It can be frustrating to commit to a full manicure or pedicure, only to find yourself redoing your nails just a few days (or hours, for those of us who can’t sit still) later. Luckily, the best long-lasting nail polishes can extend wear-time up to ten days or more with the right prep, so you’re not constantly adding “get nails done” to your to-do list. That means more time to focus on important things, like regulating your cortisol levels or hunting down the perfect beach outfit.

Vogue’s Favorite Long-Lasting Nail Polishes:

Below, we asked top nail experts what to look for in a polish, how to extend the lifespan of a manicure, and which formulas they actually use on clients. Some picks might be familiar, like drugstore staples such as Essie and OPI, but there are also a few splurge-worthy luxury options and under-the-radar staples from across the pond with innovative formulas worth boasting about. To many no-chip manicures in your future!

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Best Overall: Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish

Essie

Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish

• Why We Love It: While you may have grown up with Essie, the brand recently reformulated its Gel Couture line and now claims your manicure can last up to 15 days—with a reapplication of the top-coat on day seven. Celebrity manicurist Sonya Belakhlef says, “I love this line for its affordability as well as accessibility. They’re in every store,” which makes it easy to toss a few shades like cobalt blue or rich forest green in your cart while grocery shopping. And while the polish delivers a gel-like high shine, you don’t need a UV lamp, harsh soaking, or hours of spare time to remove it. Fortunately, it comes off just like regular polish.
• Shades: 39
• Finish: Glossy
• Wear-Time: 15 days
• Size: 0.46 oz.

Best Shade Range: OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish

• Why We Love It: Every time I’m at the nail salon, I find myself reaching for OPI. Between the shade range, the long-lasting formula, and the overall reliability, it’s an automatic response, especially when I’m skipping gel but still want my polish to last. Belakhlef agrees, noting that OPI’s assortment makes it easy to customize. “I tend to layer polishes to achieve the perfect tone for each client, and OPI has a seemingly never-ending shade range,” she says. One of her favorites on set? Put It In Neutral, a sheer nude she calls “universally flattering.” While sheer formulas are sometimes seen as a drawback, Belakhlef says they actually offer more versatility when it comes to layering and wear.
• Shades: 100+
• Finish: Multiple options
• Wear-Time: 11 days
• Size: 0.5 oz

Best Without Base Coat: CND Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish

CND

Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish

• Why We Love It: Not your mother’s nail polish, CND’s Vinylux line delivers over seven days of wear without chipping or dullness, and you don’t even need a base coat (though you can add one to extend longevity). It dries quickly, making it ideal for rushed mornings, and it’s infused with keratin, jojoba oil, and vitamin E to help nourish nails while you wear it. According to Belakhlef, “Vinylux is the original no-base-coat formula. CND is always ahead of its time.” While it may be slightly pricier than typical drugstore picks, Belakhlef says the brand’s dedication to smart formulations and its responsiveness to professional feedback make it well worth the investment.
• Shades: 100+
• Finish: Glossy
• Wear-Time: 7+ days
• Size: 0.5 Fl oz.

Best Pigment: Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour

Chanel

Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour

• Why We Love It: “Chanel Le Vernis is hands down my absolute favorite,” says nail artist Erica De Los Santos. “The formula applies like a dream with rich pigment and a high-shine finish that gives you that luxe, salon-quality look at home.” As for wear time, it holds up well for a standard polish. “I typically get about five to seven days with proper prep and a good top coat,” she says, though notes that household chores can shorten the lifespan. “It’s the kind of polish that instantly makes your hands look polished and pulled together.” And if you’re overwhelmed by the shade range, Pompier is a fail-safe choice—a timeless, classic red that works beautifully year-round.
• Shades: 34
• Finish: Glossy
• Wear-Time: 5-7 days
• Size: 0.4 Fl. oz

Best Luxe: Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel

• Why We Love It: Nourishing your nails is an underrated act of self-care, and Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel transforms it into a full-on beauty ritual. “The brush is thoughtfully designed for easy, even application, and the color payoff is rich with just one to two coats,” says celebrity nail artist Mazz Hanna. Its wear-time is impressive for a non-gel formula, typically lasting five to seven days with minimal chipping when paired with the matching top-coat. And while you could go for the signature Hermès orange, the shade range overall leans classic and elevated. “The colors feel intentional and timeless,” Hanna adds.
• Shades: 22
• Finish: Glossy
• Wear-Time: 5-7 days
• Size: 0.5 oz

Best Sheer: Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil

• Why We Love It: For those who prefer something a little more sheer, Hanna recommends Londontown’s Nail Veil—a breathable polish designed to enhance your natural nail rather than cover it completely. “It’s a great option for minimalists or anyone in between appointments who still wants a polished look,” she says. While wear time is slightly shorter (typically around three to four days without chipping), it removes easily and feels like a nourishing break for the nails. “The soft wash of color adds a fresh, clean finish.”
• Shades: 9
• Finish: Sheer
• Wear-Time: 4 days
• Size: 0.4 Fl. oz

Best Gel-Alternative: Manucurist Green Flash LED Gel Polish

Manucurist

Green Flash LED Gel Polish

• Why We Love It: Manucurist Green Flash is a gel alternative that cures under an LED lamp but removes like regular polish—no soaking or scraping required. “It’s ideal for anyone who wants long wear without the damage of traditional gel,” says Hanna, noting that most shades last seven to ten days. “The formula is plant-based and clean, yet still performs like a pro polish. I especially recommend it for those trying to strengthen their nails or transition away from gels.”
• Shades: 25
• Finish: Natural, glitter, metallic
• Wear-Time: 10 days
• Size: 0.5 Fl. oz

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