Best Nail Polish Brands for long-lasting, chip-free colour. OPI, Essie, Chanel, Zoya, and more for perfect nails every time.
Best Nail Polish Brands | Top Picks for Perfect Nails
Best Nail Polish Brands | When it comes to beauty and self-expression, nail polish plays a vital role. A fresh manicure can instantly boost confidence, complete your look, and make you feel polished and elegant. However, with so many options available, finding the best nail polish brands can be overwhelming. Whether you love bold colours, subtle neutrals, or long-lasting gel finishes, knowing which nail polish brands offer quality and durability is essential.
This article explores the best nail polish brands in the beauty world-covering luxury, drugstore, vegan, and long-wear options-so you can choose the perfect polish for your style and budget.
Why Choosing the Best Nail Polish Brands Matters
Selecting the best nail polish brands isn’t just about colour. The right formula ensures smooth application, chip resistance, and long-lasting shine. Poor-quality nail polish often chips within a day or two, leaving nails dull and uneven.
The best nail polish brands use advanced formulas enriched with vitamins, oils, and safe ingredients that protect nails from damage. They also offer a wide range of finishes—matte, glossy, metallic, glitter, and gel-for every occasion.
When you invest in the best nail polish brands, you also get vibrant pigmentation, faster drying times, and healthier nails overall.
1. OPI – The Global Leader in Nail Perfection
OPI is one of the best nail polish brands globally and a favourite among professionals and home users alike. Known for its high-quality formulas and iconic bottle shape, OPI offers a stunning range of shades that suit every mood and season.
Highlights:
- Long-lasting wear up to 7 days
- Smooth, even application
- Huge shade variety (over 200 colours)
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free options
Top Picks:
- OPI Lincoln Park After Dark – a rich plum-black perfect for evening wear.
- OPI Bubble Bath – a timeless nude shade for a classic manicure.
If you’re looking for reliability, shine, and salon-quality results, OPI stands out as one of the best nail polish brands on the market.
2. Essie – The Icon of Everyday Elegance
Essie is another top contender among the best nail polish brands, known for its elegant pastel and vibrant shades. Founded in 1981, Essie has remained a household name because of its long-lasting formulas and chic colours.
Highlights:
- Professional salon quality
- Chip-resistant finish
- Smooth and easy-glide brush
- Available in gel couture line for long wear
Top Picks:
- Ballet Slippers – a soft pink that’s a favourite of royal family members.
- Mint Candy Apple – a trendy mint shade perfect for summer.
For those who love timeless, fashionable manicures, Essie deserves its spot among the best nail polish brands worldwide.
3. Sally Hansen – Affordable Innovation
Sally Hansen is one of the best nail polish brands that combine affordability with innovation. Known for its salon-quality finishes, this brand offers nail-strengthening formulas that make your nails healthier with each use.
Highlights:
- Quick-drying and chip-resistant formulas
- Nail growth and strengthening options
- Available in drugstores worldwide
- Great value for money
Top Picks:
- Miracle Gel Collection – offers gel-like shine without UV light.
- Insta-Dri Collection – dries in 60 seconds, ideal for busy lifestyles.
For beauty lovers seeking quality on a budget, Sally Hansen remains one of the best nail polish brands in the drugstore category.
4. Chanel – The Luxury Choice
For those who appreciate luxury beauty, Chanel is among the best nail polish brands offering premium quality and unmatched elegance. Every bottle of Chanel Le Vernis nail polish exudes sophistication, with colours inspired by haute fashion trends.
Highlights:
- High-gloss finish
- Long-wearing and smooth texture
- Iconic shades that complement Chanel makeup collections
- Elegant packaging
Top Picks:
- Rouge Noir – a deep red shade, one of the brand’s most famous colours.
- Ballerina – a delicate pink for a refined, feminine look.
Though expensive, Chanel remains one of the best nail polish brands for anyone who values quality, prestige, and luxurious style.
5. Zoya – The Non-Toxic and Vegan Brand
Zoya stands out among the best nail polish brands for being toxin-free and safe for sensitive users. It’s a 10-free formula, meaning it excludes harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.
Highlights:
- Long-lasting and chip-resistant
- Over 400 beautiful shades
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Free of harsh toxins
Top Picks:
- Zoya Trixie – a stunning metallic silver.
- Zoya Rue – a romantic mauve-pink shade.
If you prefer eco-conscious beauty, Zoya is undoubtedly one of the best nail polish brands for safe, sustainable manicures.
6. Deborah Lippmann – Salon-Quality and Stylish
Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann created one of the best nail polish brands, loved by professionals and fashion enthusiasts. Her polishes combine luxury with nail care benefits, often enriched with biotin and green tea extract.
