THE 18 BEST LONG LASTING NAIL POLISHES: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LONG-LASTING POLISHES

Tired of chipped manicures that don’t live up to the hype? We’ve all been there! But fret no more, because this guide is here to unlock the secrets of long-lasting nail polish. We’ll delve into the world of polishes that defy chipping and fading, keeping your nails looking salon-fresh for days on end. Whether you’re a busy professional, a nail art enthusiast, or simply someone who craves a flawless manicure, this guide is your secret weapon. Get ready to discover the top 18 long-lasting nail polishes, along with helpful tips and tricks for maximizing their wear time. Keep reading!

OUR TOP PICKS

ESSIE GEL COUTURE NAIL POLISH

Crowned the “Best Overall” for long-lasting nail polish, Essie’s Gel Couture system is a fan favorite for a reason.  It delivers a salon-quality manicure at home, minus the UV lamp and harsh removal process. This two-step system boasts a high-shine top coat and chip-resistant color that can last up to 14 days with proper application. Essie Gel Couture also wins points for its comfortable, wide brush that allows for smooth, even application. Plus, with a vast array of stunning colors to choose from, you can find the perfect shade to match any mood or outfit.  Whether you crave a classic red or a trendy glitter finish, Essie Gel Couture has you covered.

ESSIE BALLET NUDES GEL COUTURE

If you’re aiming for elegant neutrals for your nails, then the nude Essie Ballet collection in their Gel Couture line could be the perfect match for you. This collection is inspired by the delicate colors of the world of ballet, offering a range of soft pinks, creamy beiges and subtle greys. All of the shades in this collection are formulated with the same long-lasting, chip-resistant properties as the core Essie Gel Couture line, promising up to two weeks of wear without foundation. Whether you prefer a sheer, barely there manicure or a more opaque, cream manicure, the Essie Ballet Nude collection offers a sophisticated and versatile choice for those who love the look Classic and sleek hands. Looking at the image below, this paint color could be an ideal choice for light pink nail designs.

SALLY HANSEN MIRACLE GEL

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel offers a compelling alternative to Essie Gel Couture, particularly for those seeking a budget-friendly, long-lasting option. Unlike Essie’s system, Miracle Gel doesn’t require a separate top coat. It’s a two-step system with a built-in gel-like top coat within the color polish itself. This simplifies the application process and saves you money. Users report achieving up to 8 days of chip-resistant wear with Miracle Gel, making it a strong contender for long-lasting color. Plus, Sally Hansen boasts a wide color range, ensuring you can find a shade that complements your style. If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable way to achieve a long-lasting manicure at home, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel is definitely worth considering.

BUTTER LONDON PATENT SHINE 10X LACQUER

Boasting a luxurious, high-gloss finish, butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Lacquer caters to those who crave a chip-resistant manicure with a touch of sophistication.  This polish goes beyond just color, aiming to deliver a gel-like shine without requiring a UV lamp. The 10X in its name refers to the brand’s claim that it offers up to 10 days of chip-free wear.  It’s formulated with a “buttery smooth” texture that glides easily onto nails, promoting a flawless application.  While not quite reaching the 14-day wear time of some competitors, butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Lacquer is a strong contender for those seeking a long-lasting polish with a luxurious feel and a dazzling shine. 

CND VINYLUX LONGWEAR NAIL POLISH

CND Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish takes a slightly different approach to long-lasting color. Unlike some gel-like polishes, Vinylux is a two-step system that skips the UV lamp and harsh removal process. It boasts a unique formula that hardens upon exposure to natural light, progressively strengthening the wear time over time. While it might not reach the absolute top wear times of some competitors (lasting around 7 days), CND Vinylux makes up for it in several ways. Firstly, it’s known for being gentler on nails compared to some gel polishes. Secondly, the two-step system with its built-in base coat simplifies application. Finally, CND Vinylux offers a vast color selection, including a popular range of nourishing shades infused with keratin, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E to promote healthy nails alongside long-lasting color.

OLIVE & JUNE NAIL POLISH

In the realm of vibrant, chip-resistant polishes, Olive & June Nail Polish stands out for its commitment to both color and longevity.  This brand prioritizes clean beauty, offering polishes free from 10+ harmful ingredients commonly found in nail products.  Despite this focus on clean ingredients, Olive & June polishes boast an impressive 7-day wear time, defying the misconception that non-toxic polishes can’t be long-lasting.  The brand also takes pride in its easy-to-use, fast-drying formula and its unique, wide brush designed for flawless application at home.  Olive & June offers a truly extensive color palette, ranging from playful brights and chic neutrals to trendy shimmers and sophisticated cremes.

