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Best Nail Polish for Home Pedicures Reviewed
The list below looks at the ten highest rated brands of nail polish you can currently purchase, all of which will do a great job at embellishing and protecting your nails.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Historically, a wide variety of materials were used to create nail polish. For example, in ancient China it was made from a mixture of beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, vegetable dyes and gum arabic. The Egyptians, however, used henna for achieving a reddish brown effect. Finally, the 1920s saw the reappearance of colored nail polished with pastes based on essential oils and tinted powders.
Today, however, the types of ingredients used in nail polish tend to be quite different.
Most modern products of this type are based on Nitrocellulose which is dissolved in butyl acetate or ethyl acetate. To these, manufacturers will add plasticizers, dyes and pigments, adhesives, thickening agents and ultraviolet stabilizers to prevent the color from changing in sunlight.
You'll find that not all nail polish products are good for your nails, mainly due to the oftentimes harsh chemicals used in them. This is why, a good choice would be to use a protective base coat, or to go for nail polish with natural ingredients.
Durability
When it comes to a good manicure, we realized that durability may be the most important factor of all. The reason being is that your nail polish should be able to last a certain amount of time without it chipping, falling off, or fading.
Generally, you will find that certain household chores will tend to damage your nail polish, so if you know your hands or feet will be exposed to water, or if you'll be doing certain types of work with your hands (such as gardening), it is best to invest in a nail polish that is highly durable.
On the whole, gel products will last longest, but if you shop from a reliable manufacturer, you should be able to get your nail polish to last about a week or so, as long as you do the application process correctly.
Color
When it comes to nail polish color, the sky is the limit. Not only can you choose from thousands of shades and finishes, but you can also combine them in unique ways, or add designs or patterns that will give you a manicure you'll be happy to show off.
Colors, of course, are a question of personal taste, and you'll find that what works for someone else may not always be the best choice for you. This is why it is so important to choose nail polish color with care, opting for colors which will compliment the clothes you already own, and that will be appropriate for the environments you'll find yourself in.
These are a few of the most popular choices:
Value
Cost and value are always one of the determining factors when it comes to many of our products. The reason being is that we always want to get the best possible value out of our investment.
The rule of thumb is that anything above $12-15 is known as a luxury nail polish. Now, another factor that affects the cost is the color, the consistency, and the specific brand. Do keep in mind that pricier nail polish will usually mean better ingredients and increased durability, but it is safe to say that expensive doesn't always mean better.
Brand
As the last criteria that we took into consideration, we wanted to share a wide variety of brands for multiple different reasons. The brand reflects not only the value of the product but also the cost. If a brand is known for luxury, without a doubt the prices of their items are higher than an unknown brand.
Therefore, we wanted to share different brands for individuals to choose from. Whether you want an unknown brand or a brand known for their value and color quality, this list has a wide selection. We sometimes like to shine the spotlight on brands that deserve to get a bit of recognition!
Note that you can also find nail polish produced by luxury fashion brands such as Chanel or YSL, and these will offer excellent quality, but be prepared to spend several times more than on a bottle of Opi or Essie.
10 Best Nail Polishes
1. Essie Gel Couture
One of the highest rated nail polish products on this list, the Essie Gel Couture is perfect for those who are looking for an at-home manicure that will last for more than a few days. It can be purchased in a huge variety of colors from sheers, whites nudes and pinks to classic reds and daring blues, greens and yellows. You will even find a good few colors in metallic and glittery versions for when you’re after an added pop.
Using the Essie Gel Couture nail polish is relatively simple. All you have to do is apply two coats of the gel couture color (you can use a base coat to protect your nails), and finish it off with a top coat that gives this nail polish that gel-like appearance. The application itself is quite easy thanks to the brush quality, and the results are an opaque color that only requires two thin layers.
After a few days of wearing the Essie Gel Couture, you’ll notice that this nail polish won’t chip as easily as other at-home options, and it won’t begin to peel either. You can expect this product to last about one week (or more) when applied. Now, the price of the Essie Gel Couture does rank high compared to the other items listed here, but if you’re after this particular look, and enjoy a wide selection of colors, then the investment is definitely worth it.
