Whether you’re making your way to the salon or applying an at-home mani-pedi, you’ve most likely already noticed there are all kinds of nail colors, patterns, designs, and types to choose from. When you’re on the lookout for a unique kind of polish, it can be tempting to just go with your go-to shade without exploring the plethora of other options that different brands offer.
But if you’re willing to take some time to step out of your comfort zone, you will be rewarded with a new formula and application technique that better suits your style and needs. Regardless, if you’re on the hunt for a topcoat, fast-drying gel, or tried-and-true staple, you’ll be prepared for any upcoming nail care session thanks to the guide below.
Outside of the traditional nail polish formulas, you’re familiar with from your childhood, there are about six different types available that are absolutely worth knowing so that you’re up-to-date with all the latest nail trends.
Dip Powder: Dip powder nail polish lasts much longer than others thanks to its pigment powder being added as a finish each time the nail is passed over with the applicator; a layer of clear powder and a sealant is then applied as a topcoat. Typically, dip-powder nails can last about three weeks to a month and are notorious for not chipping easily.
Shellac: Another hybrid between gel and acrylic, similar to PolyGel, Shellac nail polish is a combination of each formula. Once applied to nails and cured with UV light, you can expect your polish to last around two weeks.
Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Goldie Red
Add a pop of vibrant color to your fingertips and completely smooth out any imperfections and ridges on your nails in just one coat with this ultra-high shine gloss from Gucci. The polish’s formula offers full coverage and will create intense bold rich varnishes that are reminiscent of colors from yesteryear.
Sold by Sephora
SEPHORA COLLECTION Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in Rose Bouquet
Shop the cream of the crop in creme nail polishes when you explore Sephora’s very own rosy hue that’s bound to give your fingertips a classy look and feel. Fall in love with this delicate and sophisticated shade that offers more shine and longer wear than other leading nail care brands.
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Add a stunning iridescence to your next nail look that will have you glowing. The blur duo is a nail polish and highlighter in one that is made with a silky-smooth formula and eye-catching ultraviolet tint.
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SEPHORA COLLECTION Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in Yellow Car
Add a beautifully bright hue to your mani-pedi lineup that offers both a cheery option to your nail care routine and a nice pop of color to your nails. The Yellow Car is a long-lasting nail polish that is suitable for wear-anywhere regardless if you are at a sunny beach or summer BBQ with friends and family.
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Deborah Lipmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Mermaids Dream
Feel the salt in the air and sand beneath your feet when you try on this glitzy seafoam color from a well-known and trusted nail polish brand. The bottle features an advanced, 320-bristle contour brush with a rounded tip that prevents application slip-ups along your cuticle and edges of your nail bed.
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NAILS INC. Nail Polish in Get Out of My Space
If you’re just recently experimenting with metallic shaded nails, then this highly pigmented lilac purple is a great starting point for anyone new to the trend. Offering full-coverage and long-lasting wear, Get Out of My Space will suit a variety of your needs whether you want to use it as a glitter finish or as a base coat alone.
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Choose from four different fashionable colors and give your at-home mani or pedi a pro-finish with this brand’s top long-lasting gel nail polish collection. Each formula features a rare flower extract that helps strengthen and condition your nails.
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Deborah Lipmann Iconic Treatment Nail Polish in Baby Love
Discover your next polish passion and try out this season’s “it” sheer nail color. Infused with natural ingredients like biotin, green tea extract, and aucoumea, its formula is known to have long wearability and to dry quickly.
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NAILS INC. It's Only Neutral Nail Polish Quad
Don’t just pick one, wear all four colors — these cool-toned shades are perfect for wearing whether you’re at a casual event or more special occasion thanks to being complementary with other primary colors. From a baby blue to a rosy blush, this set’s individual colors are all 21-free, fast-drying, and will last for about three weeks of wear time.
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Whether or not your skin is fair or medium-toned, this beautiful and bright sheer lacquer from Dior is bound to complement your complexion regardless. Considered to be the ultimate universal color, this exclusive nail shade will improve the look and feel of your natural nails and give them a shiny finish with a healthy glow. Your pink nail color will become brighter and whiter thanks to the formula’s nourishing ingredients.
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Christian Louboutin Rouge Louboutin Nail Polish
Red will always be a go-to shade thanks to its timeless qualities, so why not try this vibrant shade that is also inspired by the iconic sole of Christian Louboutin shoes. Its formula has a high color payoff, is chip-proof, and mimics the reflection of patent leather. The applicator’s custom design features a triangle-bristle construction that allows for the application of a smooth and flawless swipe of color on nails.
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INC.redible Gen Yellow Jelly Lip Balm + Nail Polish Duo
Give yourself a sunshine-inspired mani with this vibrant polish that is free of parabens, vegan, and cruelty-free. The lacquer is made from a 10-free formulation with kale extract that provides support for the natural production of keratin, while this set’s juicy jelly lip balm comes in a striking yellow that works well with your natural lip color and deeply nourishes and hydrates your lips.
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Ashton Hughes writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
