10 Best Long-Lasting Nail Polishes For A Salon-Like Finish
Let your struggles end with these chip-resistant and smooth nail polishes.
Beth Brown is a licensed nail technician/esthetician with over 30 years of experience. She currently holds licenses in three states as well as a degree in fashion merchandising. Beth founded Be a Betty in 2020, fulfilling her dreams of naming a nail polish and building a beauty lifestyle brand.
Read full bio of Beth Brown
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
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Making your nail polish last and preventing nails from getting chipped is a worrisome struggle. However, with the best long-lasting nail polish, you don’t have to worry about the multiple frequent applications and get the perfect salon-like finish at the comfort of your home. It saves your time, money, and effort. Long-lasting nail polish formulas are healthy; they don’t fade, discolor, or chip soon. If you are willing to try the best for yourself, then begin now with the 10 best long-lasting nail polishes listed below. Go grab your fav color now.
In This Article
10 Best Long-Lasting Nail Polishes
1. Best Moisturizing Formula:Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish
The argan oil-enriched Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish strengthens and nourishes the nails. The long-lasting formula is chip-resistant and has a moisturizing effect on the cuticles. This fade-proof polish provides a long-lasting shine and statement-making finish to the nails. This high-quality nail polish is available in over 40 stunning and vibrant shades to suit different moods and occasions.
Pros
- Moisturizing formula
- 40+ shades available
- Goes on smooth
- Chip-resistant
- Fade-proof
Cons
- Sheer color
Pro Tip2. Best Quick-Drying:O.P.I Infinite Shine2 Long-Wear Lacquer
The O.P.I Infinite Shine2 Nail Polish is known for its strong durability and high color payoff, providing the nails with a rich and velvety finish, even with a lighter color coat. This gel-like formula has a glossy shine. It is expertly crafted with ProStay technology that makes it last for up to 11 days. This collection includes over 200 vibrant hues for every mood, including summer nails as well as spring nails, and offers extended wear.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- 200+ shades available
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- Thick consistency
- Streaky application
3. Best Nail Strengthening:CND Vinylux Weekly Polish
The CND Vinylux nail polish is enriched with keratin, vitamin E, and jojoba oil to nourish and strengthen the nails. It is fast-drying and chip-resistant and requires no base coat. The combination of a dark color coat and the high-gloss top coat makes it long-lasting. The ProLight Technology is activated when it is exposed to natural light to make this polish durable. It lasts up to 7 days without chipping or fading or making your nails yellow. This nail polish provides a beautiful pearlized shine and ensures a smooth and flawless application, leaving you with a salon-quality manicure at home.
Pros
- Fast-drying
- Nourishing formula
- Strengthens the nails
- Chip-resistant
- Smooth application
Cons
- Difficult to remove.
Pro Tip4. Best Eco-Friendly Formula:Abitzon Yulyna Candy Nail Polish Set
The 12-bottle nail polish set from Abitzon has a variety of richly pigmented colors that are suitable for any occasion or daily wear. The non-toxic, eco-friendly formula is quick-drying and does not need an LED lamp nail dryer. This long-lasting nail polish has a fade-proof and chip-resistant formula that does not peel off easily. Many reviewers love how these polishes glide smoothly on the nails and offer a rich color payoff in a single swipe.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Vibrant
- Set of 12
- Non-toxic
- Formaldehyde-free
- Toluene-free
- Eco-friendly formula
Cons
- Chemical smell
5. Best Lightweight:Ownest My-Dance Nail Lacquer Set
The nail polish set from Ownest consists of six attractive and subtle colors that give the nails a velvety texture. The shades are long-lasting and chip-resistant. The formula contains a premium grade natural resin that is non-toxic. It keeps the nails safe from damage as the lightweight texture allows the nails to breathe. The nail polishes glide on smoothly and are easy to apply.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Set of 6
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Requires multiple coats.
Quick Tip6. Best Chip-Resistant:Wet n Wild Fast Dry AF Nail Color
This nail polish from Wet n Wild has a long-lasting formula that dries super quick in less than 40 seconds and promises to last up to five days. It provides a built-in base coat and top coat for maximum coverage in just one application. This calcium-enriched color strengthens the nails and is formulated with skin-safe ingredients. It gives you salon-like perfect and chip-resistant nails. What’s more? This nail strengthener polish is free of animal testing, ensuring a guilt-free experience.
Pros
- Quick-dry
- Chip-resistant
- Highly pigmented
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Toluene-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Camphor-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 820 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
7. Best Waterproof:Lokfar Maxfine Matte Nail Polish Set
This multicolor set from Lokfar Maxfine consists of six velvety matte hues that range from subtle grays and greens to vibrant fuchsia. The premium quality, nourishing ingredients in the nail polishes ensure that the nails are protected from damage as they allow them to breathe. These easy-to-apply polishes glide smoothly on the nails and do not require a top coat. Many reviewers agree that only one swipe is enough to get a thick coating of these long-lasting, rich, velvety matte colors.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Quick-drying
- Waterproof
- Highly pigmented
- Set of 6
Cons
- Difficult to remove.
