Best nail varnishes for longevity

[SpeckledFrogsLog]

After 4 months of not having gels done, my nails are in the best condition they’ve ever been. I’ve decided not to go back to having gels done every 2 weeks and will only get them done for special occasions. I don’t mind doing my own nails but as I work on a keyboard all day find the tips chip after 24/48 hours. I’d like to try and get at least 4 or 5 days out of a manicure before having to repaint.

Has anyone found a particularly good product or brand or any techniques for getting longer out of a manicure?

I love Barry M coupled with a Sally Hansen top coat. Cheap as chips but seems to last really well.

Unless the formula has changed avoid Chanel as even with the same topcoat it chips really quickly. Shame as they have gorgeous colours.

You definitely need a good base and top coat. I used Orly bonder base coat and seche vite top coat. Nail varnishes I liked the most were mavala, & essie.

I'm using past tense here as I purchased an led gel manicure set a few months ago and love it. I'm using a peel off base coat and have found my nails are fine and still in good condition.

I agree with @PapsofJura Barry M is consistently great, really cheap and loads of interesting shades, topped off with sally Hansen top coat I can get a week out of it and my hands take a battering as I'm a florist.

I second Sally Hansen topcoat but get in fast before it gets gloopy.

I’ve been looking at the top coats as I think that’s probably the key but it’s worth knowing about the designer colours. You’d presume that the more expensive, the better quality!

I’d short listed the Sally Hansen quick dry and the seche vite top coats. There were some critical reviews of the seche vite one as being quite damaging. Did you find that @Jemimatheragdoll?

I had considered buying my own led kit but figured that my nails would just end up really weak again. I got to the point where I was considering acrylics or builder gel because my nails wouldn’t grow and kept splitting and breaking. I’ve naturally got really strong nails so it would be a shame to wreck them again!

Speckledfrog I didn't find seche vite damaging at all. Maybe try a small bottle first.

I think with gels the trick is to remove them them properly and massage in the oil (I use solar oil). I've had some terrible professional gels which have wrecked my nails but the place I've using for the last 3 years haven't done that. Can't remember the products she uses though. I do know the actual nail colour is about £18 a bottle!

I use Avon base coat, polish and top coat, I have no issues with chipping or peeling and it lasts 7 days. It's cheap at around £4 per (£2.50 on offer) item and for me lasts better than OPI, Nails Inc, Essie (which on me chipped within a day).

I always use a base coat and leave a good amount of time between coats.

Sally Hansen Colour Therapy lasts really well too.

OPI infinite shine - all 3 stages.
I use this in a neutral colour and it lasts a good week.

@ProtectAll

I cannot understand how everyone recommends OPI. I don’t know what it is but when I use it, it chips the next day..always. It does look good but it never lasts. It then comes off in great big pieces within days of careful application (OPI base coat, 2 thin layers of colour and OPI top coat). I’ve used lots of different bottles too ... is this just me? 🤷🏽‍♀️

@Planbforme I've found the same with OPI. I do think the amount of oil that you naturally produce in your nail bed affects how well your manicure adheres. I used to have a lot of problems with shellac lifting after a few days.

Thanks for all the recommendations anyway, have bought some Barry M colours this morning to try.

During lockdown I’ve managed to grow my nails and have been using A rimmel base coat, Barry M nail varnish and an Avon gel top coat and I’m impressed, I’ve been getting a week out of it before I chip it. Back to work next week so will really see how long it lasts then

Cool. I’ll check out Barry M too. I love polished nails.

I find Maybelline Superstay 7 days brilliant. The colour choice is a bit limited though.

I find Essie wear well.

I've just been given rimmel 2 step nail varnish. The top coat promised 'gel like wear and shine'
It doesn't look too bad tbh

Sally Hansen nail varnish lasted a surprisingly long time for me. I had no chips for about four five days and I have a toddler so my hands are always occupied.