Glossy, chip-free nails are the ultimate accessory. With just a swipe of polish, you can transform your look and elevate any outfit. But not all nail polishes are created equal. With so many brands on the market, how do you know which ones are worth the money? I’ve tested my fair share of polishes over the years. From drugstore staples to luxury lacquers, I’ve switched them all in pursuit of that flawless manicure. After plenty of chipped nails and messy remover wipes, a few brands have emerged as true standouts. These top-rated polishes check all the boxes: long-lasting color, minimal chipping, easy application, and trend-forward shades.
Ready to take your nails to the next level? Keep reading to discover my definitive ranking of the best nail polish brands in 2024. Grab a file and get ready to talk shop!
#1 OPI Nail Polish
Ask any nail polish aficionado and they’ll tell you: OPI reigns supreme. This professional quality brand has been leading the industry for decades, and with good reason. Let’s count the ways OPI polishes outshine the competition:
Unbeatable Color Selection
With over 200 gorgeous shades, OPI has a polish for every mood, outfit, and season. Their color catalog runs the gamut from neutrals and nudes to brights and bolds. No matter your style, you’ll find plenty of options to love.
I’m especially impressed by their rich cremes and flawless glitters. Black Onyx, Big Apple Red, and Alpine Snow, often regarded as the best white nail polish, are just a few of their iconic neutral offerings. For eye-catching sparkle, you can’t go wrong with shades like Rollin’ In Cashmere or Cajun Shrimp.
Salon-Quality Formulas
OPI polishes glide on smooth and deliver intense, long-lasting color. Their lacquers are designed to withstand the rigors of professional manicures, so you can trust them to hold up beautifully at home.
Nail techs choose OPI for good reason – the brand’s Chip skip technology and durable formulas ensure minimal tip wear or peel. Even their glitters resist fading and shedding stubborn flakes.
Trendsetting Innovation
This brand stays ahead of nail trends with their unique collections and collaborations. OPI partners with pop culture icons and designers to develop limited edition shades you won’t find anywhere else.
Recent exciting launches include collections inspired by Star Wars, Hello Kitty, and Grease. They aren’t afraid to push boundaries and set trends within the nail world.
With outstanding quality, breadth of colors, and constant innovation, OPI remains the gold standard for polish. Once you try them, you may never switch brands again!
#2 Essie Nail Polish
For fabulous polish at a more affordable price point, Essie is a top contender. These polishes offer serious staying power and a spectrum of fashion-forward hues.
Salong-Worthy Results
Don’t let the lower cost fool you – Essie polishes perform like high-end lacquers. Their containers may look cutesy, but the colors inside are serious business.
Essie’s long-wearing formula rivals what you would get from a professional manicure. Plus, their angled brush makes at-home application a breeze. The brand promises a smooth, streak-free coat in just one swipe.
Playful Color Names
One of the best parts about Essie polishes? The cheeky, punny shade names. Each color has a unique moniker that captures its personality and charm.
For example, their top-selling red is called Forever Yummy. Other hits include Mint Candy Apple, Clothing Optional, and Ladylike. Browsing Essie collections feels like reading a book of witty poetry!
Runway-Inspired Palette
While OPI leans novelty, Essie keeps their aesthetic elegant and runway-ready. They take cues directly from New York Fashion Week to develop on-trend colors each season.
Essie also collaborates with style icons like Blake Lively and Olivia Palermo on curated color collections. The brand maintains a polished, fashion-forward edge.
Overall, Essie hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability. Their upscale colors make it easy to recreate covetable salon manicures on a budget.
#3 Sally Hansen Miracle Gel
Gel manicures revolutionized the polish game with their long wear and ultra-glossy finish. But the UV light and salon price tag aren’t for everyone. Enter Sally Hansen’s game-changing Miracle Gel line.
Salon Gel Results at Home
Miracle Gel polishes contain an innovative formula that mimics the look and performance of UV gel manicures. The glossy, cushiony texture helps prevent chips and dings for up to 14 days of wear.
A top coat with UV filters allows the color underneath to cure just like it would under a professional light. No need to schedule time at the salon – these polishes offer pro-level durability without leaving home.
Hundreds of Trendy and Timeless Shades
From nudes and neutrals to bights and glitters, the Miracle Gel range has a shade for every style. They offer modern twists on classic colors along with limited edition collections.
