Nail Polish reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 295 Reddit reviews across 20 subreddits and 61 posts to rank the best Nail Polish brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/Nails, r/Nailpolish, r/RedditLaqueristas, r/OliveMUA, r/longnaturalnails. Top-rated brands include OPI (4.7/5), Essie (4.6/5), ILNP (4.9/5).
Stats
Reviews295
Subreddits20
Posts61
Brands65
Products51
295 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
OPI
4.7
(42)
"Zoya and OPI are my personal faves. Self-leveling, even application, and tons of different colors and finishes."
"OPI I’m Not Really a Waitress is a super dark, moody red."
"OPI Malaga Wine is my favorite for this exact reason."
"I got a bunch of Opi polishes on sale, only $2-4 each!"
"I love funny bunny by OPI"
"I second OPI Cajun Shrimp."
"It's the perfect porcelain white. It's not completely opaque, so it has that glassy, dimensional look."
"Opi Lincoln Park After Dark"
"OPI Lincoln Park After Dark"
"A classic shade is OPI Lincoln Park After Dark."
#2
Essie
4.6
(40)
"I love Essie! Definitely one of my go to brands."
"Essie Berry Naughty and Zoya Courtney are 2 of my favorite dark reds"
"Blue—Essie “Bikini So Teeny.”"
"Essie and Orly are my fave brands and formula."
"Essie Wicked..."
"Essies has some pretty light pink colours."
"Essie makes really nice light white milky pink shades."
"Essie Berry Naughty or OPI Got the Blues for Red. Cannot pick lol"
"How about Essie Bordeaux? burgundy is a fave for olives"
"Essie Angora Cardi (I don't have this but it's on my list)"
#3
ILNP
4.9
(31)
"My favorite indie Polish brand is ILNP. One of the few that does a lot of crème colors."
"If you like effects I recommend Mooncat and ILNP."
"ILNP has no many interesting finishes--shimmers, holos, glitter, magnetics."
"ILNP us a pretty popular brand!"
"I really love polish from ILNP"
"They usually do 25% off! They have beautiful polish for a great price."
"You should just take a little walk over to ILNP and you’ll find your wishlist full."
"ILNP Poppy! The pictures and video don't do it justice."
"ILNP
Anny
A-England"
"ILNP without a doubt 🏁"
#4
Piggy Paint
4.7
(14)
"Piggy paint was awesome for us at this age!"
"I like piggy paint and Ella + Mia."
"She started with her toes only(and used piggy paint) and lighter colours."
"We use piggy paint like others suggested."
"We use piggy paint which isn't full of toxic chemicals."
"Another vote for Piggie paints. Only downside is that my 2.5 yo spends half her time painting my nails."
"We use Piggie Paint and I am careful about using the base/top coat and gently roughing the nail plate for maximum adhesion."
"We have some quick drying nail polish and also some special kid brand nail polish that I don’t mind using on her."
"We use Piggy Paint on our 2 and 4 year old girls. It’s specifically made for kids with fewer harmful chemicals."
"Piggie paints (I think that is the name) are nail polishes made for kids."
#5
Zoya
4.7
(13)
"Zoya and OPI are my personal faves. Self-leveling, even application, and tons of different colors and finishes."
"Zoya has a loooot of colors to choose from!"
"They have a fantastic black Friday sale."
"I’m happy with all the Zoya polishes I’ve tried :)"
"And how could I forget Zoya!! They’re awesome and they have huge sales multiple times a year."
"Zoya has some you might like for fall!"
"Zoya is absolutely my overall favorite."
"Polish wise, I'd pick Zoya or China Glaze."
"Zoya is my favorite by far."
"I’m personally comfortable with Zoya."
#6
Mooncat
4.6
(13)
"If you like effects I recommend Mooncat and ILNP."
"I loved how they turned out!"
"I’m a MoonCat addict!"
"I’m a huge fan of the second example in particular!"
"I’d recommend mooncat & holo taco for lacquers."
"Mooncat has REALLY pretty colors if you haven’t checked them yet!"
"Mooncat!!"
"Mooncat. Bonus is their packaging is fantastic."
"ILNP, Mooncat, Shlee, I Scream are all companies I have had very good experiences with."
"Look through some of Mooncat’s collections, I think Seasons of Persephone has some that you’ll like."
#7
Holo Taco
4.5
(13)
"I loved how they turned out!"
"It’s amazing!"
"Holo Tacos new collection might be for you friend."
"My HGs are either Holo Taco or Mooncat."
"I definitely recommend holo taco!"
"Holo Taco is over hyped, but their long lasting base coat is genuinely legit."
"I like Holo taco! They dry fast and are gorgeous."
"I do recommend their matte top coat though!"
"Holo Tacos new collection might be for you friend"
"Holo taco: they have good quality formulas."
#8
Sally Hansen
4.5
(13)
"Personally I think Sally Hansen is the best beginner brand. It's affordable, easily accessible, great variety and decent formulas."
"Does SH still make Kook-A-Mango?! That's one of the few polishes I've actually used ALL of the bottle! Would definitely recommend."
"White—Sally Hansen “Pearly Whites.”"
