10 Best Nail Polishes in India 2021(HUL, Coty US LLC and More)
Painting your nails is one of the easiest ways to indulge in some self-care. Not everyone has time and money to go for a manicure session at the salon; however, they can achieve the desired results at home with the right nail colours. Be it a shimmery bronze colour or a pastel shade, and there is an abundance of nail polishes in different colours available online.
Nail polish acts as a fashion accessory for women. Depending upon the colour and finish of your nail paint, one can say a lot about your style and mood. If you wish to buy a long-lasting and chip-free nail polish in regular, matte, glitter, chrome, or gel finish, we have put together a complete guide on what/how to buy online. This article has been reviewed by a professional makeup artist, Chahat Goyal, so get to know more about nail care, nail-art from her.
Quick List - Top Nail Polish
Chahat Goyal is a makeup artist based in Chandigarh. She strives to make a historical mark in the beauty industry through her extensive knowledge of aesthetics and skincare. Her area of expertise lies in luxury bridal makeovers for Indian skin tones. Chahat is professionally certified by one of the most eminent makeup artists of North India, "Ms Parul Duggal."
mybest editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in India in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose a Nail Polish in India – Buying Guide
Regardless of whether you are picking a nail polish for everyday wear, an office party, a wedding, or a dinner date, there is a chance that you might get confused with a vast range of varnishes available and end up picking the wrong shade.
You must do thorough research before picking up a polish online. To make this task simple for you, we have a guide ready to help you choose the right paint based on its finish and shade to match your skin tone and the fact that it won't chip easily.
Decide on the Finish – Each Finish Paints a Unique Picture
If you prefer going DIY (Do It Yourself) route for your manicure, you are more likely to choose any over-the-counter nail polish based on just the colour preference. You must know that there are many factors to be considered before buying the right nail paint, the first and the most important being the finish of the nail polish.
There is an overabundance of different finishes and formulas available in the market such as regular glossy-finish, a matte polish, glitter overcoat, and chrome finish. You need to pick the one that matches with your outfit and the event you have to attend.
Regular Polish for Smooth and Lustrous Finish
This type of polish is one of the most common types that you will find in the market. It gives a smooth and lustrous finish and is ideal for your college look, party at your friend's place, or a family get-together.
When applying a regular polish, make sure to start with a base coat; follow up with two coats of nail polish and a top coat to prevent chipping. To dry your polish completely, wait for two minutes between every coat before finally drying it using cool air.
For day-to-day use, make sure to choose nail paint with a thinner wand or brush so it’s easier to work with. The base coat and the topcoat can be done using a transparent nail hardener or clear nail paint. These are easier to take off and can be removed effortlessly using an acetone-based nail paint remover.
Matte Polish for Casual Work Days
As the name suggests, the matte polish does not have any lustre. Its application is similar to the regular polish; you just have to skip the base coat to make the polish last longer. Since the polish does not have a glossy finish, you can wear it to your office and not feel uncomfortable.
The matte polish will give your manicure a smooth modern look. You need to note that it takes longer than the regular polish to dry which might not work for someone who is in a hurry to get the manicure done.
Matte nail paints are recommended for college students, professionals, and working women since they lend an immaculate and classy look to the hands. Even though they look flattering, it can be slightly tricky to remove the matte polish.
Soaking your nails in rubbing alcohol or an alcohol-based remover or applying it to nails with a soaked cotton ball may dissolve the polish. This method may take longer than traditional nail polish remover but shall do the job in no time. Brands like OPI, Nykaa have great options in matte nail paints.
Glitter Nails for Boring to Brilliant Manicure
Glitter nails can add drama to any look! It is an excellent choice for the wedding season as it truly matches the festive spirit, and also lasts longer than matte or regular polish. Thus, saving you from adding a fresh coat after every function you attend.
Most glitter paints are transparent, but you can make them opaque by applying a base coat, followed by two coats of glitter nail paint. If you have a chunky glitter polish, then you can dab it on the nail with the tip of the brush and add a high gloss topcoat for that extra glam.
Applying glitter nail polish with the attached brush can make the finished look uneven and patchy. An absolutely genius way to apply glitter evenly is with a sponge. Yes, use the brush to apply a thin layer of glitter polish to one edge of a makeup sponge and dab it evenly over the nail bed.
This will allow more control over where the glitter is placed. You can always use liquid latex on top of the base coat to improve the longevity of the nail paint.
