Best Drug Store Nail Polish [Review] in 2022
written by nail expert Jess Rowley
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
TOP CHOICE
Wet N Wild Nail Polish
OUR PICK
China Glaze Nail polish
RUNNER UP
Ever wondered what nail polish could get your nails looking neat and posh without having to break much of a sweat?
Look no further we have got you covered as we would be reeling out some of the best drugstore nail polishes you can ever think of out there in the market.
It’s common knowledge that as a lady, you most definitely want to get those nails looking glam without having to spend so much time scouring the aisles of beauty salons looking for the best-fit nail polish for your beautiful nails.
To this end, I have personally ransacked the internet and online beauty store and have come up with over 30 great nail polish brands to adorn your nails with.
But that’s not all!
I have also put into consideration the ease of application and price of these drugstore nail polishes, and have come up with an overall superb, affordable, and efficient list of nail polishes that would definitely gladden your heart.
Quick tip! It’s best to get an easy to apply and quick-dry nail polish as this saves you time and energy if you are the type that’s always on the go. Hence I picked out the best drugstore nail polish collections that would have you up and out quickly with fingers to die for.
Having said all this, I am sure you would want to look at what I have for you below:
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Here are the best drugstore nail polish brands
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
The Sally Hansen brand has a range of drugstore nail polish that is best known for their quick-dry feature. Sally Hansen Miracle gel line is most popular because of its ability to change color depending on the lighting in the room.
This line was carefully picked out because of its long-lasting feature even without applying a top coat to it and its glossy finish.
Wait! There’s more!
The polish is chip-resistant and will have your nail shiny and dry in less than 60 seconds thanks to its quick-dry formula.
The Sally Hansen brand comes in a whole range of colors so taking a pick for any occasion won’t be much of a stress. So why not just check it out here and thank me later.
- Comes in a wide range of colors
- It has two coats to give a great sheen to your nails
- It is easily removed
- It is water-resistant
- The Gel brush causes streak on nails
Latest deal: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
Wet N Wild Nail Polish
The wet N wild brand is perfection in a bottle. This brand of drugstore nail polish comes with a specially engineered Manicurve brush and full-coverage formula that makes spreading and shine properly distributed on the nail.
Wet N wild also comes with a fast dry feature that ensures that you have your nail ready in a jiffy! This nail polish gives maximum performance for minimal effort and there isn’t a need for a topcoat.
But that’s not all, it also comes with a revolutionary resin polymer formula that makes the color easier to stick to your nails without chipping off weeks after application.
whatever the occasion might be, you can never go wrong with a Wet N Wild Megalast nail polish. Why not cop one now.
- It is easy to use and will not require you to go to the salon
- Does not chip and fade easily and can be worn for at least a week
- Dries fast
- No base coat is required
- A bit pricey, but still very affordable
Latest deal: Wet N Wild Nail Polish
China Glaze Nail polish
The China Glaze is literally a bottle of delight. Talk of class and glamour and look no further than this. This nail polish mixes well with other formulas and enhances durability without chipping.
It comes free of DFB and enhanced with formaldehyde to quicken the dry process letting you get on with life quickly without waiting so long or even having to visit the salon for a manicure.
But hold on, that’s not all;
China Glaze nail polish comes in a wide range of delightful colors that I can bet it would be difficult not finding a color shade you favor (especially if you are a lover of all shades of red like me).
And guess what too? It comes at a really affordable price which you are sure to love. I bet you would be getting all your money’s worth and more with this nail polish.
- Has every color that easily blends with your skin tone
- Easy to use
- Lasts long (More than a week)
- Smooth opaque coverage over the nail
-
Not as light as the others
Latest deal: China Glaze Nail polish
CND Vinylux Long Wear Nail Polish
- Great formula that lasts long
- Easy to use
- smooth coverage
- Dries fast
- Cannot be combined with some other lines
Latest deal: CND Vinylux Long Wear Nail Polish
Pacifica Dark Desert Highway Nail Polish
If you don’t like having to sit long hours in the salon just to get your nails done then we have got you covered with this one.
The Pacifica is magic in a bottle. This lacquer would have your nails looking fabulous even before it dries. The Pacifica is 100% vegan and therefore does not have the excess chemicals that are characteristic of the traditional nail polish and guess what, it has a long-lasting finish too.
Fun fact, it comes with a vegan brush too. So If you are one for vegan love then this is really for you.
Enough said, without any bias, I think this is one of the best drug store nail polishes out in the market that you would do too well to add to your beauty collection at a very affordable price.
- Last longer on nails
- Vegan, hence it’s non-toxic
- Easy to apply
- Comes in wide variety of shades
- None
Latest deal: Pacifica Dark Desert Highway Nail Polish
6.
ESSIE Gel Couture 2-step
What is a luxury in a bottle? The Essie Gel couture is. Having seen and used a lot of nail polishes in the past, I cant keep myself from gushing about this one.
The Essie Gel couture is the definition of long wear in its entirety. Its 2 step system of Color and top coat with a long-lasting nail polish formula sets this nail polish apart from the rest. It has a chip-resistant even color opaque spread that gives your nail that shines that blends with your skin tone.
Hold on, I’m not done.
If you are comfortable doing your own manicure and is looking for a nail polish that will help you skip the hassle of applying a base coat, then the Essie couture is all you need and more.
