14 Best Nail-Polish Brands to Try If You Haven't Already

Sally Hansen Matte Top Coat ($9)

Sally Hansen has been in the nail game for roughly 70 years, so you know it's well-versed in the art of making good polish. From its wide shade range to its long-lasting formulas, this affordable brand is doing it right. With countless products to choose from, this mattify-ing topcoat stands above the rest. Just one coat transforms polish into a muted, satin finish.

Essie Expressie Quick Dry Polish in Holo ($10)

An original, Essie takes the cake when it comes to high-quality formulas and a wide range of colors. The brand recently introduced the Expressie line, an expanded range of quick-dry nail polishes for when you don't have a lot of time to pamper yourself. The topcoat "Holo" is a surefire winner on top of regular polish or on its own.

Nails Inc. Vegan Nail Polish in "Endless Recycle" ($10)

Nails Inc. is cruelty-free, vegan, plant-based, and halal-friendly to boot. What more could you want in a nail polish brand? If you're looking for a mood-boosting shade, try "Endless Recycle," a mint green from the brand's 73 percent plant-powered line.

Nailtopia Plant-Based Polish in "Passion Player" ($10)

Superfoods are great in your smoothie, but how about in your nail polish as well? Nailtopia is a chip-free, vegan, and plant-based nail polish brand that boasts affordability and a shade range of 66 different colors. There are also no harsh ingredients in the formula. Our favorite shade is this pastel purple color, "Passion Player." It is elegant and gives off an air of calm.

Zoya Nail Polish in "Ryder" ($12)

Not only is the entire Zoya Leathers Collection a POPSUGAR Beauty Award winner, but the brand as a whole is something we can get behind. The shades are all long-wearing as well as nontoxic and big 10-free. Just two coats and you're ready to take on the world.

CND Vinylux in "Magenta Mischief" ($12)

CND has earned a top spot on the list of best nail-polish brands. It's a salon-quality brand with affordable prices without compromising on results. It's glossy, richly pigmented, and dries in under nine minutes. We're into the "Magenta Mischief" shade, a hot pink with just a touch of sparkle.

ORLY Breathable Treatment in "Shift Happens" ($13)

If you're the type of person who is very much on the go and can't afford to spend very much time on an at-home manicure, Orly may be perfect for you. The Breathable line doesn't require a base coat or a topcoat, so you don't need to dedicate an hour to sitting around and blowing on your fingers. "Shift Happens" is a baby-plum color that goes on easily while providing hydration and nourishment to your nail bed.

OPI Infinite Shine Long Wear Nail Polish in "My Italian Is a Little Rusty" ($14)

OPI's nail polish offers high shine, wears like gel, and is chip-resistant and comes in a range of color options. The shade "My Italian Is a Little Rusty" is the perfect burnt orange to wear year-round. Use this polish as a base for additional nail art if you're a maximalist, but it's stunning enough to wear alone.

Jin Soon Polish in "Palma" ($18)

Created by editorial nail artist Jin Soon, this polish brand is created with high-tech polymers that bind together for high color payoff. Not to mention, the entire brand is 21-free — aka made without many harsh chemicals. While there are countless on-trend shade offerings, our go-to hue is Palma, a gorgeous deep green inspired by the architect Luis Barragan and his love of color.

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Nail Polish in "Wow" ($20)

If getting a gel manicure at home without stepping foot into a salon sounds like a dream, check out Deborah Lippmann's line of nail polishes. Every shade has a contoured brush to make application easy, and the formulas are vegan and 10-free. Because chrome nail polish is all the rage right now, check out the shiny silver hue "Wow."

Tenoverten Nail Polish in "Jane" ($18)

Want to preserve the long-term health of your nail without skimping on color payoff and quality? Then you've got to try Tenoverten's polishes. The brand is clean, natural, and nontoxic. Many reviewers claim that one coat is all you need for rich pigment. This baby-pink shade, "Jane," is reminiscent of a delicate ballet slipper — soft and neutral for everyday wear.

Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer in "Tutu" ($30)

Here's the thing about Dior's nail polish: it lasts a very long time. This advanced formula gives you mega-shine and extended wear — a win-win. The shade "Tutu" has a vibrant pigment that can be worn for the long haul but easily removed with acetone. A dream.

Emilie Heathe Nail Polish in "The Basic B*tch" ($30)

Emilie Heathe's nail-polish line gives you color while also helping to improve the health of your nails thanks to nourishing ingredients like bamboo extract and seabuckthorn oil in the formula. The shade "The Basic B*tch" is so rich and creamy.

Chanel Nail Polish in "Rhythm" ($32)

Before you ask, yes, Chanel is most definitely worth the higher price tag. With bioceramics and ceramides, the nail lacquer boasts the ability to protect, strengthen, and improve your nails over time while providing intense color payoff. If you're looking for something close to the color black, try the shade "Rhythm" — this deep, navy blue is vibrant and chic.