Best kind of nail polish nowadays

[DKanin]

I was hoping someone could help!
I used to get gel nails done by a beautician friend but as they've nearly grown out I'd like to start doing my own nails.

I haven't bought a new nail polish for years - just using up lots of old ones I had to paint my toenails with (which don't get chipped as easily) so I'm not sure what's good now.

I use black (or sometimes burgundy) and I always loved having shiny gel un chipped black nails.

Can anyone tell me what to get? Either a nail varnish brand that's very good for not chipping or a very simple idiot proof gel set.

Thank you!

Following. I bought shellac off Ebay and have a very cheap lamp. It's ok but no where near as good as the salon.

I like Opi. Not sure it’s the best in the world, but I’ve found it lasts well and isn’t too bad for chipping.

Also they do a massive range of colours.

I really rate Rimmel 60 second nail polish. It usually lasts a good week without chipping. I really prep my nails, quick buff and then a wipe with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any greasy bits. Then a base coat, 2 thin coats of Rimmel, and then once totally dry a thin topcoat. Plus they’re so cheap, you can have all the colours!

I have always done my own nails I am lucky they grow fast and strong.

I have tried god knows how many brands, but always come back to Revlon, then Bourjois, the Rimmel 60 mentioned above is great if your in a hurry and dont have time for the full manicure, but lasts well as the above poster has said. Sally Hansen is another one I really like as well as that brands base/top.

Have tried OPI a few times just in case I had a dud bottle and its always chipped for me, and at the price though poor value. Same with the Chanel ones and more high end cosmetic brands.

Tried lots of Japanese/Korean brands as well but alwys come back to Revlon, I even found a bottle (opened) that was dated 2008 and its fine!

Thank you for the suggestions everyone! Just wondering if anyone's tried sally Hansen insta dry and found it to be any good?

I really like Barry M nail polishes. Shiny and last a while before chipping

Agree with Barry m. I also like opi, nails inc, Essie and Zoya. Zoya storm is a great sparkly black. I use Barry M “Plumpy” shiny topcoat and it makes any nail polish last longer.

However there are still some that are pants - Chanel as a pp said (shockingly considering the price!), And butter London - love the colours, terrible formula that goes dry in the bottle really quickly.

I like Essie for longevity - 1 coat lasts days & it looks like a gel manicure.

Vinylux is the best without a doubt.

I love China Glaze. Loads of colours and finishes. Get mine from nail polish direct.
I have one Chanel and it is shit, as is the MAC one I have. I rate Essie and BarryM as well.

Essie

I really rate Rimmel 60 second nail polish. It usually lasts a good week without chipping. I really prep my nails, quick buff and then a wipe with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any greasy bits. Then a base coat, 2 thin coats of Rimmel, and then once totally dry a thin topcoat. Plus they’re so cheap, you can have all the colours!

I second this. I bought a bottle last week, have had shellac every 2 weeks for years. I’m 5 days in With minimal chipping

CND Vinylux (from amazon) is a total game changer. Use a base coat (any) and the Vinylux top coat. Dries quickly, lasts x3 normal polish. I am changing my (Opi, Essie, China Glaze, Barry M) polish to collection to Vinylux now.

Whatever you choose, just never buy Chanel. Seriously awful quality and coverage, shocking for the price.

Thank you for the recommendations! Rimmel 60 seconds is clearly very well thought of and great value at the price.

I'm not surprised people don't rate Chanel - I have had a couple of theirs in the past and their black nail polish was the worst I've ever used in my life. It had chipped horribly within a couple of hours. That was over 10 years ago so I thought they might have improved but clearly not! It's shocking given how much they charge as well.

WFH transfers to nail bar on a weekend
I use CND gel polish with builder gel base and CND top coat
Lamp from amazon
I’m not trained but gel polish lasts me 2-3 weeks
DD and I do each other’s.

Didn’t post

Revlon or Opi, with Sally Hansen Hard as,Nails topcoat.

To me, nothing beats good prep (buff, alcohol wipe), base coat - Sally Hansen for me. I then do two thin coats of OPI, and the key to a good manicure is the Seche Vite top coat. The key is to put it on while the colour coat is still wet - no waiting as per usual top coats. Some people see shrinkage with Seche Vite but I've never had it with OPI (have seen it with Essie though). My current manicure is on day 8 and looks like new, except the regrowth.

I've tried countless nail polishes but, even with good prep and Seche Vite top coat, I'm lucky to get a week without any chipping.

I used to get SNS (dip powder) done on my natural nails in a nail salon but I now do it at home. I use the Cuccio Powder Polish Dip System with some Cuccio powder colours and some Rosalind colours. The most important bit with dipping powder is the system you use and Cuccio is brilliant.

I easily get 4-5 weeks with no chipping or lifting (obviously there is quite a bit of regrowth!) and it makes my nails strong and unbreakable. I find it really easy to do and not much more effort than painting your nails. I don't think I could ever go back to nail polish now.

I vote for Barry M & Rimmel too. I’ve Just got an Essie one but not tried it yet.