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The 11 Best Chrome Nail Polish Shades
Take your manicure to the next level with favorites from OPI, Jinsoon, and more
Metallic, reflective manicures are having a major beauty moment, with the versatile nail trend showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re an at-home expert or you regularly book an appointment at your local salon, the best chrome nail-polish shades make it simple to try the popular, celebrity-loved look for yourself. In recent months, we’ve spotted stars like Vanessa Hudgens and celebrity artists like Tom Bachik championing the beloved style. “Chrome comes in every variation now, from sheer to aura to rainbow to opal chromes,” celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein tells Bazaar. “The color is kind of your oyster.”
Our Editors’ Favorite Chrome Nail Polishes
Whether it is incorporated into a nail-art design, like a French mani with a twist, or worn solo, metallic lacquer picks like OPI’s Chrome Clawz and Silver Perl by Dolce&Gabbana provide an easy way to elevate any next manicure. The shade family is not only seasonless but also universal, according to Gerstein.
To make it easy to narrow down your color selection, we’ve rounded up some of the best chrome nail-polish shades to try now. From classic silver and molten gold to bolder multichromatic colors, these top picks are worthy of your next manicure.
Pros
- Contains wide brush for easy polishing
- High-shine finish
Cons
- Over $10
Part of OPI’s Metallic Mega Mix nail-lacquer collection, this silver-toned polish combines liquid metals and glitters for a classic chrome look. Plus, its formula is smudge-resistant and also dries quickly.
Customer review: “I have been purchasing OPI polishes for over 25 years and can always find a color to suit the seasons. They are long-lasting and easy to apply. I always bring my own color when going to the salon.” —Renee
Dolce & Gabbana Nailed It! Quick Dry Nail Lacquer in Silver Perl
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- Subtle polish scent may be off-putting to some
This multifaceted nail polish is as stylish as it is easy to use, since its formula dries quickly and needs only a single coat. The polish is infused with Italian coffee extract and vegan keratin to protect and strengthen your nails as you wear it.
Customer review: “Surprised at the gorgeous finish, almost like a shimmery jewel. Super easy to apply and, best part, it dries quickly.” —BeautifulJoy
Pros
- 21-free formula
- Features a double chrome finish
Cons
- Over $15
If you’re in search of a chrome polish that’s a little off the beaten path, look no further than this turquoise-blue option from Jinsoon. Heirloom is an aquatic-inspired shade that features a double chrome finish, making even the shortest nails look mesmerizing.
Mineral Fusion Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Silver Lining
Pros
- Earth-friendly
- Celebrity nail artist approved
- Under $10
Cons
This vegan polish is one of Gerstein’s go-tos and requires no more than two coats for a pigmented finish. “Silver shades like my favorite Mineral Fusion nail polish in Silver Lining always get it right when it comes to chrome,” the expert says. “They make it easy to nail the look without using gel.”
Chillhouse Forever Wear Chill Paint in Twinkle Toes
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Requires Chillhouse Magic Finish top coat
Chillhouse’s Forever Wear Chill Paint is one of our new favorite polish collections. This twinkly shade from the line not only lasts up to 14 days, it also has a soft iridescence that’s perfect for the person looking to ease into a chrome finish.
What our editors are saying: “As a manicure obsessive, I’ve tested several long-wearing polishes over the years and can attest to this one’s gentle yet effective staying power.” —Tiffany Dodson Davis, beauty commerce editor
Customer review: “The first polish I can wear for a solid 14 days and not feel the need to remove and refresh after washing countless dishes. Finally will invest in my nail care again, thanks to Chillhouse!” —Tomás G.
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who prefer lighter chrome shades
Have a little fun with your chrome nail polish by going multichromatic. This top-rated pick transitions between gray, purple, and green depending on the lighting. Plus, its durable formula is long-lasting like a gel without the need for LED light.
Customer review: “I love this color! It reminds me of a Tahitian pearl. Also paired with the gel-like top coat, it has worn pretty well (no chips and minimal tip wear without a topcoat refresher). The color looks especially beautiful in natural light.” —Jennifer J.
Addiction Tokyo The Nail Polish + in Moonlight Story
Pros
- Features a 10-free formula
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Some reviewers say the bottle is too small
Go gilded with your next chrome look with this polish shade from Addiction Tokyo. Along with being fast drying, the favorite has a high-gloss finish that’s peel- and chip-resistant with a sparkle finish to amplify your manicure.
Customer review: “I love the color and how easy it was to apply.” —Natalya W.
Pros
- 15-free formula
- Lasts up to 10 days
Cons
- Does not include Poppy polish accessory
Wearing this Olive & June nail polish is almost like staring directly into a disco ball—in a good way. The platinum shade is a beloved favorite for its supreme color payoff and budget-friendly price, at under $10.
Customer review: “Beautiful shiny silver, looks great and sparkles!” —Eileen Z.
Pros
- Features an 8-free formula
Cons
- Polish may be too subtle for some
A little goes a long way when it comes to this iridescent, salon-level polish. Wear a few coats alone to give bare nails a more reflective look or over your go-to matte silver or white shade for a little something extra.
Customer review: “I find this shimmery light pink to be the perfect subtle shade and glittery effect for my nails. One to two coats give a whisper of color and sparkle, while three to four applications provide stronger depth of both.” —Sharyn N.
Sally Hansen Color Foil Nail Polish in Steel a Kiss
Wondering what’s the closest you can get to an aluminum-foil-level chrome finish? Consider this pick from Sally Hansen, which is not only easy to use but also a no-brainer to find at your local drugstore.
Customer review: “This is my absolute favorite nail polish. It dries instantly and smoothly. Easy to apply and so beautiful.” —Hannah S.
Essie Nail Art Studio Special Effects Chrome Polish in Cosmic Chrome
Pros
- Works on natural or polished nails
- Under $15
Cons
If you’re just looking to dip a toe in chrome color, this topper from Essie deserves a place in your polish rotation. It uses a combination of holographic and light-reflecting finishes to add a dynamic wow factor to bare or polished nails.
Customer review: “I love!! So cute and works great over top of other nail polishes to give a kind of chrome finish without having to use the powder.” —Cathrin G.
Meet the experts
- Elle Gerstein is a Russian manicure expert and celebrity luxury nail stylist based in New York City and Los Angeles.
What are some of the most popular chrome nail trends?
Along with chrome nail polish trending by itself, Gerstein says several beauty looks have started becoming buzzier in recent months because of it. “Isolated chrome has become a big trend,” she explains. “The look has a matte base backdrop, which means you can draw a design, and chrome will only stick where it’s meant to.” The artist also notes that reflective cat-eye manicures, incorporating chrome polish, are also gaining popularity.
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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, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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