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The best tried and tested nail polish: OPI, Rimmel, Barry M and more
Wave goodbye to chipped nails with these GHI-approved nail varnishes
Tested by Denny DailyFormer Beauty and Grooming Tester
Though a treat, a trip to the nail salon, or even using an at-home gel nail kit to achieve a glossy finish, can sometimes be costly and time-consuming. Sometimes, you just want some good, old-fashioned polish, so it pays to have a quality varnish on hand to quickly add a pop of colour, from a bright cherry red to a subtle nude.
Here at the GHI, testing’s what we do best, so we decided to trial the best nail polishes on the market and take the guesswork (and annoying chips) out of the equation.
In a hurry? See below for our winners or read on for our full review.
The best nail polish
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How can I make my nail polish last?
You’ve spent time painting on a fresh coat of eye-catching coral and waited until it’s dry before a night out, but a mere couple of hours later, they’re already chipped. We’ve all been there. When you’re going about your daily life – washing up, typing, etc. – it’s easy to do, but there are a few ways you can make sure your fingertips stay tip-top.
Investing in a high-quality nail polish is a good place to start, and luckily for you, we’ve found plenty on our list below.
You also want to make sure the nails underneath are in good condition. If yours need a helping hand, you may want to try one of our tried and tested nail strengthening treatments. Some people also opt for vitamin A and E-rich nail supplements, to help combat brittleness and increase strength – please note, however, that they will only be effective if these are vitamins you’re already deficient in.
A clear topcoat can also help seal your polish in place and can be reapplied every three-to-four days to increase longevity. Read our handy guide for the full lowdown on how to stop your nail varnish chipping.
How do I remove nail polish?
To ensure your natural nails stay healthy and strong, it’s best to to take nail varnish off using a proper remover (no picking around here, please!).
There are a few different types of removers, from gentler acetone-free options to convenient, pre-soaked remover pads. Simply soak your pad and it should come off in one or two swipes and remember to wash your hands afterwards. We would also recommend adding a hand moisturiser and cuticle oil, as the alcohol in the remover can be quite drying on the skin.
How we test nail varnish
To help us find the best nail polish out there, our experts at the GHI tested a range of brands with the help of 220 of our at-home testers. Each person provided detailed feedback, assessing the ease of application, wear time, how chip resistant it was, drying time, and colour payoff.
In the lab, our experts timed how long each polish took to dry completely. This process was repeated three times for each polish to calculate an average drying time. These are the ones that nailed it.
Score: 89/100
It’s no surprise that OPI’s world-famous nail lacquer came out on top in our tests. The brand claims its super-strong and chip-resistant polish will stay in place for up to 11 days, so no gel lamps needed. Judging from the high score and feedback from our testers – one of whom said it was “very chip resistant” – the claims appear to ring true.
Our panel also praised the shade pay-off, saying the polishes give “great coverage and colour.” We tested Big Apple Red (a really vibrant red), but thanks to OPI’s extensive range, there's a colour to match every person, outfit or mood.
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Score: 88/100
If you want quality at an affordable price, then the Gelly Hi Shine polish range from Barry M is the one for you. All our testers were happy with the colour intensity, which gave them the type of glossy finish you would expect from a gel manicure.
The shades include a timeless deep ‘black cherry’ or you can change it up with a bright ‘pistachio green’ – all guaranteed to help your fingertips stand out. This range delivers a purse-friendly gel-like mani without a trip to the salon.
Score: 84/100
Another popular brand in the polish space, Leighton Denny’s colour range is seemingly endless. We tested the vibrant red Provocative shade, but there's also a deep purple Vamp, or shimmery Get Glazed, plus many more. And the good news is, not only is there a wide range of options, but the pigmentation “deepens depending on the number of layers applied,” according to one tester, giving vibrant results.
The thick, flat brush impressed our panel with its ability to apply a streak-free finish, in just “three strokes.” Multiple people praised the polish’s fast-drying power, and our experts agreed – it scored joint-top in our lab for speedy drying. So, even if you’re in a hurry, you can expect a shiny finish in just under two minutes.
Score: 84/100
This nail varnish lived up to its name in our lab test, with results showing that the average dry time is, indeed, 60 seconds – it certainly does what it says on the tin.
As well as being quick to dry, one tester was thrilled that it didn’t chip, even after housework, and for those who did get chips, it was easy to touch up, too.
Score: 79/100
As well as a range of colours to choose from, what sets this varnish range apart from the rest is the “21 free” aspect – meaning that it’s free from formaldehyde, acetone, parabens and 18 other harsh chemicals that aren’t uncommon on a nail varnish ingredient list.
Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty and halal friendly. The round edged brush ensures easy application, which leaves the cuticle area mess free according to our panel.
Score: 78/100
“One coat wonder” was how one of our testers described this budget-friendly nail polish, and all our testers were happy with the colour pay-off, too. Not only was it a quick-drying varnish with a strong colour pigment, but it also left no visible brush marks.
Some testers did note that results started to fade after a week of application (which we still think is pretty good) but adding a clear topcoat should help avoid that.
Score: 77/100
Another vegan and cruelty-free nail varnish, this boasts a formula made from 90% naturally derived ingredients to protect and preserve the natural vitality of your nails. The French nailcare brand doesn’t skimp out on quality or style either, with 100+ colour shades to choose from. It also offers manicure sets, which would make great gifts.
Nearly all our testers agreed that they were able to achieve their desired look using this polish, but some did note that a bigger brush would have made application a bit easier.
Score: 77/100
Expect nourished nails with this polish from Mii Colour, as the formula is enriched with vitamin C, which contributes to collagen production and a reduction in brittle nails, as well as vitamins A and E to help strengthen and prevent nail yellowing.
It scored well for ease of application – it was “easy to put on, and easy to take off”, according to one tester, thanks to the chunky brush. When put to the test in our lab, the results also showed that it’s chip-resistant – perfect for tidy, polished nails.
Score: 75/100
Essie’s nail varnishes have lined the shelves for years, and for good reason. If you want great coverage and gloss, then this is the one. The majority of testers agreed that it didn’t chip, though it did need more than one coat to reach the desired level of colour. But for most, two coats did the job.
The iconic collection of colours is vast, ranging from deep sea blues to ballet pump-inspired light pinks, glittery topcoats and everything else in between.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Denny our Former Beauty and Grooming Tester has an in-depth knowledge and background in beauty and PR. She has spoken on panels with Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) and has worked with many beauty brands as a commercial model. Since joining in October 2022, she has worked on numerous testing categories including over 18 different brands for vitamin C serums, scalp scrubs, shampoos for dry hair and many more. She has over 20k followers on TikTok where she shares beauty and fashion tips otherwise better known as Denny Daily.
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