Quick Answer: What's the Best Nail Polish Brand?
For professional gel polish: GlazeMe and CND Shellac lead in quality and longevity (21-28 days wear). For regular polish: OPI Infinite Shine offers best performance-to-price ratio (7-10 days wear). For budget: Sally Hansen provides reliable quality under $15. For clean beauty: Zoya and Ella+Mila excel in non-toxic formulas. There's no universal "best"—the right brand depends on your format preference (gel vs regular), budget, and priorities (longevity, price, clean ingredients, color range).
Here's the truth: Brand reputation doesn't always equal best performance. I've tested 20+ brands extensively, and some drugstore options outperform luxury names.
Why Brand Actually Matters (More Than You Think)
Three years ago, I bought a $5 nail polish from a random brand at a discount store. It applied streaky, chipped within 24 hours, and stained my nails yellow. I learned an expensive lesson: cheap isn't always affordable when you factor in wasted time and nail damage.
But here's what surprised me through years of testing: Expensive isn't always better either. I've used $35 luxury polish that performed worse than $12 drugstore brands.
After testing 20+ brands across every price point for the past 5 years—tracking longevity, application quality, color accuracy, and real-world performance—I've figured out exactly which brands deliver on their promises and which are all marketing hype.
This is the most comprehensive, honest brand comparison you'll find. No sponsorships, no affiliate pressure—just real testing and honest opinions.
How I Tested & Ranked These Brands
To make this comparison fair and useful, I used consistent methodology:
Testing Criteria (Each Rated 1-10):
- Longevity - Days until first chip under normal use
- Application Quality - Smoothness, streak-free, opacity
- Color Accuracy - Bottle color matches dried nail
- Chip Resistance - How well it survives daily activities
- Shine Retention - How long gloss lasts
- Formula Safety - Chemical exclusions (free-from ratings)
- Color Range - Available shade variety
- Price Value - Performance relative to cost
- Availability - Easy to purchase in Australia
- Brand Consistency - Quality across different colors
Testing conditions: Same nail prep, same daily activities (typing 6+ hours, hand washing 10+ times, household tasks), same removal process. Each brand tested for minimum 3 months across multiple colors.
The Complete Brand Rankings (2026)
Best Professional Gel Polish Brands
| Brand | Overall Score | Longevity | Price (AUD) | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GlazeMe | 9.2/10 | 21-28 days | $16-22 | Australian conditions, chip resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CND Shellac | 9.0/10 | 18-21 days | $20-26 | Professional standard, salon use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| OPI GelColor | 8.8/10 | 16-20 days | $22-28 | Massive color range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gelish | 8.6/10 | 15-19 days | $18-24 | Budget professional option | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Beetles Gel | 7.8/10 | 14-18 days | $12-18 | Budget beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best Regular Polish Brands (Long-Wear)
| Brand | Overall Score | Longevity | Price (AUD) | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPI Infinite Shine | 8.7/10 | 7-10 days | $16-20 | Gel-like wear, no lamp | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Essie Gel Couture | 8.3/10 | 6-8 days | $12-16 | Two-step system | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sally Hansen Miracle Gel | 7.9/10 | 5-7 days | $10-14 | Budget long-wear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Revlon ColorStay | 7.4/10 | 4-6 days | $8-12 | Drugstore reliable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best Traditional Regular Polish Brands
| Brand | Overall Score | Longevity | Price (AUD) | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPI Classic | 8.5/10 | 5-7 days | $16-20 | Professional quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Essie | 8.2/10 | 4-6 days | $12-16 | Trendy colors, wide range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Zoya | 8.4/10 | 5-7 days | $14-18 | Clean beauty, 10-free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sally Hansen | 7.6/10 | 4-5 days | $8-12 | Budget reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| China Glaze | 7.8/10 | 4-6 days | $10-14 | Bold colors, glitters | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best Clean Beauty / Non-Toxic Brands