Recent launches include the Pearl Party line featuring iridescent shimmers and chrome effects. The Contour Zone collection spotlights subtly striped taupe and clay shades to elongate the nails.
Easy No-UV Application
It often takes a learning curve to master the nuances of gel polish application. Thankfully, Miracle Gel keeps things simple.
The two-step system involves a color coat followed by the top gel cure polish. No need to worry about timing or technique – just brush on and go. Even gel newbies can nail the flawless finish with practice.
Thanks to their innovative technology and extensive color selection, Miracle Gel polishes offer a foolproof path to extended wear manicures.
#4 ORLY Nail Polish
Boasting vegan ingredients, pro-inspired hues, and fantastic value, ORLY is a brand to know. Though less famous than OPI or Essie, ORLY polishes perform just as beautifully for a more wallet-friendly price.
Salon-Worthy Shades
ORLY regularly partners with celebrity nail artists to predict and match upcoming trends. Their seasonal collections feature everything from muted earth tones to bright neon’s modeled after runway looks.
In addition to on-trend shades, they offer unique finishes like vibrating glitters and color-shifting chromes. ORLY’s expansive palette keeps up with what’s hot in the nail world.
Smoothing Gripper Cap
The brand’s innovative Gripper Cap improves the application experience with a curved, ergonomic handle. The grippy texture provides control while the flexible sides compress to deposit the perfect amount of polish.
This cap design eliminates overflow, streaking, or messy polish flooding the cuticles. Even polish novices can achieve a professional look.
Budget-Friendly Pricing
While ORLY’s quality rivals luxury brands, their prices stay modest. The average polish costs $8-10, significantly less than lines like OPI or Essie. Sales run regularly too, allowing you to stock up on their latest collections without breaking the bank.
With runway-worthy hues and innovative design at a reasonable price point, ORLY emerges as a wallet and eco-conscious option. Their stylish shades make it easy to try all the latest polish trends!
#5 China Glaze Nail Polish
Fun, fearless colors reign supreme at China Glaze. This brand churns out collection after collection of daring polishes in every finish imaginable. Avant garde nails, made easy.
Bold, Unique Shades
China Glaze thrives on the unexpected. Their color palette goes beyond classic nudes and reds into wildly creative territory.
Holographic glitters, duo chrome chameleons, neon bights – no shade is too bold or out there for China Glaze. Their polishes push boundaries and explore possibilities most brands wouldn’t dare.
Specialty Finishes
Holographic, matte, chrome, glitter, flakier, duo chrome – China Glaze does it all. Special finishes let you take your manicure from basic to spectacular in just one coat.
China Glaze also popularized textured polishes that layer together into almost 3D decoupage effects. Even their creme shades pack more pigment than average.
Limited Edition Trend Collections
China Glaze collaborates with celebrities and brands to translate daring runway trends into unique limited edition polish. Recent popular collections include Ruby Kisses metallics and Scobie Doo bright cremes.
The brand constantly thinks outside the box, making their polish collections true artistic statements. If you crave nails that get noticed, China Glaze offers the perfect canvas.
Honorable Mentions
While the above brands take top honors in my book, several others deserve shout-outs:
- Zoya – This favorite of nail bloggers and influencers features vegan, “5-free” formulas. Their opaque glitters particularly stun. Think earthy nudes and rich jewel tones.
- Cirque Colors – Hand-poured polish with the most flawless glitters and holos out there. Prepare for mesmerizing depth and multi-chromatic effects.
- kb shimmer – This indie brand churns out cheekily named polishes with fantastic holographic and multi-chrome finishes. Their formulas apply like a dream.
- KL Polish – Created by celebrity nail artist Kathleen Lights, this brand offers of-the-moment colors with clever names like Brick Sidewalk and Moody Lisa. Worth trying for the IG-worthy bottles alone!
What Makes a Top Nail Polish?
Now that you know the highest-ranked brands in my books, what qualities actually make for an excellent nail polish? Here are the key standards to look for:
Lasting Color
No one wants their manicure to chip after just a day. Top polishes maintain their shade without dulling or fading over time. Longer wear means more time between fresh coats.
Smooth, Even Application
Life’s too short for polish that drags across the nail in streaks. Quality lacquers go on glossy and opaque in 1-2 thin passes. No need to shake the bottle or layer on thick coats.
