3-free", "7-free", "10-free", etc. mean?
These terms refer to the number of controversial ingredients a nail polish excludes. 3-free means formulated without dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde. Higher numbers like 10-free additionally omit ingredients like camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, and more.

What nail polish brand lasts the longest?
Based on my experience, Deborah Lippmann polishes have exceptional lasting power when used with the brand‘s Gel Lab Pro base and top coat. OPI, Essie and CND Vinylux also have impressively long-wearing formulas.

Are there any non-toxic nail polish brands?
While no nail polish can be 100% chemical-free, brands like Zoya, Pacifica, Côte and Olive & June use clean, non-toxic, and cruelty-free ingredients as much as possible. Always look for polishes labeled as 5-free or higher.

What are the big nail trends right now?

For 2023, warm terracotta shades, chromes, and shimmery "Mermaidcore" hues are having a major moment. French manicures and midriff designs are trending as well. Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic red!

How to Choose the Best Nail Polish Brand for You

With all these fantastic options, how do you decide? Here are some tips:

  1. Consider your budget. While luxury and salon brands offer top-notch quality, there are plenty of high-performing drugstore polishes at lower price points.

  2. Decide which features matter most to you, whether it‘s a toxin-free/vegan formula, specific finish, or extended wear time. Most brands now offer these options!

  3. Take inspiration from swatches, your favorite influencers, or nail salons to find colors you love. Many brands have virtual try-on tools as well.

  4. Read customer reviews to get a sense of a polish brand‘s quality, ease of use, and longevity.

  5. Don‘t be afraid to experiment with new brands and shades! With nail polish, a little trial and error is part of the fun.

Ultimately, the best nail polish brand for you comes down to your personal preferences and needs. I hope this guide has given you a helpful starting point to find a high-quality polish that makes you feel fabulous! If you have any other burning nail questions or want to share your own top nail polish picks, drop them in the comments section.

Until next time, keep those tips polished and stay shining!

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