13 Best Nail Polishes of 2022

This CoverGirl polish received, by far, the highest scores in our Lab tests for chip-resistance, lasting more than six days without issue. On average, testers reported getting their first chip on day four and the polish lasted for an average of six and a quarter days. Our expert evaluator was floored by this polish’s performance: It earned a perfect score in every category, including ease and evenness of application, brush design and coverage.

A gel polish that stands up to whatever you’ve got going on, “I have been using this polish for years and have found that nothing else compares. The quality and color selection is amazing, and the top coat adds great shine and protection,” says GH Deputy Nutrition Director Stefani Sassos.” We haven’t Lab-tested this pick, but as a busy working mom, Sassos says she’s always cooking, washing dishes, changing diapers, working out, commuting and more: “My hands are constantly working, and this polish is the only one that keeps up and won’t chip.”

Get results that rival the salon’s with this innovative gel polish, which doesn’t require the usual light to cure. Our Lab experts reported that this lacquer dried fast, chipped less and lasted longer than regular nail polish, though it didn’t last for two full weeks, as the brand claims. “Deeper colors were rich and fabulous even after one coat,” one tester raved.

This OPI polish outshone the competition when it came to dry time: Its average dry time was almost a minute and half faster than the next runner up, and our nail technician gave OPI a perfect score for coverage. In fact, this polish was one of the only ones our nail technician gave perfect fives across the board. One tester noted that the finish meant she “really didn’t need two coats!”

For gel-like shine (and lasting power!) without the curing process, opt for this editor favorite. “Unlike any other nail polish, this four-step system goes on like regular polish but lasts as long as gel (and fully dries in five minutes!),” says GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn. “It’s completely replaced gel polish for me.” We haven’t Lab-tested this set, but we like that as opposed to the process for removing traditional gel polish, you can easily remove this with regular acetone nail polish remover.

Super popular among our top-rated non-toxic nail lacquers, this high pigment polish promises a quick-drying formula, week-long wear and vibrant color. We haven’t Lab-tested it, but the brand claims that the formula is vegan and reviewers love the payoff: “I can’t believe how long it lasts,” raved one. “I didn’t use a base coat or a top coat and it still lasted over a week for me.”

We haven’t put this brand to the test in the Beauty Lab yet, but it’s a GH editor favorite for a super-shiny finish that dries quickly and looks professional even without a top coat. “The colors are perfectly pigmented, so it’s easy to paint layers without them looking streaky,” says one editor.

A favorite of multiple GH beauty editors, Olive and June is a DIY manicure must-have. “Every time I paint my nails with this brand, the polish lasts and lasts,” says one editor. The “fanned out brush shapes make applying at home a breeze,” and you can opt for the mani system that includes “Poppy,” Olive and June’s patented polish bottle handle that makes it easy to paint both hands mess-free.

Reviewers and editors say this high-shine polish is pretty foolproof to apply. “I’m not very good at painting my own nails, and of all the polishes I’ve tried, this is one of the easiest to apply on my own nails,” says Malzahn. “The brush picks up just the right amount of polish and makes it simple to paint my nails quickly and without frustration. Plus, the polish lives up to its name: it really is long-lasting!”

“This collection has colors you can’t find anywhere else, like this minimalist putty shade,” says GH Beauty Director April Franzino. “They even come in custom-matched ‘power couples’ of hues meant to complement each other, taking the guesswork out of mani/pedi shade selection.” Note that we haven’t yet tested the brand’s wear in the Lab, but our beauty editors are fans.

This new-to-market nail polish from Harry Styles’ beauty brand is worthy of the hype, says Malzahn. “It’s easy to apply, dries quickly and I barely need a second coat when I use it. Though there are limited shade options, the green is one of my favorites to wear right now!”