Freshly manicured hands look gorgeous. But, it is not always possible to run to the salon to get your nails done. So, we have made a list of the best drugstore nail polishes for you. Easy to apply and quick-drying, these nail polishes can save your time and are available in various colors and styles to suit your needs. They give your hands a stylish look suitable for parties, fun outings, or professional events. So, take your pick from the options listed below and make heads turn wherever you go.
15 Best Drugstore Nail Polish
1. Best Vegan: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
If you are interested in a drugstore nail polish that provides a glossy finish, the Seche Vite nait coat is for you. Just apply a thin coat, and you will have your nails looking pretty for over two weeks. Here’s a video that shows how this nail polish might look. Pros
Solution used is vegan-friendly Protects nails from yellowing or staining Quick-dry formula saves you time Imparts strength to your nails
Cons
Nail polish may chip off Bottle may be tiny
2. Best Neutral Shade: O.P.I Nail Lacquer Long Lasting Nail Polish
For women who love pink nail polishes, choose this by O.P.I as it comes in several engaging shades of pink nudes and neutrals to choose from. When in confusion, this high-quality nail color is just what you need. Keep your weekly manicure sorted with this reliable, long-lasting drugstore nail polish. Pros
Offers a gentle shine Neutral shade is versatile enough to go well with any kind of look Delivers colorful and good-looking nails that last up to seven days Comes with a ProWide brush for flawless application
Cons
Polish may leave bubbles on the nails May require additional coats to give a solid finish to the nails
3. Best Long-Lasting: CND Vinylux Weekly Nail Polish
This drugstore nail polish is formulated to last as long as seven days. The lacquer doesn’t chip and doesn’t lose its luster. Watch this video for a detailed review of the nail polish. Pros
Fast-drying nail color ProLight technology to increase nail durability with natural light exposure Easy and convenient to apply as it does not require a base coat Infused with Vitamin E, keratin, and jojoba oil for high shine Can help heal splitting nails
Cons
Polish and its coverage may be streaky May have a watery consistency
4. Best Reliable: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Lacquer
This dream drugstore nail polish promises salon-like nails without having to leave your home. The reliable and long-lasting drugstore nail polish is chip-resistant and offers high shine. Pros
Delivers impeccable nails without using salon UV or LED Can be removed like regular nail polish Offers a glossy finish Available in more than 20 shades
Cons
May take time to dry May require effort to get a smooth finish
5. Best Streak-Free: Orly Nail Lacquer, Luxe
Smooth application and streak-free coverage are a few things this drugstore nail polish promises. It leaves your nails with a fine finish and intense color. Have your nails shine bright this party season with this nail paint that doesn’t fade and dries within no time. Pros
Glides on smoothly Highly durable lacquer with natural pearl for a glowing effect Suitable for those who are always on the go Infused with UV inhibitors to prevent fading
Cons
May require a top coat for a shiny finish Texture may be slightly gummy
6. Best Chip-Resistant: Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel
You can now get salon-like results at home with one of the longest-lasting drugstore nail polishes. It is a combination of base and color. Formulated using shea butter and oils, it pampers your nails and keeps them looking gorgeous for up to seven days. Pros
Available in 46 shades Comes with a wide angle brush that wraps nails for a smooth application Conditions the nails Chip-resistant formula
Cons
Maybe slightly thicker than you expect May take time to dry
7. Best Stain-Resistant: O.P.I Natural Nail Lacquer Base Coat
Revitalize your nails with one of the best drugstore nail polishes. This natural base coat is a classic foundation for longer wear (something we all want). Pros
Seals the color to prevent it from scratching or chipping Can be used for weekly manicure needs Prevents staining or yellowing of nails Offers a glossy finish
Cons
May not be easy to remove Some may find the solution to be thin
8. Best Sparkle: ILNP MEGA 100% Pure Ultra Holographic Nail Polish
Infused with intense holographic sparkle, this nail polish adds glamor to your nails. Create a fingertip rainbow with this nail lacquer when you step out in the sun. It promises quick-drying and a long-lasting luster. Pros
Can be worn over another nail polish of choice Cruelty-free and vegan formulation Made of non-toxic ingredients Does not require a base coat while applying Comes in a custom tray holder and is suitable for gifting
Cons
May take time to dry May be slightly thick
9. Best Glossy Finish: Essie Nail Polish Glossy Shine Finish
Enjoy a salon-like manicure with this streak-free nail polish from Essie. It is formulated to offer flawless coverage and outstanding durability. The cool granite gray creation reflects great style. Pros
Quick-drying formula Suitable for wear every day and on every occasion Free of DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde Comes with shades that suit every mood Offers a glossy finish
Cons
