Best nail polish...

[harriethoyle]

Having had my poor nails ruined by an overly enthusiatic gel manicurist I've spent the last two months nursing them back to health! And am really reluctant to go back to gel nails.

BUT obviously I liked the long lasting nature of gels and I am a bit clueless where to start with nail polishes. Any suggestions for long lasting nail polishes that I can apply at home? I'm quite heavy handed but equally am currently only getting 2 days or so from the Rimmel super gel polish that I've tried.

I have recently discovered OPI. I had used Rimmel for years but gave up using on finger nails due to how quickly they flake off so only used on toe nails. I can get around 6/7 days now and 2 weeks for toes. Worth the extra money would not go back to rimmel now. Bought online form beauty places for approx £8/9

Best polish I’ve found is Wilkos own
bit limited on colours but goes on like a dream,dries really fast and doesn’t really chip
i adore their mascaras too

Sally Hansen with No7 top coat.

Essie is the best I've found

Opi or Barry M. Always use a base coat and a top coat and you should find it lasts much longer.

Mavala

I get 4-5 days wear out of any nail polish. You need to used a base and top coat. I like rimmel nail nurse as a base coat and seche vibe top coat. I don't bother spending a lot on the actual coloured polish, as I find I don't need to when I use base and top coat

kiki is a good brand for nail polish

Used to be bourjois
Now I like the Rimmel
60 second

OPI - lovely colours and great staying power . I get a week from mine - but do base coat ,2x colour layers and then top coat . Top coat is seche vite . People always think they are gel nails done professionally.

Nailberry

I should have said - that's with a base and top coat!

Thanks for all the recommendations - which seche vote top coat is best? And any recommendations for websites for cheap OPI?

I think Essie Gel Couture (not actual gel) is excellent, although a limited colour range. I use a base coat, then either an Essie Gel or normal colour, and the Essie Gel top coat which keeps them going for at least a week, and remove with normal nail varnish remover.

I'm using rimmel 60 seconds and getting a week out of it on finger nails, 2 weeks ish on toes, great colours and fast drying

i buy OPI from just my look

I find Essie lasts the best

The M&S Autograph all in one range is good. No need for a base coat or top coat. It lasts well and it’s a quick job to do. I use two coats then OPI quick dry drops.

Thanks @Ilovetheseboots 💅

Essie with Max Factor top coat

Seche vite topcoat IS brilliant and is super fast to dry, however I've started using Essie gel setter top coat and the finish is amazing. Makes nails looks super glossy-almost like gel nails.

Nailberry, Essie & Barry M all work for me (Nailberry is my favourite, but it's not cheap).

Barry M's Plumpy top coat is brilliant stuff

I know you said you're reluctant to use gel. I do my own gels at home. The kit only cost £30 + my first colour. I've been getting 1 or 2 colours every few months after that.

I put a very thick base coat on, my chosen colour and then top coat as usual. I don't file the colour off or soak it. I just wait till it starts to lift a little at the cuticle and then I literally peel the colour off with no damage to my nails. Just a little residue from the base coat is left, which comes off with a rub of remover.

I find OPI or Essie the best. A base and top coat included makes them last longer.

Leighton Denny is pretty good too.

Embarrassingly late I life I have discovered rather a good top coat makes a huge difference.

I use Rimmel 60s varnish because it's cheap and I can have lots of colours and Sally Hansen top coat. I do my nails every Sunday evening, but sometimes wonder whether to bother because they're still looking good.