The best nail polish in the UK 2023

Indispensable to perfect its beauty ritual, nail polish is a timeless classic. There are all kinds of nail polish to enhance your nails and hide their imperfections. Permanent, semi-permanent, with fast drying time, long lasting, etc. Which model to choose? Find your happiness among our selection of the best nail polishes of the moment.

OPI Nail Lacquer Shades of Taupe & Brown 1
9/10

Best value for money

OPI Nail Lacquer Shades of Taupe & Brown

The best nail polish in 2021

Like the brand's other nail polishes, OPI Nail Lacquer Shades of Taupe & Brown can last for more than a week. It spreads perfectly and comes in 11 different colors. And to remove it, an acetone-free remover will do.

11,12 £ on Amazon

Very popular, this nail polish is offered in its taupe and brown version. You also have the choice of 10 additional shades if this color does not suit you. OPI Nail Lacquer Shades of Taupe & Brown dresses up the nails while offering the assurance of long wear (a week or a little more), good chip resistance and exceptional shine.

OPI Nail Lacquer Shades of Taupe & Brown is formulated for easy application and quick drying. Ideally used in the field of nail art because of its richness in pigments, the lacquer, matte or glitter finish could especially satisfy your desires. Note that this nail polish comes in a 15 mL bottle with an OPI ProWide Brush.

Rimmel Super Shine Rita Ora Shades of Black 2
9/10

Best value for money

Rimmel Super Shine Rita Ora Shades of Black

The best entry-level nail polish

Rimmel Super Shine Rita Ora Shades of Black polish will make your nails shine! Easy to apply and quick drying, it comes with a high precision brush. It can cover your nails in one stroke.

2,99 £ on Amazon

In less than 60 seconds, you'll be ready to leave the house with super shiny nails. Rimmel Super Shine Rita Ora Shades of Black can be applied in 1 or 2 coats, depending on your mood. With just one brushstroke, you'll enjoy long wear, perfect coverage and a glowing finish.

This Rimmel Super Shine Rita Ora Shades of Black nail polish will enhance your nails for at least 10 days. It will not fade or chip. In addition, this product can be removed in no time. Plus, the maxi brush ensures an exceptional finish worthy of a true pro. And if you want a more intense color, a second coat is necessary.

CND Shellac gel varnish bare shirt 3
9/10

Best value for money

CND Shellac gel varnish bare shirt

The best high-end nail polish

This gel nail polish is a great value. In addition to offering a beautiful long-lasting effect, it provides intense pigmentation and a sublime, professional look for well-groomed, attractive nails in any season.

15,09 £ on Amazon

This semi-permanent nail polish in nude color offers impeccable hold for over two weeks and intense shine for beautiful nails. Many satisfied users have reported that the color does not fade and the polish remains intact for three weeks or more.

The great thing about this nail polish is that it is easy to apply and remove, unlike most semi-permanent nail polishes on the market. A single coat is enough to ensure good coverage. The brand also offers a multitude of colors with which you can customize your varnishes by transposing the colors. Finally, it should be noted that as this product contains BHT (Butyl Hydroxy Toluene), it is therefore not suitable for people with allergies and pregnant women.

Nail polish Benecos, cherry red 4
9/10

A great choice

Nail polish Benecos, cherry red

The best vegan and organic nail polish

This is a nail polish that is close to nature, and above all, gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan. People who are allergic or sensitive to polishes containing chemical agents will love it.

7,19 £ on Amazon

The best thing about this varnish is that it is 5-Free. This means that it is free of camphor, formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates and rosin. Texture-wise, this varnish is quite thick. A single coat will be enough to have a satisfactory opaque rendering. Unlike most organic nail polishes on the market, this one, to the delight of beauty addicts, remains intact for 6 days, even on the nails of a person who does not spare his hands. You can always apply a top coat to extend the life of the nail polish.

The brand guarantees that the drying time of its nail polish is practically the same as other "chemical" nail polishes on the market. Which is great! Basically, if you are tempted by the smooth transition to natural for your nails, do not hesitate to turn to this nail polish signed Benecos.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best nail polish

Any specific needs?

The best nail polish in 2021

The best entry-level nail polish

The best high-end nail polish

The best vegan and organic nail polish

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
4.7/510 votes

By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!

