Best nail polish! Something long lasting!

[ShabbyAbby]

Please help me get a nail polish that is hard wearing long lasting doesn't chip badly. For my toes, but so that it doesn't look dreadful if I'm in a rush and need to put my sandals on. Normally get shellac done but want something I can do at home. Tia xx

I use Essie polish mostly and Essie top coat. I can get 5 days out of a DIY manicure quite easily. Its quick dry too

OPI is the best IMO.

I really rate the Essie gel couture ones, just the varnish and a top coat, lasts at least a week on fingers. Comes off with normal nail varnish remover.

My best combination for long lasting without chips is Essie Gel Couture colours with Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro base and top coat.

I’ve tried the top coat that goes with the Essie Gel Couture colours and it (a) doesn’t dry as fast (I could seriously do my toes with the DL top coat within an hour of bed and not get sheet-prints); (b) doesn’t dry as shiny and “cushion-y”; and (c) doesn’t resist chipping nearly as long (about 4 days is the longest I’ve gone without needing to touch up Essie, against 6-7 with DL).

I have found two coats of the Essie colours are not good enough coverage without a base coat.

I also didn’t get on well with CND Vinylux weekly top coat, same problems as Essie.

Only problem is that DL is really hard to find in U.K. (I think Harrods sells it or eBay) and it is rather expensive. That’s why I’ve been trying so hard to find a more affordable/accessible pharmacy substitute. But when you compare its cost to regular salon manicures it is an easy expense to justify.

eBay, here I come!

Use a decent basecoat and topcoat (I use nails inc caviar and seche vite) and make sure you swipe your nails with nail Polish remover before your basecoat to remove any oils.

If you do that I've found that any old polish works and stays on ...some of my favourites are actually cheapo primark ones...but also like essie, Leighton denny and ciate.

I can get 6 full days out of mine every week...changing it on the 7th...

It really is all about the prep...like so much in life...boring but necessary...

Barry M is long lasting I find, I also use a seche vite top coat (when I remember).

I have Barry M and Sally Hansen double duty but find that chips.