Are you looking for the best drugstore nail polish? While some have the luxury of relaxing and getting their nail polished by a professional, some do not and that’s where the drugstore nail polish comes in. The drugstore beauty brand is chucked full of affordable nail polish however you have to discover which is worth going for.
The actual nail polish is just as important as the technique used in the application. A drugstore nail polish won’t put a dent in your pocket and there is a wide range of colors to select from. The secret to a great mani/Pedi is the nail polish
Freshly made manicure/nail polish can define a person’s style which is why they are essential when you want to freely show off your hands at parties. If you are looking for the best nail polish that promises great results then below are nail polishes that won’t dig a hole in your pocket.
10 Best Budget Nail Polish to Buy
Whether you are a nail polish novice or an expert DIY, picking the right formula is vital. So we have rounded up the best drugstore nail polish for all your mani and Pedi needs.
1. Essie Nail Polish
Pros:
- Smooth application
- Very affordable
- Quick-drying
- Highly saturated
Cons:
- It’s not vegan.
- It requires skills to apply
Essie’s nail polish is your classic drugstore nail polish if you like it simple with a glossy finish. This nail polish is free from formaldehyde and gives a salon-like manicure that suits every mood for every occasion.
Promising Review: I love Essie polishes! This one was no exception! It was opaque in one easy coat. Dried within 2 mins! I wore it with a top coat and it lasted me for 4-5 days! This shade is also good for creating gradients on nails. I haven’t tried to stamp with it yet, but I am guessing it stamps well too since it’s one coater. Susan B Via Amazon
2. Revlon Nail Enamel Polish
Pros:
- It is bubble-free
- Formulated with moisturizing ingredients
- Long-lasting
- A wide selection of colors
Cons:
- Colors are lighter
- A heavy topcoat can cause it to crack
One of the best drugstore nail polish with all kinds of amazing colors is Revlon nail polish. This is a budget-friendly nail polish with colors that stays vibrant for longer and with this product, you don’t have to worry about any harmful ingredient seeping into your fingers. This nail polish comes with a wide brush to make application easier.
Promising Review: I love red polish and this nail polish is so wonderful. I usually do my pedicure by myself. So the brush is wide enough to color with proper polish into my toenails. Also, this polish lasts at least 3 weeks. Love it. Benjamin Coyle Via Amazon
3. Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Polish
Pros:
- Easy to apply with a curved pro nail brush
- Great color
- Stays shine and strong without chipping for a long time
- Buildable shades with a soft undertone
- Dries fast
Cons:
- 1 or 2 coats of it can get dull over time
This elegant nail polish is what you need for glamorous parties, they look really great on short or long nails and all you need is a careful application. This shade would look more amazing even if you have short nails and don’t have enough nail growth.
Promising Review: I am disappointed that I am not able to find it in the store anymore but happy that I now have 2 more bottles of it. Wet n Wild makes very nice nail polish….very cheap but very long-wearing, vivid colors and a nice shine. Kcat via Amazon
4. ZOYA Nail Polishes
Pros:
- It is vegan friendly
- Gives your nails full coverage
- Long-lasting effect
- Great applicator brush
Cons:
- Needs the coats to be full coverage for a fully opaque finish which can lead to it taking forever to dry.
Zoya is one of the most famous nail brands we have today. It is a sheer dark and warm-toned teal blue color with a buildable jelly gloss finish. They have a huge range of beautiful colors which gives promising results and It has a unique formula but pretty thin and you might need multiple coats to get the effect you want.
This nail polish is great if you are trying to create nail art but not really as stand-alone nail polish. However, there are lots of similar shades you can go for if you need something thicker but we can’t deny the glossy finish is really incredible.
Promising Review: It is not the darkest black but it’s dark and I LOVE it. I applied 2-3 layers to get this color. Zoya products are pretty decent and I’ve been using them for almost two years. I also bought the base and top coats. Definitely not returning this one. November DA7 Via Amazon.
5. Maybelline Forever Super Strong Nail Polish
Pros:
- An easy application brush
- Long-lasting
- Formaldehyde, DBP, and Toluene free
Cons:
- Chips easily without top coat
Maybelline has an amazing range of subtle colors that can be worn on any occasion and mostly to parties and work. Maybelline is cost-friendly and it’s a great formula that stays and fades only with a nail remover. This nail polish has an easy applicator brush and when a base coat is used underneath any of your choose shades and seal in with a top clear coat, you are sure to get glossy nail polish.
