Every bottle on this page is in my drawer right now, and each one earned its spot doing a different job.
Nail polish has to work around my life, and my life includes six kids. I don't have an hour to sit still with wet nails, so fast-drying, smudge-proof formulas win with me every time. Sixty seconds to smudge-proof is my kind of feature.
The other thing I love about polish is matching. Holidays, costumes, a color that makes an outfit for a special occasion. For a shade I may only wear a few times, a cheap bottle that still does a great job is the right call. I save the salon lacquers for the colors I keep coming back to.
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OPI RapiDry. It's smudge-proof in 60 seconds, and the brush is designed with extra bristles and a wide fanning brush for faster product pickup, spreading and drying. It has so many colors for any occasion. One of my everyday faves. Shop OPI RapiDry →
I love the Onyx Professional nail dryer in Island Coconut. The fast-drying spray prevents smearing and also helps condition your nails and cuticles. And it smells great.
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. I really like this brand for holidays and colors I don't normally wear, because if I wind up not liking it, I only spent a few bucks on it. But it still does a great job. Shop Sally Hansen →
I would say neither. I like the Dashing Diva nail strips 5-in-1 kit. It's a long-lasting gel strip that will literally stay with your nail until it grows out, and everything is included in the kit. It's UV-free, chip resistant and long lasting. There are so many colors, their holiday nails are adorable, and it's very affordable. Well worth the money, because it's easy for any beginner and they stay on for a very long time. Shop Dashing Diva strips →
I use Dermelect Camo-Nude peptide-infused concealer and treatment in Sheer Nude. It's a non-toxic formula made in the USA that instantly smooths and evens out nail surfaces, and it's packed with protein peptides, biotin and essential vitamins to help strengthen, nourish and revitalize your nails. Shop Dermelect →
I love OPI Nail Lacquer: salon results at home, longwear with high shine and chip resistant, with so many colors. I also love Revlon Super Lustrous, with 47 chip- and fade-resistant shades. Both of these are the top nail polishes in my collection. Shop OPI Nail Lacquer →
Nails dry in 60 seconds
"My best time-saving pick."
Why I like it:
Smudge-proof in 60 seconds, which is exactly what I need with six kids. The brush has 200 extra bristles and fans out wide, so the polish goes on fast and dries fast.
Shades I use:
Salon nails at home
"My best salon results at home."
Why I like it:
When I want my nails to look like I just left the salon, I use this. It resists chips, it lasts and the finish is high-shine.
Shades I use:
Strong, shiny nails for less
"My best value pick."
Why I like it:
It has shine, color and strength in one bottle, and it's a great value for your money. My go-to for matching my nail colors with costumes and special occasions. For a color I may wear a few times, the price is right to make the details of your costume or outfit stand out.
Shades I use:
Smooth, even nails, fast
"My nail concealer and treatment in one."
Why I like it:
This evens out my nails and treats them at the same time. It smooths them right away, and the vitamins in it make your nails stronger over time. It's cruelty free, gluten free and made in the USA.
Shades I use:
