What Are The Best Nail Polish Brands?

OPI is the definitive salon brand — carried in more professional salons than virtually any other nail polish line in the world. Their formulas are highly pigmented, chip-resistant, and available in an enormous color range that spans timeless classics and seasonal trend collections. The wide brush makes application clean and even, which is part of why it's been a professional standard for decades. Their Infinite Shine line offers gel-like wear without a lamp, and their GelColor system is one of the most widely used professional gel polishes available.

CND is one of the most technically credible brands in professional nail care. Their Shellac gel polish system was genuinely revolutionary — a true hybrid formula that delivers gel-level durability with the ease of a standard application. CND Vinylux, their weekly wear lacquer, is built with an innovative self-adhering technology that actually gets stronger with light exposure over time. Both lines are nourishing, chip-resistant, and available in an extensive range of shades from subtle nudes to vibrant seasonal releases. A consistent top performer for professionals and home users alike.

China Glaze is the go-to for clients who want color with attitude. Their formulas are highly pigmented — many shades reach full opacity in a single coat — and the color range leans into bold territory: neons, glitters, duochromes, and shades that make a statement. They're particularly strong in the specialty finish category, where their unique effects like holographics and textured finishes genuinely stand apart. A workhorse for nail artists and anyone who believes more is more.

butter LONDON sits at the intersection of fashion-forward color and clean beauty — their polishes are free from harmful chemicals including formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, without sacrificing the glossy, long-wearing finish you'd expect from a professional nail brand. Their Patent Shine 10X formula is one of the most impressive lacquers in the category, delivering a high-gloss finish with serious durability. The color palette balances classic British sophistication with trend-aware seasonal collections that feel genuinely editorial.

Deborah Lippmann polishes earn their price point. The formulas are enriched with biotin, green tea, and vitamins that genuinely support nail health over time — not just decorative additions. The finishes are exceptionally rich and glossy, and the color range skews toward the kind of sophisticated, elevated palette that works as well in an editorial shoot as it does in everyday life. Their Gel Lab Pro line delivers gel-level wear without a lamp, which makes it a standout option for clients who want durability without a curing commitment.

Cirque Colors is what happens when an indie brand takes texture and finish seriously. Their jelly nail polishes — translucent, glass-like, buildable — have been among the most talked-about nail products of the past two years, and they've consistently delivered some of the most original finish work in the category: holographics, sheer jellies, duochromes, and shimmers that genuinely look different from anything in a mass-market lineup. Cruelty-free, free of the most harmful chemicals, and released in thoughtfully curated seasonal collections. A brand worth knowing if you care about what's actually interesting in nail color right now.

Orly has been a fixture in professional nail salons since the 1970s, and for good reason. They invented the original nail bonder and have built on that technical reputation with formulas that prioritize adhesion and longevity. Their Breathable Treatment + Color line is one of the most genuinely innovative nail polish formats in recent memory — a one-step polish infused with argan oil and vitamin C that allows hydration and oxygen to reach the nail through the polish itself. Their color range is broad, trend-aware, and consistently well-formulated. A brand that serious nail professionals have trusted for decades.

KBShimmer is beloved in the indie nail community for its fun, personality-driven collections and commitment to high-quality, cruelty-free formulas. Their polishes often feature one-of-a-kind finishes — multichrome flakies, complex glitters, and specialty effects that reward close inspection. If you're a nail art enthusiast or someone who finds standard polish ranges too safe, KBShimmer consistently delivers something genuinely different. Their seasonal collections are eagerly anticipated and tend to sell through quickly.

Morgan Taylor is a top-tier professional nail lacquer brand known for high-pigment formulas that deliver vibrant, true-to-bottle color in two coats. Their 5-free formula is free from the most harmful chemicals without compromising on finish or durability. They're particularly well-suited for clients who want salon-quality lacquer results — glossy, smooth, and long-wearing — in a formula that feels considered about what goes on the nail. Their color range spans bold brights, seasonal collections, and classic neutrals, making them a strong everyday choice for any kit.

If clean ingredient formulas are a priority, Zoya remains one of the most credible options in the nail polish category. Their polishes are free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and a growing list of other chemicals commonly found in conventional nail polish. The color range is extensive and genuinely beautiful, spanning rich jewel tones, soft nudes, and everything in between. A consistent choice for anyone who wants professional-quality nail color with more transparency about what's in the bottle.

Essie built its reputation on a few iconic shades — Ballet Slippers being the most famous — and a consistent formula that made them a household name. Their color range is broad, with a mix of timeless neutrals and trend-aware seasonal releases. If you're looking for an accessible, widely recognized brand with a deep archive of shades, Essie covers the basics reliably. Their quick-dry top coat is a genuinely useful product to keep in rotation regardless of which other brands you're using.