Skip to Content

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

best long lasting nail polish
Design by Sarah Olivieri

The 15 Best Long-Lasting Nail Polishes, According to Experts

These top formulas make it easy to extend your manicure for over a week

By

The best long-lasting nail polishes have a chip-free formula that resists wear and tear. With proper prep work and a hardworking top coat, manicures can stay flawless for weeks without requiring gel or LED curing. However, the health of your nails and your hand-washing frequency, top-coat choice, and general lifestyle also play a role in the overall longevity of your manicure.

While professionals use a few tricks, like capping polish, to help extend the life of your nail look, many of the best long-lasting nail polishes are formulated with grippy staying power built right in. “Using a rubber-base nail polish will make it last longer,” Lily Nguyen, a celebrity manicurist, tells Bazaar.

Our Editors’ Favorite Long-Lasting Nail Polishes

Another pro trick? Prepping the nail surface by swiping it with an alcohol prep pad before painting so that it’s oil-free will add some shelf life to your artwork. Nguyen adds that the length of your nails can play a role in how long your polish lasts too. “Longer nails can impact polish longevity as they are typically more prone to breakage, but being gentle with them can help,” she notes. “Also, reapplying your top coat around every four days can preserve polish integrity.”

I tried many shades and formulas of regular polishes before my current hard-gel era. With the help of Nguyen and a thorough sweep of online nail forums, I found the best long-lasting nail polish and formulas for every mani mood. Whether you choose the same nude shade every two weeks or go in on the nail art, your manicure will stay chip-free for days to weeks.

Fashion Week Approved

Jinsoon Nail Lacquer in Chillin

Nail Lacquer in Chillin
Credit: Jinsoon

Pros

  • Created by a celebrity manicurist
  • Available in 90+ shade options

Cons

    There’s a reason JinSoon polish is almost always seen backstage during Fashion Month: It’s not only highly pigmented, it also has serious staying power. The nail lacquer is 21-free, and it’s formulated without the addition of harsh chemicals like benzene and synthetic fragrances.

    What our editors think: “I’m a big fan of JinSoon’s range of pigmented polishes,” Bazaar beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson Davis explains. “This butter-yellow shade in particular is right on trend for the spring season and warmer weather in general.”

    Best Strengthening

    Dior Vernis Nail Polish in 999 Rouge

    Vernis Nail Polish in 999 Rouge
    Now 31% Off
    Credit: Dior

    Pros

    • Features a gel-effect hold
    • Has a glossy finish

    Cons

    • Over $30

    It may seem like $32 a bottle for Dior Vernis is a beauty investment, but according to beauty lovers in the know, it’s a worthy one. The polish is available in 21 color options, including this cult-favorite red shade. Its formula is infused with nourishing peony and pistachio extracts, keeping nails hydrated and chip-free.

    What our editors think: “Dior’s polishes not only come in beautiful, trend-setting colors, but the opaque formula clings to nails and lasts for days and days without chipping,” says Bazaar beauty director Jenna Rosenstein.

    Customer review: “First, I love Dior polishes. Yes, they cost a lot more than the drugstore brands. But they glide on easily and last a long time, and the brush makes doing my own nails quite easy. Also, the quality products have actually improved the texture and strength of my nails.” —Lexgal

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Best Under $10

    Olive & June Long Lasting Nail Polish in BP

    Long Lasting Nail Polish in BP
    Credit: Olive and June

    Pros

    • Budget-friendly

    Cons

    • Ergonomic polish handle attachment sold separately

    Not only does this polish option ring in under $10, but manicure lovers across the internet are raving about its longevity; talk about bang for your buck. Plus, its formula aims to keep your manicure looking fresh for up to 10 days of wear. And if this icy-blue shade isn’t your favorite, Olive & June has a wide range of colors available with a mix of finishes, including shimmer and jelly.

    Customer review: “My second time buying this color. It’s a regular in my rotation. If you’re on the fence, just buy it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.” —Molly O.

    Best with Glossy Finish

    Chanel Longwear Nail Colour in Première Dame

    Longwear Nail Colour in Première Dame
    Credit: Chanel

    Pros

    • Formula helps seal in nail-bed moisture

    Cons

    • Over $30

    There’s nothing wrong with adding a bit of luxury to your nail-polish collection, and Chanel’s Longwear nail color is one of our favorites. Each of the brand’s 36 polishes features nourishing ceramides to keep the formula fresh and your nail beds hydrated throughout your manicure.