"I recommend Sally Hanson quick dri."
"The brush is perfect, two swipes and my entire nail is coated and perfectly even."
"Sally Hansen Miracle Gel has always worked for me."
"A hairdresser recently posted in r/redditlaqueristas about how the Sally Hansen miracle gel line has worked very well for her."
"I agree with Sally Hansen. Insta Dri is affordable, comes in tons of colors, and the brush is nice and wide."
"Sally Hansen - Fruity Papaya or Kook A Mango"
"Sally hansen gel effect polish for everything else."
#9
Dazzle Dry
4.9
(11)
"I am a firm believer in dazzle dry for keeping nails healthy while wearing polish."
"I use Opi and top it with dazzle dry or just use the dazzle dry system."
"I’m a fan of Dazzle dry."
"I’ve recently started using Dazzle Dry and I absolutely love it!"
"I’ve recently started using Dazzle Dry and I absolutely love it!"
"Dazzle Dry always ♥️."
"Dazzle Dry, mostly because literally every thing else chips on my nails the next day."
"I saw someone on here who used dazzle dry. It looked really good."
"The Dazzle Dry polish line is non toxic and dries super hard."
"Check out Dazzle Dry."
#10
Orly
4.5
(11)
"Essie and Orly are my fave brands and formula."
"I could very easily live a happy life with only Orly, KB Shimmer and ILNP in my collection."
"Orly is the best in my opinion!!"
"Orly just did an awesome nude collection!"
"I swear by the Orly rubberized base coat and Out the Door top coat."
"I really like Orly from the drug store."
"Is a good beginner-friendly option with some great collections."
"Has good, high quality polish in large bottles for only $10 or $11 USD."
"Your second slide reminds me a lot of the new orly Terra nova fall collection"
"For nail polish I like Orly, O.P.I., Mooncat and Halo Taco."
#11
KBShimmer
4.8
(8)
"Throwing in yet another vote for KBShimmer’s"
"Another vote for KB Shimmer"
"I second KBShimmer"
"Some indie brands make creme polishes that are intending for stamping but are really a lot more pigmented."
"KBShimmer has a ton of variety, excellent formulas, and a user-friendly brush."
"[KBShimmer] also just released a really gorgeous new collection."
"I stick to KBshimmer because you can use it for most or all polish."
"Kbshimmer is a good beginner brand. They have great brushes & good base & top coats."
#12
Olive & June
4.8
(6)
"Olive & June and Essie gel coutoure are my gotos."
"I know it’s the nail polish of Instagram but I love Olive and June."
"Olive & June! Lasts forever and so many fun colors!"
"I like olive and June and orly."
"Olive & June and Zoya are my favorites."
"Larchmont from Olive & June is a good match."
#13
Cracked Polish
4.6
(5)
"Cordially Invited from Cracked Polish is warm and the formula is lovely!"
"Try Delicacy in Sardinia from Cracked."
"Seconding cracked! 🥰 Their formulas and colors are hits for me every single time"
"If you want something a bit lighter, My Blood Aches has earthy undertones."
"I personally like Cracked Polish! I don’t dislike drugstore brands, but the prices have gone up so much lately."
#14
Nails Inc
4.8
(4)
"Nails Inc Baker Street (RIP?)"
"I've had the best results with Nails Inc."
"Phenomenal with olive skin."
"Also Nails Inc."
#15
KB Shimmer
5.0
(3)
"My favorite brand ive ever used is kb shimmer."
"KB Shimmer everything for me! Their top and basecoat are incredible!"
"KB shimmer and ILNP have been incredible."
#16
Polished for Days
5.0
(3)
"Polished for days and Dam nail polish."
"Cadillacquer, Alchemy Lacquer, Atomic Lacquer, Kathleen&Co, Wildflower Lacquer or Polished for Days."
"I’ll shout out Polished for Days because I just ordered from them yesterday."
#17
Color Club
5.0
(3)
"The first polishes I bought for nail art purposes were Color Club."
"Color Club has Holy Chic! (A cream)..."
"A recent favorite of mine is Color Club, love the pigment!"
#18
Nails Inc.
4.7
(3)
"I also really like Essie, which is 2 for £14 atm on the Boots website."
"It's always been a good brand for me and their new formulations and brushes are top notch."
"Nails Inc had a beautiful set that I didn't buy and totally regret now."
#19
Manucurist
4.7
(3)
"J'utilise les vernis de la marque Manucurist et j'en suis ravie."
"- Manucurist."
"- Manucurist
- Death Valley Nails
- Cirque Colors
- J. Hannah"
#20
China Glaze
4.7
(3)
"I LOVE O.P.I and China Glaze has always delivered color-wise for me."
"Polish wise, I'd pick Zoya or China Glaze."
"China Glaze “I Brake for Color” might be a little more muted than fireball"
#21
Cirque
5.0
(2)
"Cirque colors, amazing quality."
"Cirque and Static nails."
#22
Cadillacquer
5.0
(2)
"I love them"
"Cadillacquer, Alchemy Lacquer, Atomic Lacquer, Kathleen&Co, Wildflower Lacquer or Polished for Days."