DEBORAH LIPPMANN GEL LAB PRO

Deborah Lippmann’s Gel Lab Pro nail polish isn’t just about stunning color, it’s a complete nail care package. Offered in a dazzling array of 85 shades, you’ll find everything from eye-catching brights and shimmering glitters to universally flattering neutrals.

This polish goes beyond vibrant choices. Its highly pigmented formula delivers rich color in just two coats, and with proper care (including a base and top coat), it can last a stunning two weeks. But the pampering doesn’t stop there.

The Gel Lab Pro formula is infused with nourishing ingredients that benefit your nails. Biotin helps stimulate keratin production, while evening primrose oil, rich in omega-6 fatty acids, combats moisture loss. Finally, silk fibers add a touch of luxury and contribute to the polish’s ultra-glossy, long-lasting finish.

So, ditch the frequent touch-ups and chipped nails. Deborah Lippmann’s Gel Lab Pro offers vibrant, long-lasting color with a touch of pampering for your nails.

OPI SOFT SHADES NAIL LACQUER COLLECTION

Unfortunately, OPI’s Soft Shades Nail Lacquer Collection isn’t specifically known for being long-lasting.  While OPI offers a variety of polishes formulated for extended wear, the Soft Shades Collection seems to prioritize a different benefit.

Based on available information, the Soft Shades Collection likely focuses on delivering soft, subtle colors with a sheer or creamy finish. These polishes are ideal for creating a clean, elegant manicure or adding a touch of delicate color to your nails. If you’re looking for long-lasting, chip-resistant polishes, OPI offers other lines specifically designed for that purpose.

GUCCI GLOSSY NAIL POLISH IN GOLDIE RED

Gucci’s Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in Goldie Red isn’t specifically marketed for long-lasting wear. While Gucci offers luxurious beauty products, their focus with this polish seems to be on high-impact color and a touch of luxury.

Goldie Red boasts a vibrant red shade with a glossy finish, formulated with plant-based ingredients.  It comes with a custom-designed brush for a smooth application and aims to flatter your nails by smoothing imperfections.  While long-lasting wear isn’t a top selling point, if you’re looking for a bold red polish with a luxurious feel and a high-shine finish, Gucci’s Vernis à Ongles in Goldie Red could be a tempting choice.

ELLA+MILA NAIL POLISH, ME COLLECTION – MY POOL PARTY

Dive into summer with a splash of color! ella+mila’s “Me Collection – My Pool Party” nail polish offers a refreshing baby blue hue with a subtle shimmer, perfect for bringing a touch of poolside fun to your fingertips. This polish is formulated specifically with safety in mind, making it ideal for little ones who want to join in on the mani-me time.  While it may not be the most long-lasting option, its quick-drying formula ensures a speedy application and chip removal is a breeze. So, paint your nails poolside-perfect with “My Pool Party” and enjoy the vibrant summer vibes!

NAILS, INC. 45 SECOND SPEEDY GLOSS

Calling all busy bees! Nails Inc.’s 45 Second Speedy Gloss is a game-changer for those who crave flawless nails but are short on time. This polish lives up to its name, boasting a super-fast drying formula that sets in just 45 seconds. No more waiting around for your manicure to dry – with Speedy Gloss, you can get back to your busy life in a flash.

But speed isn’t the only perk. This polish also delivers high-shine color with a salon-quality finish.  Available in a wide range of shades, you’ll find everything from classic cremes to playful shimmers to match your mood and style.  Whether you’re dashing out the door in the morning or need a quick polish touch-up, Nails Inc. 45 Second Speedy Gloss is the perfect solution for beautiful nails on the go.

ORLY ANYTHING GOES

Orly’s Anything Goes nail polish defies the misconception that glitter polish is just for kids, offering a sophisticated and glamorous option for all ages. With its durable wear, versatile application, surprisingly smooth texture, and easy removal, this hidden gem stands out as a must-have for those seeking a long-lasting and mesmerizing manicure. Whether worn alone for a statement look or layered over another shade for added depth, Anything Goes elevates any manicure, promising to turn heads with its dazzling sparkle that lasts for weeks.

JINSOON PIXIE SHEER GLOSS

Jin Soon polishes boast a remarkable durability, with Pixie, in particular, lasting up to seven days with just two to three coats and drying quickly for added convenience. Unlike many other polishes, Pixie maintains its integrity, resisting cracking even after several days of wear. What sets Jin Soon apart is its commitment to quality and ethical standards: their polishes are devoid of harsh chemicals, feature UV filter protection, and are cruelty-free. Notably, they’ve transitioned to a 10-free formula, eliminating formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, triphenyl phosphate, parabens, and lead from their ingredients, ensuring both safety and performance.

