Photographer: Elliot & Erick Jimenez; Stylist: Rachael Wang; Hair: Nikki Nelms; Makeup: Frankie Boyd; Manicure: Eri Handa; Set designer: Jenny Correa; Producer: Marcos Fecchino
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.
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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.
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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.
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Sundays nail polish in L.01, a pink so pale it borders on white, has the tender appeal of apple blossom.
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A bright pop of bubblegum pink, Zoya Professional Lacquer in Tweedy practically asks to be snapped.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in #NYFW cloaks nails in the velvet blue of a midnight sky.
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A dazzling tangerine that reflects every kind of light, OPI Nail Lacquer in PCH Love Song is like brushing on the sunset.
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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.
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Nails of LA Press-On Extensions transform stubby nails into perfect ovals.
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Each Crowned and Polished nail kit mimics salon acrylics — minus the price tag, light cure, and time commitment.
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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.
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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.
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The bouncy finish of Essie Gel-Setter Top Coat resists dings and gives nails a rounder, fuller, beautiful-er silhouette.
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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.
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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.
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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.
KeywordsBest of Beautynail productsNail PolishManicuresnailsnail carepedicurehand creamshand lotionessie nail polishopiZoyaSally HansenAllure Best of Beautyrepackageshoppingshopping guideBest of Beauty 2021
