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The 8 Longest-Lasting Nail Polishes to Get You at Least 7 Days of Wear
By Susan Waits,
7 hours ago
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Yes, a gel manicure is fun and stays on longer, but sometimes our nails (and wallets) need a break, which is when good ol' regular nail polish comes in handy again. But how do we make the most of our home manicures so they don't dull or chip within a day or two? Ahead, we spoke to a nail expert about her best practices (and things to avoid doing) when painting your nails, so you get the longest, smoothest wear time . We also gathered eight remarkably long-lasting nail polishes that’ll get you at least seven days of wear.
Meet the Expert
Juanita Huber-Millet is the founder and creative director at Townhouse , a British luxury nail bar, which has 40 locations across the UK, ranging from Harrods in Knightsbridge and Chelsea in London to Manchester and Leeds, and opened its first international salon in Beverly Hills this year.
The Longest-Lasting Nail Polishes at a Glance
How Do You Get Your Manicures to Last Longer?
The key to nailing an at-home mani lies in the prep. "From proper filing to careful buffing and cuticle care, this establishes a perfect canvas, resulting in a smooth finish," says Huber-Millet. Some specifics include:
What Are Some Things to Avoid Doing When Painting Your Nails at Home?
According to Huber-Millet, the top mistake you can make when giving yourself a manicure is rushing through the drying process. "This is a common misstep that often results in smudges and dents."
Also, don't forget to apply topcoat. "Many overlook the importance of a topcoat, but this final step is crucial for both the durability of your manicure," advises Huber-Millet. "Topcoat helps to ensure that your polish lasts longer while maintaining a high-shine appearance."
What Are Some Ingredients or Specific Words to Look for on Polish Labels That Indicate a Long-Lasting Finish?
For a long-lasting finish, keep an eye out for certain key terms like "resistant wear," which indicates that the formula is built to withstand chipping and fading. "Highly pigmented" indicates that the polish provides rich, full coverage, contributing to a vibrant look, and a "gel-like finish" implies a glossy, high-shine effect that's reminiscent of gel manicures, often also enhancing the polish's durability.
And with that, here are our eight top picks for long-lasting nail polishes.
Since the brand first launched its polishes in 2019, it's quickly become a favorite for many nail obsessives (including our beauty director ). The 7-free line features plenty of seasonal and perennial shades that are known for their lasting power and pigmentation.
From the sculptural bottle to the thoughtfully designed brush, which features wide, curved bristles that lay down the smoothest coats of color, you can always count on these polishes to deliver the very best coverage, wear and shine. (Tip: Use the line's top coat over any polish to give it a plush, gel-like finish and extend its longevity.)
Not only is this polish long-lasting, it’s also free of toxins like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP (dibutyl phthalate). The extensive line features hundreds of colors, and some of our editors report getting a solid 10 days of wear from this polish without chipping.
ILNP, which stands for I Love Nail Polish, is beloved for its eye-catching glitters, metallics and even shade-shifting holographic polishes. Fun finishes and texture side, the brand is also known for its durability and opacity (most of their shades are true one coat wonders).
I still remember when this line launched in 2014 because it coincided with the early days of my beauty editor career. Touted as one of the first UV-free, long-lasting gel finish polishes, the Miracle Gel collection has since expanded to include over 100 shades and remains a drugstore favorite for many mani enthusiasts.When paired with the brand's top coat, I can typically get anywhere between seven to ten days of wear.
If you have the type of nails that tend to peel and break at the slightest touch, get yourself some Deborah Lippmann. Loaded with ingredients like biotin and omega fatty acids that strengthen and hydrate brittle nails, the formula also delivers a cushiony finish and is a joy to paint with.
While some people prefer a thicker polish because of their instant opacity, others find them a tad too gloopy to apply. For those in the latter, I recommend CND’s Vinylux, which has a thinner consistency than most, and therefore dries down faster (though you may need a third coat depending on the shade and your preference).
If you don’t mind splurging a tad, Dior’s ultra-pigmented polish has a special place in our hearts. It really is a cut above in terms of vibrancy and the way the colors pop against your skin. Special mention also goes to their brush, which is wider than most and has a rounded head that curves to fit your cuticles.
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