Achieving well-polished, smooth, and cute looking nails is not the easiest thing to do even with the availability of very easy to wear polishes. The whole process cannot be tagged effortless per se. At the least, a carefully done manicure deserves the reward of lasting as long as possible. Unfortunately, this is not always the story.
After committing a lot of time and energy to do manicure, too many – just too many – people face the frustration of the polish chipping or cracking too soon. This is one of the most frustrating things a woman has to deal with hence it is not a surprise many people are searching for information that will lead them to buy the best long lasting nail polish.
Our List Of The Best Long Lasting Nail Polishes On The Market
Fortunately, there are some nail polishes specifically designed to last as long as possible, even with a bit of harsh treatment, and from this list, there will be at least one long lasting nail polish that you will like. Having worked with so many clients and used so many nail polishes, we have come up with a list of the best lasting nail polishes. To simplify your decision making, we decided to keep the list as short as possible, hence we present the top 10 long-lasting nail polish to you.
Top 10 Best Long lasting nail polish Worth Buying
- Sally Hassen Miracle Gel
Picking Sally Hassen as our number one long lasting nail polish was not an easy one but the majority of the team chose it for certain reasons. It is not too much to say Sally Hassen Miracle Gel has significantly retold the story of wearing nail polish. Before this gel polish hit the market, we all had to wait several minutes under special kinds of lights for gel to dry. Also, when dry, gels are quite difficult to remove from the nail; usually, users need to soak nails in acetone which is not totally safe.
Sally Hassen Miracle Gel provides a gel-like manicure without the problems attached to gel. It creates a strong bond between the molecules of the polish as well as allow lasting bond between the polish and the nail. This combination of the powerful curing effect of gel without the unhealthy or adverse effects that come with the use of gel is what makes this gel polish the miracle it is. It is indeed a miracle by every standard. Therefore, if you want long-lasting nail polish, this is a go-to gel polish.
Pros
- Long lasting
- True to color
- Easy to apply
- Chip-resistant
- Easy to remove
Cons
- The only problem we seem to have with this nail polish is the strong smell.
- OPI Infinite Shine Long Lasting Nail Polish
We did a list of top 20 nail brands in our previous post; OPI won the second spot in our evaluation. Frankly, we could have easily agreed with many other people who think OPI should be the overall best but for one or two reservations we had. So, we are not surprised to see them come up as one of the long-lasting nail polishes.
Generally, OPI products are ultra-pigmented making them very durable. A gel-hybrid formula is used for OPI Infinite Shine, giving nail polish lovers an amazing finish, which is creamy and opaque. With a top coat, this nail polish will last up to two weeks without chipping.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Easy application
- Pigmented color
- Dries fast
Cons
- Without a top coat, OPI Infinite nail polish tends to chip easily. For us, this is not a negative given the fact we always advise our clients to use a top coat if they want to enjoy a long-lasting nail polish.
- CND Shellac Polish
We believe CND Shellac Power Polish is the third best long lasting nail polish there is. CND Shellac Power Polish is one of the most durable nail polishes there is. It would have probably appeared earlier on our list if it did not require UV or LED light to cure.
When applied properly and followed up with a top coat, CND Shellac Power Polish will last more than two weeks without chipping or cracking. Over this period, it also retains its shine, giving you a professional look as long as possible.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Chip-resistant
- Pigmented color
- Extremely glossy finish
Cons
- On this occasion, we do have a worthy downside to this nail polish. UV or LED lights are required for proper curing or drying of this nail polish. These lights are not totally safe for the nail as well as the surrounding skin. Also, they do not dry very fast.
- Zoya Nail Polish
Zoya is one of our favorite nail polishes. We have a strong connection for their products particularly because they have found a way to balance the durability and safety of nail polishes. If you know a little about nail polishes, you would know that vegan-based nail polishes are often not as durable as other nail polishes. Hence, it used to be a game of sacrifice between the benefits. Fortunately for polish enthusiasts, Zoya polish formulas are without the harsh chemicals present in traditional nail polishes yet are as durable as any other nail polish.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Great shine
- Chip-resistant
- True to color
- Vegan-based – healthy
Cons
- This nail polish does not have any negative worthy of a mention especially considering the level of durability they offer despite being vegan-based.
- Essie Gel Couture, Pink Long Wear Nail Polish
On the list of top 20 nail polish brands in 2020 we spoke about earlier, Essie came out as the leader of the park. This was a well-merited position and most of our clients agreed with this ranking.
