Nail polish has been around longer than you’d think. It dates back to 3000 BC in china where royal houses would paint their nails with metallic colors, and even mummified pharaohs in Egypt had their nails painted with henna. This symbol of power and respect is now a fashion statement that can easily be achieved from casual application at home to expensive salon appointments. Just like shopping for clothes or makeup, the right nail polish is more than just picking a pretty bottle off the rack, as surprising as that sounds. Everyone has different needs in their nail polish, whether you know it or not, and a little research can help find the perfect one for you.
First, it’s important to know why you want it. Do you plan to paint your nails and then leave it alone until it flakes away, or do you change it up every week? Do you want it to be subtle or as bold as your personality? Do you want it to be quick and easy or do you want to relax and take some time? These are some things to consider when looking for nail polish so you don’t waste your money on something that doesn’t work for you. Ill introduce some buying basics and describe some of the brands I’ve commonly used.
As always with shopping you need to know your budget and how much you’re buying. Most bottles are around .5 fluid ounces and could last year’s depending on the quality and how often you use it. The prices can range from 1.00$ to 10.00$ in drug stores and even higher in cosmetic stores, but these aren’t necessary unless if you want a high-end collection. It’s also good to know that Walmart, target, and Walgreens often have clearance polishes on higher priced brands like Essie and Sally Hanson, so those sections are always worth checking out.
LA Colors 1.00$
The cheapest brand I have is LA colors, found at most stores from dollar tree to Walmart, and it’s also the lowest quality as expected. The polish is really opaque, you’d need at least 3 coats, and after using it once it doesn’t have a long shelf life, it’ll dry up in a couple months. Also, the color selection is pretty basic, but if you’re looking for an accent color for designs it’ll do the job.
Wet N Wild 0.98$
A step above is Wet N Wild. A longer lasting version of LA colors and just as cheap. The application is smooth, and you’d need just two coats for an even look. It does lose its smooth application as time goes on but doesn’t become too thick, and its color selections lacking. Overall, it’s a good starter polish but won’t last more than a week without chipping. However, their top coats are good enough if you don’t want to spend so much on a clear polish but want an extra shine.
Pure Ice 1.98$
The best quality for a polish under 5.00$ in my opinion would be Pure Ice at 1.98$. Its brush allows smoother application and goes on smooth for a long time. These topcoats have more shine and dry faster than Wet N Wild as well. Definitely a top contender if you’re looking for something to wear often and look good longer.
Sinful Colors 1.98$
Another bang for your buck is Sinful Colors. It’s around the same price as Pure Ice, not more than 3.00$. The same quality as Wet N Wild but their lighter colors are opaquer. They also have interesting collections with a variety of colors and a lot of glitter topcoats as well. Their selection surpasses Wet N Wild and if you’re looking for subtle sparkle or bold metallic shine, this is a great place to experiment.
Essie 9.00$
Lastly, the most expensive and also my favorite is Essie. They’re 9.00$ but I only buy it on clearance for around 5.00$ at target or Walmart. It has the smoothest application, although the lighter shades need more coats, and the color options are stunning. They already have a lot of shine, but a topcoat can have it last more than a week. Probably the best quality from a drugstore, and their seasonal collections are something to look forward to as well.
So, if you want to add a pop of color to your look, go out and find your perfect polish. Maybe even play with gel polish or nail art if you’re feeling artistic. Don’t forget to check the clearance section and always remember a basecoat!