Promising Review: Love this nail varnish. Have various different colors and this is the second time I have bought this color. Really does last 7 days with one touch-up. Which is great as not many last as they say. Arrived much quicker than anticipated also. Winner 👍. Saz Via Amazon.
6. O.P.I Nail Polish
Pros
- Great applicator brush
- Long-lasting
- Great color
- A chip resistance manicure
- Dries fast
Cons
- Very Pricey
This is another classic drugstore nail polish you can’t help but love in the nail art world. O.P.I is another hot favorite mani/pedicure nail polish, with colors ranging from nudes, bold, bright, matte, and any other wine shades you can think of. It gives amazing results with a single coat and it also leaves a smooth look with no crease behind which makes It the right nail color for any party/occasion.
Promising Review: I love the OPI infinite shine. I ordered the color “you can count on it” and it is a perfect nude shade. I absolutely love it😍 I’ve included a picture with and without the flash for reference.
7. Orly Summer Nail Color
Pros:
- It has a wide range of gorgeous colors
- Ultra-smooth application
- Great quality at an affordable price
- Nourishes your hands
Cons:
- Needs a top coat to last long
- Takes time to dry
Orly is a great nail color with a unique formula and quite perfect if you are going for the Hollywood style of creating any bright color on your pretty little fingers. It gives a glossy look to your manicure. This nail polish is a classic red that looks great all year round for any kind of occasion or season and its formula applies evenly without creasing. It simply brings a bright tone to the forefront.
Promising Review: Absolutely LOVE this color!!! I always struggle to try to find an actual neon pink. Saints usually have a Barbie pink or peachy pink. If you’re looking for legit neon pink, this is your jam! Nicole Marenco Via Amazon
8. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish
Pros:
- Smooth application and dries quickly
- Long-lasting
- Gel formulation
- Does not chip off or crack
- Great for every skin tone
Cons:
- Expensive
You can never go wrong with Sally Hansen’s nail colors. A bottle of Sally Hensen miracle nail polish is reported to be sold every two minutes hence which makes it the best nail polish and the perfect choice if you want flattering long-lasting nail polish. It has 3 in 1 formula that is with a base and topcoat. This shade goes with everything and will stay glossy for a very long time.
Promising Review: Absolutely gorgeous colour. Looks so pretty. Really easy to apply and has a gel finish. Jodee Sylvester
9. China Glaze Nail Polish
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Smooth application
- Gorgeous color
Cons:
- The polish in the bottle dries out really quickly
If you need a warm neutral color for your hand and feet then here is the best nail polish to consider. China glaze nail polish is a beautiful deep shimmery wine color and two coats of this give you a fully opaque finish. This has been infused with china clay which works to strengthen your nails and the vampy shade is perfect for all kinds of season and occasions.
Promising Review: Really happy with the purchase. Would highly recommend it. Can use as topcoat on any nail shade. Shines beautifully under the sun. Khyati Via Amazon
10. Smith And Cult Neutral Nail Color
Pros:
- Long-wearing
- Dries quickly
- Smooth coverage
- Ultra base coat that makes it stay longer
- Gel-like finish
Cons:
- Brush is too flexible
Smith and Cult neutral nail polish is worth trying if you are going for cool nail color, however, this requires being careful to apply due to its flexible brush. The polish is glossier compared to other nail polish and to add long wear and shine to it, it is suggested to apply two coats of polish. This nail polish is the perfect subtle nail color you can wear to work and likely to last you for a whole week.
Promising Review: I’m reliably informed that this is great nail varnish. The subtle grey-blue color is very opaque; only one layer is needed without any top-coat or base coat. The polish is much shinier and longer-lasting when compared to cheaper nail varnishes. It doesn’t have the strong chemical smell either. Two more colors are on the way a few days after the first, it’s that good! Alan D via Amazon
Quick Tip
One way to ensure you get a good nail application is by applying a base coat and then a top coat to give a smooth and glossy look.
Conclusion
Choosing a nail polish can be a really fun endeavor. Hence we hope you find your ideal nail polish from the list above. You can pick these nail polishes for parties as well as you can use them at work for an elegant look.
This wide collection is all considered to be under budget and eventually it all comes down to trial and error till you find a winner. Do you have a favorite drugstore brand when it comes to nail polish? Let us know in the comments!
