Photographed by: Zhong Lin Fashion stylist: Gabriella Karefa-Johnson Hair: Jawara Makeup: Raoul Alejandre Manicures: Mei Kawajiri Set Design: Gerard Santos Production: Tiagi Model: Anok Yai DP (motion only): Brad WickhamSave this storySave this story
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There are people in this world who exchange birthday gifts with their manicurist, and then there are those who have spent many solitary hours mastering the art of the at-home manicure. Whichever camp you’re in (and if you’re someone who’s never done their nails and is looking to get started … welcome!), we’re confident you’ll find something to love among 2025’s Best of Beauty-winning nail-care products. Our testers certainly did.
For the at-home manicure aficionado or someone just getting started, we’ve nailed down the best traditional polishes (quick-dry and long-lasting), gels, and the base coat and topcoat that will help you eke out a few extra days with your DIY job. And for anyone who’s diligent about nail health, we found the gentlest, most effective polish removers, a strengthener that will have you cracking open soda cans with abandon, and tools and oils to keep your cuticles in tip-top shape.
There is, actually, another category of nail lovers that has emerged in recent years, and those are people who swear by temporary press-ons. Thanks to advances in the category—stronger adhesive, sleeker designs, more varied sizing—fake nails have never looked better and lasted longer. This year, we've narrowed down the ever-expanding field to two brands that are so convincing, you’ll have strangers asking for your nail artist’s number.
Join us in giving a big hand to all of the nail-care winners of 2025 (only if your manicure is dry, of course). Then, after you've scrolled this section, check out the rest of this year’s Best of Beauty winners.
Best of Beauty Awards 2025: Nails
Shop your favorite category or keep scrolling for the year's very best nail polishes, press-ons, and polish removers.
See our winners:LargeChevron
Best Nail Polish
Best Quick Dry Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish
Best Quick Dry Polish
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish
Amazon
Why It Won: We need two hands to count all the things we love about Sally Hansen Insta-Dri polish. For starters, the three-in-one formula eliminates the need for a base coat, a topcoat, and it completely dries in 60 seconds, so you can get on with your day. Then there’s the flat brush, which makes it super simple to get a neat, streak-free application (even for our most impatient testers). Not to mention the perfect shiny finish, and that you can choose nearly any color under the sun from the 109-shade range collection, and… Well, we could keep counting the reasons, but its multiple Best of Beauty wins over the years are probably proof enough.
Tester feedback from senior copy manager Dawn Rebecky
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“Sally Hansen Insta-Dri dries in a snap, and one coat of even the richest red in the lineup, Augmented Red-ality, is all you really need for saturated color. It’s my one-and-done when I need my nails to pop on short notice." —Dawn Rebecky, senior copy manager
Best Longwear Nail Polish: Gel By Essie Nail Polish
Best Longwear Polish
Gel By Essie Nail Polish
Ulta Beauty
Content director Kara McGrath applies the Gel By Essie nail polish.
Why It Won: Of the dozens and dozens of long-lasting lacquers we tried, Gel By Essie is, hands down, the most durable. The high-gloss formula impressed our testers again and again, withstanding every hand wash, strength-training session, and can of seltzer we threw at it. The brush is well shaped to coat the whole nail in one stroke—and you're spoiled for choice with the 60-plus color range.
Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath
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“I have tried a lot of different ‘long-lasting’ nail polishes, and this is still the only one that stays on for a minimum of five days (though I've gotten up to eight before it started showing some wear at the tips). That might partially be because it takes only two coats to get totally opaque color." —Kara McGrath, content director
Best At-Home Gel Nail Polish: Aprés Gel Couleur
Best At-Home Gel Polish
Aprés Gel Couleur
Amazon (Trio)
Senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applies the Aprés Gel Couleur nail polish.
Why It Won: Aprés Gel Couleur is a go-to for celebrity manicurists readying their clients for the red carpet. Case in point: Twelve sets of hands wore it at this year’s Met Gala—and those are just the ones we know about. We put the formula to the test, away from the glare of the cameras, and were completely gobsmacked. Once cured with an LED light and a topcoat, this gel lasts forever (at least until your nails grow out and you’re ready for a refresh). Plus, there’s a dizzying array of shades to choose from. But what really caught the attention of our dedicated DIY’ers is the brush, which bestows on its user the precision and control of a certified professional.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen
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“This gel formula has become a non-negotiable in my DIY nail routine. The brand's wide range of colors and finishes is one thing, and its smooth, opaque formulas are another, but it's the brush that makes this polish such a standout. It’s slimmer and more compact than your average applicator, making it easier to paint in ultra-thin coats and get total control of where, exactly, your polish goes so you’re not flooding the cuticles. It's like a specialty nail-art brush, but better because you don't have to buy it separately.” —Nicola Dall'Asen, senior news editor
Best Base Coat
Best Basecoat Nail Polish: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
Best Base Coat
OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
Amazon
Why It Won: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat lays down a glossy barrier that, in our experience, prevents discoloration and extends the life of your manicure, whether you follow it with a polish of the same brand or not. Some testers even saw their natural nails grow stronger throughout the testing process when they stuck with this formula.
