What is the most popular nail color?

Red nail polish is a longtime favorite in the manicure world, though of course every season will have its own stand out favorite of the moment. Red is a classic nail polish color, and there are dozens of ways to wear it.

Should you match toe and fingernail polish?

While you certainly can match your nail polish between your hands and feet if you care to, there is no rule that says you must. Feel free to apply the same exact shade to your fingers and toes, or complementary color combos , or entirely different hues altogether.

What color nail polish makes hands look younger?

Helping your hands achieve their most youthful appearance can be aided in a few ways: choose a peach or orange polish for a youthful look, according to some makeup artists, and opt for oval or almond-shaped nails to make them appear more slender.

What is the most elegant nail color?

A French manicure is a classic, elegant nail polish choice that is always in season. It's easier than you may think to DIY, too. Just follow the simple steps, and do your best to adhere to them all. Particularly important ones include buffing your nails and using a pink shade prior to your top coat.

The 17 Best Drugstore Nail Polishes of 2022

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Treating yourself to a spa manicure is great once in a while. But if you're anything like us, you fall back on DIY mani-pedis more often than not. Taking your time and carefully gliding your favorite color over your nail beds can be a relaxing activity. It can also save you a chunk of change—especially if you reach for a wallet-friendly polish from the drugstore.

From everyday lacquers, glitters, and metallics to quick-dry polishes and long-lasting topcoats, there are some seriously stunning shades out there. And thanks to the Internet, you don't even have to go to an actual store. To help you wade through the abundance of options, we rounded up the choicest bottles with affordable price tags. We focused on color and finish variety, as well as dry time, to select our top picks.

Scroll down for a list of the best drugstore nail polishes for freshening up your digits.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

OPI Nail Lacquer at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Gel:

Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Quick-Drying:

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Long-Wear:

OPI Long-Wear Lacquer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Clean:

Ella & Mila Nail Polish at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

L.A. Colors Color Last Polish at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Red:

Revlon Nail Enamel in 680 Revlon Red at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Maroon:

P2 Cosmetics Gel-Look Polish in Geek Freak at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Blue:

Orly Nail Lacquer in It's Brittney Beach at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Pink:

Essie Nail Polish Pinks Collection at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.8

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Dries quickly
Applies smooth
Used in nail salons

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note some shades oxidize

Who else recommends it? Who What Wear, Good Housekeeping, and The Zoe Report all picked the OPI Nail Lacquer.

What do buyers say? 86% of 13,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars and above.

When it comes to drugstore nail polishes, OPI is tough to beat. The OG brand's classic formula goes on smooth, dries fast, and lasts for a solid week. This lacquer is so good it's one of the few drugstore brands widely used at nail salons.

Plus, it comes in every color under the sun. We're talking vivids, neutrals, basics, bolds, shimmers, nudes—you name it—all cleverly named with cheeky phrases and puns that make us giggle.

Shades: 294 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: Glitter, pearl, sheer, shimmer, creme | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

4.9

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Doesn't require curing
Easy to remove
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Some shades require 3+ coats for opaqueness

DIY shellac manicures are more accessible than ever, thanks to brands like Essie that make affordable gel polishes. The Gel Couture line comes in a bunch of lovely colors you'll be happy to rock for the full two weeks.

You don't even need a UV lamp to cure the lacquer. Just swipe on a layer of the Gel Couture Top Coat and you're good to go. Best of all, it comes off like regular nail polish—no scraping or soaking needed.

Shades: 121 | Size: 0.46 oz. | Finish: Glossy, glitter, metallic | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

4.6

Courtesy of Sally Hansen

View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Dries quickly
Formula includes base and top coat
Contoured brush

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it chips easily

Who has time to wait half an hour or more for their nails to dry? Not us. Made for folks on the fly, Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri polish is a two-in-one base and topcoat that dries in a minute flat.

Shades: 53 | Size: 0.31 oz. | Finish: Glossy, matte, metallic | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Long-lasting
Easy to remove
Great color payoff

What We Don't Like

Best results with matching base/top coat

"I love OPI Infinite Shine since they are formulated for longer wear and have a gel-like finish without the commitment," says nail artist Christine Doan of Gloss House. "It's a longer-lasting version of their normal lacquer."