2. ILNP Juliette Holographic
The ILNP Juliette Holographic is a nail polish that actually is quickly rising to the top of the charts. The INLP Juliette Holographic is favorited by many consumers because of its glamorous look – but also it’s professional quality. For the price tag, you really can’t get closer to the real thing!
When it comes to nail polish, it’s essential that consumers assess the quality of the formula. This product was designed to mimic what a consumer would find at a traditional pedicure location. So, for those of you who are in need of a metallic at-home pedicure – this brand and shade can most certainly do the trick.
Picking out a durable and long-lasting holographic varnish can be challenging. The truth is, you really get what you pay for. So, by investing in this specific product, consumers are getting a long-lasting color that will not wear and tear, or stain the color of your toenails, which both tend to be common problems with other brands.
When looking at the price per single bottle, this brand is the second most expensive nail polish that we are going to share with you today. However, it’s also the second most valuable as it maintains the professional quality that typical beauty boutiques have. So, if you are serious about having an at-home pedicure, you need a serious and long-lasting formula. Let this brand be one of your considerations.
3. Color Club Halo Hues
When it comes to at-home pedicures, this brand has become a choice not only among consumers but even celebrities, according to the company. With that being said, people from around the world are wanting to get their toes dipped in this holographic color to sparkle in the light
Like the other nail polish products on the list, this is another unique formula that focuses on holographic hues, hence the name. This style and color are very popular today and an option that many people are selecting when getting their feet done. Rather than pay a ton of money – you can now do an at-home pedicure with this brand's professional quality product.
If you are like us, we care about nature and really the process behind out a product is created. This brand’s polishes are vegan, which means none of them are tested on animals. Additionally, there are no harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, which is typically found in other brands' varnishes. With that being said, if you care about the nature around you – this product support you!
When it comes to higher-quality designer brands in this industry, it’s expected that they bottle will be slightly more expensive. However, by paying this price, you are investing in a quality nail polis that will outlast almost any other formula that we shared with you today. While there may not be a wide spectrum of colors – there are a few different ones that can add the glitter you are looking for.
4. OPI Nail Lacquer
In this particular industry, there is no better company than OPI. Whether this is your first time doing an at-home pedicure or not, this brand is a great option for the consumer that is looking for an extensive color choice and a quality product that can last for almost 2 weeks. So, with that being said, let’s take a look at what makes this brand number one.
For one, this brand has arguably one of the largest collections of colors for consumers to pick from. In fact, in shades alone, there are over 200+ different color shades and styles, which is quite overwhelming! However, no matter the color or theme you are going for, this brand most certainly has a matching shade of nail polish.
When you purchase any product from this brand, it’s evident that quality and precision goes into the formulation of each bottle. Additionally, when you also consider that this company is the expert in the market – do you need any other convincing?
When it comes to comparing this nail polish to the others on today’s list, we can say that this one is easily the most expensive single bottle of nail polish. I mean, you are purchasing a bottle of OPI – which is the leading company in the world! So, it would make sense that it would be a bit costly. Now, don’t get deterred. Take the time to really look at its value and its quality and you will see that it really is worth the investment.
5. Essie Seaglass Shimmers
Essie is a rising brand as many people around the world are wanting to try some of the tame and subtle colors that this company offers. Additionally, each nail polish is designed with consumers and the environment in mind, making it a worthy purchase.
Today, there are many people who want to be offered an assortment of colors. You may see bright and flashy colors, or glittery and glamorous. This brand seeks to highlight the subtly of beauty with their assortment of relaxed colors. So, if you are looking for more of a classy pedicure and a subtle color, this brand has you covered.
What we really like about this brand is their dedication to ensure that each person is safe. In this industry, many companies still create formulas with harmful chemicals that are just not safe. This brand avoids using DBP, formaldehyde, and even Toluene. So, you can rest assured that you are safe and the paint will stay for longer than a couple of hours.
This nail polish is one of the lower priced single products for consumers to pick from. In truth, this is a reason why many people interested in at-home pedicures may like this item as it’s not costly, and it’s valuable and safe to wear. With an assortment of trendy colors, you can’t go wrong with a brand like this!
6. Zoya PixieDust
One of the absolute coolest products that we have to share with you today is the Zoya Magical PixieDust. Here, consumers will have the option to pick from five different color shades and each is designed with health and safety in mind. Say goodbye to chemicals and hello Zoya!
