The Best Nail Polish Brands
Whether you’re in the mood to experiment with glitter or want to keep it simple, nail polish is a great way to add some personal flair to your hands.
Thankfully, the best brands have plenty of options for everyone. From vegan formulas to good-for-you ingredients, you’re sure to find a product that suits your needs.
Sally Hansen
Sally Hansen is the eponymous founder of the number-one nail polish brand. But until a few years ago, no one knew who she was.
Then, a team of researchers from Coty, the brand’s parent company, began piecing together Hansen’s life story. They uncovered photos, marriage certificates and other documents that revealed this self-made beauty pioneer.
She believed that true beauty was more than lipstick or nails; it was kindness, tolerance, self-confidence and character. Her business savvy and steely confidence made her an innovator ahead of her time.
Her nail products are known for delivering high-quality, chip-resistant nails. In addition, they’re free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and phthalates.
Modelones
Modelones is an affordable nail art brand that sells a wide variety of dipping powders, gel nail polishes, and acrylic powders. It also sells a range of nail accessories, including UV lamps and nail clippers. The company specializes in the science of colour and helps companies select color palettes, create custom color solutions and predict colour trends to help them develop a visually dynamic brand.
They have a number of interesting and innovative products to choose from. One of their more impressive achievements is their XRad vs iQ LED nail lamp, the smallest and most cost effective in its class. The company also has a number of top-notch quality nail polishes in a multitude of colors and finishes. This is a company that I’m sure you’ll be happy to add to your list of favorites!
d.i.d.
Founded by nail technician Adrienne Detweiler, this New York City-based company produces simple, non-toxic at-home nail, hand, and foot products for everyday DIY care. The brand’s offerings range from a line of color-rich polishes to an impressive collection of topcoats.
The company has a reputation for making the best quality, if not the best looking, polishes on the market and it doesn’t hurt that they use high-quality ingredients in their formulations. For example, they are one of the few companies that is willing to put their money where their mouth is and include a formaldehyde-free nail polish remover in their lineup.
The best way to get the most out of your polish is to do some research on its ingredients. Luckily, the Environmental Working Group has an exhaustive database of what they call “green” ingredients, which can be filtered by name and type. It can also help to do some comparison shopping. This is especially true for the most expensive luxuries like a manicure.
essie
Founded by Essie Weingarten in 1981, this popular brand has won over beauty enthusiasts with its bright, bold shades and long wear times. In fact, essie is the go-to nail polish brand for salon professionals, beauty junkies, industry insiders, celebrities and fashion icons worldwide.
Among its most popular products, the brand’s Gel Couture nails are an easy alternative to a salon gel manicure. The formula combines chip-resistant color with gel-like high-shine.
The one-step product dries in just a minute, and it’s free of seven common toxic chemicals that can be found in regular polish. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Essie’s 7-free Expressie is a great option for those who don’t have the time to apply a base coat or top coat. It dries in just a minute, so you can have your nails done before work or on a busy day. It’s also safe for those with sensitive skin. It’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene and parabens.