Essie nail polishes are very durable; even without a top coat, they will last up to 7 days without chipping. They will last up to another 7 days when a top coat is applied. Essie nail polish brand does not just rank highly for durability, they do well on all factors considered important by nail lovers.
To get a gorgeous shine and a long-lasting experience from an Essie nail polish, apply two coats of the polish and then top it with the Gel Couture Top coat. We highly recommend it and definitely will have no problem ranking it as number one on this list. It hardly goes wrong. You may want to know that even Queen Elizabeth is not just a fan but also a customer.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Smooth and even application
- Dries quickly
- Very easy to use and gentle on nails
Cons
- We can’t place our fingers on a particular negative although some people point to the need for a top coat as a problem. We however think otherwise, a top coat is actually one of the ways to keep a long-lasting nail polish.
- Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Longwear
Revlon is another popular and very amazing nail brand turning out amazing products to bring about great nail polish experience. We have a great connection to their nail polishes. There is hardly anything to hate about nail polishes from Revlon.
When properly applied and covered with a top coat, the beautiful and professional finish of Revlon nail polishes gives you the feel of a salon made manicure. They dry fast and will not show any sign of chipping for up to 7 days.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Easy to apply
- Smooth and even
- Glossy finish
- True to color
Cons
- Again, though many points to the fact that it dries quickly as a problem, we do not take it as an absolute negative. One of the most desired attributes in nail polish is the ability to dry fast, hence helping to save a few more minutes. Also, the fact that it needs a top coat is not a problem either.
- Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish
Gelish nail polish is an ally of many professionals. There is hardly any standard nail salon without products from this brand. Their products are all shades of luxury. With this nail polish, you can get the professional look easily and right in the comfort of your home.
If you are looking for a really great gel-grade nail polish with a professional finish and that will last up to two weeks without chipping, then this is a nail polish to try.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Pigmented color
- Excellent coverage
- Glossy finish
Cons
- An obvious problem with this nail polish brand is that it is quite pricey. Also, UV or LED light is required to cure this nail polish, a process that is not totally safe. It also requires more time to cure than most nail polishes.
- Wet N’ Wild 1 Step WonderGel Nail Color
This is another nail polish with gel-like attributes. The good thing is it will cure perfectly without the use of UV or LED light. If properly applied and given a layer of a top coat, you will up to two weeks of long-lasting and shiny nails.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Extremely saturated
- Highly pigmented
- Easy to remove
- Shiny and glossy finish
- Safe or cruelty-free
Cons
- This nail polish chips easily without nail polish but like you already know, having said it a few times, this isn’t a problem. A top coat is as important as a base coat in achieving a long-lasting nail polish.
- Chanel Le Gel Coat Longwear Top Coat
Chanel nail polish brand is popular for the rich and classic shades of colors it offers. Though costs a few more dollars, it is definitely a worthy try.
In addition to the luxurious and beautiful look of nail polishes from this brand, the gel top coat gives the polish long-lasting wear.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Ultra-glossy look
- Chip-resistant
- Easy and smooth application
Cons
- This is a pricey option
- Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer
This nail polish uses special polymer technology to create a strong and smooth finish. It will last up to two weeks without chipping. It is particularly known for its iconic red made to replicate the glamorous feel of its red lipsticks.
Pros
- Long lasting
- String and smooth finish
- Chip-resistant
Tips to ensure your Nail Polish last
Regardless of the durability specification of any nail polish, it won’t last if you do not know how to make it last. Also, though some nail polishes can take a bit of harshness, you will not be getting the longest wear out of them if you do certain things. Therefore, the durability of nail polish is highly dependent on how you manage it. We have seen this play out over and again; some clients with nail polishes expected to last more than some others still do not get enough days without chipping.
Having paid attention for some time, we discovered some common mistakes that cause the chipping of nail polish faster than expected. If you are looking to get the maximum wear from your nail polish, then take note of the following tips.
- Trim your nail
Failure to trim nails properly is by far one of the biggest causes of nail polish chipping. The tiniest of impacts of nails with other surfaces has significant effects on the nail polish. For example, simple acts like tapping at the screen of your phone. When the nail makes contact with other surfaces, the resulting pressure affects the bonding of the polish molecules. The higher this pressure, the higher the chances of cracks or chips showing in the nail polish.
To reduce the level of contacts your nails make with other surfaces, hence extending the wear of the polish, keep your nails as short as possible. We often advise clients to keep their nails the length of their fingertips, especially if they expect some degree of harshness such as is expected on a vacation.
- Use a Base Coat
This is one problem we see every day. So many people do not consider base coats a big deal, hence they skip it. As expected, the polish will chip or crack faster than it should and they are wondering what went wrong. Most of the time, the polish brand is blamed for it; they go for another brand they probably read or heard lasts better, yet the same thing happens.