Chrome Polish as a Fun Addition to Your Party Outfit
Similar to glitter polish, chrome varnish also lasts longer than regular everyday nail polish. Its eye-catching and metallic finish makes it a great addition to a party outfit. Since it is long-lasting and chip-resistant, it is a popular choice among teenagers who are too lazy to change the nail colours too frequently.
Its application is relatively easy – Start with a clear base coat, followed by two coats of chrome polish and top up with a high shine polish. It is available in a broad spectrum of metallic colours to make all your celebrations colourful.
Effect powders are responsible for the chrome look, as well as the holographic nails. For chrome nails, that powder is made of glass, metal, and pigment. These nail paints, once applied, can last up to three to four weeks.
Owing to their prolonged staying power, they are recommended for brides and professional models/actors who need well-prepped nails now and then.
Different Brush Types for Different Strokes
True happiness is completing a manicure session at home with the polish covering every micrometre of the nail, but none of the skin. You can achieve this level of satisfaction if you choose the right brush type for a smoother application of nail polish.
For at-home manicure, wider brushes make for a suitable choice as they require fewer strokes to coat the entire nail. You need to be extra careful around the edges though. OPI's brushes are wide and thick, making the application easier.
Long stem with a thin, rounded and flat brush works well for precise application around the cuticles in fewer strokes. Oval stem with a round and flat brush allows for a quick application without too much effort. Short and narrow brush type is suitable for precise application and control when painting.
The bristles of nail brushes are made from natural animal hair (usually kolinsky or sable), synthetic fibers, or a combination of both. One can also invest in acrylic nail brushes for nail art and general application as well.
These brushes are small, handheld brushes that closely resemble a toothbrush for the fingernails. Some people use them to get those hard-to-reach areas under the nails while they're washing their hands.
Longwear and Chip-Resistant Nail Polish to Save Frequent Manicure Sessions
It is up to you to decide how long you want your nail polish to last. If you have just applied two coats of nail polish and have daily cleaning and cooking chores to do, you might get lucky by nail paint lasting for 1-2 days. Otherwise, nail paints chip pretty fast when not applied with the right technique.
As discussed above, nail paints' proper application includes a base coat, two nail polish coats, followed by a top coat to protect the nail from chipping. So, if you want your polish to last longer and not chip in a few days, you need to follow the right technique.
Using a hydrating nail oil (like the L’Occitane Shea butter Nail & Cuticle Nourishing oil) can help in keeping the nails hydrating, which can prevent chipping. You can make your nail polish last longer with vinegar.
Before applying the nail paint, soak your fingernails for one minute in ½ cup of warm water and two teaspoons of vinegar or apple cider vinegar. It will do the trick. Also, avoid shaking the bottle since it infuses the bottle with air bubbles which leads to chipping.
Choose a Shade That Matches Your Skin Tone
There might have been times when you had painted your nails blue, or orange after seeing your friend wearing that nail colour, but it didn't suit you at all. This is where you need to understand the concept of skin colour. In honesty, we believe that everyone can rock every colour, but certain colours enhance your skin, while others make it dull.
Studying your skin tone is important when it comes to picking up a nail colour. Where women with yellow or olive undertone should choose beigy nudes or orange-based whites, those with blue undertone should choose pinkish nudes and blue-tone bright colours. If you understand your skin colour, you will instantly know which colour flatters you.
Nude Shades and Brighter Hues for Light Skin Tones
Those with lighter skin tones should choose nude polish colours that have a hint of pink in them. Grey, red, orange and purple shades will also look amazing on fairest complexions. All these colours will give a rich contrast, thus making your manicure look even more pretty.
Before applying the nail polish, always test a small colour patch on your nail to get an idea of the shade. Make sure to pick nude shades and brighter hues with an undertone of blue, and avoid all dark colours.
I recommend using Nail lacquers for nude shades. Nude lacquers are like a tinted moisturizer for the nails – you want a shade that complements your natural skin tone while giving a slight hint of colour.
The best neutral tone for fair skin is pink because it supports the pink and blue undertones in pale skin tones. Not just any pink. Unsurprisingly, a pale beige-y pink like OPI's Nail Lacquer in “Put It In Neutral “ is the true winner on the lightest skin tones.
Sheer White, Nudes, Greys and Reds for Medium Skin Tones
Sheer white colour looks best on women with medium skin tone. The colour makes the nail look bright and gives a tan look to the skin, therefore creating a perfect contrast. Nude polish from the beige family will let the medium skin tone shine.
