Best Nail Care, Polishes & Treatments
Quality nail polish brands, the best top coat, and nail treatments for healthy nails for at-home nail care enthusiasts.
Full disclosure. I do not have long glorious nails. I tend to pick at them when I’m stressed or nervous. However, I like to wear rings so I try to make a conscientious effort to leave them alone and implement a basic nail care regimen.
I rarely submit myself to gel nails or salon visits. I can’t be bothered with that level of upkeep and expense. So for at-home nail enthusiasts such as myself, these are the polishes and treatments that help me maintain healthy short nails.
Highly-Rated Nail Polish Brands
O.P.I Nail Lacquer – I love O.P.I. for the bold color selection and lasting polish. Some drugstores carry O.P.I as does Ulta.
O.P.I mini sets are also a good option because how often do we really use an entire bottle of nail polish? There is always a new release of minis around a new movie or some other P.R. campaign.
Essie – Essie makes some adventurous colors as well and the formula is long-lasting. I like these blue and green shades at the moment. They have a lot of neutral shades as well. You’ll find Essie nail polish in drugstores and Ulta.
Zoya – I also like the way Zoya nail polish performs. They have a wide range of finishes including mattes. Stocked at Ulta.
Base Coat & Nail Hardener
Mavala – Swiss brand Mavala is top-notch in nail care. Their base coats, strengtheners and treatments are fantastic. They make my favorite base coat and the Scientifique Nail Hardener works wonders. Available online and at iHerb.
Best Top Coat In The World
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat – This top coat has a cult following for good reason. It dries fast and helps non-gel nail polishes last longer. The base coat Seche Clear is also very good. Available online and in drugstores.
Nail Polish Remover
Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover – I’ve used this polish remover for years. It is gentle yet effective. It conditions nails and is formaldehyde-free. $10 at Ulta.
Sally Beauty Supply – A popular place to go when you’re in the mood to rummage for nail care is Sally Beauty Supply. Here you can pick up a giant bottle of remover for $5 along with many other accouterments for nails.
Nail Treatments
ECRINAL – I have used the ECRINAL nail range from French pharmacy brand, Laboratoire Larima for years. In particular, I love the Penetrating Nail Strengthener and Fortifying Cream. When my nails are in really rough shape, this combo brings them back to life. The Fortifying Cream also helps my cuticles more than anything else.
O.P.I Nail Envy – Nail Envy helps my nails grow better than any other treatment I’ve used. Be sure to reach for the original formulation with green lettering. The pink one did nothing for my nails. Available at Ulta.