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“What I like most about this base coat is that it gives you a really even coat—I just need two swipes on each nail and I’m good to go. It also dries down fast, which means quicker, less messy manicures overall.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
Best Topcoat
Best Topcoat Nail Polish: Zoya Ultra Glossy Seal Top Coat
Best Top Coat
Zoya Ultra Glossy Seal Top Coat
Ulta Beauty
Why It Won: Zoya Ultra Glossy Seal Top Coat mimics the high-shine, chip-resistant finish you’d expect from a professional gel manicure, but without the need for a UV lamp. It’s denser than your average topcoat, which both protects polish and creates a reflective effect, giving our testers up to seven days without a chip in sight.
Tester feedback from senior manager, analytics and audience development Monica Perry
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“This Zoya topcoat is like a two-for-one because it both protects your mani and enhances the color you choose, even if it’s a basic nude. And if you're chronically late, like…some people (not me, HR), you'll love that it dries quickly.” —Monica Perry, senior manager, analytics and audience development
Best Nail Strengthener
Best Nail Strengthener: Margaret Dabbs London Nail Strengthening Treatment
Best Nail Strengthener
Margaret Dabbs London Nail Strengthening Treatment
Margaret Dabbs
Why It Won: There are a lot of nail strengtheners out there that are just glorified topcoats. That’s not the case with the Margaret Dabbs London Nail Strengthening Treatment, which reinforces flimsy fingernails after just one swipe of its brush. The formula includes celery seed (rich in strengthening fatty acids) and lots of vitamins (B5, E, and F), while the sheer pink hue can double as a lovely blush polish after two coats.
Tester feedback from contributing writer Sophia Panych
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“I’ve been trying to rebuild my nails after giving up gels for good, and it’s been a journey. I’ve tried loads of strengtheners, and this is the first one that made an immediate, noticeable difference. After one coat, I’m able to unbox dozens of beauty products without having to fret over my nails breaking, splitting, or folding.” —Sophia Panych, contributing writer
Best Cuticle-Care Product
Best Cuticle Treatment: Le Mini Macaron Lunegloss Revitalizing Serum Pen
Best Cuticle Treatment
Le Mini Macaron Lunegloss Revitalizing Serum Pen
Nordstrom
Beyond Polish
Why It Won: Our testers found a lot to love about Le Mini Macaron Lunegloss Revitalizing Serum Pen, falling, first, for the mess-free applicator, which lets you dispense exactly the right amount of oil exactly where you want it. But what really won the people over is the intensely conditioning formula that transforms dry, ragged cuticles with a potent blend of black algae, açai berry, and black caviar extract. (And don't be surprised: When you first apply it, the oil has a sheer, grayish tone.)
Tester feedback from talent manager Ally Gray
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“I took this handy pen with me on a ski trip to Colorado, and not only is it easy to apply (and pack), but it kept my nails and cuticles super conditioned—even in the snow.” —Ally Gray, talent manager
Best Cuticle Tool: Beauty Power Nail Care Set
Best Cuticle Tool
Beauty Power Nail Care Set
Amazon
Why It Won: Keeping your cuticles neat and tidy makes all the difference with an at-home manicure, and our testers found the Beauty Power Nail Care Set helped them achieve near salon-worthy results. The trio includes a precision nipper with stainless-steel blades, a dual-ended pusher (one end rounded, the other slanted), and a mini glass file that can also be used to buff the nail plates. The tools are everything you need—and just sharp enough to achieve pristine results without pricking your skin.
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
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"I take my nail game seriously, and having a dedicated tool kit makes all the difference for nail and overall hygiene. This set has everything I need—including a glass nail file, high-quality cuticle cutters, and even tweezers!—to maintain my nails between sets, keeping them trimmed, filed, and my cuticles in top shape anytime, anywhere." —Bianca Richards, social media manager
Best Press-On Nails
Best Short Press-On Nails: Glamnetic Press-On Nails
Best Short Press Ons
Glamnetic Press-On Nails
Amazon
Manager of creative development Lauren Alberti applies the Glamnetic Press-on Nails.
Why It Won: There are those of us who will just never get used to typing, tying our shoes, or putting in contact lenses with long nails, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the convenience of press-ons. Glamnetic Press-On Nails offers its durable tips in demure lengths that look so natural, you’d swear you spent 90 minutes in the salon. You can choose your shape (square, oval, almond, or squoval), your size (each box comes with 30 nails), and your design—including timeless French manicures, classic cream shades, on-trend art (like sheer lace print and 3D seashells), and adorable brand collabs (the Hello Kitty and Friends press-ons are especially adorable).
