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Manicure & pedicureHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 1
  • 10 Best Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 2
  • 10 Best Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 3
  • 10 Best Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 5

10 Best Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed

Painting your nails doesn't just add a glamorous touch to your fingertips but it's also a chance to indulge in some self-care, and with stunning results. These days gel-style nail polishes have become so popular for home use, you also have super glossy, glittery or simple matte finishes too! You'll find colours to match every skin tone, season, and occasion. 


You can buy all manner of striking, long-lasting nail varnishes online this year, from high-end fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent to dedicated nail polish brands such as Essie and Nails Inc. There are even some more affordable lines from Maybelline and Rimmel, all available on Amazon, John Lewis and Boots - we're pretty sure we've nailed this top 10 line-up! Moreover, we have partnered with Makeup Artist Marie Dancer for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.

Last updated 21/03/2024

Quick List - Top Nail Polishes

1

OPI Nails

Nail Lacquer
Nail Lacquer

Nail Technician's Favourite at an Affordable Price

2

Essie

Original Nail Polish
Original Nail Polish

Nail Strengthening Formula With Designer Finish

3

Sally Hansen

Insta-Dri 1 Stroke-1 Coat-Done Nail Polish
Insta-Dri 1 Stroke-1 Coat-Done Nail Polish

High-Gloss Shine and Long-Lasting Colour

4

Yves Saint Laurent

La Lacque Couture
La Lacque Couture

Designer Gloss Polish for Chip-Free Nails

5

Nails Inc

Don't Stop Be-Leafing Duo
Don't Stop Be-Leafing Duo

Vegan Nail Polish With 73% Plant Based Formula

Marie Dancer
Expert
Makeup Artist
Marie Dancer

As a professional make-up artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all her clients she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.

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mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

Fact-Checked & Approved by Makeup Artist Marie Dancer

Fact-Checked & Approved by Makeup Artist Marie Dancer

As a professional makeup artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK, working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all of her clients, she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.


Find out more about Marie and what are her favourite makeup products are through her Instagram! She even shares some industry tips on makeup application too. And if you're interested in getting your makeup done by Marie, you can contact her via her email found at the top of her page.

How to Choose a Nail Polish in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Whether You Want Glossy Gel Finish, Matte or Glitter
  2. Consider the Width of the Brush
  3. Think About How Long It Will Last
  4. Look Out for the Colour Range and Shades
1

Find the Right Finish: Gel Provides a Glamorous Shine for Daily Wear, Glitter Is Great for Parties and Events

Find the Right Finish: Gel Provides a Glamorous Shine for Daily Wear, Glitter Is Great for Parties and Events

One of the first things to think about when picking a nail varnish is the finished effect you're looking for. This can depend on your personal taste and style, but also for certain events or celebrations.


  • Gel Polish: The perfect salon finish offering high shine and a smooth nail bed. This can be achieved using a professional gel system and UV light or cheat the look opting for a nail varnish that offers a ‘gel’ finish at home. 
  • Matte Polish: Simple to apply and great for everyday wear, matching casual outfits to smart office looks. They provide a subdued finish compared to a gel or glitter but still offer a full-colour payoff. 
  • Glitter Polish: A statement piece for any night out or party event and tends to last a little longer than normal polish. Transparent glitter polishes are great as a topper over any coloured polish, its only downside is that it can be a real pain to remove. 


If you love all things glitter, check out our dedicated glitter polishes article! 

2

Pick a Wide Brush for an Even Coat, or One With a Fine Tip for Those Interested in Nail Art

Pick a Wide Brush for an Even Coat, or One With a Fine Tip for Those Interested in Nail Art

A vital but often overlooked factor in choosing a nail varnish is the width of the application brush. Polishes tend either to have wide, soft brushes or thin, fine ones. The advantage of a wider brush is that you can sweep colour across your nail in just one or two strokes. This makes it much easier to avoid lumps, bubbles and streaks. 


Thin, fine brushes require more layers which can mean you end up with streaks and bumps, but they are a good pick if you're handy with a nail brush and want to decorate the nails with stripes or patterns. They can be used for block colouring too but will require a steady hand and a little more patience than with wide brushes. 


Factor in the size of your nail beds and whether you're picking for hands or feet, or both. If you have smaller nails a large brush may complete the job faster, but you won't be able to precisely reach the edges. If you have longer nails a small brush will be tedious and may leave streaks if you have to go over the area several times.

3

Choose a Nail Polish That Lasts 7 Days to Keep Your Manicure Looking Better for Longer

Choose a Nail Polish That Lasts 7 Days to Keep Your Manicure Looking Better for Longer

Many polishes claim to be 'long-lasting', and if applied correctly (with a base coat, two to three layers of colour and a top coat), they will definitely stay fabulous for days on end, or even a week. 


Lighter polishes matching your natural nails will guarantee to match any outfit and make-up style. It's also less evident if you have any chips or splits as they'll blend into your own nails. If you like to change your nail colour often, you may find it easier to remove a lighter colour, as some bright choices can stain the nail bed. 