When it comes to this market, what we noticed is that there are many different brands that use harmful chemicals in their formulas. This manufacturer is considered free from all of the most harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, dibutyl, and even lead!
Let’s talk about a great deal – this nail polish is sold in a gift set of four bottles. This means that it comes with four different shades of a color pallet, which can prove to be quite beneficial. Now, do keep in mind, there are four different color sets to pick from. There is a darker color pallet with colors in the black and purple spectrum – and then much lighter colors in the white and pink spectrum.
So, let’s talk about cost and value. This nail polish is actually quite fairly priced, and many consumers will be quite surprised by how affordable this deal is. It’s safe to say that the best part about this item is that this brand is considered “professional quality”, which means many beauty salons may actually even use this same exact product.
7. Kleancolor Metallic Finish
We know that consumers want to have a wide selection of colors to pick from when doing an at-home pedicure – so you have options to look at. Well, Kleancolor made the process much easier for you by offering a wide selection of colors, all in a nice set. Before you do your next pedicure, check out these product features.
So, what really captured our attention with this nail polish was the brand's approach towards offering consumers value. Here, you can choose from a 1-set, 2-set, 3-set, or a 4-set, all of which range in quantity and color, which gives consumers the option to pick how many bottles they might need.
After the entire pedicure experience is complete, it should be anticipated that the color on your toes will last for at least a week. By using this manufacturer's color set, consumers have praised and boasted about getting a week or even more!
As far as cost is concerned, this is probably one of the best deals that consumers will see today. This brand offers their nail polishes in sets, all of which are priced quite fairly when you consider the number of different shades that you are getting.
8. Shany Pastel Collection
There are a few specific products that we are excited to share with you today – and Shany Cosmetics 24 Piece Set is one of them. When it comes to doing an at-home pedicure, this set comes with everything you will need to ensure that your toes are properly painted – and last a while.
The biggest selling feature of this nail polish is that it's actually considered a full set. It comes with over 24 different color choices, all which are higher quality and non-chipping so that they last longer than others. Many consumers have suggested that some colors may require multiple coats; however, it should last up to 5 days.
Have you ever gotten your nails done and had to wait a long time for them to dry? It can be a total inconvenience – especially if you have places to be. So, this brand sought to alleviate this problem by making all their varnishes quick-dry. So, by the time you are done cleaning up the pedicure equipment, your toes should be dry!
What really amazed us about this nail polish was the actual cost for the entire set. If you consider that there are 24 bottles for the total cost, each bottle is incredibly cheap! Now, what is nice about this is that the formula in each bottle does maintain high-quality so it’s actually a great deal.
9. Orly Nail Lacquer
This is not the first time that we have talked about the Orly brand – they are everywhere! While this brand may not offer the absolute best quality formula, their nail polish options are beautiful in color and can be the perfect coating for a special night. Let’s look at some highlights of this specific product.
The Orly nail polish features a neon green color that leaves sparkles and glow across the entire nailbed. Of course, you can choose other color versions as well, seeing that the brand takes care to include all types of looks in their lines.
The applicator ensures a smooth, perfect finish and the formula of the product means complete coverage with no streaks! And forget about fading: Orly has added UV inhibitors to prevent this annoying phenomenon from occurring. Finally, it features natural pearl for durability and shine. At under $10 and with three neon color choices, you can’t go wrong with Orly.
10. Shade Shifter Multichrome
The Shade Shifter Multichrome is easily one of the trendiest items on today’s list. Reason being, consumers are flocking to this because of the brand’s unique color and holographic appeal. So, without further ado, let’s check out two different product features.
Okay, the first thing that really captured our attention was how the company made their products. As many previous consumers can agree, they have a professional formula that results in a professional looking color once painted on, which then lasts for at least a week.
If you are looking for something different than your standard nail polish for an at-home pedicure, this is the brand for you. Each of their 7 different color options are all incredibly vibrant, glamorous, and stunning to look at.
The difference between this nail polish and many other’s on our list is that this is not sold in a set. Here, consumers have to purchase one bottle, which is notably smaller than a regular bottle. With that being said, it is actually much cheaper than other single-bottled nail polishes, while also offering arguably a better formula.
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