The Nail Polish I Actually Wear

Every bottle on this page is in my drawer right now, and each one earned its spot doing a different job.

Nail polish has to work around my life, and my life includes six kids. I don't have an hour to sit still with wet nails, so fast-drying, smudge-proof formulas win with me every time. Sixty seconds to smudge-proof is my kind of feature.

The other thing I love about polish is matching. Holidays, costumes, a color that makes an outfit for a special occasion. For a shade I may only wear a few times, a cheap bottle that still does a great job is the right call. I save the salon-quality lacquers for the colors I keep coming back to.

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You Asked, I Answered

What's the best nail polish that doesn't chip for everyday wear?

OPI RapiDry. It's smudge-proof in 60 seconds, and the brush is designed with extra bristles and a wide fanning brush for faster product pickup, spreading and drying. It has so many colors for any occasion. One of my everyday faves. Shop OPI RapiDry →

How do you make nail polish dry faster?

I love the Onyx Professional nail dryer in Island Coconut. The fast-drying spray prevents smearing and also helps condition your nails and cuticles. And it smells great. Shop the Onyx nail dryer →

What's the best cheap nail polish that still looks good?

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. I really like this brand for holidays and colors I don't normally wear, because if I wind up not liking it, I only spent a few bucks on it. But it still does a great job. Shop Sally Hansen →

Gel manicure or regular polish: which is worth it for a busy mom?

I would say neither. I like the Dashing Diva nail strips 5-in-1 kit. It's a long-lasting gel strip that will literally stay with your nail until it grows out, and everything is included in the kit. It's UV-free, chip resistant and long lasting. There are so many colors, their holiday nails are adorable, and it's very affordable. Well worth the money, because it's easy for any beginner and they stay on for a very long time. Shop Dashing Diva strips →

How do you fix or hide damaged nails?

I use Dermelect Camo-Nude peptide-infused concealer and treatment in Sheer Nude. It's a non-toxic formula made in the USA that instantly smooths and evens out nail surfaces, and it's packed with protein peptides, biotin and essential vitamins to help strengthen, nourish and revitalize your nails. Shop Dermelect →

What's the best polish if you only paint your nails for special occasions?

I love OPI Nail Lacquer: salon results at home, longwear with high shine and chip resistant, with so many colors. I also love Revlon Super Lustrous, with 47 chip- and fade-resistant shades. Both of these are the top nail polishes in my collection. Shop OPI Nail Lacquer →

OPI RapiDry Nail Polish

"My best time-saving pick."

Why I like it:

Smudge-proof in 60 seconds and the Speedy Rush Brush is designed with 200 extra bristles and a wide fanning brush for faster product pickup, spreading, and drying.

Shades I use:

  • Can't Hardly Wait
  • Skip a Beet
  • Dry and Dash

OPI Nail Lacquer

"My best salon results at home."

Why I like it:

Chip-resistant, longwear nail polish with a high-shine finish for a salon-quality manicure.

Shades I use:

  • Rated Pea-G
  • I'm Really an Actress
  • Stay Off the Lawn

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails

"My best value pick."

Why I like it:

It has shine, color and strength in 1 bottle and is a great value for your money. My go to for matching my nail colors with costumes and special occasions. For a color I may wear a few times, the price is right to make the details of your costume or outfit stand out.

Shades I use:

  • Be a Gemstone
  • Black Heart

Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Polish

"My best pink nude."

Why I like it:

Chip- and fade-resistant nail colors. Choose from 47 sheer, opaque, shimmer, metallic, and chrome shades.

Shades I use:

  • Romantique

Dermelect Camo-Nude Concealer + Treatment

"My peptide-infused concealer and treatment in one."

Why I like it:

Cruelty-free, gluten-free, non-toxic formula and proudly made in the USA. Instantly smoothens and evens out nail surfaces. Packed with protein peptides, Biotin, and essential vitamins, it strengthens, nourishes, and revitalizes nails from within.

Shades I use:

  • Sheer Nude

Onyx Professional Nail Dryer Spray

"The finisher that keeps a fresh manicure from smearing."

Why I like it:

Fast-drying spray prevents smearing and also helps condition your nails and cuticles. It also has a great refreshing island coconut scent.

Shades I use:

  • Island Coconut scent

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