Best nail polish brands and where to buy in the UK - Mirror OnlineColour crush! These top nail polish brands will definitely up your manicure game
We’ve had to don a number of different hats during lockdown: chef, baker, teacher, hairdresser and, of course, nail technician. So we’re all on the lookout for the best nail polish brands to perfect our new skill and make it easier.
Having tip-top tips is a lovely, affordable way of adding instant glamour to your look, whether it’s simply for every day, or for a special occasion.
Whether you're looking for neon hues, tonal nudes, all-white wow-factor, summer ice cream shades, or popping brights, there's a brand and shade for everyone.
Eco-conscious and vegan consumers are increasingly catered for, with the likes of Nailberry, Nails Inc and Barry M offering cruelty-free products.
We've rounded up the best nail polish brands below so your talons are always on-point.
Best nail polish brands and where to buy in the UK
1. Glitterbels
Glitterbels is one of the beauty industry's leading nail brands, offering hundreds of high-quality, super-pigmented acrylic powders, as well as stunning collection of acrylic nail glitter and essential acrylic liquid and brushes.
Created by nail expert and Instagram super star, Annabel Maginnis, Glitterbels allows you to truly unleash your creativity and provide the perfect acrylic nails for each and every client.
2. CND
It was recently revealed that Meghan Markle chose to wear CND Shellac for her wedding day (she had a bespoke blend of the Unmasked and Negligee shades) so it’s got the royal seal of approval.
You need a UV lamp with the shellac shades, but the CND Vinylux nail polish provides a sheeny finish that lasts for up to seven days. The long-wear polish formula is infused with vitamin E, keratin and jojoba oil to condition and strengthen the nails as you wear it. The perfect combination of colour and care. Try the CND Vinylux Studio White Nail Varnish for a look that Instagram influencers are rocking.
3. Barry M
For sheer affordability and breadth of on-trend colour range, you can’t beat Barry M nail polish. They have a host of collections, from Classic go-to nail varnish, Molten Metal options for party nights when you need a bit of shimmer, Classic Glitter for disco vibes, and Green Origin for the eco-conscious consumer.
But one of its bestsellers has to be Gelly Hi Shine, which offers a gel-like finish without the need for curing with a light, and it’s available in all sorts of funky shades - we love Banana Split for bringing all the yellow sunshine vibes or Almond for a gorgeous nude.
4. Nails Inc
We're head over heels for Nails Inc's high-quality, innovative nail polish in trend-led hues.
The brand not only cares about making you look perfectly polished (see what we did there?), it's also eco-conscious, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Its new range, Plant Power, boasts 21 shades that are 73% plant-based.
You'll find all the hues you need at Nails Inc, from must-have metallics and summer brights to elegant tonal neutrals.
5. Sally Hansen
You really can't go wrong with a Sally Hansen nail polish; they're reliable, effective and offer great results.
There's a host of nail care options and strengtheners, base coats, top coats and growing treatments, and the colour options are endless. We love the Miracle Gel collection, which offers a gel-finish without the UV lamp and really does stay on for a week without budging; and there's a host of divine, trendy colours too.
The new Sally Insta-Dri nail polishes fantastic for last-minute meet-ups or simply when you're busy and can't hang around for too long waiting for your nails to dry.
6. OPI
If you're looking for the latest trends in easy-to-apply formulas, OPI's a must-try.
It's a complete nail colour party, with everything from molten metallics, gleaming glitters, neon brights, nudes and whites, you'll find everything you need and more here. In fact, there's 240 shades for you to choose from, handily broken down into different categories on the simple-to-navigate site. Nailed it.
7. Nailberry
Founded in 2012 by Sonia Hully, Nailberry started out as a high-brow nail bar in Chelsea before becoming a premium range of nail polishes.
If you really care about the health of your nails, nature and the environment, this brand is for you. The L’Oxygéné collection is an award-winning range that's breathable and good for your nails. And the colours are to-die-for; try Gold Leaf for some serious glamorising, and Cherry Cherie for a stand-out red-orange.
8. Ciaté London
With its iconic, elegant bow label Ciaté nail polish feels like the ultimate treat for your tips.
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free (it's Peta-certified), this thoughtful range will make you look good and feel good too. Its innovative shades range from metallic ombre cool and disco vibes to pearly nudes and colour-pop opaques, it's a melting pot of swirling shades, and you'll want to just dive right in.
Try Bubblegum Bellini for the world's tastiest pop of pink.