Comparison table of the best nail polish

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
OPI Nail Lacquer Shades of Taupe & Brown 5
9/10
Rimmel Super Shine Rita Ora Shades of Black 6
9/10
CND Shellac gel varnish bare shirt 7
9/10
Nail polish Benecos, cherry red 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
OPI Nail Lacquer Shades of Taupe & Brown
Rimmel Super Shine Rita Ora Shades of Black
CND Shellac gel varnish bare shirt
Nail polish Benecos, cherry red
Like the brand's other nail polishes, OPI Nail Lacquer Shades of Taupe & Brown can last for more than a week. It spreads perfectly and comes in 11 different colors. And to remove it, an acetone-free remover will do.
Rimmel Super Shine Rita Ora Shades of Black polish will make your nails shine! Easy to apply and quick drying, it comes with a high precision brush. It can cover your nails in one stroke.
This gel nail polish is a great value. In addition to offering a beautiful long-lasting effect, it provides intense pigmentation and a sublime, professional look for well-groomed, attractive nails in any season.
This is a nail polish that is close to nature, and above all, gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan. People who are allergic or sensitive to polishes containing chemical agents will love it.
Content
15 mL
8 ml
7.3 ml
9 ml
Holding
1 week or a little more
At least 10 days
2 to 3 weeks
6 days
Drying speed
Chip resistance
Cleaning

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - nail polish

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us
Our mission
How to support us
We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your nail polish

Choosing a nail polish depends on several criteria, including the current trend, the season, your favourite colours and the way it fits. In order to define the colour and type of nail polish that suits your complexion, here are the essential parameters to consider.

#1 - Dress and quality

The quality of the nail polish is an important element to take into account when choosing it. A quality nail polish has a good hold, a good texture, is free of toxic products and dries quickly. Several major cosmetic brands offer nail polishes of increasingly satisfactory quality. The trick is to choose the one that best meets your requirements. The durability of the nail polish is equivalent to the time it takes to deteriorate from the moment of application. It depends on the quality of the product. Generally, unless you want to change your nail polish every day, it's best to choose a nail polish that has a good staying power ofat least 4 to 6 days before chipping.

#2 - The quality of the texture

The quality of the texture directly affects how easy it is to apply the nail polish. If the texture is pasty and heavy, it will be difficult to apply a thin and homogeneous layer of polish. On the other hand, if it is too watery and fluid, the application of the nail polish will take more time through several layers and the expected color will be difficult to obtain.

#3 - The components

A good nail polish must nourish the nails, strengthen and protect them. However, depending on its components, it happens that a nail polish degrades the condition of nails and health in general. Therefore, it is important to prioritize its choice on polishes that do not contain any trace of paraben, formaldehyde, xylene or camphor.

#4 - The shelf life of the varnish

We

tend to say that a nail polish has a fairly flexible lifespan depending on the quality of maintenance it is given. However, a nail polish with a good quality formula can last an average of 1 to 2 years

.

#5 - Drying time

Time is precious. That is why the speed of drying is essential in the choice of a good nail polish. This one should ideally take between 15 and 20 min after application. However, there are nail polishes that can take less than a minute to dry.

"Style is like nails: it's easier to have it shiny than clean." - From Eugenio d'Ors Y Rovira in "The Dialogues of Meditative Passion"

Choose the color of your nail polish according to your skin tone

The best nail polishes 9

Yes! To perfect your grooming, the application of nail polish is essential, whether it is the fingers of your hands or your feet. No matter what color you choose, you still need to know which one best matches your skin tone.

  • For fair skin : skin tone may be pale or a little pink, so a cool undertone would not be appropriate. Therefore, avoid coral, orange, ruby or vermilion nail polish. Nudes, pinks, whites, pastels and beiges are best.
  • For dark skin : Considered to be of a matte color, dark skin adapts better to dark and vivid colors. You can choose between burgundy, eggplant, black and brown. Light tones are to be avoided at all costs.

The different types of nail polish

Just like lipstick, nail polish is a basic element of makeup. However, it comes in 3 main categories: classic nail polish, semi-permanent nail polish and permanent nail polish. Discover all the advantages and characteristics of each type of model to make your choice less tedious.

