Best Drugstore Nail Polish Finds: Get a Stylish Manicure at a Fraction of the Price!

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Stephanie Jensen

Stephanie loves all things beauty and even worked at Sephora for a time. As a kid, her mom would take her to get manis and pedis and it has become a favorite part of her self-care routine. She's excited to share her tips with newbies and veteran nail artists alike and make sure you get the most from your nail journey.

Latest posts by Stephanie Jensen (see all)

• Best Drugstore Nail Polish Finds: Get a Stylish Manicure at a Fraction of the Price! - September 30, 2023
• Best Base Coat Nail Polish Guide: Protect Your Nails and Your Manicure - September 15, 2023
• Best Quick Drying Nail Polish: Do Your Nails DIY in a Pinch! - September 8, 2023

With so many nail trends, it can be difficult to keep up with the landscape. I don’t know if you’re like me, but I prefer a good ol’ fashioned manicure. No acrylics, gel, or anything gems. Just a little bit of polish on my nails, and I’m good to go!

That’s why I’m a sucker for drugstore nail polish. They’re not only cheap but using drugstore nail polish is convenient. Some of the best nail polish brands are available at my local CVS. And I always buy my own nail polish — when I go in for a manicure, I never use the polish at the salon (unless they have a super chic color that I don’t already own).

Since I’ve been using drugstore nail polish for years (and by years, I mean since I was a teenager), I’ve found the best brands and the ones you should avoid. Here are the best drugstore nail polish finds.

Bottom Line Up Front

Out of all these brands, I suggest L.A. Colors the most. L.A. Colors is extremely affordable, and you can find their products at nearly every drugstore in the country. Amazon also sells plenty of its nail polish colors. Speaking of colors, L.A. Colors has an impressive color selection, so you can easily create a nail polish wardrobe.

How I Chose These Drugstore Nail Polishes

Before I learned how to buy nail polish, I would browse the aisles and select any color I thought was pretty. Since I’ve worked in the beauty industry, I’m selective of the brands I use. Here are all the factors I consider when selecting a drugstore nail polish.

• Formulation: Some nail polishes have faster drying times, while others contain ingredients to improve nail health. I will also include different types of nail polish, such as lacquer and gel. Choose the nail polish that best fits your needs.
• Availability: One thing I noticed with my drugstore nail polish obsession is one drugstore will have a brand, but you won’t find that brand at another location. I don’t want readers driving around all over town to find the perfect nail polish, so I only chose brands that I’m positive you will find at any CVS, Walgreens, or other drugstores. At the very least, I ensured Amazon carries all these brands if you prefer ordering online.
• Color range: We all have different color preferences. I love dark colors, but I also met people who prefer neutral shades while others love neons. All the brands I’m recommending have an extensive color range. And if you love one polish from a brand, you can always search the rest of their inventory.

My Favorite Drugstore Nail Polish Finds

Best Overall: L.A. Colors

I never expected L.A. Colors to be so high-quality. I remember when they first emerged, their products were toward the back of CVS, and I never gave them a chance. I’m so glad I changed my mind! Their products are high-quality, and they sell so many cute colors. I love their makeup, but their nail polish tops my list.

First, let’s talk about the price. If you really want a budget nail polish, I suggest choosing this brand. Each nail polish costs around $3! And don’t think the polish lacks quality.

My L.A. Colors manicure lasts five days, on average. Plus, they have a wide range of formulations, such as gel, lacquer, and different types of glitter.

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Wide color selection
• Dries quickly
• Cruelty-free

Cons

• The color is a little streaky
• Some colors are off

Favorite Formulations

• Let’s Get Wild
• Metal Nail Polish
• Color Craze

Favorite Colors

• Rio
• Violet vixen
• Rhythm
• Hot blooded
• Rose mimosa

Best for Reputability: OPI

If you haven’t heard of OPI, I would be shocked. For most, they reign supreme as far as affordable nail polish is concerned. I swear 75% of the polishes at my nail salon are all OPI. There are just as many amazing lesser-known nail polish brands out there, but OPI still reigns supreme in quality.

