Best Nail Polish of 2026

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026

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Nail polish is a cosmetic product used to decorate and protect nails. It is available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including matte, glossy, and glittery. Nail polish is typically applied to the fingernails and toenails after a base coat and can be removed with nail polish remover. It has become a popular accessory in the beauty industry, with many brands offering innovative formulas and long-lasting wear. Whether you are looking for a classic red or a trendy neon shade, nail polish can add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

RIMMEL LONDON 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish Set Cover #TOP 1
RIMMEL LONDON 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Essie Gel-Like Nail Polish with Flex.e Technology Cover #TOP 2
Essie Gel-Like Nail Polish with Flex.e Technology
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Quick Dry Nail Polish Slick Slate Cover #TOP 3
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Quick Dry Nail Polish Slick Slate
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Nail Polish

RIMMEL LONDON 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish Set

99350103907
Assorted
8 ml (Pack of 12)
RIMMEL LONDON 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish Set Cover
RIMMEL LONDON - 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish Set - Super Glossy, Ultra Shiny Finish - Precise One Stroke Application - Up To 10 Days Wear - High Impact Colour - 12 Assorted Shades

The RIMMEL 60 Seconds Nail Polish offers vibrant, high-impact colour with just one stroke, making it easy for you to achieve bold and striking nails. Its quick-dry formula ensures a precise application, allowing you to enjoy salon-quality results in no time. With an ultra-shiny finish that lasts up to 10 days, your nails will remain flawless and glamorous. Plus, you can feel good about your beauty choice as this polish is cruelty-free, embodying Rimmel's commitment to guilt-free glamour.

What We Like
Instant bold colour
Effortless application
Long-lasting shine
Cruelty-free

Essie Gel-Like Nail Polish with Flex.e Technology

GEL-COUTURE-b6f8411597
transparent
13.5 ml (Pack of 1)
Essie Gel-Like Nail Polish with Flex.e Technology Cover
Gel by essie Nail Polish, Shiny Topcoat, Clear Topcoat Nail Polish, Gel Couture, Up to 15 Days of Wear, No UV Light, Longlasting High Shine Nail Varnish, 13.5ml

Essie Gel-Like Polish offers a long-lasting finish that can endure up to 15 days with just two simple steps. You simply apply two coats of the gel polish followed by one coat of the top coat, eliminating the need for a UV lamp. This innovative formula features Flex.e gel technology, allowing it to flex with your nails to prevent chipping. Additionally, the patented swirl stem brush ensures precise application and even distribution for a flawless look every time.

What We Like
Long-lasting up to 15 days
No UV lamp required
Easy two-step application
Chip-resistant formula
Available in 40 shades

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Quick Dry Nail Polish Slick Slate

30888247193
Slick Slate
9.17 ml (Pack of 1)
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Quick Dry Nail Polish Slick Slate Cover
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish, Slick Slate, 60 Seconds Quick Drying, Long Lasting, Streak Free, Shiny Finish, 3-in-1 Formula, Built in Base and Top Coat, 9.17ml

The Sally Hansen Insta-Dri is designed to make your manicure quick and easy. With a built-in base and top coat, it simplifies your nail care routine by combining three steps in one. The polish dries in just 60 seconds, so you won't have to wait around for smudges to clear. Its streak-free formula ensures a smooth, polished finish every time, while the special brush contours your nails for an even application. This means you get a neat, salon-quality look with minimal effort.

What We Like
Quick drying in 60 seconds
Built-in base and top coat
Streak-free application
Brush contours for smooth finish
Long-lasting with chip protection
#TOP 4

Splash 48 Colour Quick Dry Nail Polish Set

152291873452
5 ml (Pack of 48)
Splash 48 Colour Quick Dry Nail Polish Set Cover
Splash 48 x Nail Polish Varnish Set 48 Different Modern Colours Quick Drying

The Splash Nail Polish Set offers a fantastic selection of 48 vibrant shades, allowing you to express your unique style. With colours ranging from elegant nudes to sparkling glitters, you can easily find the perfect hue for any occasion. The high-performance formula ensures quick drying, so you can enjoy a flawless finish without the wait. Each bottle features a lovely strawberry fragrance, making your nail care routine not just beautiful but also pleasantly scented.

What We Like
Diverse colour options available
Quick drying formula
Pleasant strawberry scent
Ethically crafted and cruelty-free
#TOP 5

Maybelline Colour Show Nail Polish 301 Love This Sweater

30108028
Rose Nude
7 ml (Pack of 1)
Maybelline Colour Show Nail Polish 301 Love This Sweater Cover
Maybelline Colour Show Nail Polish - 7 ml, 301 Love This Sweater

The Maybelline Colour Show Nail Polish offers a transparent-gel based formula that delivers bold and crisp colour, perfect for those wanting vibrant nails. The easy-flow brush ensures a precise application, making it simple for you to achieve salon-quality results at home. Additionally, the chip-resistant formula guarantees that your colour stays bolder for longer, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups. Lastly, the product is free from harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, DBP, and toluene, providing a safer option for your nails.

