Getting a manicure in a salon is relaxing until you realize it can cost you a fortune each time. So, the affordable option is to shop for the best drugstore nail polish and get a salon-style manicure at home! While most of us blindly go by color or by brand name, it is important to do your research before picking a cheap nail polish. Various brands make high-quality nail polishes at pocket-friendly prices and it might seem like a task to scroll through the market and short-list these brands. But fret not! We have it covered for you.

Easy to apply, quick-drying, and with a wide color range, we have listed some cheap nail polish brands below that are going to be your go-to picks hereon! By picking from gel to shiny, this chip-resistant and long-lasting best drugstore nail polish will save you multiple trips to the salon. As Tammy Taylor rightly said, “Any woman can wear a great outfit, but it is her nails that make the statement.” Your nails can make or break your look, so to help quell your stress of searching for affordable nail polish we virtually combed through some of the affordable nail polish and shortlisted a few for you. Scroll away and pick the best ones from the lot and add them to the cart -

• 1
  Best Glossy Finish

  Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish - Fuchsia Power

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The Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in the shade of Fuchsia Power is a perfect party pick! It adds an instant shine and gloss to your basic nails and makes you party-ready. The formula offers extreme strength along with shine and adds a touch of glamor to your look. This drugstore nail polish is chip resistant and lasts long without fading away. The formula is plant-based, free from 16 toxins, and also available in more than 60 shades. With a swift and smooth application, this best drugstore nail polish is set to give you salon-style nails at home!

2

Most Flawless Coverage

Essie Nail Polish Glossy Shine Finish - 18 Ballet Slippers

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Get shiny and sheer nails with the shade - 18 Ballet Slippers by Essie Nail Polish Glossy Shine Finish. Drawing from our experience, this drugstore nail polish is one of the finest formulas that give you a salon-like finish in the comfort of your home. With flawless coverage and intense color payoff, this nail polish comes with an easy glide brush that gives a smooth and glossy finish. It is available in more than 35 vivacious shades that will amp up your nail polish collection and make it fit for every occasion.

3

Best Alcohol-Free Formula

Beetles Gel Nail Polish - Eucalyptus

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Pick an offbeat yet chic shade of Eucalyptus and give your nails a touch of elegance with the Beetles Gel Nail Polish. This low-on-odor nail polish will make your nails ready for a fun day out without having to worry about fading or chopping. The alcohol-free formula of this drugstore gel polish gives an intense color payoff with an easy and fuss-free application. It is free from 9 forms of toxins which makes this formula safe for every age group. The gel polish comes in a wide range of 35+ colors to pick from.

4

Most Versatile

Modelones Gel Nail Polish Set of 6 Colors - A Going Nude

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Enter the glam zone with chic hues of nails from the Modelones Gel Nail Polish. This set of 6 colors in the shade A Going Nude consists of gorgeous colors that start from ivory to pastel hues of nude pink and range toward deep brown. The gel formula gives you a high gloss finish that is low on odor, and even skin-friendly. This chip-resistant formula remains bubble and peel-free for 28 days straight! Isn’t that amazing? Moreover, the nail polish is free from adhesives and 11 other harsh toxins that can lead to damaged nails. After putting it to the test, we assure you this drugstore nail polish that comes in a variety of colors opens the possibility for numerous nail art designs!

5

Best Toxin-Free Formula

MEMEDA Gel Nail Polish - Nude 3

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With a long-lasting formula that does not chip or fade for 21+ days, try the MEMEDA Gel Nail Polish in the shade Nude 3. Perfect for every occasion, this gorgeous nude pink color adds instant shine to your nails of every length and shape. This drugstore gel polish has a high pigmentation and all it needs is a base and top coat to add that brilliant shine. All you need is to get the nails cured under UV light for approximately 60 to 120 seconds. With good tenacity, this nail polish gives you a smooth finish and flawless coverage.

6

Most Quick Drying Formula

Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish - Slate Blue

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Pick from the wide shade range of 25+ hues and give your nails a quick makeover. Try the Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in the unique and offbeat shade of Slate Blue. The rich and creamy finish of this best drugstore nail polish is quick drying and perfect for that instant manicure when you are in on a time crunch. It dries in about a minute and requires no top or base coat. The formula gives you an intensely rich color payoff that shines on and makes your manicure look fresh as ever. It features an angled brush for precise application, which allows you to apply mess-free even with your non-dominant hand. The formula is free from 8 types of toxins.

