The top 5 nail polishes for stunning nails: our exclusive salon test
Are you looking for the perfect nail polish to make your nails shine? Then we have just the thing for you! We have tested the top 5 nail polishes in our salon to give you the best recommendations for a perfect result. Be inspired by our selection and discover your new favourite polish!
What to look for when choosing a good nail polish
Choosing the right nail polish can sometimes be overwhelming. To help you find the perfect polish for your needs, we've put together some important factors to look out for:
- Durability: A good nail polish should last at least a few days on the nails without chipping. High quality polishes can even last up to 14 days, like some of our top 5 nail polishes.
- Drying timeNobody wants to wait forever for their nails to dry. Make sure the nail polish has a quick drying time so you don't have to wait unnecessarily.
- OpacityA nail polish with high coverage allows you to achieve an even and radiant result with only one or two coats. Look for polishes that are known for their good coverage.
- Colour diversityColour choice is a crucial factor when choosing a nail polish. The best brands offer a wide range of colours and finishes so you can find the right shade for every occasion.
- Ingredients: Look for nail polishes that are free from harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Ideally, the nail polish should also be vegan and animal-free to make a sustainable and ethical choice.
- Application: A good nail polish should be easy to apply. The best products have a brush that allows for an even distribution of the colour and thus achieve a professional result.
By considering these factors when choosing a nail polish, you are sure to find the perfect polish for your needs and create stunning nails!
Our top 5 nail polishes at a glance
1st place: Essie Gel Couture
Essie Gel Couture is the absolute king in our salon! The nail polish has mega coverage and makes your nails shine beyond belief. With a huge range of colours from pastel to bright, you'll always find the perfect shade.
The innovative formula ensures that the lacquer dries quickly and is super easy to apply. And the best part? The lacquer lasts up to 14 days without flaking or streaking - simply perfect for any occasion.
Essie Gel Couture is a must-have in your nail polish collection - with its unbeatable durability, coverage, colour selection and application.
- High opacity
- Longevity: up to 14 days
- Wide colour spectrum
- Easy to use
2nd place: OPI Infinite Shine
OPI Infinite Shine has proven to be one of the leading nail polishes in our salon and convinces with its outstanding properties. This exceptional nail polish line impresses with its radiant, intense colours that offer something to suit every taste and occasion. With an impressive range of shades, from classic reds to trendy metallics, you're sure to find the perfect colour for your style.
OPI Infinite Shine's unique formula has been specially formulated to provide a long-lasting shine that will make your nails shine. What's more, the polish dries quickly and is extremely resistant to chipping, so you can enjoy a professional finish for up to 10 days.
Application is a breeze with OPI Infinite Shine. The ProWide brush is designed to pick up the optimal amount of polish for precise, streak-free application. This results in an even, flawless finish that looks like it came straight from the nail salon.
The OPI Infinite Shine line is also free from harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), so you don't have to worry about the health of your nails.
Overall, OPI Infinite Shine offers an impressive combination of vibrant colours, long-lasting shine, easy application and safe, healthy formula. This makes OPI Infinite Shine a great choice for anyone looking for a high quality nail polish that will impress.
- Quick-drying
- Brilliant colours
- Long lasting shine
- Easy to apply
3rd place: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel has established itself as an impressive option in our salon for its versatility and quality. This unique nail polish combines the benefits of a gel nail polish with the ease of application of a traditional polish, so no UV or LED light is required to cure.
The wide range of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel colours includes both classic and trendy shades to suit all tastes. From delicate pastels to bold, vibrant colours, you can be sure to find the perfect colour for your individual style.
The innovative formula of this nail polish allows for an excellent durability of up to 14 days, without chipping or discolouration. This means your nails will look fresh and professional for longer without the need for constant touch-ups.
The application of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel is very easy. The specially developed brush ensures an even distribution of the colour and makes applying the polish easy, even for the inexperienced. In addition, the polish dries in a short time, so you don't have to wait long for the result.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel is also a winner when it comes to nail health. The formula is free from harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and the brand is committed to animal-free products.