| Brand | Overall Score | Free-From Level | Price (AUD) | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoya | 8.6/10 | 10-free | $14-18 | Clean + performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ella+Mila | 8.3/10 | 17-free | $15-19 | Maximum chemical exclusion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pacifica | 7.9/10 | 7-free | $10-14 | Budget clean beauty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Karma Organic | 7.7/10 | Halal-certified | $12-16 | Breathable formula | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
In-Depth Brand Reviews
GlazeMe (Australian-Made) - Overall Score: 9.2/10
What it is: Australian-manufactured gel polish specifically formulated for Australian climate conditions
Price range: $16-22 per bottle, $50-70 starter kits
Longevity: 21-28 days average (tested extensively)
What I love:
- ✅ Specifically engineered for Australian heat and humidity
- ✅ 30-second LED cure time (faster than most gels)
- ✅ 10-free formula (pregnancy-safe, clean ingredients)
- ✅ Excellent chip resistance through harsh conditions
- ✅ Local manufacturing = fresh product, supporting Australian economy
- ✅ Easy soak-off removal (12-15 minutes vs 20+ for harder gels)
What could be better:
- ❌ Smaller color range than international mega-brands (but growing)
- ❌ Less widely known (but performance speaks for itself)
Best for: Australians wanting gel polish that actually survives our climate, clean beauty enthusiasts, supporting local manufacturing
My verdict: In 3 years of testing, GlazeMe consistently outperformed imported gel brands in Australian summer heat (35-40°C). The local formulation makes a genuine difference. This is my personal go-to gel polish.
OPI - Overall Score: 8.5-8.8/10 (depending on line)
What it is: Industry-leading professional nail polish brand, multiple product lines
Price range: $16-28 depending on formula
Product lines:
- OPI GelColor (gel polish, $22-28): 16-20 days wear
- OPI Infinite Shine (gel-like regular, $16-20): 7-10 days wear
- OPI Classic (regular polish, $16-20): 5-7 days wear
What I love:
- ✅ Massive color range (500+ shades)
- ✅ Professional salon quality
- ✅ Consistent formula quality across colors
- ✅ Wide availability in Australia
- ✅ Iconic shade names everyone knows
What could be better:
- ❌ Premium pricing (not budget-friendly)
- ❌ Classic formula not particularly clean (5-free)
- ❌ Can be difficult to find specific shades
Best for: Professional nail techs, color enthusiasts wanting huge range, people wanting proven reliability
My verdict: OPI is expensive but delivers. The Infinite Shine line is particularly impressive—closest you'll get to gel wear without a lamp. Worth the premium for longevity and application quality.
CND Shellac - Overall Score: 9.0/10
What it is: The original gel polish that created the category
Price range: $20-26 per bottle
Longevity: 18-21 days average
What I love:
- ✅ Industry gold standard for salons
- ✅ Patented formula is incredibly chip-resistant
- ✅ Beautiful high-gloss finish that lasts
- ✅ Professional quality, reliable performance
- ✅ Excellent color range (100+ shades)
What could be better:
- ❌ Premium pricing
- ❌ 60-second cure time (slower than newer gels)
- ❌ Removal can take longer than newer formulas
Best for: Salon professionals, people wanting the "original" gel experience, maximum reliability
My verdict: Shellac is pricier, but there's a reason salons trust it. If GlazeMe didn't exist with Australian-specific formulation, Shellac would be my #1 gel choice. It's that good.
Essie - Overall Score: 8.2-8.3/10
What it is: Fashion-forward nail polish brand, trendy seasonal colors
Price range: $12-16
Product lines:
- Essie Gel Couture (gel-like regular, $12-16): 6-8 days wear
- Essie Classic (regular polish, $12-16): 4-6 days wear
What I love:
- ✅ Trendy, fashion-forward colors
- ✅ Wide availability (drugstores, department stores)
- ✅ Affordable premium quality
- ✅ Beautiful color range and seasonal collections
- ✅ Good application, rarely streaky
What could be better:
- ❌ Longevity doesn't match OPI
- ❌ Formula consistency varies between colors
- ❌ Some sheer colors require 3+ coats
Best for: Trend-followers, people wanting affordable quality, experimenting with seasonal colors
My verdict: Essie is the perfect "middle ground" brand—better than drugstore, more affordable than OPI. Gel Couture line is excellent for people who want extended wear without gel commitment.