Quick Tip8. Best Travel-Friendly:Golden Rose Wow! Nail Color Set
The neutral shades in the Golden Rose Nail Color set give the nails a glossy, subtle sheen with a single coat and add a new look to your well-manicured nails. The 10 bottles in the set have broad and soft brushes that allow easy application. The quick-drying formula is chip-resistant, fade-proof, and long-lasting. This is a good set to gift your loved ones. The high-quality formula comes with a wide brush for easy use. It guarantees a professional-looking manicure that will impress anyone who receives it.
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Quick-drying
- Water-resistant
- Set of 10
- Chip-resistant
- Fade-proof
Cons
- Requires multiple coats.
9. Best Vegan:Eternal Nail Enamel
This set of four nail polishes from Eternal Nail Enamel in flattering nude shades adds grace and brightness to your nails. The formula is highly pigmented and offers full coverage and a glossy finish that shows up on all skin tones. These nail polishes are long-lasting and chip-resistant and suitable for all types of nails, including acrylic, gel, and natural nails. Their dry time is also comparatively lesser than other traditional polishes. They are made with nail-friendly ingredients to protect the nails from damage. With their strengthening properties, they help to prevent damage and promote healthy nail growth.
Pros
- Fast-drying
- Vegan
- 12-free
- Chip-resistant
Cons
- Thick
- Streaky
10. Best Fade-Resistant:Essie Gel Couture Nail Color
This gel nail polish from Essie, a popular nail polish brand, gives a 14-day long-lasting manicure with even coverage. It comes with a contouring brush that provides precise application along the corners of the nails. This quick-drying formula delivers exceptional results, rendering an instant gel-like shine and a flawless finish to your nails. It does not require a base coat and can be removed easily with any acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Chip-resistant
- Fade-resistant
- Gel-like shine
Cons
- Strong odor
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 2,543 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Infographic: Tips To Achieve A Salon-Like Finish With A Nail Polish
Achieving a salon-like nail polish finish requires you to learn the right application techniques. From prepping the canvas to allowing enough time for the painted nails to dry, a lot is involved in the process of achieving picture-worthy nails. In the infographic below, we have discussed a few nail polish application tips that go beyond the basics. Check it out.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
These long-lasting nail polishes have been tried and tested by women across the globe. Many of them are enriched with active ingredients and formulas that not only offer brilliant color payoff but also nourish and protect your nails from damage. The Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish is chip-resistant and strengthens your nails, while the O.P.I. Infinite Shine2 Long-Wear Lacquer is quick-drying and offers a rich, velvety finish. But if you are looking for an affordable option with long-lasting results, try the Wet n Wild Fast Dry AF Nail Color. These polishes come in a wide range of colors and finishes, including metallic sheens, glitter accents, and holographic effects to help you create the perfect nails like any professional manicurist. They are perfect for special occasions or everyday wear, ensuring that your nails look fabulous at all times. Some of these products are also not tested on animals, ensuring a guilt-free experience. Save yourself oodles of time and money by investing in any of these nail polishes, which will be a welcome addition to your kit. However, remember to read the reviews before buying a product to make an informed decision. Beth Brown, a licensed nail technician, says, “Also, always read the instructions on these long-lasting polishes. Some require one coat, specific top coats, or no base coats. Following the instructions will get you the best results.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my nail polish peel off so easily?
Nail polish will peel off easily if your nails have a lot of moisture. To prevent this, avoid applying too many thick layers of the polish. Two thin coats of the polish will do the trick.
Why does my nail polish chip after 2 days?
A few reasons why your nail polish chip after 2 days:
• You used a low quality nail polish on an oddly cut nail shape.
• You did not allow enough time for your polish to dry.
• You did not use a top coat to preserve the polish.
• You used too many thick layers of polish.
How does vinegar make nail polish last longer?
The acids in vinegar help the polish adhere to your nails for a longer period of time. You start by applying vinegar to clean nails, followed by the nail polish to seal the deal.
How do I keep my nail polish from chipping?
Here are some tips to keep your nail polish from chipping:
• Keep your hands and nails clean.
• Start with a base coat.
• Work in thin coats only.
• Do not go beyond 3 coats of polish.
• Allow 5-7 minutes between each coat.
• Always use a top coat.
• Let the polish dry completely.
• Make sure to polish your nail tips.
How long does salon nail polish last?
A high-quality salon gel nail polish can last up to three weeks but a regular nail polish done in salon can chip in just a week.
Does hairspray make nail polish last longer?
No, a hairspray cannot make your nail polish last longer. However, it may speed up the drying process.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya is certified in makeup artistry and has a keen eye for various makeup products. She curated the list of the best long-lasting nail polishes after extensive research and reading many customer reviews on trusted online forums. These nail polishes last long, and some contain ingredients that help strengthen the nails.
Read full bio of Beth Brown
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Srijita De
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