Classic nail polish

The most popular, classic nail polish is the most economical. It is easy to use and quite practical. This type of nail polish is perfect for women who want to change colors according to their desires, those with fragile nails and those who are often in a hurry. Moreover, it dries in an instant in the open air. The classic nail polish requires a transparent base coat and a top coat if you want to protect your nails while offering maximum adherence. On average, it can last between 2 to 4 days

.

UV or semi-permanent nail polish

An

excellent compromise between classic nail polish and gel nail polish, semi-permanent nail polish is quite long-lasting. In fact, its hold can last up to 3 weeks if applied on very healthy nails. It is intended for women who do not wish to redo their nails frequently. Very resistant to water and shocks, this nail polish does not chip at all. It should be noted that this type of model is also suitable for nail art and the creation of complex patterns. The application is done in 4 steps, each of which will have to pass under an LED or UV lamp

to harden.

Gel nail polish

The

application of a gel nail polish is usually done in a nail bar, salon or beauty salon. It consists mainly of pigmented acrylic polymers that offer it a relatively thick appearance compared to semi-permanent nail polish although they have the same strength and hold. Its main advantage lies in the fact that it provides a solid and resistant protection to the nails.

Similar to the previous type of model, the permanent nail polish requires the passage of each layer under a UV or LED lamp. The only major difference is that it requires the prior application of a gel builder to design and sculpt false nails.

What about powder varnish?

The application of powder polish is done differently. You will need to apply a specific base first before dipping your nails in the powder. After applying 2-3 coats, apply a layer of catalyst protector that will help the polish last longer (about 2-3 weeks). To finish, apply a nice layer of top coat.

Classic nail polish or water-based nail polish?

Classic nail polish

A real collection for some, nail polish comes in different shades and textures to suit all situations. This timeless beauty accessory is easy to apply and remove while matching the colour of your outfit or your mood. It also offers a wide range of effects and finishes.

Unlike semi-permanent and permanent nail polish, classic nail polish has its own set of disadvantages, such as shorter wear time. In addition, it is not very resistant to the hazards of everyday life such as household chores, shocks, rubbing ... However, it should be noted that this type of varnish fully satisfies women who want to change their style regularly.

Water-based varnish

As its name indicates, water-based nail polish does not contain any solvents. Its ecological impact is therefore very low, if not non-existent. It has been designed in such a way that removal is very easy. You won't need to use any solvents that could make your nails vulnerable. Soap and water are all you need to remove it.

Odourless, water-based nail polish avoids the risks of flammability of solvents. The drying time seems to be the Achilles' heel of this product since it takes longer than the classic nail polish, between 3 to 5 minutes.

Verdict

It's quite difficult to get the ideal finish and tone with a water-based nail polish, and the same goes for staying power. So you'll have to turn to a classic nail polish, albeit with solvents. This type of nail polish is particularly suitable for women who want to make themselves beautiful on a regular basis and change their color like they change their shirt.

On the other hand, the water-based nail polish, less resistant, is ideally used by girls from 3 years old as well as pregnant women because it does not present any risk for their health.

Why buy a nail polish?

Better hygiene

Every self-respecting woman knows the importance of hygiene. Like any care we give to every part of our body, manicure is an important part of our daily routine, because it helps to take care of our nails. These are a reflection of our look, our personality, and most importantly, our hygiene. Applying nail polish is an important part of this.

A more polished appearance

Appearance isn't important for every occasion, but it can be helpful in giving a better impression of yourself. Wearing a good nail polish shows that you care about your body and give it special attention. Also, wearing nail polish makes you look much more polished and elegant.

A nourishing routine for the cuticles

When well chosen, a good nail polish allows to take care of the nails and to protect them efficiently. Some nail polishes have a well-enriched formula that nourishes the cuticles and strengthens the base of the nails. They help to keep the nails healthy, avoid splitting as well as brittle and weakened nails.

An art form

Perfecting the application of nail polish requires time and practice. However, it is beneficial for both the nails and the mind. Indeed, in many cases, the application of a nail polish is very soothing and helps to get rid of stress. As nail art is becoming more and more popular, it is also a way to unleash one's creativity and let one's imagination run free to create original manicures.

The choice of nail polish, the application of it and the patterns that go with it are a reflection of our personality and contribute to our personal development. Especially since manicure remains a privileged moment of relaxation and well-being on its own, and of conviviality when there are several of us. So why deprive yourself?