Sally Hansen - Overall Score: 7.6-7.9/10
What it is: Accessible drugstore brand with innovative product lines
Price range: $8-14
Product lines:
- Miracle Gel (gel-like regular, $10-14): 5-7 days wear
- Insta-Dri (quick-dry, $10-14): 4-5 days wear, 60-sec dry
- Complete Salon Manicure (regular, $10-14): 4-6 days wear
- Hard as Nails (strengthener, $8-12): Treatment, not color
What I love:
- ✅ Budget-friendly across all lines
- ✅ Widely available (every pharmacy, grocery store)
- ✅ Innovative formulas (quick-dry, strengthening)
- ✅ Consistent quality for price point
- ✅ Good color range
What could be better:
- ❌ Longevity doesn't match premium brands
- ❌ Formula quality inconsistent between product lines
- ❌ Some formulas contain more harsh chemicals
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers, beginners, people wanting convenience over maximum longevity
My verdict: Sally Hansen is the best value drugstore brand. You're not getting OPI quality, but for $10, you're getting solid performance. Miracle Gel and Insta-Dri lines punch above their price point.
Zoya - Overall Score: 8.4-8.6/10
What it is: Clean beauty pioneer, 10-free formula before it was trendy
Price range: $14-18
Longevity: 5-7 days
What I love:
- ✅ True 10-free formula (cleanest major brand)
- ✅ 550+ shade range (massive for clean beauty)
- ✅ Excellent application quality
- ✅ Vegan, cruelty-free
- ✅ Professional quality without harsh chemicals
- ✅ Beautiful, sophisticated colors
What could be better:
- ❌ Can be hard to find in Australia (mostly online)
- ❌ International shipping adds cost/time
- ❌ Removal can be slightly harder (less harsh solvents = more rubbing)
Best for: Clean beauty enthusiasts, pregnant women, people with chemical sensitivities, anyone wanting performance without compromise
My verdict: Zoya proves clean beauty doesn't mean sacrificing quality. If clean ingredients are your priority, this is THE brand. Performance rivals OPI while being 10-free.
Gelish - Overall Score: 8.6/10
What it is: Professional gel polish, salon favorite
Price range: $18-24
Longevity: 15-19 days
What I love:
- ✅ Professional salon quality at accessible price
- ✅ Excellent chip resistance
- ✅ Wide color range (200+ shades)
- ✅ Good cure time (30-60 seconds)
- ✅ Reliable consistency across colors
What could be better:
- ❌ Not as widely available as OPI gel
- ❌ Some colors require 3 coats for opacity
- ❌ Removal can be stubborn
Best for: Home gel enthusiasts, budget-conscious professionals, people wanting salon quality without CND pricing
My verdict: Gelish is the "budget professional" gel option. It's not cheap, but it's $4-8 less per bottle than CND/OPI gel while delivering 85-90% of the performance. Great value.
China Glaze - Overall Score: 7.8/10
What it is: Bold, vibrant colors, specialty finishes
Price range: $10-14
Longevity: 4-6 days
What I love:
- ✅ Incredible bold, saturated colors
- ✅ Best glitter and specialty finishes
- ✅ Affordable
- ✅ Fun, creative color names
- ✅ Good pigmentation (often 2-coat coverage)
What could be better:
- ❌ Longevity doesn't match higher-end brands
- ❌ Formula consistency varies (some colors thick, others thin)
- ❌ Limited availability in physical Australian stores
Best for: Nail art enthusiasts, people loving bold/glitter finishes, experimenting with fun colors
My verdict: China Glaze isn't for longevity—it's for fun. If you want electric blue, holographic glitter, or neon anything, this is your brand. Don't expect week-long wear, but do expect gorgeous, vibrant color.
