Salon-Worthy Nails at Home: 12 Best Nail Polishes for a Professional Manicure
There’s something so satisfying about having perfectly polished nails that make you feel pampered and put together. But with salon manicures easily costing $30 or more, the costs can really add up. The good news is that with the right nail polishes, you can absolutely achieve salon-quality nails at home.
The key to a professional-looking manicure lies in the quality of your nail polish. I’ve spent years testing out countless nail polish brands and formulas. From the best traditional nail lacquers to long-lasting gel polishes and dazzling chromes, these are the 12 best nail polishes that will give you a professional-looking manicure from the comfort of your home.
But first, let’s talk about the nail polish trends that are dominating 2024.
Trending Nail Polish Colors in 2024
1. Bold and Beautiful Brights: Forget subtle pastels – 2024 is all about embracing vibrant, eye-catching shades. Think fiery reds, electric blues, and sunny yellows that demand attention.
2. Earthy Neutrals: On the opposite end of the spectrum, muted, earthy tones like terracotta, sage green, and warm beige are having a major moment. These understated hues are perfect for those who prefer a more natural look.
3. Metallic Mania: Nothing says “wow” quite like a metallic manicure. From rose gold to gunmetal grey, shimmering metallic polishes are a must-try trend this year.
4. Neon Brights: If you really want to make a statement, neon shades are where it’s at. Think electric pinks, highlighter yellows, and vivid oranges that practically glow in the dark.
Now, let’s dive into the best nail polishes for achieving salon-worthy nails at home.
The 12 Best Nail Polishes for a Professional Manicure
Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish
When it comes to affordable drugstore nail polish brands, Essie is hard to beat in terms of quality and color selection. Essie polishes have a nice creamy consistency that applies smoothly and evenly. They offer both classic cream shades as well as shimmery, metallic finishes in trendy hues. For the price, you really can’t go wrong with this polish for an at-home mani. Just be sure to use a good base and top coat for optimal longevity.
OPI Infinite Shine
OPI is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to classic nail polish. Their Nail Lacquer line has a huge range of fun, trendy shades with a gorgeous glossy finish. The brush fans out for easy, streak-free application. And the polish itself is very longwearing – You can get 5-7 days of chip-free wear, which is impressive for a regular air-dried polish. Two coats is usually perfect for an opaque, salon-like finish.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel
If you’re on a budget, Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel line offers an affordable alternative to salon gel manicures. With a simple two-step system, you can achieve a chip-resistant, high-shine finish without any UV light.
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro
For those willing to splurge, Deborah Lippmann’s Gel Lab Pro line is a luxurious option. This long-wearing, high-shine formula is loved by celebrities and nail enthusiasts alike for its incredible durability and glossy finish.
Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer
When it comes to luxury nail polish, Dior’s Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear line is a standout. With a unique gel-like formula and a wide range of rich, creamy shades, this polish delivers a salon-worthy manicure that lasts.
Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer
If you’re all about cruelty-free and vegan nail products, Smith & Cult is the brand for you. Their nail lacquers boast a long-lasting, high-shine formula and a diverse range of stunning shades.
NARS Nail Polish
NARS is known for their high-quality makeup products, but their nail polish line is equally impressive. With a wide color range and a glossy, long-wearing formula, these polishes will leave your nails looking salon-fresh for days.
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour
When it comes to luxury nail polish, Chanel’s Le Vernis line is in a league of its own. These polishes offer an incredibly glossy, chip-resistant finish and come in a range of timeless, sophisticated shades.
Chrome Nail Polish
For a truly unique and eye-catching look, chrome nail polish is a must-try. Brands like ORLY, China Glaze, and Essie offer a variety of mesmerizing metallic shades that will make your nails look like they’re dipped in liquid metal.
Zoya Nail Polish
If you’re looking for a healthier, more natural nail polish option, Zoya is a great choice. Their polishes are free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene, yet they still deliver a long-lasting, high-quality finish.
Olive & June Nail Polish
Olive & June is a relatively new brand that’s quickly gaining popularity for their salon-quality nail polishes. With a wide range of trendy shades and a long-wearing, chip-resistant formula, these polishes are perfect for at-home manicures.
Holo Taco Nail Polish
For those who love a little sparkle and shine, Holo Taco’s holographic nail polishes are a must-try. These unique polishes feature a mesmerizing, multi-dimensional finish that will make your nails look like they’re covered in glittering diamonds.
How to Remove Gel Nail Polish at Home
If you’ve ever tried to remove gel nail polish at home, you know it can be a real challenge. Gel formulas are designed to be incredibly durable and long-lasting, which means they require a little extra effort to remove. Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing gel nail polish at home:
Step 1: Gather your supplies
You’ll need cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a nail file or buffer, and an acetone-based nail polish remover.
Step 2: File the top coat
Lightly buff the top coat of your gel polish with a nail file or buffer. This will help the acetone penetrate the polish more effectively.
Step 3:Soak the cotton balls
Saturate the cotton balls or pads with the acetone-based nail polish remover.
Step 4: Wrap your nails
Place the soaked cotton balls or pads on your nails, then wrap each nail in a small piece of aluminum foil. This will create a steam chamber that will help break down the gel polish.
Step 5: Wait patiently
Let your nails soak for 10-15 minutes. The gel polish should start to break down and become gooey during this time.
Step 6: Remove the foil
Carefully remove the foil and cotton balls from your nails.
Step 7: Wipe away the polish
Use a clean cotton ball or pad to wipe away the remaining gel polish from your nails.
Step 8: Repeat as needed
If some gel polish remains, repeat the soaking and wiping process until all the polish is removed.
Step 9: Moisturize
Once your nails are polish-free, apply a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream to help counteract any dryness caused by the acetone.
Final Word
So those are my top nail polish picks for DIY salon-quality manicures at home! No matter if you prefer an affordable drugstore gem, luxe artisanal line, or long-lasting gel system, there are so many fantastic options out there today. Having the right polishes on hand can truly elevate a simple at-home mani into something that looks deceptively professional. You’ll have killer nails without ever having to visit the salon!
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