Long-lasting

Depending on the type of nail polish chosen, the manicure can remain intact for 2 days to 3 weeks. The long-lasting models are perfectly suited to people on the move (holidays, business trips, etc.). No retouching is necessary, especially since the varnish does not flake. You can also do the application yourself.

The best brands of nail polish

In our opinion, the best brands of nail polish in 2022 are :

Essie
OPI
Maybelline New York
Revlon
Rimmel London

A manicure specialist since its inception in 1981, the Essie brand is proving to be an icon in the fashion world. Offering a wide range of nail polishes available in various colors and shades, it is especially appreciated for its perfect shine and coverage.

OPI is one of the leaders in the marketing of items related to aesthetics and beauty in general. It shows a real expertise by offering to its customers nail polishes of exceptional quality.

Maybelline New York was founded in 1915 by Tom Lyle Williams. It mainly offers make-up products such as eye shadows, eyebrow pencils... The brand is known thanks to its advanced formulas intended for passionate women.

Since its creation in 1932, Revlon has revolutionized the world of manicure. A high-performance formula, long-lasting hold, a plethora of shades, these are some of the terms that best define the famous firm.

Rimmel London marketed its first non-toxic mascara which was a hit in the 80s. Since then, it has also specialized in other cosmetic and hygiene products such as nail polish, eye shadow, eyeliners, blushes...

What is the price nail polish

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
2 £ to 10 £
Mid-range
10 £ to 25 £
High-end
more than 25 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Remove cuticles before applying

The day before applying nail polish, degrease your nails with modified alcohol. Dip your fingers in hot water to soften your cuticles and to better push them back with a toothpick or remove them a cuticle cutter. This will give you a much more aesthetic result.

Keep the varnish as long as possible

Prepare your nail as best you can before applying nail polish. To do this, gently sand them using a polisher. Use a back and forth motion and don't be in a hurry since this could damage or weaken the matrix of your nails. After application, use protective clips so they don't get damaged in a split second.

Use natural products

Lemon and vinegar are great cleaners to skip nail polish removers. Take advantage of their high acidity to easily remove polish. Mix them in a container and then dip your fingers in it for about 15 minutes.

Removing your semi-permanent varnish at home

Get a bowl and pour in half a cup of acetone-based nail polish remover. Dip your fingers in it for 15 minutes. Gently use a cuticle pusher to remove the layers of nail polish. Don't forget to put some olive or castor oil on your fingertips so that they look shiny. Let them sit for about 30 minutes and apply moisturizer.

Avoid nail polish stains on the skin

Pressed or just out of carelessness, we sometimes slip up when applying nail polish to our nails. Before applying the polish, put craft glue all around the nail. At the end of the manicure, remove it for a successful application without slipping.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , parfumdo.com
  2. , secheongles.fr
  3. , formationprothesisteongulaire.com
  4. , radins.com
  5. , fourchette-et-bikini.fr
  6. , puretrend.com
  7. , lastucerie.fr
  8. , labelleadresse.com
  9. , grazia.fr
  10. , beaute.toutcomment.com
  11. , madame.lefigaro.fr
  12. , trucsdegrandmere.com
  13. , popmynails.fr
  14. , meanail.com
  15. , sephora.fr
  16. , nocibe.fr
  17. , kikocosmetics.com
  18. , amazon.co.uk
  19. , m.yves-rocher.fr
  20. , amazon.co.uk
  21. , fr.wikipedia.org
  22. , hema.com
  23. , beautysuccess.fr
  24. , marionnaud.fr
  25. , chanel.com
  26. , passioncosmeticsparis.com
  27. , bysmaquillage.fr
  28. , kurebazaar.com
  29. , peggysage.com
  30. , notino.fr
  31. , vernis-ongles.com
  32. , di.be
  33. , pupa.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
OPI Nail Lacquer Shades of Taupe & Brown 10
OPI Nail Lacquer Shades of Taupe & Brown
Rimmel Super Shine Rita Ora Shades of Black 11
Rimmel Super Shine Rita Ora Shades of Black
CND Shellac gel varnish bare shirt 12
CND Shellac gel varnish bare shirt
Nail polish Benecos, cherry red 13
Nail polish Benecos, cherry red

Lecteurs

Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.

Copyright © 2022 - Made with by buyingbetter.co.uk

Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!