Nail varnishes often promise to last around 7 days, and they usually will if applied along with a base- and topcoat. Some ingredients also help polishes harden to be extra-thick, durable and won't chip easily; however, longer-lasting polishes, especially gel-inspired ones, can be tough to get off your nails.


Help your nail polish last longer by treating damaged nails

4

If You Like to Change up Your Look, Buy From a Range That Offers Multiple Colours and Shades to Suit Your Mood

If You Like to Change up Your Look, Buy From a Range That Offers Multiple Colours and Shades to Suit Your Mood

Another strong appeal of any nail varnish brand is its wide range of colours. Look out for particular polishes which are available in a whole kaleidoscope of shades, especially if you are a real home-manicure addict and like to change up your image on the regular. 


Some polishes come in a subtle, neutral colour palette, others offer classic reds and pinks, while some exist in every shade of the rainbow. Be sure to take note of which colours a certain varnish comes in so you can select a few that match or compliment your skin tone and wardrobe. 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Nail Polishes in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

OPI Nails

Nail Lacquer

OPI Nails Nail Lacquer 1

Nail Technician's Favourite at an Affordable Price

2

Essie

Original Nail Polish

Essie Original Nail Polish 1

Nail Strengthening Formula With Designer Finish

3

Sally Hansen

Insta-Dri 1 Stroke-1 Coat-Done Nail Polish

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri 1 Stroke-1 Coat-Done Nail Polish 1

High-Gloss Shine and Long-Lasting Colour

4

Yves Saint Laurent

La Lacque Couture

Yves Saint Laurent La Lacque Couture 1

Designer Gloss Polish for Chip-Free Nails

5

Nails Inc

Don't Stop Be-Leafing Duo

Nails Inc Don't Stop Be-Leafing Duo 1

Vegan Nail Polish With 73% Plant Based Formula

6

Mavala

Mini Nail Colour Cream

Mavala Mini Nail Colour Cream 1

Handy Bottles for Colour On-the-Go

7

Barry M

Matte Nail Paint

Barry M Matte Nail Paint 1

Cruelty-Free Matte Polish for Those on a Budget

8

Maybelline

Colour Show Nail Polish

Maybelline Colour Show Nail Polish 1

Chip-Resistant Formula That Dries in 60 Seconds

9

Rimmel

Rita Ora 60 Seconds Nail Polish

Rimmel Rita Ora 60 Seconds Nail Polish 1

Easy to Remove With 24 Shades to Choose From

10

Nailmatic

Kids Mermaid Nail Varnish Set

Nailmatic Kids Mermaid Nail Varnish Set 1

Set of 3 Glitter and Gloss Nail Polishes for Kids and Tweens

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

OPI Nails
Nail Lacquer

Nail Lacquer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.90
High Mid
Reference price
£13.90
High Mid

Nail Technician's Favourite at an Affordable Price

The top quality of OPI nail varnishes allows you to achieve professional manicure standards in the comfort of your own living room. Using this product is more or less like getting a set of gel nails done, just without the LED lamp and the price. 


On average these polishes last 6 days in mint condition but could go up to 10 if you're extra careful. As always, follow the 3-layer formula to ensure a thick layer of colour is built, for a luxurious mirror shine. A winning polish!

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No.2

Essie
Original Nail Polish

Original Nail Polish 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.99
Mid
Reference price
£7.99
Mid

Nail Strengthening Formula With Designer Finish

For nail colour as shiny and reflective as a pane of glass, try out Essie's original polish. With several bold, sassy shades to experiment with, you can find a colour for every season of the year in this varied selection. 


Polymers feature on the ingredients list of this silky polish, promising to strengthen the very surface of your nail, and therefore stay in place longer. This product glides across nails without a hitch, providing lasting strength and shine.

No.3

Sally Hansen
Insta-Dri 1 Stroke-1 Coat-Done Nail Polish

Insta-Dri 1 Stroke-1 Coat-Done Nail Polish 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.99
Low Mid

High-Gloss Shine and Long-Lasting Colour

Available in a tasteful colour palette of reds, pinks, lilacs and blues along with black and white, this gorgeous nail polish should comfortably last through 7 days of wear if applied correctly, and with all the quality you'd expect from the brand. 


Sally Hansen's formula creates an enamel-like finish so that nails take on a lasting, glossy shine. While formaldehyde in nail polish is in too small a quantity to be harmful, this one contains none, so should reassure anyone worried about the ingredient. 

No.4

Yves Saint Laurent
La Lacque Couture

Reference price
£22.00
High Mid

Designer Gloss Polish for Chip-Free Nails

To add a stunning, lasting final flourish to any outfit, pick this high-quality gloss from Yves Saint Laurent. There are some very glamorous shades to choose from, making this a top pick for stocking and Secret Santas. 


