In our busy world, it sometimes feels impossible to make time for self-care, so when you can spare an hour for a manicure, you want to make sure it lasts. While there are definitely nail polish options that guarantee longevity – such as gel or acrylic – sometimes you just want a simple nail polish that won’t peel off after a day. To help you and your hands, we asked nail technicians and manicurists to share the best long-lasting nail polishes at different price points so you can achieve your best manicure.
Buying from this expert-approved list is your best bet, as navigating the beauty aisle can be confusing. You’ll find many companies claiming their products are long-lasting, but it can be tricky to determine if this is true for the average consumer, explains celebrity and editorial nail artist Miss Pop Nails. “Long-lasting nail polish is often advertised as such, but then again, so are all nail polishes. Plus, using the word ‘gel’ means almost nothing,” she says. “The key to knowing if something is really a gel is whether you need to cure it under an LED light. If you don’t cure it, it’s nail polish.”
To take some of the guesswork out of durable lacquers, check out our experts’ top long-lasting recommendations below.
Best Overall: OPI Infinite Shine Longwear Nail Polish Base Coat & Top Coat Duo
“I’m obsessed with OPI Infinite Shine,” says Miss Pop Nails, adding that she turned to the line – as someone who works with her hands a lot, she knows it can go a long way. Even better, the shades are in the same classic varnish as theirs, so switching is easy. “The color is very pigmented, so I think it covers well even with just one coat, but I added two coats to wear it,” she says. “The key is also to use a system of primers and topcoats [as shown] to get the best results.”
Best Class Gel: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Duo
Another of Miss Pop Nail’s favorite collections is Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab, which creates the look and feel of a gel manicure without the curing process. “I really like the base coat and top coat duo, which can turn any nail polish into a long wear,” she says. “There are also shades under the Gel Lab label, but again, they’re not light-curing gels, so they’re true varnishes.
Best Splurge: Perle Blanche Chanel Nail Polish
Looking for a neutral nail color with subtle shimmer, says manicurist and nail expert Aja Walton? Opt for Chanel’s Perle Blanche shade. “It’s not your average white pearl shade! The perfect beach resort nail color for fingers and toes.”
Best Nude: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Brand New Day
Walton is also a fan of Deborah Lippmann’s Gel Lab Pro line, but singles out one shade in particular: “This beige color eliminates any pink or white tones. It’s the most sheer nude color I own and lasts for weeks,” she says.
Best Universal Sheer Nail Polish: Essie “Sheer Silhouette” Corset Gel Haute Couture Nail Polish
If you wear nail polish regularly, you probably know how difficult it is to identify the truly perfect sheer nude color. It’s even more challenging to find an almost non-existent neutral that works for all skin tones. Enter this shade from Essie, which is equally long-lasting. “It’s a universally flattering solid tan nude, a staple in my collection and one of the most requested in editorial nail art,” says Walton.
Best Color Pick: Jin Soon Nostalgic Classic Nail Polish
According to Miss Pop Nails, Jin Soon’s glossy lacquer works well – but the collection’s wide range of colors may make you want to change your manicure before one of the current chips. Stylish colors,” she says. We especially like the nude-meets-blush shade, which doesn’t show cracks as easily as the darker formulas.
Best for the Environment: Zoya “Naked Manicure” Nail Polish Set
Zoya Naked Manicure is a no-makeup nail look. “It’s a sheer shade that intensifies, shimmers and brings out the natural blush tones of the nail bed,” says Miss Pop Nails. A pure nude, a shimmery light yellow, or even just a sheer coat, this could be your new and improved go-to. I’ve been using pink and pale yellow for the perfect look on the scene.”
Zoya also has great products to match its sustainable ethos. “They’re very earth and health conscious in their polishes and packaging,” she says. The right bottle brush for nail art depends on your preference.”
Best Packaging: Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Suburban Warrior
Smith & Cult’s products are stylish and long-lasting. While the color you choose won’t necessarily affect how long your manicure lasts, Miss Pop Nails loves the brand’s Suburban Warrior shades and their packaging. The bottle. It’s very chic,” she says. “It’s prettier than most perfume bottles!
Best Coloring Choice: Color Club Nail Polish in Harp On It
Need a formula that’s extremely pigmented (which translates to better wear and durability) and out of this world, Miss Pop Nails recommends Color Club’s holographic silver formula Harp On It. “The polish is highly pigmented and perfect for when you’re pressed for time to get coverage,” she says.
Best Ingredient: Like Camel Paintbox Single Nail Lacquer
A long-lasting varnish doesn’t have to be filled with chemicals, says Mabelyn Martin, creative director of Paintbox: “Our polishes are all 10-ingredient free and non-toxic, while still maintaining their long-lasting benefits.” Prepare your nails and use the cuticle polish daily, and this polish will last up to a week.”