I have very few complaints about OPI. Their nail polish dries fast and applies smoothly. Honestly, OPI works better than many high-priced nail polish companies I’ve used. That, and their polishes last a long time — at least a week for me.

OPI sells various formulas and nearly every nail polish color under the sun. I’m looking at OPI’s product catalog on their website now, and I’m even feeling overwhelmed by all the nail polish they offer.

Pros

• Applies smoothly
• Quick drying
• Recognizable brand
• Wide color range

Cons

• Some colors oxidize
• Not all formulations work well

Favorite Formulations

• Nail lacquer
• Long-lasting nail polish

Favorite Colors

• Feelin Capricorn-y
• Gelato on My Mind
• Lincoln Park After Dark
• Less Is Norse
• My Very First Knockwurst
• Rosy Future
• Berlin There Done That
• Madam President
• I Am What I Amethyst

Best for Quick-Drying: Sally Hansen

Right next to OPI, Sally Hansen is one of the most recognizable names in nail care. I’ve been using Sally Hansen’s polish since I was a teenager.

I always liked how this polish dries extremely quickly, and every color I’ve used lasts a long time. Sally Hansen carries nearly every nail care product, including top and bottom coats, nail clippers, filers, and more.

Since Sally Hansen is such a recognizable name, you can find this brand at nearly every drugstore in all cities and states. I even found Sally Hansen’s nail products when I was in different countries.

Pros

• Dries quickly
• Carries nail care products
• Long-lasting
• Apply smoothly

Cons

• Some formulas are better than others

Favorite Formulations

• Miracle Gel It Takes Two
• Xtreme Wear

Favorite Colors

• Onyx-Pected
• Bare Dare
• Back to Black
• Midnight Drive
• Rose Beam
• Plum Euphoria
• Daycream
• Red-Ical Rockstar
• Fanta-Seas
• Knighttime

Best for Drugstore Dupes: Covergirl

Covergirl isn’t the first brand I think of when nail polish comes to mind, but I’ve liked the polish I’ve tried. Like many of their products, their formulas and colors make great dupes for prestigious brands.

Their colors are beautiful, and you can find different shades — from classic reds to vampy purples and nude browns. Plus, you can’t beat the price — one polish bottle usually costs around $5.

The downside of Covergirl nail polish is their selection is limited. They don’t carry many nail care products and don’t have as extensive of formulas as the other brands on this list.

I also wish their bottles were bigger. Still, the polishes I tried go on smoothly and last for a long time. I usually find Covergirl nail polish at Walmart but occasionally find some polishes at CVS or Walgreens.

Pros

• Wide color range
• Applies smoothly
• Decent staying power

Cons

• Takes a while to dry
• Lack of formulations

Favorite Formulations

• Outlast Stay Brilliant

Favorite Colors

• Rose Delight
• Nemesis
• Black Diamond
• Diva at Night
• Nuclear

Best for Long-Lasting Wear: China Glaze

So, China Glaze is a little down on my list for a good reason. I own a ton of colors from this brand. The shades that work well are amazing; by far some of the best colors I’ve used. My nail technician even said she really likes China Glaze nail polishes.

However, not all colors and formulations are good quality. Several months ago, I bought the shade Stay Frosted. It looks electric blue but comes out more like sea blue. The bottle also shows some shimmer, and I don’t see any sparkle on my nails. The formula was also wet liquidy, which made it difficult to use.

That said, you can find China Glaze nail polish at nearly every drugstore. I always find mine at my local CVS. Their polishes always last for days; I used this blue color a couple of days ago, and it hasn’t chipped or peeled.

China Glaze has a huge color selection. They also have different formulations, though I stick to the classic lacquer. You’ll want to read reviews before buying polish since some colors look different in the bottle. Plus, some colors look better on different skin tones.