Boosted with polymers and silicone, this product creates a tough layer of colour on your nail which should stay in place for more than a week without peeling or chipping, if applied with a proper base- and top-coat of colour. 

No.5

Nails Inc
Don't Stop Be-Leafing Duo

Don't Stop Be-Leafing Duo 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£16.30
High Mid
Reference price
£16.30
High Mid

Vegan Nail Polish With 73% Plant Based Formula

This pair of two plant powered nail polishes - shown here in a deep forest green and a shimmery copper bronze - are a brilliant choice if you like to mix up colours or paint a feature nail in a complementary shade.


Nails Inc, unlike other cosmetics brands, focus solely on nail colour, meaning they really know what's up in manicure terms. This duo is made from 73% plant based formula and is vegan and halal friendly. It's easy to apply with rich, perfect coverage for a flawless finish.

No.6

Mavala
Mini Nail Colour Cream

Reference price
£5.50
Low Mid

Handy Bottles for Colour On-the-Go

These lovely small bottles of nail colour are brilliant for popping in your handbag or suitcase to whip out for an emergency manicure on the train, plane or in the office toilet! Mini-size bottles also help to avoid polish drying out as quickly over the months and years. 

On the other hand, where it does dry quickly is on your nail. Just one sweep should dry completely in around 60 seconds, so you can build up layers of colour comfortably without fuss or accidental smudging. 

No.7

Barry M
Matte Nail Paint

Reference price
£3.99
Low Mid

Cruelty-Free Matte Polish for Those on a Budget

A good pick if you don't have fortunes to spend on nail varnish, Barry M's matte range is fun and flirtatious, available in bright cheeky colours that will chirp up chilly winter days and look fabulous in spring and summer too.


Entirely cruelty-free, Barry M polishes are a great shout if you care about the ethical side of your makeup looks. The downside is that the brush is on the thin side, so building up colour can be harder than with other polishes.

No.8

Maybelline
Colour Show Nail Polish

Colour Show Nail Polish 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.70
Low Mid
Reference price
£3.70
Low Mid

Chip-Resistant Formula That Dries in 60 Seconds

The Maybelline Colour Show nail polish has bold and crisp colour and its chip-resistant formula means you can wear it for even longer without it flaking off throughout the week. The brush has 'easy-flow' application to help you be more precise when painting your nails.

The luxurious formula means it glides onto nails easily and builds up to a thick, gel-like appearance. Pick from 18 gorgeous shades of classic colours, great for Christmas but glamorous all year round. However, the small bottle size does mean you may run out quicker than the other polishes on our list. 

No.9

Rimmel
Rita Ora 60 Seconds Nail Polish

Reference price
£6.99
Mid

Easy to Remove With 24 Shades to Choose From

Rita Ora has released a gorgeous range in collaboration with Rimmel which is not only effective and long-lasting but also super-affordable. The brush is a little finer than others, but it is very soft and fans out well so is easier to use than the Barry M brush, for example. 


Cheap and cheerful, it looks great, stays put with 3 layers (plus base and top coat) and can be removed in a flash. There are lots of colours to choose from, so there's something for every occasion.

No.10

Nailmatic
Kids Mermaid Nail Varnish Set

Kids Mermaid Nail Varnish Set 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.83
High Mid
Reference price
£18.83
High Mid

Set of 3 Glitter and Gloss Nail Polishes for Kids and Tweens

These children's nail varnish are the perfect stocking filler, particularly convenient for parents who don't want their young'un developing a proper manicure habit just yet. No good for those seeking long-lasting colour, but just right for kids.


Transform your nails with this set of 3 icy pastels, mermaid shades. Made with no nasties and no fragrance, they are perfect for your little one and you don't even need polish remover! Simply splash off with warm soapy water to reveal fresh nails – the perfect gateway polish for any junior glamourpuss. 

Tips on How to Apply Nail Polish

Tips on How to Apply Nail Polish

Polishing nails neatly within the lines can be a little tricky, but if you're thinking of how to apply polish on your nails like a pro, here are some tips to help with a streak-free application:


  • Make sure old polish has been removed with a cotton pad and nail polish remover.
  • Trim nails if necessary with nail clippers, smooth the edges with a file and gently push back your cuticles.
  • Apply a good base coat and let it dry. This helps to keep your manicure for longer and to protect your nails from staining.
  • Begin applying the polish with a stroke to one side first, then the other side and then in the middle. Finish by sliding the brush across the tip to cap the edges.
  • Do the same thing for the second coat after the first coat dries.
  • After the polish dries, clean up any excess polish with a polish remover.
  • Finish by applying a topcoat.

Written and researched by Annie Hopkins

Top 5 Nail Polishes

No. 1: OPI NailsNail Lacquer

No. 2: EssieOriginal Nail Polish

No. 3: Sally HansenInsta-Dri 1 Stroke-1 Coat-Done Nail Polish

No. 4: Yves Saint LaurentLa Lacque Couture

No. 5: Nails IncDon't Stop Be-Leafing Duo

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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