Most of you have probably heard about Essie and OPI, two of the most popular nail polish brands that appear on the shelves of nearly every nail salon (and likely in your home, too). Well, they’re no longer the only options, as there are legions of new nail polish brands popping up at both mass and specialty stores. Here’s a run-down of the up-and-coming nail brands to know.
1. Morgan Taylor
Founded by two former nail technicians, Danny Haile and David Daniel. After 30 years of experience in the professional nail market, they launched a line of color lacquer, Morgan Taylor. The focus was on using select ingredients and creating an innovative bottle designed for optimum style and performance.
2. Formula X for Sephora
Formula X recently became known by the masses after launching a huge collection for Sephora. The brand is focused on intense nail polish colors with high-endurance finishes. From bright colors to unexpected finishes, this brand has so many colors and options you’ll actually find it hard to pick just one.
2. LVX
Fashion-focused brand LVX makes polish colors to mimic the trends on the runways. Every fashion week, the brand seeks out the colors that are seen over and over from top designers and creates nail polishes to match. Simple as that — except that the color range to result is so trendy, so fun, and so pretty to wear. Everything from baby blues to deep vampy purples can be found in this polish line.
3. Butter LONDON
Already a staple in most beauty editors’ arsenals, this British brand makes fun colors in three-free formulas, plus great base and top coats, too. Known for their unique twist on neutrals as well as brights, butter LONDON makes colors that aren’t average. You’ve likely spotted a celebrity wearing one of their polishes, and once you check the line out, you’ll probably be swayed to start wearing them, too.
4. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
Drugstore nail polishes used to take a backseat to more popular salon brands like Essie and OPI, but these days they’re really creating top-performing products. Sally Hansen came on strong in the past few years with their Complete Salon Manicure line, featuring do-it-all formulas that take the place of a base coat, polish, and topcoat in one fell swoop.
5. RGB Cosmetics
This line was created by a fashion industry vet as a luxury beauty brand, bringing all the same panache and performance of high-end makeup to a nail product. All polishes are five-free (no formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, or camphor. The nail colors are bold and eye-catching, which is why many celebrities regularly get painted in these shades. Look to RGB when you’re in the mood for a get-noticed manicure in a color you haven’t tried in a while (or maybe have never tried before).
6. Deborah Lippmann Collection
Deborah Lippmann started doing nails as a side hobby to support her singing career. She ended up being so good at it (and so skilled at dreaming up fun new colors) that her unexpected career in nails took off. These days, her polishes are coveted by women around the world. She’s known for her glittery shades, often suspending unique shapes like confetti and sequins in fun, contrasting colors. She works with many A-list celebrities, and often names a polish after them as a tribute. Look to her line for glittery, fun colors–especially during the holidays.
7. Tom Ford
While Tom Ford’s polishes may not yet be as in-demand as, say, Chanel, this high-end line is quickly picking up steam. The nail shades often match the lip colors, making a nice coordinated statement for anyone who wants to wear the current in-demand color from head to toe. Ranging from shimmery pinks to deep, moody wine tones, this line changes along with the whims of its creator, just like any luxury line.
