Let’s get real; gel and acrylic-manicured nails – press-on nails, too – severely damage the health of your cuticle. So, no matter how Insta-worthy your nail art is, once those faux claws are off, you’re left with nothing but a brittle nail bed. As per a preliminary study, nail art can leave cracks and other abnormalities on your nail plate, which are, more often than not, invisible to the naked eye. Moreover, in rare cases, skin rashes and real nails falling off have been reported, too. The solution? Stick to a DIY nail ritual with our ultimate curation of the best nail lacquers on the market. A glossy, chip-free, salon-esque mani coming right up!
O.P.I Nail Lacquer
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 850
Key Feature: Chip-Resistant & High-Shine
This California-based nail enamel brand offers 50+ flattering shades with high pigment. Promising up to seven days of wearability and shine, the renowned lacquers are chip-resistant and super-fast drying. Give your nails the TLC they deserve with O.P.I!
MyGlamm Two Of Your Kind Nail Enamel
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 235
Key Feature: 10-Toxic-Free & Cruelty-Free
The MyGlamm 2-in-1 nail enamel duo guarantees high shine and gloss and is formulated without ten harmful toxins. The long-lasting gel formula delivers high pigment in a single stroke, and the solid and glitter variants can quickly take you from day to night.
Colorbar Vegan Nail Lacquer
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 199
Key Feature: Vegan & Non-Carcinogenic
Meet Colorbar’s patented, vegan nail lacquer that is making strides in the clean beauty industry. The non-toxic, non-yellowing, and non-chipping formula is enriched with biotin and calcium to retain the health of your nails, while the double flat-wide U-cut brush ensures seamless application.
LoveChild Masaba Breathable Nail Enamel
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 225
Key Feature: High-Gloss & Longwear
Relying on advanced oxygen technology, LoveChild’s breathable formulation is available in 24 gorgeous shades and is vegan, paraben-free, sulphate-free, and cruelty-free. From pinks and nudes to monochrome hues, this homegrown brand promises a 97% gloss finish even after three days.
Kay Beauty Nail Nourish Nail Lacquer
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 279
Key Feature: Nourishing & Quick-Drying
Say hello to lustre and shine with Kay Beauty’s nourishing formula that boasts lemon peel water, calcium, vitamins C and E, avocado oil, and other antioxidants. The 4-free formula also features a patented two-fold plasticiser to prevent chipping. Available in 36 shades, two coats are all you need for instant colour payoff.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color
Rating: 4.2
Price: INR 330
Key Feature: Express-Drying & Chip-Resistant
Touted as the #1 quick-dry polish in North America, I own many Sally Hansen nail paints and wouldn’t trade them for anything. This newer version guarantees 33% longwear and chip resistance and dries within 60 seconds once applied. Your perfect polish on the go, we reckon.
Nykaa Cosmetics Insta Like Nail Enamel
Rating: 4.5
Price: INR 119
Key Feature: Single-Stroke Application & Super-Affordable
I’m currently wearing the Nykaa Nail Enamel and can attest that not even a bit has chipped off (it’s been a week or so). The inexpensive and efficacious nail lacquer lends an unmistakable shine and is free of 10 harmful toxins. If you’re on a tight budget, at INR 119, this one’s an absolute steal.
SUGAR Cosmetics Tip Tac Toe Nail Lacquer
Price: INR 199
Key Feature: Strengthening & Streak-Free
This new offering from SUGAR Cosmetics is 100% chip-resistant and uses a patented gloss seal'R technology to impart instant gloss that can last up to 7 days. The custom-designed wide brush delivers high pigment in just one stroke while strengthening and protecting the nail bed, owing to the presence of zinc and broccoli oil.
Lakmé 9 To 5 Primer + Gloss Nail Color
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 190
Key Feature: High-Gloss & Long-Lasting
Available in 12 vibrant hues, Lakmé’s 9 To 5 Primer + Gloss Nail Color delivers on its promise of high shine and long-wear. A guaranteed route to salon-esque nails at home, this formulation is quick-drying and cruelty-free, too.
Plum Color Affair Nail Polish
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 195
Key Feature: High Colour Payoff & Plump Finish
Free of seven known chemicals, this highly pigmented nail lacquer is enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil to deliver high gloss and moisturisation with a single stroke. Finish off your favourite shade with the Plum Color Affair 3-in-1 Strengthener and Top Coat.
For life-changing tips on how to paint your nails properly, click here. Bear in mind that healthy and happy nails begin with consistent nail care; to learn how to take care of your nails properly, click here.