Grey and a vibrant poppy red colour will complement this skin tone like none other. Nykaa has some beautiful nude colours that will go with the medium skin tone. If you wish to go for a red polish, MAC and Colorbar, have some pretty excellent reds in their collection.
Some other options for medium skin tones include:
- Burgundy - A good burgundy nail polish is a magical color for fall or winter.
- Blue - Shades of blue look incredible on olive and medium skin tones.
- Peachy-Pink - All you ladies with medium to olive skin tones, peachy-pink tones will look especially flattering on your skin.
Brown, Caramel and Plum Shades for Darker Skin Tones
It might come as a surprise to some of you, but dark polish colours look best on dark skin tones. Neon and bright candy pinks look youthful on dark skin. Nude and grey colour with a hint of mauve or purple undertone also enhances deeper skin tones.
If you have tried all these colours and looking for a change, you can try nail art. Mix-match the colours that go with your skin tone and create nail art.
Apart from the shades mentioned above, colours like taupe, cobalt blue, cream, rust, purple, lavender, wine, lilac, pastel rainbow, neon yellow, etc., can make the dark-skinned hands look extremely flattering. These shades will lend a glow to the beautiful brown skin and make it appear even more flawless.
10 Best Nail Polish in India
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | HUL Lakme True Wear Nail Color | | Lakme True Wear Nail Color to See You Through Festive Season | |
2 | HUL LAKMÉ Absolute Gel Stylist | | Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color With a Standout Gel Formula | |
3 | Coty US LLC O.P.I Nail Lacquer | | OPI Nail Lacquer for the Safety of Your Nails | |
4 | Viva Cosmetics Colorbar Matte Nail Lacquer | | Colorbar Matte Nail Lacquer for Casual Office Days | |
5 | Viva Cosmetics Faces Canada Splash Nail Enamel | | Faces Splash Nail Enamel for Days You Want to Rock a Metallic Look | |
6 | Elle 18 Elle 18 Nail Pops｜126 | | Nail Polish With Vibrant and Funky Shades | |
7 | Nykaa Nykaa Cookie Crumble Nail Enamel | | Nykaa Cookie Crumble Nail Enamel Polish in Stand-Out Shades | |
8 | L'Oreal India Private Limited L'Oreal Paris Color Riche A L'Huile Nail Paint | | Nail Paint for the Sophisticated Crowd | |
9 | Nykaa Nykaa Gold Rush Nail Lacquer | | Nykaa Gold Rush Nail Lacquer to Glam up Your Nails | |
10 | Revlon Revlon Nail Enamel | | Revlon Nail Enamel for Days When You’re In a Hurry |
Lakme True Wear Nail Color to See You Through Festive Season
Lakme is one of the oldest and finest nail polish brands in India. This particular range in the regular finish gives a perfect shine to the nails, making them picture-perfect for the festive and wedding season.
The Lakme True Wear Nail Colour range has five vibrant shades available to suit every mood. The paints come with colour lock technology that makes them long-lasting and chip-resistant. For a better finish, apply two coats, followed by a top coat.
Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color With a Standout Gel Formula
Inspired by the latest trend marching on International runways, Lakme has launched its Absolute Gel Stylist range in 44 shades. With a reflective shimmer finish, the nail polish has a standout gel formula for a long-lasting effect.
The wide and flat type brush makes the polish application a breeze. For a professional finish, stylists recommend base coat, followed by two coats of the polish.
OPI Nail Lacquer for the Safety of Your Nails
OPI’s high-quality nail lacquers are formulated to care for your nails, along with beautifying them. The polish protects your nails from harsh chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.
The nail lacquer is available in 70+ shades, stocking you for different seasons and occasions. For the best results, prep, prime and protect your nails with a base coat. Add colour to your nails with a nail lacquer, followed by a top coat for an incredible shine.
Colorbar Matte Nail Lacquer for Casual Office Days
Delivering an ultra-matte effect, and chip-resistance and non-yellowing quality, the Colorbar Matte Nail Lacquer is an impressive range of polish to own. If manicurists swear by any brand with a lasting matte effect, this is it. It is available in 11 trendy shades.
The wide brush type makes application easy and effortless, covering all the ends. The 7-free formula makes it an ideal choice to keep your nails healthy. For a lasting matte finish, apply the first coat, wait 60 seconds before applying the second coat.
Faces Splash Nail Enamel for Days You Want to Rock a Metallic Look
Smooth application and flawless finish make Faces’ nail enamel one of the finest nail polishes in India. It has a quick-drying, long-lasting and chip-resistant formula making it one of our favourites online.