Ella+Mila - Overall Score: 8.3/10
What it is: Ultra-clean beauty brand, maximum chemical exclusion
Price range: $15-19
Free-from level: 17-free
Longevity: 5-6 days
What I love:
- ✅ Maximum chemical exclusions (17-free!)
- ✅ Cruelty-free, vegan
- ✅ Cute, feminine color range
- ✅ Safe for pregnancy
- ✅ Strengthening formula in many polishes
What could be better:
- ❌ Longevity slightly less than Zoya
- ❌ Can be hard to find in Australia
- ❌ Premium pricing for shorter wear
Best for: Maximum clean beauty concern, pregnancy, people with severe chemical sensitivities
My verdict: If 10-free isn't enough and you want maximum chemical exclusion, Ella+Mila is your brand. You sacrifice 1-2 days longevity versus Zoya, but gain 7 additional chemical exclusions. Worth it for the ultra-sensitive.
Revlon - Overall Score: 7.4/10
What it is: Accessible drugstore brand, consistent quality
Price range: $8-12
Longevity: 4-6 days
What I love:
- ✅ Budget-friendly
- ✅ Widely available everywhere
- ✅ Decent color range
- ✅ Consistent formula across colors
- ✅ Good for beginners
What could be better:
- ❌ Nothing exceptional—just "fine"
- ❌ Not trendy or exciting
- ❌ Formula thicker than premium brands
Best for: Budget shoppers, beginners, people wanting reliable basic polish
My verdict: Revlon is the "Honda Civic" of nail polish—not exciting, but reliable and affordable. You know exactly what you're getting: decent quality at low price. No surprises, good or bad.
Brand Comparison by Category
Best Longevity:
- GlazeMe gel (21-28 days)
- CND Shellac gel (18-21 days)
- OPI Infinite Shine regular (7-10 days)
Best Value (Performance per Dollar):
- Sally Hansen Miracle Gel ($10-14, 5-7 days = $1.40-2.80/day)
- GlazeMe gel ($16-22, 21-28 days = $0.57-1.05/day)
- Essie Gel Couture ($12-16, 6-8 days = $1.50-2.67/day)
Best Color Range:
- OPI (500+ shades across all lines)
- Zoya (550+ shades)
- Essie (400+ shades)
Best for Australian Conditions:
- GlazeMe (specifically formulated for our climate)
- CND Shellac (handles heat well)
- OPI GelColor (reliable in all conditions)
Best Clean Beauty:
- Ella+Mila (17-free)
- Zoya (10-free, largest color range)
- Pacifica (7-free, budget-friendly)
Best Quick-Dry:
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri (60 seconds)
- Essie Expressie (60 seconds)
- All gel polish (instant with lamp)
Luxury vs Drugstore: Is Premium Worth It?
Let's address the elephant in the room: Do expensive brands actually perform better?
Luxury Brands ($20-35 per bottle):
Examples: Chanel, Dior, Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin
What you're paying for:
- 30% formula quality
- 40% brand prestige/packaging
- 30% luxury experience
My testing verdict: Luxury nail polish performs comparably to $15-20 professional brands (OPI, Essie). You're paying primarily for packaging and brand name. The formula differences are minimal.
Worth it IF: You value luxury beauty experience, collect designer products, want stunning bottle design
Not worth it IF: You only care about performance—buy OPI and save $10-20
Professional Brands ($15-25 per bottle):
Examples: OPI, CND, Essie, GlazeMe, Gelish
What you're paying for:
- 70% formula quality
- 20% brand reputation
- 10% packaging
My testing verdict: This is the "sweet spot" for nail polish. Genuine quality improvements over drugstore, without luxury markup. Worth the premium.