7

Best Anti-Fade Formula

Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Enamel Polish - 165 Romantique

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Get the most gorgeous and high-on gloss nails with the Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Enamel Polish. The shade 165 Romantique is a stunning nude hue that is enriched with anti-fade technology that stays as fresh as new for the longest time. It is chip resistant and gives a smooth application with no bubbles or air gaps. This is one of the best drugstore nail polish that prevents your nails from yellowing. The formula comes in 64 gorgeous shades ranging from sheer, and opaque to metallic and chrome. It is safe for everyone’s use as it is free from toxins, camphor, formaldehyde, and even resin.

8

Best Salon-Like Finish

Essie Nail Polish Set - 16 Daisy Jones

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Try various styles of easy nail art designs with this Essie Nail Polish Set. The set comes with two shades of nail polish - Woven At Heart and Put In The Patchwork along with a gel finish top coat. Inspired by the Rock ‘70s, this drugstore nail polish set has hues ranging from reds to corals. The rich creamy texture of this nail polish is fade-resistant and stays for long days without chipping. Despite being a gel finish, the top coat requires no UV or LED lamp for curing and gives a glossy gel-like finish. Available in a wide color range, these nail polishes are worth trying out for a salon-style manicure at home!

9

Best Low Odor Formula

VENALISA Gel Nail Polish - Carmine Red

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The VENALISA Gel Nail Polish in the shade Carmine Red is everything that radiates bold and beautiful. This richly pigmented formula is made from natural resin that is skin-friendly and even environmentally friendly. Low on odor and high on quality, this drugstore nail polish is durable and lasts for at least three weeks without fading or chipping away. The formula requires curing under a UV or LED lamp for around 90 to 120 seconds for it to look as fresh as you just applied it. The collection comes in pop and vivacious 51 colors that range from vibrant bold colors to pastel hues.

10

Best Bubble-Free Formula

Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Enamel Polish - 120 Amethyst Smoke

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Experience the chicness of metallic nails with the shade 120 Amethyst Smoke from the Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Enamel Polish range. The formula consists of anti-fade technology that enables your nail color to last for days together without chipping or dulling away. It is formulated without any toxic ingredients that may lead to the yellowing of nails or breakage. This affordable nail polish is also bubble-free and is quite easy to apply. These nail polishes come in 55+ vibrant hues and range from sheer to opaque, and even chromatic which will leave you tempted to shop for more!

11

DND Gel Nails Duo Gel & Nail Polish Set - Ferrari Red 430

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Get your hands on the gel and nail polish set from DND Gel Nails Duo in the shade Ferrari Red 430. This duo set of gel and nail polish work in coherence to give you gorgeous-looking salon-like nails at home. With curing under a UV or LED lamp, this nail polish formula comes in high quality that lasts for up to 14 days. It can be removed easily with a 15-minute soaking without any hassle. And yes, we did actually test the product! The color ranges in over 100+ hues for you to pick from.

12

Revlon Nail Enamel - 151 Iced Mauve

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The REVLON Nail Enamel in the shade Iced Mauve gives your nails a fun yet chic makeover. It delivers a smooth and glossy finish that stays as fresh as new for days together. The fade and chip resistant technology in this nail polish enables it to stay vibrant. With bubble-free easy application, this cheap nail polish is pocket-friendly and worth trying out. Formulated without any toxins, your nails will stay as healthy as always without any breakage. The brush has smooth textured bristles that give you full coverage.

13

Revlon Nail Enamel - 730 Valentine

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Go bolder and hotter with your choice of nail color with the Revlon Nail Enamel in this sultry shade 730 Valentine. Rich in texture and hue, this best drugstore nail polish will not disappoint you! With over 45+ colors to pick from, this range of affordable nail polish will surely be your favorite. It gives you a precise application with its brush which ensures there are no bubbles or clumps. The formula is chip and fade-resistant and stays vibrant and fresh for a longer time.