LE MINI MACARON MINI GEL NAIL POLISH KIT

Want salon-quality nails without the salon price tag? This all-in-one gel polish kit is your secret weapon!

This adorable kit boasts 10 mesmerizing pearlescent shades, offering incredible color payoff that rivals professional manicures.  The best part? This polish acts as a base, color, and top coat, saving you both time and money.

Plus, the kit comes with everything you need to get started: gel polish remover wraps, a mini nail file, and a cuticle stick.  Enjoy long-lasting, chip-resistant wear for up to 14 days, all from the comfort of your home.

Here’s a heads up:  The included LED lamp is compact, which means curing each nail individually. While this extends the application time slightly, it also offers a benefit – less UV light exposure for your hands.  The portability of the lamp makes it perfect for travel or quick touch-ups on the go.

ILNP JULIETTE HOLOGRAPHIC NAIL POLISH, ROSE GOLD

Get ready to mesmerize with ILNP Juliette Holographic Nail Polish in Rose Gold! This polish isn’t just another pretty shade; it’s a captivating display of color and shine.  Imagine a luxurious rose gold base infused with a blinding holographic sparkle.  With every shift of your hand, your nails will transform, catching the light and revealing a dazzling spectrum of color.

ILNP Juliette is more than just mesmerizing looks, though.  This polish is formulated with a focus on quality.  The Ultra Metallic™ formula applies smoothly and delivers rich, opaque color, ensuring a flawless finish.  While long-lasting wear times aren’t specifically mentioned for this polish, ILNP is known for its high-quality formulas that resist chipping and fading for a respectable wear time.

So ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with ILNP Juliette. This rose gold holographic polish is the perfect way to add a touch of magic and glamour to your fingertips.

KIKI PRETTY NAIL GRAFFITI

Calling all nail art enthusiasts and free spirits! KIKI Pretty Nail Graffiti is your gateway to endless nail design possibilities. Unlike traditional polishes, KIKI’s innovative formula is peel-off, giving you the freedom to change your look as often as your mood strikes.

This unique polish comes in a convenient pen-like applicator for mess-free application. With a water-based formula, it dries quickly and removes effortlessly, leaving no harsh chemicals behind.

Whether you’re a seasoned nail artist or a beginner who wants to experiment, KIKI Pretty Nail Graffiti is the perfect tool.  Use it for freehand designs, add playful details to a solid color manicure, or create intricate nail art – the possibilities are endless!  So unleash your creativity and express yourself with KIKI’s fun and playful peel-off nail polish.

EMILIE HEATHE NAIL ARTIST NAIL POLISH

Cultivate healthy, beautiful nails with a touch of sophistication. Emilie Heathe Nail Artist Nail Polish offers a luxurious experience that goes beyond vibrant colors. This polish is formulated with care, boasting vegan and cruelty-free ingredients that nourish your nails while delivering long-lasting color.

Emilie Heathe polishes are infused with a blend of beneficial components like bamboo extract, sea buckthorn oil, and rice bran oil. These ingredients work together to strengthen nails, promote healthy growth, and combat chipping. Available in a delightful range of 12 shades, you’ll find everything from classic cremes to trendy brights to complement any style.

CIRQUE COLORS CREME NAIL POLISH

Cirque Colors Creme Nail Polish is a favorite among those who crave both vibrant color and a healthy, non-toxic formula. These polishes boast a rich, opaque application in just two coats, ensuring your chosen shade gets its moment to shine. Unlike some long-wearing options that can be harsh on nails, Cirque Colors prioritizes a clean, 10-free formula free of formaldehyde, toluene, and other harmful ingredients.

Available in a delightful array of colors, from classic cremes and chic neutrals to trendy brights and playful pops of color, there’s a shade to suit every mood and style. Cirque Colors polishes are also known for their smooth, long-lasting finish. While not the absolute longest-wearing polishes on the market, they offer a respectable chip-resistant lifespan, making them ideal for those who prioritize healthy nails and vibrant color without sacrificing too much on wear time.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING LONG-LASTING NAIL POLISH

Longing for a flawless manicure that defies chipping and fading? Choosing the right long-lasting nail polish is key. Here are some crucial factors to keep in mind:

Wear Time: This is a top priority! Polish brands often advertise their wear time, so this is a good starting point. Look for polishes boasting 7-14 days of wear for a truly long-lasting effect.

Formula: Gel-like formulas are popular for their extended wear and chip-resistant properties. However, some may require a UV lamp for curing. Explore non-gel options that prioritize long wear if UV lamps aren’t your preference.