Tester feedback from manager of creative development Lauren Alberti
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“These are the perfect solution for an instant manicure at a fraction of the price. Forgot you had a baby shower this weekend? Glamnetics to match the outfit. Going on vacation and trying to stay below budget? They look great, last about two weeks, and are extremely easy to apply. I get compliments on my nails all the time, and people are shocked when I reply, ‘Thanks, they’re press-ons!’” —Lauren Alberti, manager of creative development
Best Nail Polish Remover
Best Nail Polish Remover Pot: Morgan Taylor Strip Ease Nail Lacquer Remover
Best Pot Nail Polish Remover
Morgan Taylor Strip Ease Nail Lacquer Remover Pot
Amazon
Why It Won: A lot of polish-remover pots are more trouble than they’re worth, leaving you twisting your finger around for ages to remove even the lightest colors. Morgan Taylor Strip Ease Nail Lacquer Remover Jar makes the process shockingly easy. The acetone-soaked sponge wipes away polish on the first dip, with a barely-there, melon-y scent and a gentle, panthenol-infused formula that keeps noses and nail plates happy.
Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath
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“This remover takes off polish scarily fast and doesn’t totally dehydrate my nails in the process." —Kara McGrath, content director
Best Liquid Nail Polish Remover: Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover
Best Liquid Nail Polish Remover
Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover
Amazon
Why It Won: It may have launched more than a decade ago, but the Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover continues to impress our testers year after year. The gentle, softening formula (one of its five ingredients is glycerin) cuts through multiple coats of polish and wipes away even the clingiest glitter flecks, all without stripping your nails of every last ounce of moisture. Add to that the salon-style, spill-proof pump, and you have a product that truly stands the test of time.
Tester feedback from senior manager, analytics and audience development Monica Perry
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“This remover is effective—it doesn't take a lot of swipes or rubbing to get even the richest colors off. But the pump dispenser is the real reason it's the GOAT of removers. DIY manis can get messy, but that mechanism ensures you're not spilling or overusing acetone.” —Monica Perry, senior manager, analytics and audience development
Best Nail Polish Remover Wipe: Dermelect Extracts 3-in-1 Soy Nail Polish Remover
Best Wipe Nail Polish Remover
Dermelect Extracts 3-in-1 Soy Nail Polish Remover
Dermelect
Why It Won: We tested the Dermelect Extracts 3-in-1 Soy Nail Polish Remover on the brightest of reds (Le Mini Macaron in Cherry Red) and the darkest of darks (OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark), and the wipes made easy work of removing both saturated shades. Any polish is quickly and cleanly lifted off your nail plates by this acetone- and alcohol-free formula (making this feat even more impressive), then replaced with good-for-your-nail ingredients like peptides, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
Tester feedback from senior copy manager Dawn Rebecky
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“These wipes are a conditioning treatment for your nails and cuticles that also happen to deftly remove polish—one swipe for lighter colors; three swipes to remove a deep red—all without the remover stink.” —Dawn Rebecky, senior copy manager
Written by Sophia Panych
How does Allure test nail products for Best of Beauty?
For our Best of Beauty Nails winners, we consider each product's performance across the following categories: ingredients, efficacy, packaging, durability, and user experience, including texture, wear, application, and removal (when relevant). We test hundreds of nail products for a wide range of skin types, skin tones, nail shapes, dermatological sensitivities, and skill levels. Our large group of testers—editors, top industry professionals, and other experts—put the polishes and press-ons through real-world conditions like typing, dishwashing, workouts, and hauling suitcases to the airport to test durability and overall wear, while treatments and tools are evaluated based on efficacy and ease of use.
Are Best of Beauty nail polish winners long-lasting and chip-resistant?
Yes. Durability is a key testing factor in the Best of Beauty Nails category. The winning polishes, topcoats, and press-ons are selected for their ability to resist chips, peeling, and fading throughout the day. You’ll find quick-dry and salon-quality formulas that hold up for days without touch-ups, as well as press-ons that stay put for up to two weeks.
Do the winning nail products work for beginners or at-home manicures?
Absolutely. Many of the winners are easy to use and beginner-friendly, thanks to precision brushes, fast-drying formulas, and foolproof kits. Testers of all skill levels try each product on this list to make sure that whether you've mastered the DIY manicure or you're a nail polish novice, you are guaranteed to have at-home success.
What types of nail products are included in the Best of Beauty Awards?
The Best of Beauty Nails category features all kinds of polishes, from traditional lacquers and long-lasting, gel-like formulas to true at-home gel kits you cure with an LED machine. We also include all the products you need to achieve a professional-level manicure and pedicure at home, which means we award a base coat, topcoat, cuticle serum, and nail-care tools—as well as press-ons, for those who want lovely-looking nails without the fuss (or the polish).
Are there any clean and cruelty-free options among the Best of Beauty Nails winners?
The traditional polishes in the Best of Beauty Nails category do not include formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBT). Many of the products are also vegan and cruelty-free.
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