Wide, Angled Brush
A good brush makes application much easier by depositing the ideal amount of polish. Look for a wide, flattened brush at an angle that comfortably fits the nail.
Quick Drying
Waiting for polish to dry can feel like an eternity. Excellent brands feature formulas that dry to the touch in just minutes. No more sitting with hands carefully splayed for ages!
Special Finishes
Cremes have their place, but a brand really impresses me when they offer finishes like hollo, glitter, thermal, or chrome. These special effects bring simple nails to the next level.
Nail Polish FAQs
Still have some lingering questions before finding your perfect polish? Here are answers to some frequently asked nail lacquer questions:
How long does nail polish last on average?
With a top quality polish and proper prep, you can expect up to 5-7 days of wear without chipping. Gel polish lasts even longer – up to 2 weeks! Regular polish may start showing tip wear within just 2-3 days.
Does nail polish expire?
It sure does! Polish lasts about 1-2 years from the manufacturing date before drying out. You’ll notice expired polish applies gloopy and uneven as the chemicals degrade over time.
What ingredients make nail polish toxic?
Many popular polish brands contain the “toxic trio” of chemicals – formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalates. These ingredients preserve color and prevent chipping but may cause health issues with long-term exposure.
Thankfully, non-toxic polish options exist too! Look for brands formulated without those harsh chemicals.
Can you wear nail polish during pregnancy?
While polish doesn’t need to be totally avoided during pregnancy, it’s smart to switch to non-toxic “pregnancy safe” options while expecting. Brands like Orly avoid concerning ingredients to minimize any risks.
Consult your doctor for personalized guidance on your pregnancy polish precautions.
How do you remove dark nail polish from skin?
Oops! Dark polishes inevitably end up staining the skin around your nails sometimes. Try gently rubbing the stained areas with lemon juice or rubbing alcohol. An oil-based makeup remover can also help dissolve and lift those pigment stains.
Achieving Salon Worthy Nails at Home
Finding fabulous polishes is step one, but prepping your nails properly helps them really shine. Here are my top tips for nailing a perfect at-home manicure:
- Always start by cleansing nails to remove oil and residue with a polish remover or alcohol wipe.
- For glossy polish adhesion, buff and file nails into the desired shape. Smooth any ridges and rough edges.
- Apply a base coat first to protect nails and help polish stick. Top it off with a fast-drying topcoat like Seche Vite.
- Cap the free edge of your nails with each layer from base to tip – this prevents premature chipping.
- Wrap tips with polish by brushing over the edge onto underside of nail. The extra coverage reinforces strength.
- Use thin coats and allow ample drying time between each. Thick globs lead to uneven drying and messy dings.
- Finish off by massaging in cuticle oil around the nail and moisturizing the skin. This keeps everything healthy!
Love Your Lacquer
However you paint them – bold, natural, bright or neutral – gorgeous nails give you a little lift. With the highest ranked polish brands at your fingertips, you can achieve stunning tips that turn heads.
Remember, the “best” nail polish comes down to your personal preferences and style. Don’t be afraid to play, get creative, and find shades that make you smile each time you glance down. Nail art isn’t just decorative – it’s a form of self-care!
Unwind and relax at Luxurious Day Spa, where pampering meets perfection. So grab a file, pick a polish, and get ready to fall in love with your manicure all over again; those beautiful fingers of yours deserve some new color in the tranquil oasis of our spa.
FAQs
What is the most popular nail polish brand?
OPI remains the best-selling nail polish brand overall. Their extensive color selection and chip-resistant formulas have made them an industry leader for years.
Which brand of nail polish lasts the longest?
Gel-effect polishes like Sally Hansen Miracle Gel provide the longest lasting manicures. With their gel technology, these polishes can last over 2 weeks without chipping.
Is Essie or OPI better quality?
Both Essie and OPI make excellent polishes. OPI provides superior color payoff and durability to withstand frequent manicures. Essie offers slightly more affordable prices with wider availability.
How long does gel nail polish last vs regular?
On average, regular nail polish lasts 3-5 days before starting to chip. Gel polish can stay chip-free for 10-14 days when applied properly. The UV cure process helps it adhere stronger to nails.
What polish do nail salons use?
Most nail salons use professional brands like OPI, Gelish, CND, or Essie. They rely on salon-quality formulas that deliver intense color and long wear under frequent manicures.