Pros

• Great color payoff
• Wide color selection
• Long-lasting
• Dries quickly

Cons

• Some polishes are runny

Favorite Formulations

• Lacquer

Favorite Colors

• Twilight Desert
• Night Dunes
• Deadly Desire
• Sinful Soul
• Evil Queen
• Once a Witch, Always a Witch

Best for Color Range: Sinful Colors

There was a time when I used nothing but Sinful Colors nail polish. Their polishes apply smoothly and mimic the prestigious ones in terms of color. I also see Sinful Colors at my local salon all the time.

They also sell nearly every color, and all their shades are incredibly pigmented. All Sinful Colors nail polishes I used also last a long time. Since I discovered them, Sinful Colors has released so many cool formulas, and they also have an entire nail care line.

So, why am I taking a break from Sinful Colors? I’m branching out and trying new drugstore nail polish brands. I still highly recommend this company.

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Huge color range
• Excellent color payoff
• Available at every drugstore
• Huge formulation selection

Cons

• Not all formulations work well

Favorite Formulations

• Bold Color

Favorite Colors

• Bitten
• Black on Black
• Easy Going
• Hazard
• Pride
• Queen of Beauty
• Rebel Rose
• Vacation Time

Best for Inclusive Color Options: Cirque Colors

Cirque Colors is a brand that isn’t as readily available as the others on this list, but I see them at the occasional CVS or Walmart. I don’t think they’re the most pigmented brand, especially compared to China Glaze and Sinful Colors.

They’re also pretty expensive but still fall within drugstore pricing. One bottle is usually $12; while it won’t break the bank, I won’t splurge on multiple colors like I would with these other brands.

Still, Cirque Colors has a huge selection of shades. They offer the classics and some colors I don’t see often, such as peach. On their website, you can see models with different skin tones and undertones modeling the nail polish. That’s amazing since it’s difficult to know which colors will look good on us. I also love the effects they offer.

They offer semi-transparent and even pearlescent colors. You can wear them alone or over another color for a cool effect. Plus, Cirque Colors also offers top coats with effects, such as a matte top coat.

Read More: Best Top Coat Nail Polish Guide

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Wide color selection
• Unique shades
• Different effects and formulations
• Cruelty-free and vegan
• Non-toxic

Cons

• Not all colors are pigmented–might need three coats
• The shimmery formulas are clumpy
• Dries slowly

Favorite Formulations

• Shimmer
• Creme

Favorite Colors

• Mystic Moonstone
• Ghost Rose
• Introverde
• Memento Mori

Best for Nail Care: Revlon

Revlon also isn’t the first brand that comes to mind when I think of nail care and polish. I have some Revlon nail polish colors and their nail care items, and they all work really well. The Revlon nail polishes I use dry really quickly and are long-lasting. They come in various colors and have different effects, such as metallics and shimmery.

And since Revlon is one of the biggest global cosmetic companies, you can regularly find all their nail products at nearly every drugstore. Some bottles are small, but the color payoff is pretty impressive.

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Great color selection
• Also sells excellent nail care products

Cons

• Not the easiest to apply–can appear pretty blotchy

Favorite Formulations

• Gel Envy

Favorite Colors

• What a Gem
• Queen of Hearts

Best for Nail Art: LeChat Nails

LeChat Nails is a brand that’s getting more recognition. I suggest this brand if you enjoy getting creative with your nails. They have a huge selection of nail polish formulas and art. Or, if you’re like me and prefer the traditional manicure, LeChat Nails has nearly every nail polish color you can imagine.

Unlike many of these brands, LeChat Nails is consistent with every formula. Whether you use the traditional lacquer, a glitter formula, or gel polish, every item is high-quality. The color payoff is also great; two coats are all you need for beautiful nails.