Overall, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of gel nail polish without the need for a UV or LED lamp. With impressive durability, a variety of colours and easy application, this nail polish has everything you need for flawless nails.
- Gel-like durability without UV lamp
- Up to 14 days hold
- Easy to use
- Rich colours
4th place: Essie nail polish
The Essie nail polish convinces with its environmentally friendly and vegan formula. The colours are intense and offer good coverage. The special formulation dries quickly and provides long-lasting shine.
- Environmentally friendly and vegan
- Intense colours
- Quick-drying
- Good opacity
5th place: Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy
Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy rounds off our top 5. This nail polish offers excellent durability and shine. The gel-like formula is easy to apply and provides a long-lasting result.
- Gel-like formula
- Long lasting shine
- Easy to use
- Beautiful colour selection
Conclusion
In our salon test, we found the top 5 nail polishes available on Amazon. Essie Gel Couture took first place, followed by OPI Infinite Shine and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in third place. Zoya Natural Nail Polish and Rev Envy took fourth and fifth place respectively. All of these nail polishes offer great quality, beautiful colours and long-lasting results. Whether you're looking for eco-friendly options, gel-like polishes or just the perfect shine, you'll love this top 5 selection!
How does nail polish dry faster?
If you are pressed for time or simply don't have the patience to wait long for your nail polish to dry, there are some tips and tricks that can help you speed up the drying process:
- Thin layers: Apply the nail polish in thin, even layers. Thin layers dry faster and reduce the likelihood of bubbles and imperfections.
- Cool air: Carefully dip your freshly painted nails into a bowl of cold water or hold them under cold running water for a few seconds. The cold helps to harden the nail polish faster. You can also use a fan or air conditioner to direct cool air onto your nails.
- Quick-drying drops or sprays: Many nail polish brands offer special quick-drying products that you can use on your freshly painted nails to speed up the drying process.
- Hair dryerUse a hair dryer with a cold setting to direct cold air at your nails. Hold the hair dryer about 15 cm away from your nails and move it back and forth evenly to dry the nails faster.
- Patience: Avoid applying several coats of nail polish in a row. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next to achieve an even and long-lasting result.
By applying these tips and tricks, you can shorten the drying time of your nail polish and achieve perfectly painted nails faster.
How do you get nail polish off?
Removing nail polish is an essential step in nail care and should always be done gently and thoroughly. Here are some methods to effectively remove nail polish without damaging your nails:
- Nail varnish removerUse an acetone-based or acetone-free nail polish remover, depending on your personal preferences and needs. Acetone-based removers are stronger and better for removing stubborn or dark nail polish, but can be drying. Acetone-free removers are gentler but may take more time and effort.
- Cotton pads or balls: Dip a cotton pad or ball into the nail polish remover and press it gently against the nail. Leave it on for a few seconds to soften the polish, then gently wipe in one direction to remove the nail polish. Repeat this process until all the nail polish is removed.
- Aluminium foilIf you want to remove glitter or gel polish, use the tinfoil method. Soak cotton pads in nail polish remover, place them on your nails and wrap each finger with a piece of aluminium foil. Leave this on for 10 to 15 minutes before removing the foil and cotton pad. The nail polish should wipe off easily.
- Cuticle oil After removing the nail polish, it is important to moisturise your nails and cuticles. Use cuticle oil or a nourishing cream to counteract dryness and brittleness.
By using these methods, you can effectively and gently remove nail polish to keep your nails healthy and well-groomed.
Questions and answers
How long does the nail polish last on the nails?
The durability varies depending on the brand and formula, but most of our top 5 nail polishes last up to 14 days on the nails.
Do I need a UV lamp for these nail polishes?
No, none of the nail polishes in our top 5 list require a UV lamp. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel and Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy offer gel-like durability without the need for a UV lamp.
Are all these nail polishes vegan and animal-free?
Zoya Natural Nail Polish is explicitly labelled as vegan and eco-friendly. For the other nail polishes, we recommend checking the product descriptions and manufacturer's information for information on veganism and animal testing.