#23
Essie Gel Couture
5.0
(2)
"I've found success with CND Vinylux and Essie Gel Couture."
"I’ve been using the Essie gel couture (polish + top coat, with OPI natural base coat)."
#24
Dear Sundays
5.0
(2)
"I’m a big fan of Dear Sundays."
"- Dear Sundays."
#25
DND
4.5
(2)
"Save yourself some $$$ go to dnd they sell just the lacquer version of almost of every color."
"Tie the knot by dnd!!"
#26
Beetles
4.5
(2)
"I use the beetles home gel kit with the curing lamp - my toes last 4 weeks."
"I've seen some negative comments about Beetles, but I love them and I've used them for 4 years."
#27
Barry M
4.0
(2)
"For the price and the types they release they're for me a good accessible starter."
"Drugstore: Barry M"
#28
Cirque Colors
4.0
(2)
"INLP but also Cirque Colors has a completely different kind of color selection."
"I like C.R.E.A.M. and Coffee Talk from Cirque Colors."
#29
Sinful Colors
5.0
(1)
"Sinful Colors Endless Blue"
#30
Rescue Beauty Lounge
5.0
(1)
"Rescue Beauty Lounge IKB:2012 (RIP)"
#31
Acquarella
5.0
(1)
"My absolute favorite is Acquarella (almost no smell at all, dry to the touch within a f)"
#32
Lights Lacquer
5.0
(1)
"The color was perfect!"
#33
Mavala
5.0
(1)
"It really works!"
#34
Whats Up Nails
5.0
(1)
"Is a great blue for this"
#35
Eveline
5.0
(1)
"Gives a nice cream colour, strengthens nails"
#36
Morgan Taylor
5.0
(1)
"Morgan Taylor had a fantastic formula. Thin coats, 3 to 5 minute dry time between coats, and quick dry topcoat is key."
#37
O.P.I.
5.0
(1)
"I LOVE O.P.I and China Glaze has always delivered color-wise for me."
#38
Tuesday in Love Permeability Complex
5.0
(1)
"If you have the extra funds, you can buy Tuesday in Love's Permeability Complex that you can add to your nail polish to make it wudu friendly."
#39
Chanel
5.0
(1)
"Chanel Fugueuse!"
#40
Fancy Gloss
5.0
(1)
"I like Fancy Gloss polishes a lot too"
#41
CND
5.0
(1)
"CND Lobster Roll is really nice also."
#42
Manicurist
5.0
(1)
"Manicurist Green Perfect Matte"
#43
Seche Vite
5.0
(1)
"Get a quick-dry top coat like Seche Vite"
#44
Cracked
5.0
(1)
"I picked up Leather Bound (copper tan that shifts to gold) recently and just adore it"
#45
Static Nails
5.0
(1)
"Idk what it is about it but my static nails glass lacquer pretty much never chips."
#46
Modelones
5.0
(1)
"Get gel top coat it lasts a long time, I use the one by modelones."
#47
I Love My Polish
5.0
(1)
"Discover International Nail Polishes Under One Roof with I Love My Polish in India"
#48
ILNP Fairydust
5.0
(1)
"ILNP - Fairydust (legendary, just buy it if it's in stock)"
#49
CND Signature Lipstick
5.0
(1)
"I’m a huge fan of CND signature lipstick as well as CND tinted love."
#50
Butter London
4.0
(1)
"Butter London's Her Majesty as a dupe for RSR."
#51
BM
4.0
(1)
"BM is actually brilliant for the price and most of my cremes are BM."
#52
Maniology
4.0
(1)
"I like Essie — Blanc."
#53
Henna Nail Polish
4.0
(1)
"Henna nail polish. They are very expensive but thats what lets water go through."
#54
GAOY
4.0
(1)
"GAOY has a great one"
#55
Death Valley Nails
4.0
(1)
"Cherries Composting (very, very dark burgundy) is the one I have that I think may work for you"
#56
L'UGX
4.0
(1)
"I really like this one I've been using by L'UGX"
#57
Mineral Fusion
4.0
(1)
"I like mineral fusion?"
#58
DND Gel Polish
4.0
(1)
"DND gel polish is $5 during their Black Friday sale. It's widely used in salons and I like the formula, myself."
#59
Ballpit
4.0
(1)
"Ballpit, nailz by dev, Madam glam, and nail reserve are my faves."
#60
Mooncat Fools Gold
4.0
(1)
"Mooncat - Fools Gold (this is a clear top coat with gold flakes which it dries matt, perfect for short nails)"
#61
Polished For Days Blossom
4.0
(1)
"Polished For Days - Blossom (warm bright and sparkly)"
#62
Monarch Lacquer Milk & Lilac
4.0
(1)
"Monarch Lacquer has gorgeous pale shimmers currently on sale!"
#63
Faby
4.0
(1)
"And a Faby green one for only $1."
#64
ella & mila
3.0
(1)
"This one isnt as clean but is advertised as a 'toddler nail polish'"
#65
Kids Nail Polish
3.0
(1)
"It's kids nail polish and therefore peels off as soon as it dries."
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