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The 10 best nail polishes to buy in the UK

Picture of a nail polish

Cracking or flaking nails look pretty unattractive and can be embarrassing and unpleasant. If you’ve got this nail condition and you are still looking for a remedy after you’ve made several failed attempts to treat, then you might want to try something a little different and much more efficient: high quality nail polishes.

From "why you should use them" to "how you could easily find the best nail polish" to "which type to buy"; this buying guide has got all you need to make those nails look irresistibly attractive with the right nail polish.

What are nail polishes?

Nail polishes are beauty suspensions used to decorate, beautify and protect both the toenails and fingernails. Also known as nail varnishes, the best nail polishes are designed with the intention to enhance the appearance of the nails or simply maintaining and strengthening them. They come in different types varying from the materials used in making them, the period in which they last, their color, etc.

All of these are to ensure your nails look beautiful, straightened, and protected. Each type serves its own purposes, but the best quality nail polishes come with the combined effects.

Why should you buy a good nail polish?

Nail polishes have an important role to play in our nails. They enhance nail growth, stop the nail from breaking, splitting and cracking. This means nail polishes make the nails healthier and attractive. Overall, using nail polishes are an effective way of treating or protecting the nail plate.

How to choose the right nail polish in 2024?

Another picture of a nail polish

A good nail polish should meet the following criteria:

  • Adhesiveness: The color particles that are contained in the nail polish must stick together and should not be immiscible, so it gives a long-lasting result. Using nail polishes that do not have this property will make your nails appear even more unattractive. Good nail polishes should be waterproof and should not dissolve or fade when they come in contact with water. This should also be considered when choosing your nail polish.
  • Evaporating Time: If the time it takes to apply nail polish to the time it gets dried is equivalent to the time required to prepare a nice bowl of tasty noodles, then something is just not right. The best nail polishes do not take too long to set, so watching out for how long it takes the nail polish to dry before settling in with it.
  • Hardness: Good nail polishes contain a considerable amount of acrylic polymer. This makes a good nail polish durable, water-resistant and gives it some degree of hardness. If the polish is already hardened before it comes into contact with water, it will not fade off and neither will it be scraped off easily if scratched.
  • Healthy Nails: Good nail polishes should protect the nail from damages without staining the nail plate. The best nail polish will also allow your nails to regain their original appearance when the polish is being removed. The perfect nail polishes come with special formulas and ingredients that contain essential vitamins that enhance and nourish your nails, thus keeping your nails healthy.

What is the best kind of nail polish in the UK?

Among the number of nail polish brands available in the market today, there are some cues that can effectively serve as guides as to which type will be best to purchase. Here are some of these cues:

  • Gel and Shellac Nail Polish: Gel and shellac have the same advantage of providing a long-lasting effect. They can last for up to two weeks without losing their attractive appearance if properly cared for. But gel nail polish could be harder to remove than shellac. But not to worry, the world of beauty products has special solvents like acetone that can effectively remove it.
  • Top Coat Nail Polish: This type forms a barrier which helps to prevent the nail from cracking, peeling, etc. It also helps the underlying polish to dry quickly giving that fine finish and desired look in no time.
  • Base Coat Nail Polish: The base coat is milky-colored or opaque pink in appearance. It is used on the nail plate before the application of any other nail polish. It is an excellent option for moisturizing, strengthening, and restoring of the nails.
  • Matte Nail Polish: Matte nail polish has a dull finish. It is found in both top and base coat forms. In topcoat, the matte polish is used to paint a dry base to give it a different and attractive look.
  • French Manicure: The French manicure beautifies the nails without distorting its natural appearance. It is so unique that when worn one will not spot the difference easily. They come in different forms are available in various forms like stickers and stencils.

Top 10 list of nail polishes in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their nail polishes. Which nail polish is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Maybelline B2204101 nail polish
Maybelline Colour Show Nail Polish - 7 ml, 31 Peach Pie
  • 7 ml bottle
  • Please check PAO (Period After Opening) symbol which denotes the product expiry time,…
  • Chip-resistant formula for bolder colour
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TOP 2
Image of DMQ  nail polish
Nail Polish Set, 6Pcs Quick Dry & Long Lasting Nude Pink Red Nail…
  • Christmas Gifts- Lightweight and outstanding nude pink red matching manicure, easily…
  • Easy to Use- No tedious steps, quickly dry in about 3-5 minutes, air dry and no need…
  • Long-lasting Glossy- Long-lasting high gloss wear. This Nail Varnish Gel Goodbye…
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Offer TOP 3
Image of Max Factor 99350069917 nail polish
Max Factor, Masterpiece X Press Nail Polish 8 ml, Future Is Fuchsia…
  • Brush delivers flawless, smooth application and finish
  • Even, streak-free application
  • High-shine finish
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TOP 4
Image of Rimmel 99350103907 nail polish
RIMMEL LONDON - 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish Set - Super Glossy,…
  • RIMMEL, LIVE THE LONDON LOOK: RIMMEL is a brand that stands for individuality, fearlessness…
  • CRUELTY-FREE BEAUTY: Embrace guilt-free glam with this Rimmel London nail polish…
  • LONG-LASTING ULTRA SHINY FINISH: Experience the ultimate in nail perfection with…
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TOP 5
Image of Rimmel 34776273023 nail polish
Rimmel London Super Gel Nail Polish, 23 Grape Sorbet, 12 ml (Pack…
  • Easy to remove
  • Chip resistant, high gloss finish
  • Rivals a salon mani, with no lamps, no mess, no damage to nails
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TOP 6
Image of Beauty4Britain 152291873452 nail polish
Splash 48 x Nail Polish Varnish Set 48 Different Modern Colours Quick…
  • ‍ Watercolor Artistry: Our choice of a watercolour art design for the box isn't…
  • Double Surprise: Experience a unique delight with our nail polish set. As your nails…
  • Parisian & ‍Londoner Elegance: Transport yourself to the romantic streets…
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TOP 7
Image of Revlon 7254060026 nail polish
Revlon Classic Nail Polish Enamel, Iced Mauve
  • To protect nails from staining and help your nail enamel last, apply one layer of…
  • With so many nail colours, you have every shade at your fingertips to create classic…
  • Gorgeous Color that goes on smoothly and bubble-free
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TOP 8
Image of Sally Hansen 30888247203 nail polish
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Quick Drying Nail Polish, Buff and Tumble,…
  • 1 Stroke-1 Coat-Done.
  • Streak-free application, the brush contours for a smooth finish
  • Quick drying in just 60 seconds
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TOP 9
Image of Revlon 7260686028 nail polish
Revlon Ultra HD Snap Nail Polish, Long Lasting Vegan Formula, Quick…
  • Unit count type: millilitre
  • Unit count: 8.0
  • Item display volume: 0.27 fluid_ounces
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TOP 10
Image of OKAQEE  nail polish
6PCS Nail Polish Set Nail Varnish - Quick Dry & Long Lasting Nude…
  • Ideal GiftBeautiful color can make you attract attention on any occasion. Light weight…
  • Easy to UseNo tedious steps, quickly dry in about 3-5 minutes, air dry and no need…
  • Non-Toxic Healthy Nail Polish The nail polish is non-toxic, eco-friendly, non-irritating.…
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