14

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish - Pink Stiletto

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This high-on-shine Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in the shade Pink Stiletto is a dream drugstore nail polish. It is an unfailing and long-lasting formula that is chip resistant and stays shiny and new for up to 8 days. The intense color gives you a salon-style manicure at home and does not require a UV or LED lamp for curing or drying off. It is a quick-drying formula that gives you a rich color payoff even with one coat. Available in a wide color range, you get to explore various nail art too!

15

AILLSA Gel Nail Polish - Milky White

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Try the AILLSA Gel Nail Polish in the sheer shade of Milky White and oomph up your nails for a shiny luster. The drugstore gel polish formula looks trendy - no matter the shape and size of the nails. It lasts shiny and new for around 21 to 28 days when cured under a UV or LED lamp. This drugstore nail polish does not chip, fade, or peel off even when you do your household chores. It gives you a smooth and no brush marks application with a high color pigmentation with a perfect shine.

These were some of the best drugstore nail polish that you need to make a space in your vanity for. Now, let’s dive in and check out all the other factors you must know before adding these nail polishes to your cart.

When shopping for nail polish, we pick the best one based on a color we like and instantly end up buying it. However, there is so much more to picking a nail polish than just its color. Here are a few factors you must consider while picking the best drugstore nail polish that promises you salon style nails at home.

Consistency

Consistency is a key factor to check when you buy nail polish. It helps you to understand how much time you may need to finish your manicure session and what things you must keep handy to fasten up the process. While some best drug store nail polish has a runny consistency, others have a thicker consistency and may require longer drying time. In such cases, you need to keep the UV lamp or a quick-drying top coat handy.

Dry Time

After checking a nail polish’s consistency, you need to focus on its drying time. Usual nail polish requires around 10 to 20 minutes of drying time, depending on its consistency. However, for the gel formula, you need to keep your nails under UV or LED light and cure it for 30 seconds at least. However, if you do not have this much time to kill each time you want to switch up nail colors, it is best to pick an affordable nail polish with a quick drying formula. In fact, you can also pick a fast-drying top coat and apply it over any nail polish to speed things up.

Color range

No matter which brand of best drugstore nail polish you pick, make sure it comes in a wide color range. This is to ensure that if you end up liking the nail polish a little too much because of its amazing formula, you always have the option of picking through their color range instead of starting your search for the best drugstore nail polish yet again.

Skin tone

When you buy nail polish, it is completely based on your personal style, taste, and occasion. You must always pick a color that suits your skin tone in the best possible way. The color should enhance your skin tone and not end up making your hands look dull and washed away. Pastel to neutral colors looks great on normal to medium skin tones, whereas cool and darker tones work great on darker complexions. For those with a lighter complexion, pick warmer, darker, and brighter hues as they work the best for you. If you don’t mind

Finish

Good cheap nail polishes come in many finishes. From sheer, glossy, and matte, to shimmery and opaque, you can pick the one that caters to your needs and personal style the most. Matte finish nail polish looks subtle and chic and is highly preferred for work, while everything else is perfect for any occasion or everyday wear.

Formula

Even when you buy cheap nail polish, always invest in a quality product. It must be from a reliable brand with at least decent reviews. Look for a formula that is free from all kinds of toxins that could possibly harm the nail and cause breakage or yellowing. Pick a formula that is made from natural resin, dries quickly, and is chip resistant. The best drugstore nail polish is one that lasts for at least 21 to 28 days and stays fresh looking throughout. It does not fade or dull even when worn for a few days.

To make sure the best drugstore nail polish you pick lasts longer and looks nothing less than a salon-style manicure, you must make sure you apply a base coat and a top coat. Applying a base coat makes sure your nail is protected while making sure the nail polish lasts for longer. While the top coat seals the color and ensures that it does not chip, fade away or lose its shine. You can use a UV or LED lamp to cure the nail polish after application to ensure that it looks perfectly manicured and lasts for longer days.

 It is not a thumb rule that only expensive products are the best. With budget-friendly brands making their way, there exist some best drugstore nail polish choices that are light on the pocket and high on the fashion quotient! They come under an affordable budget and are suitable for anyone and everyone who loves to give their nails a pop of color and shine. To make sure you pick the best cheap nail polish, the buying guide will come in super handy! So, what are you waiting for? Pick the best cheap nail polish from the above-mentioned list and add them to your cart right away!