What We Like
Bold, crisp colour
Precise application brush
Chip-resistant formula
No harmful chemicals

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Quick Drying Nail Polish

C-hill Out
Green
9.17 ml (Pack of 1)
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Quick Drying Nail Polish Cover
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish, C-Hill Out, 60 Seconds Quick Drying, Long Lasting, Streak Free, Shiny Finish, 3-in-1 Formula, Built in Base and Top Coat, 9.17ml

The Sally Hansen Insta-Dri is a nail polish designed for convenience and durability. It features a built-in base and top coat, which means you don’t need to apply separate layers, saving you time. The formula offers up to 33 percent longer hold with chip protection, so your manicure lasts longer without damage. It dries quickly in just 60 seconds, perfect if you’re in a hurry. Plus, the brush is designed to contour your nails for a smooth, streak-free finish, giving your nails a polished, professional look easily.

What We Like
Built-in base and top coat
Lasts up to 33% longer
Dries in 60 seconds
Streak-free application

JODSONE 10ml Quick Dry Nude Pink Nail Polish Set

JODSONE
ZB33-38
1.67 ml (Pack of 6)
JODSONE 10ml Quick Dry Nude Pink Nail Polish Set Cover
JODSONE 10ml Nude Pink Nail Polish Set 6 Colors Brown Red Purple Suitable All Seasons 60 Second Quick Dry Nail Polish Set for Women Salon DIY Nail Art

The JODSONE Nail Polish Set offers six beautifully rich colours, perfect for any season. Each polish provides high coverage, making your nails look stylish with just one coat. Its long-lasting anti-removal formula ensures your manicure stays bright and fresh for days, even through seasonal changes. Plus, the quick-dry feature means you can achieve a flawless look in just 1-3 minutes without needing UV lamps, saving you time and protecting your nails from harm. This set is ideal if you want a fast, durable, and vibrant nail finish.

What We Like
High coverage colours
Long-lasting formula
Quick drying in minutes
Eco-friendly and non-irritating
#TOP 8

Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish, 8ml

34778209340
Creme
8 ml (Pack of 1)
Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish, 8ml Cover
Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish, 8ml

The Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Polish is designed for those who crave quick and high-impact colour. With its 3-in-1 Nail Colour Technology, you can enjoy a stunning, ultra-shiny finish in just one stroke. This polish dries in under 60 seconds, meaning you won’t have to wait around before heading out. Additionally, it features an anti-chip and anti-fade formula that provides long-lasting colour for up to 10 days, ensuring your nails look fresh and vibrant for longer.

What We Like
Quick drying in under 60 seconds
High-impact, ultra-shiny finish
Long-lasting colour up to 10 days
Anti-chip and anti-fade formula
#TOP 9

essie Original Nail Polish in Bordeaux

B1867400
Bordeaux Dark Red
13.5 ml (Pack of 1)
essie Original Nail Polish in Bordeaux Cover
essie Original Nail Polish, 50 bordeaux, Dark Red Nail Polish, 13.5 ml

The essie Bordeaux Nail Polish offers a smooth and elegant dark red colour that is perfect for achieving a polished, classic look. With its wide brush, you can enjoy a precise and streak-free application, making it easy to treat yourself to a professional-level manicure at home. The unique essie formula provides excellent coverage and durability, ensuring your nails look stunning for longer. Additionally, this nail polish is designed to strengthen your nails while providing professional chip protection, giving you confidence in your manicure.

What We Like
Bold and elegant colour
Easy, streak-free application
Durable and long-lasting
Strengthens nails

OKAQEE Pink Nail Polish Set 6pcs Quick Dry

OKAQEE
OKAQEE Pink Beauty
Pink Beauty
8 ml (Pack of 1)
OKAQEE Pink Nail Polish Set 6pcs Quick Dry Cover
Pink Nail Polish Set - 6Pcs Quick Dry & Long Lasting Nude Varnish - Non-Toxic Holographic Paint - No UV Needed for DIY at Home - Teenage Girls (Pink Beauty)

The OKAQEE Pink Nail Polish offers a set of six trendy nude pink and red colours that suit various occasions, from casual outings to parties and weddings. Its non-toxic, water-based formula is gentle on your nails, making it a healthy choice, especially for teenage girls. You can enjoy a long-lasting, glossy finish that resists bubbles and flaking, typically lasting 7-10 days with proper care. Plus, it dries quickly in just 3-5 minutes without needing a UV or LED lamp, allowing you to achieve elegant nail art easily at home.

What We Like
Six trendy nude pink shades
Non-toxic, water-based formula
Long-lasting, glossy finish
Quick drying without UV lamp
Easy three-step application
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the best nail polish?

These Are The 6 Most Long-Lasting Nail Paint Formulas Available.... O.P.I Nail Lacquer, Rs 850.Nykaa Cookie Crumble Nail Enamel, Rs 199.Colorbar Wonder Gel Nail Lacquer, Rs 350.Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Polish, Rs 350.DeBelle Gel Nail Lacquer, Rs 295.Maybelline Superstay Gel Nail Color, Rs 350.

2. Is wearing nail polish good?

Wearing regular nail polish isn't going to harm your healthy nails (although you probably should give your nails a break on the polish periodically.) However, applying gel or acrylic nails requires the use of direct UV light onto your skin, which is known to cause skin cancer.

3. What are the side effects of nail polish?

Constant exposure to toxic nail paints and other nail care products can produce a number of health effects ranging from minor complaints like skin irritation, allergic reactions, nausea, to more serious troubles like respiratory problems, cancer and reproductive conditions.

Editor's Notes

During our nail polish research, we found 306 nail polish products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 174,053 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nail polish list. We found that most customers choose nail polish with an average price of £5.95.

The nail polish are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nail polish, including Rimmel, essie, Sally Hansen, Beauty4Britain, Maybelline.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.