This past year was, among other things, a time when a lot of people finally mastered the at-home manicure. What might have started out of necessity became a hobby for plenty of folks, whether they expanded their classic nail polish collection, bought an at-home gel kit, or found themselves fully immersed in the press-on nail resurgence.
While we're thrilled salons are reopening, we also know you might continue to enjoy doing your own nails from time to time. To ensure your at-home kit is stocked with the cream of the well-manicured crop, Allure editors tested hundreds of nail products, then narrowed it down to 19 winners we feel confident calling the best.
Looking for the perfect bright red, trendiest light blue, or creamiest nude nail polish? We've got you. How about a sparkly topcoat that layers well over any color? No problem. Maybe you're looking for a set of nice, long press-ons, or custom nail wraps for your next in-person party? We have picks for those too, plus all the extras (remover, cuticle oil, nippers, etc.) you need to ensure your manicure comes out looking pretty darn professional.
Scroll through to see this group of winners, then check out the rest of the 2021 Best of Beauty winners list. —Kara McGrath
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand1/20
Nail Polish (Dark Red): CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish in Bordeaux Babe
One coat — really, just one — of CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish in Bordeaux Babe yields the deepest berry with the quickest drying time. Case in point: Our color set while we were typing this sentence.
$7
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand2/20
Nail Polish (Bright Red): Essie Nail Polish in Not Red-y For Bed
Essie nail polish in Not Red-y For Bed is what would happen if you crossed a cherry with a chili pepper: bright, glossy, and a little bit saucy.
$11
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand3/20
Nail Polish (Soft Pink): Sundays Nail Polish in L.01
Sundays nail polish in L.01, a pink so pale it borders on white, has the tender appeal of apple blossom.
$18
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand4/20
Nail Polish (Bright Pink): Zoya Professional Lacquer in Tweedy
A bright pop of bubblegum pink, Zoya Professional Lacquer in Tweedy practically asks to be snapped.
$7
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand5/20
Nail Polish (Creamy Beige): For Tmrw Non-Toxic Nail Polish in For Later
A cuddly neutral, For Tmrw Non-Toxic Nail Polish in For Later is the color you'd get from pouring extra milk in your tea — and spending extra time with a nail buffer.
$18More from Allure
Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Clean
The Best New Makeup Products Hitting Shelves in September
The Most Exciting New Makeup Products Hitting Shelves in August
These Are Allure Editors' Favorite New Beauty Products of August 2021
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand6/20
Nail Polish (Black): Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in Run the World
Smooth onyx with a mirror-like gleam, Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in Run the World is honestly more opulent than some jewel tones we’ve tried.
$20
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand7/20
Nail Polish (Green): Jinsoon Nail Lacquer in Palma
Jinsoon Nail Lacquer in Palma glazes our nails in vibrant, verdant green; built-in UV filters act like fronds to shield our color from sun damage.
$18
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand8/20
Nail Polish (Blue): Sally Hansen Good Kind Pure Nail Polish in Crystal Blue
The barely perceptible shimmer in Sally Hansen Good Kind Pure nail polish in Crystal Blue gives powder blue more dimension than we ever thought possible.
$10
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand9/20
Nail Polish (Blue): Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in #NYFW
Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in #NYFW cloaks nails in the velvet blue of a midnight sky.
$20
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand10/20
Nail Polish (Orange): OPI Nail Lacquer in PCH Love Song
A dazzling tangerine that reflects every kind of light, OPI Nail Lacquer in PCH Love Song is like brushing on the sunset.
$10
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand11/20
Nail Polish (Glitter Topper): Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer in All You Need Is Love
Suspended in translucent lacquer, the rainbow flecks in Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer in All You Need Is Love turn your run-of-the-mill manicure into bona fide nail art.
$18
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand12/20
Press-Ons: Nails of LA Press-On Extensions
Nails of LA Press-On Extensions transform stubby nails into perfect ovals.
$16
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand13/20
Press-Ons: Crowned and Polished Nail Kit
Each Crowned and Polished nail kit mimics salon acrylics — minus the price tag, light cure, and time commitment.
$30More from Allure
Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Clean
The Best New Makeup Products Hitting Shelves in September
The Most Exciting New Makeup Products Hitting Shelves in August
These Are Allure Editors' Favorite New Beauty Products of August 2021
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand14/20
Nail Wraps: ManiMe
Some nail-art projects involve canceling your plans, fiddling with doodads, and making a big old mess. Not ManiMe's stick-on gels. The cushy strips fit like a glove, stick without ripples, and last up to 10 days.
$25
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand15/20
Base Coat: Sally Hansen Color Therapy Beautifiers Strengthening Base Coat
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Beautifiers Strengthening Base Coat imparts a protective barrier and the rosy glow of a vigorous buffing, making polish a bonus — not a necessity.
$10
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand16/20
Topcoat: Essie Gel-Setter Top Coat
The bouncy finish of Essie Gel-Setter Top Coat resists dings and gives nails a rounder, fuller, beautiful-er silhouette.
$11
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand17/20
Cuticle Care: Naturally London Hydrating Cuticle Oil
We used to hydrate our cuticles because… well, just because. Naturally London Hydrating Cuticle Oil turns the typical chore into a luxurious treat with aloe, lavender, and rose hip.
$22
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand18/20
Cuticle Care: Tweezerman Mini Cuticle Nipper
Some of us actually used the word "fun" to describe Tweezerman Mini Cuticle Nipper, which says a lot about its pinch-free design — and our social life this past year or so.
$13
Pinterest
Courtesy of brand19/20
Nail Polish Remover: Olive & June Nail Polish Remover
Well, that was easy: Dip your finger into the acetone-free Olive & June Nail Polish Remover pot and pull out a spotless, bone-dry nail. And now the cap also has a built-in sponge for erasing enamel on toes.
$10
Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm20/20
See more categories >
KeywordsBest of Beautynail productsNail PolishManicuresnailsnail carepedicurehand creamshand lotionessie nail polishopiZoyaSally HansenAllure Best of Beautyrepackageshoppingshopping guideBest of Beauty 2021