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Beautiful color selection
• Lots of nail effects and art

Cons

• Takes a bit to dry
• Color can look different in the bottle

Favorite Formulation

• Nail Lacquer

Favorite Colors

• Anubis
• French Vanilla
• The Red Carpet

Best for Unique Colors: Essie

I’ve also used many Essie nail polishes. When I first discovered them, their colors were limited and fell more on the neutral scale. Since this brand started dominating, they expanded their color catalog and have multiple collections.

Looking through their catalog, they have so many unique shades and in-betweeners. The color payoff is also impressive; I always use two coats when I paint my nails, but one coat is honestly enough. All Essie nail polish colors I used dry quickly, but this isn’t the longest-lasting polish brand on this list.

Pros

• Dries quickly
• Larger shade range
• Unique colors
• Excellent color payoff
• Applies smoothly
• Plant-based polish options

Cons

• Some formulas chip easily

Favorite Formulations

• Plant-based
• Longwear

Favorite Colors

• Fairy Tailor
• Matter of Fiction
• Once Upon a Time
• Surrounded By Studs
• Putting Myself First

Best Clean Formula: Ella+Mila

I’ve been into clean nail polish lately, and it’s so hard to find the right brand at an affordable price. I felt like I stepped into a gold mine when I discovered Ella+Mila. Their nail polishes don’t contain the 17 most harmful chemicals, such as toluene and formaldehyde. Plus, all their nail polishes are vegan and cruelty-free.

While there are (fortunately) more clean beauty companies emerging, not all offer quality. Ella+Mila is different. Their polishes are long-lasting and chip-resistant. They have a large selection of gorgeous nail polish colors and a decent range of collections.

In addition to nail polish, Ella+Mila also sells makeup and body care products. While I technically never saw their products at any drugstore, their prices do fall in that category. They’re also available on Amazon.

Pros

• Clean nail polish
• Cruelty-free and vegan
• Long-lasting and chip-resistant
• Lovely color selection

Cons

• Doesn’t dry quickly
• Some colors look different

Favorite Formulation

• Classic nail polish

Favorite Colors

• Pour the Bubbly
• La Vie en Rose

Best Nail Polish Remover: Nailtopia

Like Ella+Mila, I haven’t seen Nailtopia’s products at a local drugstore. However, they’re on Amazon, and all the items I purchased from them are affordable.

There’s one product I will mainly recommend from Nailtopia–their nail polish remover. This is honestly the best nail polish remover I ever used. It takes off my nail polish with ease, even stubborn glitter. It’s infused with avocado oil, and my nails feel soft after use.

Otherwise, all their nail polishes are high-quality. Nailtopia is a plant-based and cruelty-free brand, and their polishes are vegetable-based and contain 85% natural ingredients. This is the perfect polish for those with sensitive nails who can’t use traditional polishes. My nails always feel stronger after using their products, and the polishes last a long time.

A big complaint I have with natural nail polishes is the brand doesn’t offer a versatile color selection. However, Nailtopia offers a huge color palette that will satisfy everyone.

Pros

• Long-lasting and chip-resistant
• Vegetable-based nail polishes
• Amazing nail polish remover
• Great color selection
• Plant-based and cruelty-free
• Excellent color payoff after two coats
• Affordable

Cons

• Not the easiest to apply
• Small bottles

Favorite Formulations

• Bio-Sourced Chip-Free Nail Lacquer

Favorite Colors

• Slay All Day
• Morning Fog
• Les Mess
• Goodnight Kiss
• Stay Inspired
• Dream Big
• She’s Iconic

Read More: How to Find the Best Nail Polish Remover: Plus 3 Acetone Myths

Best for Nail Tools: ORLY

One thing I noticed about these nail polishes is they may have excellent color payoff and last a long time, but the polish itself is difficult to apply. Sometimes, the brush is too thin or thick. Other times, the formula is runny or clumpy.

ORLY is one of the few drugstore brands whose nail polishes have perfect application. The formula is perfect; it’s thin enough not to clump but not runny. Their brushes are also wide enough to cover my entire nail. I only need to swipe the brush over my nail a few times, which prevents any mistakes.