Highlights:
- Long-wear and high-gloss formulas
- Nail treatment benefits
- 10-free and cruelty-free
- Stunning range of shades
Top Picks:
- Across the Universe – a glittery blue inspired by the cosmos.
- Naked – a sheer neutral ideal for everyday wear.
For those who love statement colours with skincare benefits, Deborah Lippmann is one of the best nail polish brands to try.
7. Dior – The Ultimate in Luxury and Elegance
Dior Vernis nail polish combines luxury with technology, making it one of the best nail polish brands in the premium segment. With ultra-glossy finishes and high pigmentation, Dior polishes are truly couture for your nails.
Highlights:
- Fast-drying and long-wearing
- Gel-effect shine
- Chic bottle design
- Nourishing ingredients for nail health
Top Picks:
- 999 Rouge – Dior’s iconic red that complements any outfit.
- Grege – a neutral beige that embodies modern sophistication.
If elegance and performance matter, Dior is undeniably one of the best nail polish brands available.
8. Revlon – Classic and Reliable
A staple in every beauty lover’s collection, Revlon has remained one of the best nail polish brands for decades. It’s affordable, easy to find, and offers a wide range of trendy colours and finishes.
Highlights:
- Fast-drying and chip-resistant
- Available in hundreds of shades
- Great for everyday use
- Excellent value
Top Picks:
- Revlon Red – timeless red for any occasion.
- Charming – a sweet lavender that flatters all skin tones.
Revlon remains a go-to for anyone looking for dependable quality at a great price among the best nail polish brands.
9. Butter London – Clean Beauty with Style
Butter London has earned its spot among the best nail polish brands for offering toxin-free, high-performance products. The brand focuses on “Clean Beauty,” using safe ingredients without compromising on colour or durability.
Highlights:
- 10-free and vegan
- Chip-resistant and glossy finish
- Trend-forward shades
- Strengthening formulas
Top Picks:
- Royal Navy – bold and elegant deep blue.
- Trallop – a creamy nude perfect for work or casual looks.
For modern, conscious consumers, Butter London is one of the best nail polish brands that blends health with beauty.
10. CND (Creative Nail Design) – The Professional’s Choice
CND is known for its professional-grade nail products, making it one of the best nail polish brands used in salons worldwide. The brand’s Vinylux and Shellac lines are designed for long wear and easy application.
Highlights:
- 7-day chip resistance
- Fast-drying formulas
- Strengthens nails over time
- Salon-approved performance
Top Picks:
- Romantique – a soft pink for a classic French manicure.
- Black Pool – a sleek black for a bold, modern style.
Professionals and DIY users alike consider CND one of the best nail polish brands for long-lasting manicures.
How to Choose the Best Nail Polish Brand for You
When selecting from the best nail polish brands, consider:
- Finish Type: Glossy, matte, shimmer, or metallic.
- Longevity: Choose gel or long-wear formulas for extended results.
- Ingredients: Opt for vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic options.
- Budget: There are great options in both luxury and drugstore categories.
- Colour Preference: Pick shades that complement your skin tone and personality.
Understanding these factors helps you select the ideal brand for your specific nail care needs.
Tips for Perfect Nail Polish Application
Even with the best nail polish brands, proper technique matters. Follow these steps for flawless nails:
- Prep Your Nails: Clean, file, and buff them before polishing.
- Apply a Base Coat: Protects nails and prevents staining.
- Use Thin Layers: Apply two thin coats instead of one thick layer.
- Seal with Top Coat: Adds shine and prevents chipping.
- Dry Properly: Let nails dry completely between coats for lasting results.
Using these tips will ensure your manicure lasts longer, even with everyday wear.
The Future of Nail Polish Brands
As beauty trends evolve, the best nail polish brands continue to innovate. Eco-friendly, vegan, and breathable formulas are becoming the new standard. Many top brands are introducing gel-hybrid and quick-dry technologies that make manicures easier and healthier.
In the near future, expect to see even more sustainable packaging, long-wear innovations, and personalised colour collections from the best nail polish brands.
Conclusion
Nail polish is more than just a beauty product-it’s a statement of style, mood, and confidence. Whether you prefer luxury options like Chanel and Dior or budget-friendly favourites like Revlon and Sally Hansen, there’s a perfect polish for every personality.
Choosing from the best nail polish brands ensures not only stunning colour but also long-lasting, healthy nails. From vegan formulas to professional finishes, these brands have revolutionised the way we paint and care for our nails.
So next time you’re shopping for your next manicure, remember this list of the best nail polish brands-and treat your nails to the quality they deserve.
