If you grew up in the French manicure era of the 2000s, you know just how far nail art has progressed. Today, the best nail polish brands have a wide variety of nail polish types, from basic polish to gel, dip powder, press-on, and more; plus, they can all leave different kinds of finishes. Of course, there are the usual sheer and matte finishes, but you can try switching it up with metallic, holographic, or textured finishes. Whichever look you choose, you can achieve salon-level home manicures with just a few high-quality nail polishes at your disposal.
Sure, lots of beauty brands make nail colors, but some really prioritize polish. Here are the best nail polish brands that will inspire you to hang bottle racks on your bathroom wall and fill them with entire shade ranges, to post a borderline excessive amount of hand selfies to your Instagram Stories, and to never go a day without a manicure. Many of these brands are available at salons, but they’re all available to fulfil your at-home mani needs.
Essie
Essie/ Pinterest | Essie has been in the game for over 35 years
Essie is one of the world’s most popular nail polish brands and is known for its extensive range of seasonal colors, impressive non-chip formula, and nail care products. The company makes high-quality nail polish used by manicurists everywhere. This designer brand boasts a collection of over 250 staple shades, including the infamous red “Bordeaux” and pretty pink “Ballet Slippers”. Women who need a manicure that lasts will appreciate the Gel Couture collection, while the quick-drying Expressie line is ideal for working moms. Suitable for casual polish wearers and veritable beauty gurus, this enduring label promises a suitable lacquer for every occasion.
OPI
OPI is one of the biggest nail brands in the game and maintains its place year after year. It’s trusty and easy to find at any drugstore. You can actually find the brand in over 100 countries, with offerings that also include treatments, files, tools, acrylics, and more.
Allure/ Pinterest | Ever since OPI was founded in 1981, its collections of cult-loved polishes have been prioritized by everyone
You can count on each bottle sporting a witty, pun-filled name. Among the most iconic OPI, colors are Funny Bunny, Cajun Shrimp, Bubble Bath, and I’m Not Really a Waitress. Some of the brand’s current collections consist of iridescent and pearlescent lacquers.
Olive & June
As soon as Olive & June expanded beyond being a chain of Southern California nail salons and into a full-blown nail polish brand, it won our hearts. Not only does the brand launch some of the most charming seasonal collections of colors several times a year, the metallic rose gold OJSM, seen here, remains a classic, but it makes applying them easier for even the clumsiest DIYers thanks to its famous Poppy tool. But if you’re still not feelin’ so hot about doing your own nails, Olive & June recently made manicures even easier with an especially size-inclusive collection of press-on nails.
Olive&June/ Pinterest | Olive & June lacquers have a gel-like finish that comes off easily with regular nail polish remover
Côte
Côte is a female-led nail brand that believes in clean beauty and high-quality products for all. Boasting a vast collection of over 100 vibrant polishes, the company takes pride in its smooth, shiny 10-free formula that refuses to chip. Recently made part of the Counteract Coalition that regulates the nail polish industry, this brand truly practices what it preaches regarding non-toxic formulas. With everything from statement metallic polishes to signature nude colors, you can find your perfect hue with this label.