It does not matter the number of times they try, nail polish will not last as long as possible if a base coat is not used. Some polish brands even claim to work as both a base coat and a top coat. In our experience, this does not give anything desirable in the long run.
Base coats are designed to adhere easily and firmly with the nail, providing a foundation for the polish to be smooth, even, and well colored. They also work to level out ridges and snags. As a result, they are very essential for a long-lasting manicure. Besides the firm attachment to nails and smooth base provided by base coats, they also help to reduce staining problems which is another major issue with myriads of nail polishes.
- Apply a Top Coat
Just like base coats, top coats are very vital for a manicure. Again, so many people skip this step. More often than not, it isn’t something done with any purpose to it. In other cases, people think it is just not necessary. From a professional and well-informed point of view, a top coat is as essential as the polish itself especially if you want a long-lasting experience.
Top coats do not just give nail polish the professional look by adding extra shine, they also act as a sealant for the nail polish. For this purpose, they lock down the color and offer an extra protection layer hence improving the durability of nail polish. With a top coat, your nail polish we look professional for a few days more and won’t chip or crack easily.
One of the biggest issues for nail enthusiasts is the time required for nail polish to dry. Many people do not have the patience to wait even a few minutes, especially given the fact that manicure is often done in rush circumstances. Therefore, it is good to know that some top coats actually speed up the drying time of nail polish.
- Preference for Gel Formulas
Polymerization is the bedrock of any nail polish; it largely accounts for their strength. The process through which the molecules of nail polish fuse together is called polymerization. This is where gel comes in; it creates very strong bonds that keep the molecules of the polish well-knitted together as well as to the nail hence ensuring a long-lasting experience.
While true gels are expensive, require ample time to dry, and are not very safe for nails, gel-style polishes are made to eliminate or minimize these problems. They dry as fast as any other polish and in regular light, unlike true gels that require UV or LED lights. This self-curing ability of gel-style polishes is one of the most welcomed developments in the nail industry in recent times. You can also use special top coats to hasten or aid the curing hence producing stronger polymer chains necessary for long-lasting polish. The icing on this cake is that gel-style polishes are easily removed from nails; they do not require special removers and will not stain the nails.
- Touch-ups
Regardless of the durability of any nail polish, a long day of sun, fun, and a bit of roughening will always take its toll. These things are sometimes inevitable, for example on vacation. To keep the polish flawless as long as you want, quick touch-ups may be necessary. If you expect these elements to play out during the day, take your nail polish along so that you can touch-up your nails at the sign of any fraying or cracking. This way, your nail polish will last very well.
Note: the first step in having long wear of nail polish is to get the perfect polish that offers a great level of durability. Then, all the tips are fundamental to ensuring the polish serves its purpose.
Balancing Long lasting and Natural attributes of nail polish
We all want nail polishes that last us for at least a few days without chipping. A few nail polishes offer better durability than others; some are expected to last one to two weeks without chipping. Very good. However, it is important to watch out for other key attributes such as the use of natural ingredients.
So many nail polishes contain harsh chemicals such as camphor and xylene that expose the nail and the surrounding skin to varying problems. Some of these chemicals will dry nails out hence resulting in cracking of nails which could then cause the development of infections such as nail fungus. To eliminate or significantly reduce these problems, vegan-based nail polishes were introduced.
Therefore, as you look to purchase a nail polish that will last a week or more without chipping, always have the health of your nails in mind. You must strike a balance between these two attributes – safe and long-lasting.
- Do not forget
Nails need to breathe like every other part of your body, hence must be given a break from nail polishes as often as possible. Professionally, we advise clients to keep their nails without polish for at least as long as they had polish on. This is important to retain the beauty of your pinkish-white layer.
Conclusion
After spending so much time to polish your nails and make it look so beautiful, the last thing you want to see is a crack or chip in the polish in the next few days. To ensure polish is worn for a considerable length of time, for example, two weeks, some brands have made amazing long-lasting polishes.
We have tried out quite a number of polishes that promised long wear; some really impressed while some others are just like any other nail polish. To save our clients the stress of having to try many polishes before getting the long-lasting nail polish, we put the above list together for them and this we have shared with you. We recommend any of the above polishes to anyone who wants a long-lasting polish.
Note: The list presented above is an objective one; it is based on our experiences as well as our conversations with clients. It is not a bought view hence without any intentional bias. Our sole aim is to make life easier for our clients and by extension to all readers.