The 15 Best Nail Polish Brands to Always Keep in Rotation (2024)

A nail care icon and fashion week legend, Jin Soon Choi started her beloved 10-free nail line in 2012, formulated without any harsh chemicals. JINsoon is inspired by Choi's industry experience working on photo shoots and editorial campaigns, plus her years of knowledge working as a salon and spa owner.

Customer review: "Love the nail polish, so much that I bought 3 more from JinSoon. Beautiful color, goes on very smooth with minimal color. Minimal chipping after a few days (as expected). Nails feel strong after using it! Highly recommend." –Maja

Gel polish without the damage? Manucurist makes a strong case for a good-for-your-nails gel with its at-home Green Flash system. The polish goes on like a gel, dries instantly with an LED lamp, and can be taken off in under a minute without the use of acetone. Even though the Green Flash polishes allow for easy removal, the lacquer lasts for up to 10 days.

Customer review: "This stuff is miraculous. It holds up to all the hype. Base and color coats cure in 1 minute each, top coat in 2. But most amazingly, it really does just slide off after 1 minute soaking in remover. I can't rave about this stuff enough!" – AC

When it comes to quality and affordability, few brands can compete with Sally Hansen. This vibrant pick from their Miracle Gel collection combines polish color and its top coat for an easy, eight-day manicure.

Customer review: "Actually liked this a lot! Didn't think it would last as long as it did because I'm constantly washing my hands, but it actually did last 6 days before chipping! I purchased the white polish combo and followed the directions exactly. I did my toes as well and they haven't chipped at all and still look great 9 days later!" – Sarah

Founded by Essie Weingarten in 1981, her namesake brand Essie has been a staple in the beauty industry for over 35 years. It also happens to be a go-to for royals like the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle. Essie polishes are vegan, and have a glossy-shine finish.

Customer review: "When I use this polish it barely lasts two days, but I just love the coppery shade so much that it does not matter. The chipping issue is popular with chrome like metallics like this one...just love it so much!"

Another nail staple, UK-based Nails Inc. is a mainstay in both the fashion and beauty worlds, collaborating with popular brands like Victoria Beckham, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Alexa Chung.

Customer review: "Thick polish. Two layers needed maximum. Perfect for work, colour looks good on darker skin tones, (im a black woman) brand is so good I am a bit of a loyalist after trying other nail polish's (cheaper ones) that don't compete. So although costs more its worth it. lasted 5 days without chipping with top coat x" – Elaine E.

The storied fashion house Chanel not only makes some of our favorite closet essentials but also many of the most covetable nail colors as well. Although we're fans of their collection of classic neutrals, we recommend taking a closer look at a few of their bolder colors—like the deep wine Vamp—that are each worth the investment.

Customer review: "As always, Chanel never disappoints with their range of nail polish colors! I receive so many compliments on Oiseau De Nuit. Chanel's nail polish is a long lasting polish, and rarely chips." – Sandra

We won't blame you if you decide to show off your manicure on Instagram after painting on a few coats of Mischo Beauty's long-lasting polish, which comes in a stylish, sculptural bottle with 15 versatile shades to choose from.

Customer review: "Perfect for natural nail giriles. I do my own nails and having a glass file is not only better for the nail but takes up the at home experience." – Teneice

We're fans of just about everything Gucci makes, including their nail collection. Formulated with red algae and tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), the brand's polish is made to smooth out nail ridges and imperfections on its surface and dry quickly without leaving streaks behind.

Customer review: "Hands down the best nail polish I’ve ever used. Goes on smooth, even, and lasts forever. It’s easy to tell that this product is made with high quality ingredients." –Jenstpaul

If you have even one nail polish in your bathroom, there’s a good chance it’s by OPI. A staple in salons and homes since the early '80s, the brand is known for its long-lasting formulas and fashion-forward shades, complete with cheeky names like the rosy “For What It's Earth."

Customer Review: "The polish had lasted a week and the shine has not disappointed." – Prena

Unless you're breathing the fumes from your nail polish directly on a regular basis, applying nail polish on occasion is relatively low risk. (This is why most nail technicians wear masks, and why nail salons should have excellent ventilation to protect staff.)

However, formulas that are listed as "free" means that they are formulated without certain so-called harmful ingredients. For example, a polish labeled "10-free" denotes that the ingredients do not include harsh chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, camphor, dibutyl, phthalate, xylene, or resin. You can also look for polishes that are fragrance-free, gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.