    Customer review: “Le Vernis is the best nail polish on the market. It dries quickly and doesn't chip like other polishes. I have a few and plan to buy more. Be sure to buy the clear coat for best results!” —Jade

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Best Under $20

    Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish in Fairy Tailor

    Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish in Fairy Tailor

    Pros

    • Gel-like finish
    • Available in 30+ color options

    Cons

    • Some customers say the formula is too thick

    While gel is in its name, Essie’s Gel Couture polish doesn’t require LED light to cure. You can still benefit from its long-lasting formula and high-gloss finish, but when you’re ready to switch up your look, it comes off easily with a regular polish remover. Plus, the lacquer also features a corresponding top coat to help you get maximum wear out of your manicure.

    Customer review: “The color is perfect for spring and summer. It has excellent staying power. I work with my hands a lot, and the polish was still intact and vibrant after 10 days.” —Marie

    Best Cult-Favorite

    OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath

    Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath

    Pros

    • Under $15
    • Quick drying

    Cons

    • Some reviewers say polish is too thick

    OPI is a salon staple, thanks to its enduring polish formulas that stay put for days on end. Plus, the nail lacquer is not only budget-friendly at under $12, it’s also readily available at your local drugstore.

    Customer review: “This color was chosen for me by the owner of the nail salon I visited in California recently. I am very fair with green eyes, and it was lovely on my skin. It stayed on for a long time and went with fuchsia, orange, red, and neutral lip colors. I highly recommend it!” —Diana

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Best with Biotin

    Londontown Enhanced Colour in Sedona

    Enhanced Colour in Sedona

    Pros

    • Free from over 21 toxins

    Cons

    • Limited color range

    Lakur is another of our favorite polish brands that keep the integrity of your natural nails in mind. A blend of strengthening rapeseed-flower oil, biotin-enriched evening-primrose oil, and fortifying garlic extract helps restore weak nails, which ultimately keeps polish intact longer.

    Customer review: “I have terrible luck with nail polish chipping off immediately, but this (paired with a top coat) lasted about 10 days. Will definitely be getting more colors.” —Dendy W.

    Best for Gel-Effect

    CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish in Negligee

    Vinylux Long Wear Polish in Negligee
    Now 11% Off
    Credit: amazon

    Pros

    • Dries quickly
    • Formula is deeply hydrating

    Cons

    • Top coat sold separately

    CND’s Vinylux is one of the OGs of long-wear nail-polish formulas. For the lacquer to work effectively, it requires a two-step process. First, apply the shade of your choice, and then add its gel-like top coat to lock in its staying power. Even with multiple layers, the polish formula is highly breathable.

    Customer review: “I do not often write reviews..but wow!!! I used this with the top coat and I am on day five with no chips. This says a lot because I am in the medical field and am putting on and off gloves all day long. This literally looks as good as a gel manicure.” —Karen A.

    Best Non-Toxic

    Zoya Professional Lacquer in Tyler

    Professional Lacquer in Tyler

    Pros

    • Under $15
    • Features an extensive color range

    Cons

    • Best results with a base and top coat in addition to color

    Zoya’s 10-free polishes are formulated without toxins like formaldehyde, camphor, and lead. Not only does the removal of these additives make the formula safer to use, but it also adds to the polish’s breathability. When nails can breathe, they don’t dry out, and your polish is less likely to chip.

    Customer review: “Super nice formula! You honestly don’t even need two coats. Long-lasting and fast drying and gorgeous color.” — Abigaila

    Best Shimmer

    ILNP Cosmetics Fairy Dust Magical Violet Shimmer Nail Polish

    Fairy Dust Magical Violet Shimmer Nail Polish
    Credit: amazon

    Pros

    • Easy to remove
    • Features a non-toxic formula

    Cons

    • Some customers say polish shades aren’t accurate

    Glittery polishes are well-known for being long-lasting, but they're not always easy to remove completely once you’re done wearing them. This fine-shimmer version from ILNP glides on smoothly and covers your entire nail bed in just a few coats. The Fairly Shimmer line comes in four shades to choose from and happens to be chip-resistant and 10-free.