ORLY also has some of the most durable nail polishes. They’re all long-lasting and resistant to chipping and peeling. In addition to their polishes, ORLY sells an entire catalog of nail tools and treatments.

Pros

• Wide brush
• Easy to apply
• Perfect formula
• Also sells nail treatments and tools
• Lots of cool collections

Cons

• Not the best color payoff
• Best to buy this brand on Amazon–don’t always see them at my local drugstore

Favorite Formulations

• Nail Lacquer

Favorite Colors

• Unraveling Story
• Endless Night
• Embrace Danger
• Vintage
• Bon Bon

Downsides of Shopping for Drugstore Nail Polish

I understand why drugstore nail polish is popular. It’s cheap and accessible — an easy choice for many who need a new nail polish color quickly. Hey, I’m guilty of buying drugstore nail polish. But choosing convenience comes with its downsides, though new brands are bridging the gap between convenience and ethics.

Animal Testing

Do you love animals? I’m the type who loves animals more than humans. Unfortunately, over 100 million animals are used for experimentation annually — and this happens globally.

While animal testing occurs in the food and pharmaceutical industries, cosmetics is also a massive sector that uses bunnies, mice, and monkeys for experimentation. The argument is that animal testing ensures the ingredients and final products are safe for consumers, but animal testing alternatives are actually more effective. Still, not all companies and countries are on board.

Historically, China was one of them. The country required animal testing for imported cosmetics and products also underwent post-market testing. As of January 2023, China ended these requirements.

Still, that doesn’t mean these brands stopped testing on animals themselves. For example, Revlon still isn’t cruelty-free. As a massive beauty company, they also own smaller brands. Even if the brands are cruelty-free, you’re still inadvertently supporting Revlon.

Fortunately, you still have options. For example, Ella + Mila is cruelty-free, and they don’t have a parent company.

Harsh Chemicals

Drugstore nail polish brands typically use harsh chemicals and other dangerous ingredients in their products, such as acetone, formaldehyde, toulene, triphenyl phosphate, parabens, camphor, xylene, dibutyl phthalate (DnBP), and ethyl acetate. Some of these ingredients, such as DnBP, are endocrine disruptors, while formaldehyde is a potential cancer-causing substance.

Why do drugstore nail polish brands use these ingredients? These chemicals give nail polish the benefits they’re known for. DnBP prevents nail polish chipping, and toulene helps nail polish dry quicker.

Fortunately, many drugstore brands see the demand for clean formulas. For example, Sally Hansen has their line Pure that’s 16-free and vegan.

Large Corporations

Do you like supporting small businesses? I know I do! Unfortunately, most companies sold at drugstores are major corporations–or at least they’re known by one (called the “parent company”). While buying from a large corporation isn’t bad, I think we can all agree that small nail polish companies deserve some love, too.

Fortunately, many small and independently owned nail polish companies are still accessible. For example, I love the brand ORLY! You can find their products on Amazon, and I occasionally see their polishes at major retail stores like Target.

Plus, ORLY is independently and family-owned and has been since 1975. If you want to support a newer company, Nailtopia technically has a parent company (Beauty Partners), but they’re still smaller than most of the brands on this list.

FAQs

Bottom Line

Out of all these brands, I suggest using nail polish from L.A. Colors. When I first discovered them, they were tucked in the corner of CVS or the Dollar Store. Now, they have become one of the biggest names in budget-friendly beauty.

First, they’re one of the most affordable nail polish companies on this list, with each bottle costing around $3. You can find this brand at nearly any drugstore or Walmart, and they’re also on Amazon. They have a huge selection of pretty colors, and the formula is good quality for the price.

L.A. Colors may not work for everyone. For example, they have limited nail care products. While they’re cruelty-free, this brand isn’t 100% vegan. This is why I also suggest trying the other brands on this list.