Nail varnishes

[Boredbutcantstopscrolling]

I am not one to get my nails done professionally, because I don't have the time, the money or the desire to make small talk with the person doing it. I also have lovely natural nails and the one time I had gel put on (by a recently qualified friend) they completely ruined my natural nails.

So, I'm wondering which nail polishes are best in terms of not chipping! I went to Boots yesterday and couldn't believe the range, I didn't even realise you could get home gel stuff that you don't need a UV lamp for. Are these any good? Does it come off with normal varnish remover? I used to paint my nails all the time but haven't done for years since having the kids as it would just chip off within a day, but if there is decent stuff around now I would like to try again!

So to cut a long post short, recommendations for good brands of nail varnish please 😆 thank you!

OPI is the best imo. Pricey but good.

Nails inc or Essie are my go to. Again not cheap but the best of what's out there.

I love the Essie range, often spot them cheaper on Amazon over boots etc. Use both the regular and gel style, can’t say I notice too much difference, maybe a day or two extra with the gel but it depends how cautious you are with your nails I guess.
I use regular nail polish remover for the Essie gel polish without any issues.
The Essie top coat that comes in a white bottle is great, another good buy for a top coat is the sally Hansen insta dry, it’s amazing and actually does as it says, dries nails within minutes and gives a high shine.

I’d recommend using google to see a polish shade on someone’s hand over looking at the colour swatches online as I find they can be quite misleading.

Seche vite top coat transforms any nail polish into a super glossy gel looking polish- it’s a must have if doing your own nails. OPI nail varnish has a lovely wide brush so it’s easy to apply and good colour options.

Get any old nail varnish you like the colour of - I love Essie's range and Opi is a very decent polish. Then buy some Seche Vite top coat and put on top. Makes even cheapie stuff look fabulous and last for a week. And I'm gardening without gloves all the time. On your toes it seems to last until you want a change!

My best ever nail polish purchase for colour, density and application cost 2 euros in a french supermarket. I went back there last week and they were no longer there. Gutted. But I found them online in France and will buy several and get them sent to my parents who live there. It was a brand called Miss Den so keep an eye out if you're ever across the channel.

But buy Seche Vite, seriously. I put polish on my nails on Sunday evening and it is still perfect.

Zoya with seche vite top coat

Thank you everyone, off to search for this seche vite stuff I have never heard of! 😊