It is also formulated with non-harmful plasticizers, and is free from toluene, DBP, camphor and formaldehyde, making it safe to use on nails. The polish comes with a round-cut, fan-shaped brush for easy application. You can choose from 55 gorgeous shades with regular, glossy, glittery and shimmer finish.
Nail Polish With Vibrant and Funky Shades
With the lowest price and a range of colours, Elle 18 has to be everyone’s favourite childhood nail polish brand. There are over 60 fun colours available in the new nail pops range, suited for a college party, a music festival, a friend’s night out, or even a wedding.
With just a single stroke, you can get bold colour with a glossy finish. But to make the colour last, it is best to apply two coats. If you are not too lazy, might as well apply a base coat and a top coat for a fine texture.
Nykaa Cookie Crumble Nail Enamel Polish in Stand-Out Shades
Nykaa came up with these unique textured cookie crumble nail colours and took the nail industry by storm. The Cookie Crumble range is available in 17 shades with each colour reflecting a fun personality. The polish comes with a UV protection formula and promises long-lasting colour and chip-resistance.
Undoubtedly, these textured nail enamels add a fun element to the nails; the only con is that it is a bit difficult to remove. The textured residue is left behind even after using a nail polish remover for a good 2 minutes.
L'Oreal India Private LimitedL'Oreal Paris Color Riche A L'Huile Nail Paint
Nail Paint for the Sophisticated Crowd
L’Oreal Paris’ L’Huile range is enriched with precious oils, and intense colour pigments to give an elegant and sophisticated look. It is available in 22 exciting shades, with each colour designed for a unique personality.
The wide fan-shaped patented flexi brush gives the most precise application in a single stroke. To achieve a perfect finish of these gorgeous colours, don’t forget to add a base coat before the application.
Nykaa Gold Rush Nail Lacquer to Glam up Your Nails
Achieve salon-like manicure at home with Nykaa’s exclusive range of matte nail polish. It comes in 5 different shades which are suited for different occasions. The advantage of the gold rush nail lacquer range is that it is long-lasting and dries quickly.
The rich pigment in a single stroke makes it an ideal paint for the festive season. Nykaa recommends applying two coats of the colour and the wiping away any smudges with Nykaa’s dual-tone nail enamel remover for flawless looking nails.
Revlon Nail Enamel for Days When You’re In a Hurry
Revlon's range of nail enamels is for those who are in a hurry to reach for an event, or a meeting. The polish is formulated with special ingredients that dry it within a few minutes of application.
The large bristle-packed brush allows a perfect amount of product on the nail, making application easy and effortless. All the products from the brand are formaldehyde and toluene-free.
Perfecting the Art of Applying Nail Polish at Home
Painting your nails might seem like a daunting task, but there are times when you are in a hurry and don’t have time to visit a salon, but obviously, you try and mess up with the manicure. To avoid such future mess-ups, you must know at least the basics of manicure. Follow the steps.
Step 1. Removing old nail polish.
Step 2. Use a high-grade nail buffer.
Step 3. A good base coat to help your manicure to last longer.
No matter your skill set, profession, or interest, the art of polishing your nails should be known to everyone. So, here’s a video to help you perfect the art of applying nail polish at home.
Level-up Your Nail Game - Tips by Makeup Artist Chahat Goyal
- Choose between glossy, matte, and shimmer finishes according to the occasion and utility.
- Go for a wand shape according to the shape of your nails. Wider nails call for wider brushes and vice versa.
- It’s important to eat healthy for healthier nails that don’t chip easily. The daily requirement of vitamins and minerals must be met to maintain nail health.
Looking for Ways to Make Your Nail Polish Last?
You’ve mastered the art of applying nail polish, so may we suggest checking out ways in which you can make your nail polish last? Read through some of our articles to help yourself with the process of choosing the best products.
Summary
And that’s a comprehensive guide on how to buy the best nail polish online in India. Whether you are in search of a shade for the festive season or an upcoming wedding, we hope our recommendations have helped you pick the suitable product.
Author: Srishti Sikka
Top 5 Nail Polish
No. 1: HUL｜Lakme True Wear Nail Color
No. 2: HUL｜LAKMÉ Absolute Gel Stylist
No. 3: Coty US LLC｜O.P.I Nail Lacquer
No. 4: Viva Cosmetics｜Colorbar Matte Nail Lacquer
No. 5: Viva Cosmetics｜Faces Canada Splash Nail Enamel
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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