By People who wanted their nails to look nice for weeks used gel paint for a long time. It was tough, glossy, and hard to break. But ordinary nail paint is getting better quickly. Some polishes today can last as long as gel without the UV lamp or the trip to the salon since the formulas are better.
The only issue? There are so many choices on store shelves that it can be hard to decide what to do first. That’s why we asked nail specialists to tell us their favorites. “There are so many great nail brands out there,” says Tara Haye, a famous nail artist. She says that people are used to seeing classic names like Essie and OPI in drugstores, but they should also check out newer ones. “Newer brands like Manucurist not only make your nails better, but they’re also vegan,” she says.
Here are five nail paints that professionals like.
1. Essie Gel Couture
Almost everyone knows the Essie brand, and the Gel Couture range comes up to its name. Fleury Rose, a famous nail artist, says it truly does last a long time and you don’t even need a base coat, so you don’t have to buy as many supplies. The mixture is smooth and shining, and it makes your nails look thick and polished, much like a gel manicure would.
2. Dazzle Dry
This one costs a little extra, but enthusiasts believe it’s worth it. Rose says it’s “a cult favorite of celebs” and you can even find it at select high-end salons. It doesn’t hurt animals, is safe to use, and comes in a wide spectrum of colors, from delicate nudes to bright, dazzling reds. There are four steps in the system: preparing the nails, putting on the base coat, putting on the color, and putting on the top coat. The brand sells little sets so you can check it out first if you’re not sure.
3. CND Vinylux
Marie Barokas, a celebrity stylist, says this polish is great. Many nail salons already use it. It dries in 8.5 minutes and lasts for a week or more. You don’t need a base coat with Essie Gel Couture. You just need to do two things: color and top coat.
4. June and Olive
Korean beauty, which is recognized for its long-lasting and easy-to-use products, inspired this brand. The formula is vegan and can last for up to ten days. Because the brush is broader than others, it’s easy to paint your nails perfectly at home. The firm also sells manicure serums, detail brushes, brush holders, and press-on nails.
5. Manicurist
Nail pros appreciate this French brand, and it’s also good for the environment. The packaging is better for the environment than most, and up to 84% of the ingredients come from plants. The polish is very bright and colorful, just like gel, but it doesn’t need UV light. It lasts a long time when you use it with its base and top coat.
There is a long-lasting polish on our list for you, no matter how much money you have or how much you want to spend.