If your manicure chips within 24 hours no matter what polish you use, you're probably making one critical mistake—and it has nothing to do with the quality of your nail polish. The truth is, even the most expensive, long-wear formulas can chip immediately if your nails aren't properly prepped. That oil from your moisturizer, those tiny traces of debris on your nail plate or skipping the base coat entirely? They're sabotaging your manicure before it even has a chance to last.
The type of polish matters too, but maybe not in the way you think. Gel polish obviously lasts longest (two to three weeks), but there are now gel-like systems that don't require UV lamps and deliver similar longevity. Traditional polish formulas have evolved dramatically—brands like OPI, Essie and Sally Hansen have created long-wear formulas with flexibility and strong adhesion that move with your natural nail rather than cracking. And for those who want both performance and clean ingredients, vegan formulas like Dazzle Dry can now compete with gel systems. Whether you're looking for quick-dry convenience, luxurious color payoff or chip-resistant durability, there's a long-lasting formula that fits your needs.
Related:The 11 Best Crepey Skin Treatments That Dermatologists Recommend
Best Overall:Sally Hansen Miracle GelBest Classic: OPI Nail LacquerBest Vegan: Dazzle Dry Polish SystemBest Gel-Like Formula: Essie Gel CoutureBest Quick-Dry: Sally Hansen Insta-DriBest Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top CoatBest Luxury: Chanel Le VernisBest for Nail Health: Dr. Remedy Enriched Nail PolishBest Color Range: Zoya Nail PolishHow Can You Make Nail Polish Last Longer?
Behind the scenes on sets and red carpets where nails need to look perfect for close-up shots, prep is never rushed. That means gently pushing back cuticles, lightly buffing the nail surface and thoroughly cleansing to remove all oils and residue. "You want to make sure you rid the nail of all natural oils. You can use alcohol or a nail prep solution/nail dehydrator," Jachno explains.
The application technique is just as important, and Yankee emphasizes thin layers over thick ones.
Jessica Dickson, celebrity manicurist who has worked with Kate Beckinsale and Juno Temple, stresses the importance of base and top coats. Start with clean, dry nails wiped with acetone or alcohol, apply a base coat to give polish something to grip, then two thin coats of color. "To keep the manicure fresh and chip free even longer apply another layer of top coat every day," she advises.
Related: 35 Short Nail Designs to Inspire Your Next Manicure
But Jachno offers important nuance about what makes traditional polish last. "For most people, the longest lasting nail polish is one that has a bit of flexibility and strong adhesion, rather than one that's overly hard or thick," she explains. Polishes that move with your natural nail are less likely to chip, especially if nails bend or tend to be dry. Everyday brands like OPI, Essie and Zoya perform well because their formulas balance pigmentation with flexibility.
Reagan provides helpful perspective on different systems: dip and acrylic last three to four weeks, Shellac Gel lasts two to three weeks, while vegan systems like Dazzle Dry can wear like gel but last up to 14 days—all without UV exposure.
Related:Body Oil vs. Lotion—A Board-Certified Dermatologist Explains the Difference
9 Best Long-Lasting Nail Polishes, Tested by Top Manicurists
Best Overall: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel, $8
Amazon
"[It's] formulated for up to 16 days of wear (with top coat reapplication)," she says. "This is an air dry formula with the staying power of UV gels."
The genius is in the two-step system that doesn't require a base coat but must be finished with the coordinating top coat for maximum longevity. Stone loves pairing the shade Blush Crush from the Supercharged Pinks collection with Super Shiny Shield Top Coat for both durability and ultra shine, calling it the perfect middle ground between traditional polish convenience and gel durability.
Best Classic: OPI Nail Lacquer, $12
CVS
The formula has been perfected over decades to deliver that ideal balance of pigmentation and flexibility that Jachno describes as essential for long wear.
Best Vegan: Dazzle Dry Polish System, $100
Dazzle Dry
The base coat, color, top coat and quick-dry drops work together to create a hard, glossy finish that rivals salon gel treatments—proof that clean, vegan formulas can absolutely compete with conventional options.
Best Gel-Like Formula: Essie Gel Couture, $12
CVS
Yankee agrees, calling Essie Gel Couture her pick for best chip-resistant formula. The two-step system creates a glossy, durable finish that genuinely competes with salon gel manicures. No lamp, no appointment, no commitment—just long-lasting color that stays shiny for days.
Best Quick-Dry: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri, $6
CVS
The wide brush applies even color in one stroke, and the built-in top coat means your manicure is done in literally minutes. Stone's currently loving the shade Hot Pink-tensity. Perfect for anyone who doesn't have time to wait around for nails to dry or who's prone to smudging because they can't sit still long enough.
Best Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, $5
CVS
The trick is applying it while your color is still slightly tacky for the best bond and that signature gel-like shine.
Best Luxury: Chanel Le Vernis, $32
Chanel
She also praises their glossy top coat that "looks like a gel nail." The formula glides on with rich, even color payoff and the shade range is sophisticated and timeless. While it's definitely a splurge, the quality is immediately noticeable—from the weighted bottle to the precision brush to the luxurious finish.
Best for Nail Health: Dr. Remedy Enriched Nail Polish, $15
Dr. Remedy Enriched Nail Polish
It's vegan, cruelty-free and free from harsh chemicals—perfect for anyone whose nails are damaged or brittle from years of traditional polish use but who still wants serious longevity.
Best Color Range: Zoya Nail Polish, $10
Zoya Nail Polish
Jachno includes Zoya in her list of everyday brands that perform exceptionally well because they balance pigmentation with the flexibility needed for longer wear. You get professional results without compromising on ingredient quality.
Related: 35 Classy Winter Nails To Inspire You This Season
Sources:
Jessica Dickson, manicurist and owner of Jessica's Beauty ServiceAlex Jachno, manicuristPattie Yankee, nail artist and founder of Pattie Yankee ProductsStephanie Stone, nail artist for Sally HansenNancy Reagan, manicurist at Skin Diva Labs and Bella Reina SpaHence then, the article about 9 longest lasting nail polishes tested by top manicurists was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( 9 Longest-Lasting Nail Polishes, Tested by Top Manicurists )
Also on site :