Base and Top Coat: Don’t underestimate the power of a good base and top coat! These work together to create a strong foundation for your polish and prevent chipping. Look for a system specifically designed for the chosen polish brand for optimal results.

Application: Smooth and even application is vital for long-lasting wear. Choose polishes with a comfortable brush that facilitates a flawless application. 1-2 coats are usually sufficient for most long-lasting polishes.

Removal Process: While long wear is desirable, consider the removal process. Some long-lasting polishes might require stronger removers, so prioritize gentle formulas if nail health is a concern.

Bonus Tip: Don’t skip proper nail prep!  Gently push back cuticles, buff your nails lightly for better polish adhesion, and make sure your nails are clean and dry before application for extended wear.

CONCLUSION

Waving goodbye to chipped nails and endless touch-ups is now a reality! This guide has unveiled the top 18 long-lasting nail polishes, equipping you with the knowledge to achieve a salon-quality manicure at home.

Remember, consider your priorities – wear time, formula, ease of application, or a touch of pampering. With the vast array of options available, there’s a perfect long-lasting polish waiting to be discovered. So go forth, experiment with color and shine, and flaunt flawless fingertips for days on end!

18 Best SPF Lip Balms for This Summer

Of course, keeping our lips moisturized is important but how about protecting them from the sun. Therefore, don’t forget to apply some SPF balm to your lips while you’re applying the best sunscreen for your face because they are also susceptible to UV damage. In fact, your lips are even more vulnerable to UV damage because they lack melanin. Sure, you may use any SPF cream to protect yourself, but how can you tell which is the best? Not to worry. We can help with our selection of 18 best SPF lip balms.

Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30

This lip balm is really creamy and moisturizes lips while also protecting them from UV rays. Aloe and cocoa butter in the foundation are to thank for the incredible hydration. The lip-smacking fruity flavors—coconut, pineapple, banana, pomegranate, key lime, and mango—are perhaps the finest part, and they are reason enough to keep swiping this on. For extra protection, apply it over any lip color or use it alone. But if it gets too hot, it can quickly melt, so this one is absolutely not for people who live in hot climates.

Aquaphor Lip Protectant & Sunscreen Ointment SPF 30

This lip balm is actually available in your neighborhood pharmacy, and it’s arguably one of the best choices there. This Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen lip balm from Aquaphor is designed with soothing vitamins and shea butter. It is especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin because it is fragrance- and preservative-free. Have I mentioned how cheap and accessible it is? However, it contains petroleum, which some people might find a big turn-off.

W3ll People Lip Butter SPF 15 Tinted Balm

It makes sense that you might want to choose a lip balm with fewer components given that we invariably consume some of the products we apply to our lips. This one is appropriate because it uses a variety of organic oils to hydrate. Given that many lip cosmetics employ chemical sunscreen components, it is uncommon for sun protection to be natural, non-micronized mineral zinc. It is offered in three different colors: clear, two-tone, and colored.

Carmex Classic Medicated Lip Balm SPF 15

Carmex lip balms are a classic that I bet we have all used. Pick up a ton and keep one in every pocket, purse, and so on. It is the original, well-liked version with SPF 15 sun protection in addition to camphor and menthol to help heal chapped lips. The affordable Carmex Classic Medicated lip balm performs wonderfully in both the winter and the summer. We must warn you that not everyone will find the camphor and menthol aroma pleasant.

Clé de Peau UV Protective Lip Treatment

This product is more of a lip treatment than a simple lip balm, as the name would imply. The ingredient list resembles that of a high-end moisturizer and includes a variety of herbs and botanicals along with ingredients including Japanese pearl, which evens skin tone, and theanine. While antioxidants and sunscreen provide the required protection, these all function in concert to enhance the appearance of lips. This doubles as an excellent lipstick primer and has a delicate, refined natural rose smell.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm

The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm, one of the most traditional lip balms on the market, not only soothes sore and chapped lips but also offers broad spectrum UV protection with SPF 50. It slides across the lips, leaving them feeling incredibly moisturized and comfortable.

Ultra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF50

This lip balm, which comes in six hues, protects lips from UVA and UVB rays while also being loaded with moisturizing nutrients. Shea butter and vitamin E calm sore lips while cacao seed butter and lanolin lock in moisture. It has more of a lip gloss texture than a balm. When applied, the color isn’t very noticeable, which may put off certain buyers.

Paula’s Choice Lip Balm SPF50

This SPF, which is suitable for sensitive lips, contains avobenzone, one of the most extensively used UVA filters worldwide, to shield your skin from harmful rays. Shea butter and nutritious olive oil are also included. If you prioritize hydration, the texture and finish of this one will now satisfy you.

Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF30

This strong lotion, which is made with white meadowfoam and blackcurrant oil, is conveniently packaged for travel but also works great for daily usage. This nourishing product reduces inflammation and smooths the surface of the lips for a soft and seductive look, regardless of the weather, in addition to providing protection against sun damage, drying, and chapping. However, you should look at other possibilities if you want a lip balm that may last a long time.

Malin + Goetz SPF30 Lip Balm High Protection

The SPF 30 Lip Balm – High Protection from MALIN + GOETZ replenishes moisture to parched lips and is the effective remedy you’ve been seeking for to prevent cracking, chapping, and dryness. Fatty acids and nutrients derived from plant proteins are added to the gel mix to provide intensive nourishing and long-lasting moisturizing protection. Because it could cause white casts, this lip balm is not the ideal choice for people with darker skin.

Mavala Tinted Berry Lip Balm

This Mavala alternative is tinted for a hint of color and provides modest sun protection with a buttery-soft shea butter balm. Although SPF15, which is provided, isn’t the best degree of protection we’ve discovered, it should be sufficient for the majority of people to run their daily errands and brief periods of time in the sun.

Supergoop Lipshade 100% Mineral SPF 30 Hydrating Lipstick

We highly recommend this lip color because of its smooth composition and 100 percent mineral SPF protection. It is a pigmented lip color that also functions as a sunscreen. We like that it has a light peppermint flavor and is available in four rose and terracotta colors that may be built up for a flash of color on the lips. Despite having nutritious components like mango and shea butter, the composition is not the most hydrating, but it is simple to layer with moisturizing lip creams.

Vacation Bananas Foster SPF 30 Lip Balm

Vacation is renowned for producing extremely powerful and delicious-smelling sun protection products. They follow suit with their protective lip balm, which offers a respectable degree of SPF 30 along with an enticingly sweet smell and flavor. Another plus is the extremely creamy, non-greasy texture. Also available are additional flavors that bring back memories, including strawberry jello salad, after-dinner mint, and others. Although the scent is pleasant, some people may find it to be too strong.

Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 50

Before your next outdoor run, swim, or game of beach volleyball, be sure to swipe this on. Yes, it hydrates, but more significantly, it offers an outstanding SPF 50 to guard against sunburn when exercising. Not to mention that it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so if you are swimming or perspiring, you won’t need to worry about reapplying it. On your lips, though, it has a little waxy feeling.

Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother Gloss with SPF 20

This lip moisturizer gloss relieves dry, chapped lips right away upon touch and shields them with a calming, cooling hydrogel formula that helps retain moisture. The broad-spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen is combined with glycerin, cucumber, and chamomile to provide intense hydration in the sun protection gloss. There is a slight tingling feeling after application, which not everyone may prefer.

O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair SPF 35 Lip Balm Stick

Your lips will remain moisturized and protected even while relaxing poolside thanks to O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair SPF 35. This lip balm earned the title of our favorite water-resistant SPF lip balm because of its formula’s 80-minute water resistance. And yes, it does function. We adore how compact the tube is, making it very portable and simple to put in your pocket or a small purse, in addition to its nutritious water-repellent ingredients. However, people who like unscented items won’t find it to be ideal.

Burts Bees Sun Care Lip Balm 3-Pack

The tinted lip balms shield your lips from UVA and UVB rays with a Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Zinc Oxide composition that is nano-free. These balms leave a matte finish and have a thicker, creamier texture. Compared to the original tinted lip balm colors, the colors are bolder. If you’re into sustainable beauty, this is the lip balm for you because it’s not only the best tinted SPF lip balm, but it also doubles as the finest reef-safe sunscreen for your lips. Although many are aware of its pigmentation, many are not.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Lip Shine SPF 35

You may make Colorescience’s SPF lip shine by taking your favorite pink lip gloss and adding SPF 35 to it. The four rosy and pale pink hues of this lovely lip shine are not too overpowering in color, but just enough to let you know it’s there. The lip gloss has a peppermint-like aroma when you first open it and separate the wand from the bottle. Your lips will tingle for about 15 seconds after that. This sensation makes me question if the peptide component of the gloss is what moisturizes and calms your lips. People who don’t want to spend a lot of money on lip balm will be turned off by the fact that this one is on the more expensive side.

Even if you follow a good SPF skin care regimen, you probably neglect to take care of your lips. The mouth often goes unnoticed, necessitating even more attention from the absence of attentive sun-protectant care even though every part of the body is vulnerable to dangerous UV radiation. With this list, you may choose one for yourself without having to spend a lot of money on numerous items.