Shades: 258 | Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glitter, pearl, sheer, shimmer, creme | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Courtesy of Target

View On Ulta View On Ellamila.com

What We Like

Vegan
Dries quickly
17-free

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it applies streaky

If you prefer clean beauty products, Ella+Mila Nail polish was made for you. The Elite Collection is totally vegan and PETA-certified as cruelty-free. Not only that, but the quick-dry, chip-resistant formula is free of acetone, formaldehyde, parabens, and sulfates.

Shades: 201 | Size: 0.45 oz. | Finish: Glossy, matte, shimmer, glitter | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

View On Amazon View On Instacart.com View On Walmart

What We Like

Great color payoff
Long-lasting
Dries quickly

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it applies streaky

This budget-friendly nail polish has an impressively robust brush that covers your entire nail bed with a coat of lacquer in a single swipe. For only a couple of bucks, you can treat yourself to a show-stopping DIY manicure that lasts for up to ten days—now that's what we call self-care.

Shades: 29 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Amazon View On Riteaid.com

What We Like

Dries quickly
Applies smooth
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Some shades can stain nails

There's something about red nail polish that makes us feel like we can conquer the world. For effortlessly fierce nails, you can't go wrong with the classic cherry hue of Revlon Red. We also love Fearless (a bold orangy-red) and Provocative (a sassy tomato red).

Shades: 50 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: Glossy, matte, metallic, shimmer, chrome | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

P2 Volume Gloss Gel Look Polish in Geek Freak

View On Walmart

What We Like

Great color payoff
Doesn't require curing
Burgundy shade works year round

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it chips easily

Maroon nail polish is a go-to during the fall and winter, but you can rock the sophisticated hue year-round. P2 Volume Gloss in the shade Geek Freak is an ultra-deep burgundy color reminiscent of a glass of merlot. Plus, it delivers a gel-like finish without a drying lamp.

Shades: 7 | Size: 0.4 fl. oz. | Finish: Glossy | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Orly Nail Lacquer in It's Brittney Beach

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Vegan
Ergonomic cap
Great color payoff

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it chips easily

Blue nail polish is kind of like blue jeans: it goes with everything. While there are about a zillion gorgeous shades out there, we're particularly fond of It's Brittney Beach. The glossy stained-glass hue is so strikingly chic, we'll forgive Orly for spelling Britney's name wrong.

Shades: 175 | Size: 0.6 fl. oz. | Finish: Creme, glitter, shimmer, metallic | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Applies smooth
Long-lasting
Great color payoff

What We Don't Like

Some shades don't match their online picture

Pink nail polish is also seasonless, and the Essie Pinks collection is chock full of pretty shades. There's the fan-favorite Ballet Slippers, plus Pin Me Pink (a cool bubblegum hue), and No Shade Here (a bright Barbie pink).

Shades: 56 | Size: 0.46 oz. | Finish: Glossy, glitter, shimmer, metallic | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

10-free
Vegan
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it can bubble during application

Zoya nail polish is free of formaldehyde and chemical plasticizers. And if you're partial to purple, you'll appreciate the light lavender tone of the shade Abby. Want something a little darker? Reach for a bottle of Lois or Michaela.

Shades: 652 | Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Cream, duo-chrome, foil, glass fleck, glitter, holographic, iridescent, jelly | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Ulta

What We Like

Works for all skin tones
Dries quickly

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it applies streaky

Neutral nail polishes are everywhere these days, but OPI's Put It In Neutral is a reigning champ in the drugstore category. The pinkish beige flatters all skin tones and is perfect for professional and fancy occasions alike. When you browse the neutrals line, you'll find a bunch of other versatile colors ranging from light brown to khaki to taupe and ivory.

Shades: 294 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: Glitter, pearl, sheer, shimmer, creme | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Great color payoff
Applies smooth
Vegan

What We Don't Like

Some shades don't match their online picture

Neon is surprisingly versatile, and it can really liven up an at-home manicure. If you love the day glow look, pick up a bottle of Duri Nail Polish. We love the citrine yellow shade Atomic, but the collection has lots of other brilliant hues, like NYC Apple Envy (a neon lime green) and The O.C. Orange (a blazing-hot orange).

Shades: 219 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: Glossy, shimmer, glitter | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color

View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Dries quickly
Long-lasting
Applies smooth

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note the brush could be better

Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails line has the best selection of colors. From nudes and glittery shimmers to sheers and opaques, there's truly something for everyone—and new shades come out all the time. We also like that the formula goes on super-smooth and dries fast with an ultra-durable finish.

