Keeping your nails in tip-top shape can definitely be a task. Ahem, especially if you’re also on a major budget. I’m guilty of dropping over $100 at the salon per visit, and I have to admit that there are times I wish I were good at doing my own nails so I could save some time and extra dollars. I may not be the best at home manis myself, but I know some of you out there are and are in need of a few polish recommendations. Don’t worry, I’ve got you.
Even if you’re like me and don’t necessarily have the skill to do your own nails, these polishes are still great to keep top of mind since, according to nail artists and editors, they’re the best in the business. Whether you’re ready to DIY or are looking for the perfect shade to bring to your next salon visit, you’re going to want to keep reading below. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec shared a few of the absolute best nail polish brands she uses time and again. I also snuck in a few editor favorites. Keep scrolling.
Essie is beloved by nail techs and editors alike. Sure, the brand has had over 30 years to perfect its formulas, but Kandalec really appreciates this particular brand for its adaptable shades fit for any season. “Essie is a favorite brand of mine, and I love the color Mint Candy Apple because it’s so versatile. It can be used for that sweet candy look but also works great during the holidays and is soft enough for spring vibes.” — Kandalec
Like most other celebrity nail artists, Kandalec swears by Chanel’s creamy, luxurious polishes. The shade Organdi in particular is her favorite. “Chanel is a trendsetter. Its colors set seasonal trends, and if you want to know if a color is *in*, just look to Chanel!” — Kandalec
Kandalec is definitely introducing me to a new brand with this pick, but I trust her wholeheartedly, and one quick browse on the brand’s website is convincing. Kandalec’s favorite shade, One of Your French Girls, is currently sold out, but you can still snag this similar shade Pinky. “I love Lights Lacquer because they are a great quality, cruelty-free brand that is female-founded and Latina-owned. They also just make incredibly fun colors and collections. One of Your French Girls is a beautiful shade that is a soft beige with pink undertones. It makes a great base for nail art if you’re looking for a hint of sparkle.” — Kandalec
“Cherry Apple is a classic red, and I just love CND products. They’re extremely high-quality and come in so many diverse shades.” — Kandalec
We (and nail techs like Kandalec) love KBShimmer polishes because the shades are unique and long-lasting and, as the name would have it, add some serious sparkle to the nails. Kandalec breaks down her favorite shade from the brand below. “KB is a favorite for its eclectic, fun, and glitter, reflective shimmer polishes. I love Of Quartz because it gives you that rose-colored reflective shade, rose-quartz vibe.” — Kandalec
I’ve never been to a nail salon that wasn’t fully stocked on OPI shades. Sometimes, there’s even a dedicated wall for the brand’s iconic formulas. Kandalec used this gorgeous shimmer shade from the brand on Zoe Saldaña recently. It’s a stunner to say the least.
Tenoverten offers incredible nontoxic polish formulas that are made without formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP).
Zoya’s impressive shade range makes it contender number one for beauty-editor favorites. This metallic gold, pearlescent hue is so bold and perfect for spring moving into summer.
Deborah Lippmann’s classic formulas as one of the all-time best in the nail industry due to her background as a celebrity manicurist. Usually, we editors tend to gravitate toward Lippmann’s creamy nude shades, but this brighter hue is also universally flattering.
Olive and June makes the stuff of every mani lover’s dreams. Each polish is pretty affordable (most retail at just $9 a bottle) but still provides a salon-quality finish, not to mention the brand’s epic at-home systems for whatever kind of mani you’re in the mood for. Overall, it’s a WWW editor favorite and will continue to be for years to come.
Up Next: The 20 Best-Selling Essie Nail Colors of All Time—That You Can Still Buy