May not spread evenly May not be chip-resistant
10. Best Safe: Revlon Nail Enamel, Bewitching
For uncompromised gorgeous looking nails, go with this chip-resistant and safe formula that is free of resin, DBP, or Toluene. This patented silk-silicone nail lacquer is crafted with ShadeLock Technology and promises long-lasting and never-fading color. Pros
Available in up to 64 shades Glides on smoothly Anti-fade formula Helps prevent yellowing of nails Bubble-free application
Cons
Applicator brush may be smaller than expected Color may be darker than expected
11. Best Cruelty-Free: Butter London Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer
This nail polish with a unique Patent Shine 10X formula and bamboo extract promises brighter, shinier, healthier, and stronger nails. It is free of chemicals parabens, formaldehyde, xylene, and DBP. Pros
Shock resistant polymer technology makes it resistant to fading Does not require a base coat or topcoat while applying Gluten- and cruelty-free Lasts up to ten days
Cons
May not be easy to remove May not be quick-drying
12. Best Easy-To-Apply: Sinful Colors Professional Nail Polish Enamel 112 Tokyo Pearl
Here’s a nail lacquer that not only adds shine to your nails but also protects them from yellowing and staining. You don’t have to worry about chipping with this top drugstore nail polish. Pros
Toulene-, DBP-, and formaldehyde-free Thin consistency makes it easy to wear Comes with a brush for smooth and bubble-free application Offers a pearl finish
Cons
Solution may peel off from the nails
13. Best Vegan: Zoya Nail Polish, Louise
Flaunt the rich and perfect brown shade you had always wanted on your nails using the Zoya nail polish. The color looks fantastic, like melted chocolate, and leaves you with a gorgeous brown that can win you over. Pros
Free of formaldehyde, DBP, toluene,camphor, TPHP, and parabens Delightful formula for women who are extra conscious about their health. Glides on smoothly Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
Cons
May have a peculiar smell Shade may be darker than expected
14. Best Plant-Based: 10 Free Chemistry Plant-Based Clean Nail Polish
This plant-based nail polish lasts for around 10+ days and is a 100% vegan nail lacquer with organic ingredients. It is a wonderful choice for all the ladies who prefer nail paints that neither harm their nails nor the environment. Pros
Enriched with vitamins and plant extracts Revives brittle and damaged nails Nail-NRGY Bio Peptide Complex helps retains moisture and improves the break resistance of the nails Cruelty-free
Cons
Some may not like the smell May have a watery consistency
15. Best Shimmery: China Glaze Nail Lacquer With Hardeners
Paint your nails pretty with this wonderful, long-lasting drugstore nail polish. Made with a non-thickening formula, it ensures smooth and easy application with no requirement for a thinner. Add a little bling to your freshly done manicure with this truly enchanting nail lacquer. Pros
Does not chip and ensures that your nails look impeccable for days. Made of non-thickening formula Offers a shimmery finnish Does not require a thinner
Cons
Some may not like the smell May not be quick-drying
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Nail Polish?
We all have been through a situation wherein we bought a bottle of nail polish that we loved at the store but ended up hating it on our tips. Well, here are some tricks that can help you skip such a situation.
1. Skin tone
Lighter shades complement fair skin. Medium skin tone can carry all colors except gold. Dark colors look fantastic on dark skin tones. These are some simple rules to keep in mind if you don’t want to experiment or have a bad experience. So, stick by this traditional method of picking colors as per your skin tone.
2. Stay updated with latest trends
Don’t miss the latest fashion trends because there is always something new to paint your nails with. There are several new drugstore nail polish choices to try on with each fashion season.
3. Look for product specifications
You might look for a longest-lasting drugstore nail polish and someone else might give more preference to the shade. Therefore, always go through the product specifications to know what different drugstore nail polish brands have to offer.
4. Reviews are a great help
If you want to know what other women have to say, then don’t miss on the reviews because they give you a clear picture of the product’s performance. They can help you find what the nail lacquer actually feels like after application and while applying it. You can find the most enticing colors that are free from toxins, dry quickly, last long and give you the perfect tips to flaunt.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a writer with avid interest in beauty and personal care products. Her well-researched article on the best drugstore nail polishes can help you buy a nail enamel to improve the look of your freshly manicured hands while also assuring their health. She evaluated and assessed many products across several platforms for her compilation. She also included a shopping guide to help you find the best product based on your skin tone preferences, current trends, and product characteristics. What’s your idea of a good drugstore nail polish? Tell us about it in the comment section below. Recommended Articles:
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