Worth it IF: You want reliable longevity and chip resistance, professional finish, consistent quality
Drugstore Brands ($6-14 per bottle):
Examples: Sally Hansen, Revlon, Rimmel, Maybelline
What you're paying for:
- 50% formula
- 30% mass production cost savings
- 20% brand
My testing verdict: Quality varies wildly. Sally Hansen and Revlon perform well for price. Generic drugstore brands often disappointing.
Worth it IF: You change colors weekly, you're on tight budget, you're experimenting/learning
My honest recommendation: Buy professional brands ($15-25) for colors you'll wear repeatedly. Buy drugstore for trendy colors you'll wear once. Skip luxury—it's not worth the premium for performance alone.
Australian Brand Spotlight
As an Australian, I'm proud we have local nail polish manufacturing. Here's why buying Australian-made matters:
GlazeMe (Featured Throughout This Guide)
Why it matters:
- Formulated specifically for Australian climate (35-45°C summers)
- Fresh product (no months in shipping containers)
- Supports Australian jobs and manufacturing
- Lower carbon footprint (manufactured locally)
- Responds to Australian customer feedback quickly
My experience: International gel brands frequently thinned out in Australian summer heat or didn't cure properly in humidity. GlazeMe's local formulation genuinely handles our conditions better.
Other Australian brands worth exploring:
- Picture Polish - Australian-made, vegan, 130+ colors
- Kester Black - Carbon-neutral, B Corp certified
- Gloss & Co - Toxin-free, Australian-made
Supporting local doesn't mean sacrificing quality—Australian nail polish manufacturing has come a long way.
Brand Consistency: What to Watch For
Not all colors within a brand perform equally. Here's what I learned:
Consistency Red Flags:
❌ Wide formula variation between colors
- Example: Brand X's red is perfect, but nude is streaky
- Indicates: Poor quality control
❌ Seasonal collections perform differently than core range
- Example: Limited edition shades chip faster
- Indicates: Rushed production, untested formulas
❌ Newer shades different texture than established colors
- Example: 2025 colors thicker than 2023 colors
- Indicates: Formula changes without announcement
Most Consistent Brands (In My Testing):
- OPI - Every color performs nearly identically
- GlazeMe - Small range means tight quality control
- Zoya - 550+ shades, remarkably consistent
- CND - Professional quality control standards
Least Consistent:
- Budget brands (Wet n Wild, LA Colors)
- Fast-fashion beauty brands
- Amazon "dupes" (quality lottery)
How to Choose Your Brand
Still overwhelmed? Ask yourself these questions:
1. What's my budget?
- Under $50 initial → Sally Hansen, Revlon
- $50-150 initial → Essie, mid-range options
- $150+ initial → OPI, gel polish systems, luxury exploration
2. Do I want gel or regular?
- Gel → GlazeMe, CND Shellac, OPI GelColor
- Regular → OPI Infinite Shine, Essie Gel Couture
- Either → Test both formats first
3. How important are clean ingredients?
- Very important → Zoya, Ella+Mila
- Somewhat important → GlazeMe (10-free), modern brands
- Not priority → Any major brand
4. How often do I repaint?
- Weekly or more → Drugstore brands (Sally Hansen)
- Every 2-3 weeks → Professional regular (OPI Infinite Shine)
- Monthly → Gel polish (GlazeMe, CND)
5. Where will I buy?
- Online only → Any brand
- Need in-store → OPI, Essie, Sally Hansen (widely available)
- Supporting local → Australian brands
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best nail polish brand overall?
There's no universal "best"—it depends on your needs. For gel polish: GlazeMe (Australian conditions, 21-28 days) or CND Shellac (professional standard, 18-21 days). For regular polish: OPI Infinite Shine (7-10 days, $16-20) offers best performance-to-price. For budget: Sally Hansen ($8-14) provides reliable drugstore quality. For clean beauty: Zoya (10-free, 550+ shades) leads. Choose based on your format preference, budget, and priorities.
