16 Best Quick Dry Nail Polishes for a Smudge-proof Nail Game

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 06, 2024
A best quick dry nail polish bottle
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Decorating and painting your nails can be a cathartic process. We find it very satisfying to color our nails according to our moods. It requires a whole lot of patience and precision to perfect nail art. But most importantly we need the right kind of nail polish, to begin with, and what is even more significant is the top coat polish that protects your nails and won’t let your nail paint fade. Quick-drying nail polishes can help get your nail painting task done easily. If you are looking for the best of them, we have got you all covered. Here are the 16 best quick dry nail polishes for you to grab!

16 Best Quick Dry Nail Polishes

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat is a colorless top coat that protects your nails and makes sure the nail art or paint lasts longer without any damage. It gives your nails a brilliant sheen and keeps the polish from nicking and dulling. This clear coat also delivers the plumping effect of a gel and high-shine gloss without the use of a UV/LED light. It is a versatile nail product that everyone who loves at-home manicures should own.

Pros
  • Vegan
  • Skin safe
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • No harmful ingredients
Cons
  • Strong scent
  • Best Overall

    Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-chip Top Coat - Clear

    Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-chip Top Coat - Clear
  • Here is yet another clear top coat nail polish that we think is worthy. This fast-drying top coat formula strengthens the nails and prevents color fading. The acrylic polymer formula provides your nails with a glossy finish and full coverage. Just a single swipe will get the job done perfectly! The special feature of this quick-dry nail polish is its double-UV filter formula. It acts as a protective invisible shield against the yellowing of the nail color.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Skin-friendly
    • Long-lasting
    • Chip resistant
    Cons
    • May smell of alcohol
  • Most Luxe Formula

    LONDONTOWN Nail Polish lakur

     LONDONTOWN Nail Polish lakur
  • Nothing beats the glam of a vibrant red nail paint by LONDONTOWN. Made with a vegan formula, this beautiful color is easy to apply and easy to remove. Moreover, this nail paint is made with a premium formula that makes it very long-lasting. The chip-resistant, cruelty-free nail polish is gluten-free and paraben-free. This glossy nail polish is made with a unique blend of vitamins, and minerals that doesn't damage your nailbed, and enhances your nail health. 

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Vegan formula
    • Easy to apply
    • Vibrant shade
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • GUCCI Glossy Nail Polish

    GUCCI Glossy Nail Polish
  • Your nails will definitely thank you for having introduced them to this quick drying nail polish by Gucci. It is richly infused with AHA and glycolic acid that combats photo-induced hyperpigmentation due to excessive exposure to environmental stressors. Furthermore, the nail polish is highly pigmented and immune to chips, rubs, transfer and water, and is hence one of the best choices for beginners who wish to take their baby steps toward accentuating their self care regime.

    Pros
    • Provides a natural finish
    • Robust shine
    • Non-messy formulation
    • Allergen-free
    Cons
    • Tends to get clumpy
  • Best Duo Set

    Deborah Lippmann Bed of Roses Nail Polish Set

    Deborah Lippmann Bed of Roses Nail Polish Set
  • When it comes to recommending the best quick drying nail polishes the options are always incomplete without the mention of this amazing product by Deborah Lippmann. It is consciously designed by top-notch makeup aficionados and beauty enthusiasts to suit all skin tones. What's more is that the product comes in a bewitching range of subtle nudes, soft pinks, and earthy browns that provides an alluring matte finish without making the nail tint look overpowering. Overall, the product is an impeccable choice in the category of the best nail polishes because it is easy to wear and provides full coverage.

    Pros
    • High shine
    • Paraben-free
    • Vegan
    • Intense color
    Cons
    • Not many shades available
  • Best Gluten-free Formula

    butter LONDON Patent Shine 10 X Nail Lacquer

    butter LONDON Patent Shine 10 X Nail Lacquer
  • All you need to do is apply one coat of this nail lacquer with butter to glamorize your hands. This fan-favorite nail paint is a soft, beautiful shade that doesn't damage your nails. This non-toxic nail paint is made with a xylene-free formula that is hypoallergenic, long-lasting, quick-dry, and chip-resistant. The best part of this nail paint is that it suits every skin tone, and every nail size. Nude colors are versatile and this one deserves a place in your vanity. 

    Pros
    • Beautiful color
    • Gluten-free
    • Toluene-free
    • Glossy-finish
    • Fragrance-free
    Cons
    • Can leave a strange odor
  • Nails INC. On the Nails Horizon Set

    Nails INC. On the Nails Horizon Set
  • Upgrade your collection of nail paints with the Nails Inc. quick drying nail polish set. It provides an intense color payoff and is potently immune to chips, fade, and transfer. Moreover, these nail paints come with an ergonomically designed brush that makes application an easy and hassle-free process. Lastly, it features a cruelty-free, and long-wearing formulation that makes it a conscious choice, promoting the welfare of the skin as well as the planet.