Shades: 62 | Size: 0.4 oz. | Finish: Glossy, glitter, shimmer, metallic | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Dries quickly
Long-lasting
Made with nail hardener

What We Don't Like

Some shades can stain nails

China Glaze comes in a bunch of fun shades. You can usually count on uncommon colors and unique finishes you might not find with other lines. Some of our favorites are of the glittery variety, like the Diamond in the Rough, Silver of Sorts, and Fairy Dust.

Shades: 292 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: Glossy, glitter, shimmer, metallic | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Great color payoff
Dries quickly
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Some shades don't match their online picture

If you're as ga-ga over metallics as we are, you'll adore Revlon's Chameleon. Just like the color-changing lizard, this nail polish shifts from green to copper to gold to blue, depending on how the light catches it.

Shades: 50 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: Glossy, matte, metallic, shimmer, chrome | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

seche vite dry fast top coat nail polish

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Long-lasting
Dries quickly
Won't cause yellow nails

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note polish thickens and becomes unusable

"I've said it time and time again, this is the one topcoat that I think everyone should keep on hand," says Doan. "The formula is thick enough to where it will self-level any small divots, and it's super fast-drying. I've gotten about 22 days of non-chip wear with this before, so I'm very impressed every time."

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Final Verdict

OPI Nail Lacquer (view at Ulta) reigns as the best drugstore nail polish of all time. The tried-and-true formula goes on super smooth, dries in a flash, and lasts a full week. If you finish it with a coat of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (view at Ulta), you can expect it to hold up even longer. However, for at-home gel nails, your best bet is Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish (view at Ulta), which lasts two whole weeks.

What to Look For When Buying Drugstore Nail Polish

Color

The main thing to consider when buying drugstore nail polish is the color. Reds and neutrals are great year-round, pastels are fun in the spring, pinks, blues, and neons are perfect for summer, and maroons, grays, greens, and other deep hues are excellent for fall and winter.

However, there are no real rules as to which colors can or should be worn throughout the year. It's all about expressing yourself and rocking a shade that makes you feel happy.

Finish

Nail polishes come in a range of finishes. There are opaque lacquers, which have a solid, glossy finish. Then you've got sheer options that offer more of a translucent tint, even with multiple coats. You can also get shimmery polishes, which can be opaque or translucent. And then there's glittery nail polish, which you can wear over an opaque color or on its own.

Dry Time

As you're probably aware, some drugstore nail polishes dry much faster than others. If you have some time to kill, this isn't as important, but if you've got things to do and places to be, look for a quick-dry formula. You can also apply a quick-dry topcoat over any nail polish to speed things up.

FAQ

What is the most popular nail color?

Red nail polish is a longtime favorite in the manicure world, though of course every season will have its own stand out favorite of the moment. Red is a classic nail polish color, and there are dozens of ways to wear it.
Should you match toe and fingernail polish?

While you certainly can match your nail polish between your hands and feet if you care to, there is no rule that says you must. Feel free to apply the same exact shade to your fingers and toes, or complementary color combos, or entirely different hues altogether.
What color nail polish makes hands look younger?

Helping your hands achieve their most youthful appearance can be aided in a few ways: choose a peach or orange polish for a youthful look, according to some makeup artists, and opt for oval or almond-shaped nails to make them appear more slender.
What is the most elegant nail color?

A French manicure is a classic, elegant nail polish choice that is always in season. It's easier than you may think to DIY, too. Just follow the simple steps, and do your best to adhere to them all. Particularly important ones include buffing your nails and using a pink shade prior to your top coat.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Theresa Holland has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020 and has several years of experience covering cosmetics. As a religious nail-painter, she's tried nearly every brand on this list. Her go-tos include OPI, Sally Hansen, and Revlon.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any drugstore nail polishes from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The 14 Best Polishes for Standout Nails

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

These drugstore polishes will trick people into thinking you went to the salon. Who What Wear. https://www.whowhatwear.com/best-drugstore-nail-polishes
The 10 best nail polish brands for the longest lasting manis ever. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/nails/g27437679/best-nail-polishes
The cult-favorite drugstore nail polishes reviewers can’t stop raving about. The Zoe Report. https://www.thezoereport.com/beauty/20-cult-favorite-drugstore-nail-polishes-reviewers-cant-stop-raving-about-18160934