    Customer review: “I bought Kings and Queens and loved it so much, I immediately went and bought five more. The colors are beautiful, and I have gotten so many compliments! The polish I have on now was applied over a base and finished with a top coat, but it has been on for about 8 days, and I don’t have a single chip.” —Hannah N.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Best Quick-Drying

    Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer in Stardust

    Nail Lacquer in Stardust
    Credit: Amazon

    Pros

    • Dries in five minutes
    • Features a large color range

    Cons

    • Requires full Dazzle Dry system for optimal results

    Dazzle Dry’s viral lacquer comes in over 150 shades, and beauty shoppers say it holds up for over two weeks. Though not required, a caveat is that for optimal results, the polish is best used with a four-part system that includes a nail prep dehydrator, base coat, lacquer itself, and top coat.

    What our editors think: “I can attest to Dazzle Dry’s longevity and quick-dry finish,” Dodson Davis says. “And with a wide range of shades, the manicure possibilities are virtually endless.”

    Customer review: “Great product. No chemicals to dry out your nails, really does dry to a nice finish in five minutes, lasts a long time without chipping.” —Jay B.

    Best Under $5

    Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Day Dreamer

    Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Day Dreamer
    Credit: Ulta Beauty

    Pros

    • Budget-friendly

    Cons

    • Some customers say formula is too thick

    There are a lot of benefits to incorporating Sally Hansen’s Xtreme Wear nail color into your manicure rotation. A big one is that it’s priced under $5. And in addition to the long-lasting formula, the bottle’s tapered handle makes it easier to grip, making it easier to perfect your at-home technique.

    Customer review: “I absolutely love this line of SH. It stays for at least a week or more. Easy to remove and easy and smooth application. The colors are so pretty! Highly recommend. I’m not even that good at polish!” —Rosalind

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    Best Polish Brush

    Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Rose Tamisé

    Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Rose Tamisé

    Pros

    • Highly pigmented formula
    • Fuller coverage in less swipes

    Cons

    • Over $50

    Hermès applies the same level of detail to its handcrafted accessories as to its beauty staples, including its beloved nail polish line. It’s available in 24 richly pigmented shades, and its built-in brush is designed with wide, rounded bristles that allow polish to cover each nail in a single swipe, saving you time and money in the long run.

    Customer review: “$55 for nail polish? Absolutely. I recently started to do my nails again and fell in love with the rich-colored options by Hermès. And the quality lives up to the Hermès name.” —LaurThom

    Best Salon-Level

    Tenoverten Nail Lacquer in Liberty

    Nail Lacquer in Liberty

    Pros

    • Cruelty-free formula
    • 30+ polish options

    Cons

    • Reviewers say using top and/or base coat is best for longevity

    Tenoverten’s beloved nail lacquers are 8-free and literally built for the salon, which means the brand’s formulas always prioritize quality and finish. We’re betting this vibrant green shade will become part of your spring manicure rotation for weeks to come.

    Customer review: “The color is phenomenal. I absolutely love it. Must have for spring.” —Donna L.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Meet the experts

    best sunset lamps
    • Lily Nguyen is a celebrity manicurist and the founder of Labo Beauté Salon in Los Angeles.

    Can you make nail polish last longer?

    best sunset lamps

    The key to a long-lasting manicure, no matter which polish you use, is proper nail prep. Experts recommend wiping nails clean with an alcohol prep pad before applying your base coat. Oils and other residues left on your natural nail can interfere with the wear of your polish. It can also restrict air flow, causing your nails to become dry and chipped. Additionally, Nguyen says that using rubber-based nail polishes can help your look last longer.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Does long-wear nail polish damage nails?

    best sunset lamps

    According to professionals, what damages your natural nails most often isn’t the polish itself but how it’s removed. Formulas like gels and dip powders typically require a soak in acetone or the scrape of a cuticle stick to remove. These actions can compromise already brittle nails and weaken stronger ones. However, most long-wear polishes don’t have to be cured and will come off with regular remover. Some of our favorites on this list even contain nourishing, toxin-free, and breathable ingredients to keep nails strong and healthy under polish.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

    best sunset lamps

    For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below