With a longer-lasting nail paint and shades that range from sheers/nudes to metallic glitters, what more could I ask for in nail color.
- Has a lot of color in its collection
- easy application
- A great formula for fast drying
- Up to 14 days longevity
- Might require two coats to achieve
Latest deal: ESSIE Gel Couture 2-step
7.
OPI Nail Polish Tokyo Collection Nail Lacquer
Having used a lot of nail polishes in the past I can really vouch for this one in all sincerity. If you seek a quick-drying, two coat nail lacquer with a wide range of colors then the OPI nail polish is for you.
The two coats for this Nail polish consist of a base coat and a zero-pressure finish to prevent drag marks. This gives you a well-adorned nail even without a topcoat with a staying power that is second to none.
You basically won’t be able to get enough of the colors and shades the OPI nail polish comes in to complement your skin. With all shades of pink, red, blue all the way down to over 200+ colors, you would be looking pretty in a matter of minutes.
But hold on a moment! Do you know you could apply the base coat and topcoat and up up and about in a matter of seconds. Yes, you can thanks to its RapiDry topcoat finish.
The OPI is one of the nail polish brands that no doubt belongs in your fashion kit!
- Easy application and removal
- Best nail lacquer for people on a budget
- Quick-dry formula
- Wide color range
- Might not last as long as other
Latest deal: OPI Nail Polish Tokyo Collection Nail Lacquer
8.
Ella + Mila Nail Polish
When mentioning the best drugstore nail polishes out there in the market, the Ella + Mila brand easily comes to the fore.
The Ella + Mila is a fast drying one coat polish that gives your nail a glossy finish with a staying power and shine that can last for weeks on end and it comes incorporated with a UV inhibitor that prevents yellowing of the nails.
As if that’s not enough:
If you are the type that cares about what ingredients are used in your nail polish, then Ella + Mila nail polish boasts itself of a vegan topcoat that is “Seven free” which means it free from any harmful chemicals.
Add this to your nail polish collection and you won’t regret it.
- Good for sensitive skin
- Has a wide array of colors
- It’s resistant to chipping
- Comes with a great fast dry formula
- Might be a bit high end for such a small body
Latest deal: Ella + Mila Nail Polish
Best Drugstore Nail Polish Buyers Guide
When contemplating what Drugstore nail polish to buying, there are some criteria that should be considered to make a well-informed purchase.
It’s not just ok getting pretty fingers, other things like ease of application, color shade availability, the longevity of polish on the nails, number of coats, ingredients(formula) of the nail polish, etc will most likely influence your choice of the perfect polish.
Good news though, I have done all the research for you to give you the best tips on what to look out for before picking out a suitable lacquer to change your nail color.
What To Look For In Drugstore Nail Polishes
Ease of Application: When buying a drugstore nail polish it’s best to get one that won’t require you to visit the salon and spending some valuable time and money having your manicure done. Get one that has an easy application process that can be done by you (DIY all the way).
Quality of the Lacquer and price: The need to get the best for your money’s worth is paramount. Get a lacquer with a smooth finish that lasts up to at least a week on your nails.
Color shade: I usually make products with a wide range of color shades my favorite as this allows me the freedom to explore and find tones that would match my skin. Having pretty nails requires that the perfect color blend or combination is applied and this is only possible when you have a lot to choose from. Hence color is important.
Quick Dry Formula: Gone are the days when you spend time trying to look pretty. pretty looks should be gotten in seconds and this is where the need to get a light fast-dry product comes to play. It’s perfect to go for polishes that dry quickly.
Longevity: I always try to make long-lasting products my favorites which are evidenced in the reviews above. Its pertinent to consider that you would not like to need to paint your nails every week because of chips and wear.
Product Ingredients/Specifications: For people that are particular about what the products contain, its best to read them on the body of the bottle as this would inform you properly if its the perfect nail polish to use and how well your skin can take its content(especially for vegan users)
Frequently asked Questions
How long do Nail Polishes last? A good product should last for about a week after you apply without a chip.
How long does it take for a quality nail polish to dry? After application, it should take 30 seconds to 2 minutes before it properly dries. Good quick-drying polishes usually dry quickly with light application.
How many coats are required to get a glossy even look? This really depends on the product in use. Some require just one coat whilst some others require two coats and sometimes a finish.
What is the drugstore gel nail polish to use? This is dependent on the quality but CND Vinylux longwear is a favorite amongst beauticians as it has an opaque finish that quickly brings out the shine in every nail.
How do I remove Nail Polish Easily? You can choose to apply rubbing-alcohol to the nail using a cotton ball. This is an easy way of getting rid of colors. You can also use Nail polish remover.
Do I Need to Clean the Nail Before using a Base Coat? Yes. Use ethyl alcohol to clean the nail thoroughly before the application of a base coat as this ensure that it lasts.
Summary
Making a choice of the best drugstore nail polishes out there in the market can really be a herculean task if you don’t know what you are doing. That’s why I took out some time to compile this review to enable you to pick the best nail lacquer any time any day.
From the Sally Hansen all the way down to the Ella + Mila brand, every one of these products really has it’s own going and would definitely have you making at least one of them your favorite in no time.
Jess Rowley
Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert
ABOUT
Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.