Q: Is OPI nail polish worth the price?
Yes, for longevity and consistency. OPI Infinite Shine lasts 7-10 days (vs 4-6 days drugstore polish), rarely streaks, and has 500+ color range. At $16-20, you're paying $2-3 per day of wear vs $1.50-3 per day for drugstore polish. The difference is 1-2 extra days wear and better chip resistance. Worth it if you value reliable performance and wide color selection. Not worth it if you change colors every 3-4 days.
Q: Which nail polish brand lasts the longest?
Gel polish brands last longest: GlazeMe (21-28 days), CND Shellac (18-21 days), OPI GelColor (16-20 days). For regular polish without lamp: OPI Infinite Shine lasts longest at 7-10 days, followed by Essie Gel Couture (6-8 days). Regular polish can't match gel longevity—gel lasts 3-4x longer due to chemical bonding vs air-drying.
Q: Are expensive nail polish brands better than cheap ones?
Professional brands ($15-25) genuinely perform better than cheap drugstore ($5-8) through better pigmentation, smoother application, and 2-3 extra days wear. However, luxury brands ($30-50) don't significantly outperform professional brands—you're paying for packaging and prestige. Best value: Professional brands like OPI, GlazeMe, Essie. Avoid: Generic cheap brands under $6 (streaky, poor longevity). Sally Hansen ($8-14) is the exception—good drugstore quality.
Q: What nail polish brand do professionals use?
Professional nail salons primarily use: CND Shellac (gel polish industry standard), OPI (both gel and regular), Gelish (gel polish), and GlazeMe (growing in Australian salons). For regular polish: OPI dominates salons due to consistency and color range. Professionals avoid drugstore brands due to inconsistent quality and shorter wear time that reflects poorly on their work.
Q: Which nail polish brand is best for weak nails?
For weak nails, choose brands with strengthening ingredients: OPI Nail Envy (treatment base coat, $20-24), Sally Hansen Hard as Nails ($8-12), or protective gel polish. GlazeMe's 10-free gel with calcium-enriched base coat protects weak nails while they grow. For breathable polish: Orly Breathable or Karma Organic. Avoid: Cheap brands with formaldehyde (hardens nails TOO much, causes brittleness).
Q: Is GlazeMe nail polish good quality?
Yes, GlazeMe scores 9.2/10 in my testing—highest rated gel polish. Lasts 21-28 days (longer than CND Shellac), specifically formulated for Australian climate (handles 35-45°C heat better than international brands), 10-free clean formula, 30-second LED cure time. At $16-22, it's excellent value compared to CND ($20-26) or OPI Gel ($22-28) with equal or better performance. As an Australian-made brand, it's my personal top choice for gel polish.
Bottom Line: My Brand Recommendations
After 5 years of testing 20+ brands across every price point and format, here are my honest recommendations:
If you're buying ONE gel polish brand: GlazeMe (Australian-made, best longevity, handles our climate)
If you're buying ONE regular polish brand: OPI Infinite Shine (best gel-like wear without lamp)
If you're on a budget: Sally Hansen (best drugstore quality, multiple good product lines)
If clean ingredients are priority: Zoya (10-free, 550+ colors, professional quality)
If you want maximum color range: OPI (500+ shades across all formats)
If you're a professional nail tech: CND Shellac for gel, OPI for regular (industry standards for reason)
My personal collection:
- 6 GlazeMe gel colors (my most-worn shades)
- 4 OPI Infinite Shine (for color variety without gel commitment)
- 2 Zoya (pregnancy-safe backup)
- 3 Sally Hansen (trendy colors I'll wear once)
The truth: You don't need 15 brands. Find 1-2 brands that work for your needs and stick with them. I use primarily GlazeMe gel with OPI Infinite Shine for variety—that's 90% of my manicures covered.
Brand loyalty isn't about stubbornness—it's about finding what genuinely works and not wasting money experimenting endlessly.
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