    Pros
    • Chip-proof
    • Water-resistant
    • Elevated shine
    • Strengthens nails
    Cons
    • Yellow color wears out soon
  • Most Skin-friendly

    OPI Rapidry Nail Polish Dryer

    OPI Rapidry Nail Polish Dryer
  • Unlike the above two paints, this is a nail spray that dries off in a matter of seconds. It is what you need for smudge-proof glossy finish nails. Rapidry Nail Polish Dryer from OPI is formulated with jojoba oil and vitamin E that, apart from restoring shine, nourishes your cuticles and keeps them healthy. You can use this quick-drying spray to help your fresh manicures to set or even for a quick touch-up for that added shine.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Skin-friendly
    • Long-lasting
    • Pleasant fragrance
    Cons
    • May not provide a smooth texture
  • Best for Short Nails

    Poshe Super Fast Drying Top Coat

    Poshe Super Fast Drying Top Coat
  • This top coat formula is a chip-resistant and fast-drying one that’s perfect for people who need to get it all done in a rush. It also helps add shine and enhance the color of your nails. It forms a protective coat that makes sure the efforts you put into creating your nail design won’t fade away anytime soon. Poshe Super Fast Drying Top Coat is something every nail addict should stack up.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Cruelty-free
    • Prevents yellowing
    • No UV light needed
    • No heat tools needed
    Cons
    • May peel off
    • May not be lightweight
  • Best Drugstore Formula

    Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat - Clear

    Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat - Clear
  • This liquid clearer top coat from Revlon is also one of the best quick dry nail polishes that take care of nail health. Yellowing, splitting, and peeling are a few issues we often face. But with Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat, you need not worry about these issues. It forms a glossy layer that is protective in action and clear and shiny in style. The lightweight formula easily glides through your nails and gives your nails the perfect look you crave for!

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Sets in 30 seconds
    • No heat tools needed
    • Improves wear of nail color
    Cons
    • None
  • Best for Special Occasions

    essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish - Misfit Right In

    essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish - Misfit Right In
  • Now, let's talk about colors! This shimmery bronze shade from essie Expressie is an offbeat shade that will suit all complexions. It is a one-coat quick dry formula that dries in about a minute and lasts long too. You don’t have to worry about the coat peeling off or fading in as it stays vivid and put until erased with acetone. You can also grab multiple different shades of them to suit your unique needs.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Thick formula
    • Angled brush for application
    Cons
    • May contain harsh chemical ingredients
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    Demert Nail Enamel Dryer

    Demert Nail Enamel Dryer
  • Love using fuss-free sprays than paints? Check out this non-smearing finishing dryer that gives your nails the perfect polished sheen. It conditions your cuticles and nails thanks to the presence of organic protein and mink oil in its formulation. It is suitable for all types of nails, both natural and artificial, and enhances the color and wear of your nail color. This fast-drying nail spray is also skin-friendly and won’t cause any irritation on your cuticles.

    Pros
    • Pleasant smell
    • Salon grade quality
    • Won’t leave behind residues
    Cons
    • Flammable
  • INM Northern Lights Silver Hologram Top Coat

    INM Northern Lights Silver Hologram Top Coat
  • Made with superfine holographic film particles, this nail paint top coat creates a sparkling 3D effect. It gives a chic Y2K look and adds a protective layer to your nail art. It features a quick-drying formula that makes it smudge-proof within 45 seconds. It is ideal for glittery party-ready nail art. The formula is also chip resistant.

    Pros
    • Easy to remove
    • Glittery finish
    • Long-lasting
    Cons
    • None
  • INM Out The Door Fast Dry Top Coat - Clear

    INM Out The Door Fast Dry Top Coat - Clear
  • INM Out The Door Fast Dry Top Coat is a smudge-proof top coat that dries quickly and stays light on the nails. It features a long-lasting formula that doesn’t shrink or peel off easily. It is the ideal polish to keep your nails strong and smooth with a touch of top-notch sheen. Developed for professional salon use, you can also use them for your at-home manicure needs.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Glossy finish
    • Chip-resistant
    • Non-yellowing formula
    Cons
    • None
  • ella+mila Nail Care Quick Dry Top Coat

    ella+mila Nail Care Quick Dry Top Coat
  • Looking for a secret formula to hide all imperfections on your nail enamel? Steal this one! ella+mila Nail Care Quick Dry Top Coat is a fast-drying thick formula that adds shine to your nails. It prevents the yellowing of the nails as it contains UV inhibitor ingredients in it. The formula is free of harsh chemicals and won’t cause any irritation if it comes in contact with the skin.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • High gloss finish
    Cons
    • May peel off easily
  • Morgan Taylor Need For Speed Fast Dry Top Coat

    Morgan Taylor Need For Speed Fast Dry Top Coat
  • Promising you extended wear and high gloss shine, Morgan Taylor Need For Speed Fast Dry Top Coat is an excellent choice for all mani lovers! This is a clear top coat that dries up super fast and gives your nails a smooth glossy finish. In this fast-paced world, no one wants to spend time blowing off their nails dry. Just grab this quick dry formula to get it all done in a matter of seconds.

    Pros
    • DBP free
    • Toluene free
    • Formaldehyde free
    Cons
    • May chip easily
    • Frayed brush

    These best quick-dry nail polishes will allow you to have a fuss-free experience pampering your nails. They come under a pocket-friendly budget and are suitable for anyone and everyone who loves to give their nails a pop of color and shine. So what are you waiting for? Get your cards out and shop them all right away!

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani totally understands the little problems we often face while painting and jazzing up our kitty claws. Fidgeting and spoiling your nails is apparent but can be avoided with quick dry nail polishes, says the beauty advocate. In tandem, she tested several nail paints based on coat strength, benefits, ingredients, and efficiency to see whether they fit the bracket of quick-drying or not. Surprisingly, she found the 11 best among the vast options that deliver what women truly need. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More