Frequently Asked Questions
Do drugstore nail polishes work just as well as high-end brands?
In short, yes. While high-end nail polishes might come in more unique shades or have fancier packaging, drugstore formulas usually perform just as well, Shtanhei says. They’re made with advanced pigments, can self-level or easily spread across the nail surface, and deliver smooth application, rich color payoff, and impressive durability, she explains. She also says that drugstore nail polish brands release colors frequently and often follow trends, making it easy to experiment with new shades without spending a ton.
How can I make my manicure last longer?
“Longevity depends far more on technique than on price,” Shtanhei says. “Even the best nail polish can chip quickly if the preparation and application steps are skipped.” She recommends taking your time to properly prep your nails before applying polish—this includes removing oils from your nail plate, buffing the surface, and cleaning your nails with alcohol so the polish can stick better. You may also want to use a base coat, which also helps with application and polish adhesion and can even prevent dark colors from staining your nails.
When you’re ready for color, she recommends applying thin layers that’ll dry quickly. Wait a few minutes between each layer, even if you’re using a quick-drying polish: “Rushing the process can trap solvents in the polish, making the manicure more fragile,” Shtanhei says. Make sure to run the brush along the tips of your nails, too, to prevent chipping.
Which topcoat should I use with drugstore nail polish?
A topcoat can make or break your manicure, according to Shtanhei. For drugstore nail polish, she recommends using a quick-drying, high-gloss topcoat. (Our favorites come from Seche Vite and Sally Hansen.) This final layer helps seal in the color, add shine, and speed up drying time, she says. Plus, a topcoat will make your manicure more flexible, which prevents cracking and chipping. You’ll also notice a smoother finish to your manicure: Topcoats are self-leveling, Shtanhei explains, meaning they settle into an even layer that can hide small mistakes in your nail polish application.
Shtanhei says it’s also a good idea to run your topcoat over the edges of your nails for a better seal. Then, reapply your topcoat every two to three days—this “can dramatically extend the life of a manicure by restoring shine and reinforcing protection,” she notes.
Meet the experts
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
- Olha Shtanhei, a professional nail artist based in Charlotte, North Carolina
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We scrutinize brand claims and rely on experts who shape their fields to help us vet our picks. We also ask questions about a number of factors: Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our list of the best drugstore nail polishes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and professional nail artists to review the products. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, wear and longevity, and packaging. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
