Since its founding in 1981 by Essie Weingarten, Essie has established itself as one of the best nail polish brands in the UK, inspiring beauty enthusiasts worldwide. Weingarten's vision was to empower women by providing them with confidence and elegance through manicures. She embarked on her journey armed with 12 unconventional nail polish colors, including now-iconic shades like 'blanc,' 'bordeaux,' and 'baby's breath.' These timeless colors have become staples in nail salons and personal collections over the years.

As Essie's reputation grew, so did its presence on prestigious runways worldwide. Fashion designers and industry insiders turned to Essie as their go-to brand, collaborating on runway looks and collections that not only complemented fashion trends but also set new ones for nails. Season after season, Essie's highly anticipated color collections have captivated beauty aficionados, driving nail trends and establishing the brand as a benchmark for nail artistry.

Beyond their extensive range of shades, Essie is committed to unwavering quality. Their salon-quality formula, enriched with nourishing ingredients, ensures smooth application, long-lasting wear, and vibrant color payoff. This dedication to crafting premium nail care products has earned Essie numerous accolades, solidifying its position as an award-winning line of polishes and treatments.

Today, Essie remains passionate about inspiring nail enthusiasts and professionals. With an extensive array of shades, the brand ensures that there is a perfect color for everyone, regardless of skin tone or personal style. Whether one seeks a subtle nude for a professional look or a bold statement color for a special occasion, Essie has it covered.

Headquarters: New York, USA
Founded: 1981
Founder: Essie Weingarten
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essie/
Website: https://www.essie.com/

CND (Creative Nail Design) revolutionized the nail industry with its groundbreaking creation of Shellac. This innovative formulation forever changed the way people approached nail color. Shellac offered a remarkable two weeks of non-chip, high-shine nail color when used in conjunction with a UV lamp. This breakthrough technology allowed for quicker and less frequent polish applications, providing long-lasting results that were previously unheard of. Even today, Shellac remains an industry leader, beloved by professionals and nail enthusiasts alike.

Building on the success of Shellac, CND expanded its range to include a variety of shades, catering to different preferences and occasions. The Shellac collection features classic and timeless colors like the delicate baby pink of Romantique (£11.95), the vibrant red of Poppyfields (£11.95), and the ethereal silvery lilac of Field Fox (£16.90). These shades, along with many others, offer customers a range of options to express their personal style and enhance their nails with long-lasting beauty.

Recognizing the desire for salon-level results in the comfort of one's own home, CND introduced the Vinylux collection. Designed to deliver a professional-level manicure experience, Vinylux polishes boast impressive lasting power. The formulation includes nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, keratin, and jojoba oil, which help prevent dryness and promote healthier nails. With Vinylux, individuals can enjoy the durability and shine typically associated with a salon manicure, right at their fingertips.

Headquarters: California, USA
Founded: 1979
Founders: Dr. Stuart Nordstrom and Jim Nordstrom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cndworld/
Website: https://cnd.com/

When it comes to affordability and an extensive range of trendy colors, Barry M nail polish takes the spotlight. This brand offers a wide array of collections, each catering to different preferences and occasions. From the Classic collection, which provides reliable and timeless nail varnish shades, to the Molten Metal range, perfect for adding a touch of shimmer to your party nights, Barry M has something for everyone.

The Classic Glitter collection is ideal for those who want to embrace disco vibes and add some sparkle to their nails, while the Green Origin line caters to the eco-conscious consumer, offering environmentally friendly options. Among Barry M's vast collection, one of their bestsellers is undoubtedly the Gelly Hi Shine range. This collection offers a gel-like finish that mimics the look of a professional gel manicure, all without the need for curing with a light. The Gelly Hi Shine polishes are available in a plethora of funky shades, allowing individuals to express their unique style.

With its broad range of collections and trend-driven colors, Barry M has become a go-to brand for those seeking quality nail polishes at an affordable price. Their ability to stay on top of current trends while offering a diverse color selection sets them apart in the market.

Headquarters: London, UK
Founded: 1982
Founder: Barry Mero
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrymcosmetics/
Website: https://www.barrym.com/

Nail Inc's 21 free formulas are a game-changer when it comes to non-toxic nail polish. Not only are they safe for kids and babies, but they are also perfect for adults who want to minimize their exposure to harmful chemicals. These formulas are free from 21 of the most common toxins found in nail polish, including formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates.

The Nail Inc's 21 range features a wide variety of fashion-led colors that are fast-drying and long-lasting, making them perfect for busy lifestyles. What's more, these polishes are made with 73% plant-based ingredients, making them a great choice for those who are conscious of their environmental impact.

One of the most exciting aspects of Nail Inc's range is its color-changing nail polishes. These innovative polishes shift hues based on temperature, adding a fun and playful element to your manicure. Nail Inc also offers a variety of unique nail products, such as their spray-on nail polish and nail polish pens. These products make it easy to create intricate designs and patterns on your nails, allowing you to get creative with your manicure.

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Founded: 1999

Founder: Thea Green MBE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailsinc/

Website: https://www.nailsinc.com/

Sally Hansen is a popular American nail polish and nail care brand that was founded in 1946 by Sally Hansen herself. The brand offers a wide range of nail care products, including nail polish, nail treatments, and nail tools. Some of its most popular products include the Miracle Gel nail polish line, which is known for its long-lasting formula, and the Hard as Nails nail treatment, which is designed to strengthen and protect nails. Sally Hansen products are available in many drugstores, supermarkets, and beauty supply stores around the world.

Sally Hansen offers a wide range of nail polish colors and finishes, including cremes, shimmers, metallics, and glitters. Their formulas are often designed for specific purposes, such as quick-drying, chip-resistant, or long-lasting wear. Some of the brand's best-selling and highly rated nail polish colors include Miracle Gel in "Top Coat", Complete Salon Manicure in "Shell We Dance?", Insta-Dri in "Petal Pusher", Xtreme Wear in "Pacific Blue", and Color Therapy in "Powder Room". These shades are popular for their versatility, quick-drying formula, long-lasting wear, and nourishing properties.

Headquarters: New York, USA
Founded: 1946
Founder: Sally Hansen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sally_hansen/
Website: https://www.sallyhansen.com/en-us

OPI is a widely recognized nail polish brand that has been in existence for more than four decades. In 1981, George Schaeffer, a dental supply salesperson, saw a chance in the nail care industry and obtained the brand that eventually became OPI. Today, the brand is famous for its premium nail polishes and broad spectrum of color alternatives.

One of OPI's essential characteristics is its polish formula. The brand boasts of utilizing a "pro-wide brush" that enables easy and even application. OPI polishes are also known for their long-lasting durability and chip-resistant finish. Beyond traditional nail polish, OPI supplies a range of other nail care products, such as base coats, top coats, and cuticle oils.

OPI's extensive selection of colors is another noteworthy aspect of the brand. The brand offers more than 200 shades, including classic reds, trendy pastels, and bright neons. Several of these colors have become iconic, such as the deep red hue "I'm Not Really a Waitress" and the soft pink "Bubble Bath." OPI often collaborates with celebrities and designers to produce limited-edition collections like the recent Hello Kitty and Mexico City collections.

Another aspect of OPI's brand identity is its lighthearted and clever marketing. The brand often gives its polishes names that include puns and popular culture references, such as "Don't Bossa Nova Me Around" and "I Think in Pink." OPI's marketing campaigns have also featured quirky and humorous advertisements, such as a recent campaign featuring a "nail polish museum" where visitors could view and interact with larger-than-life nail polish bottles.

Headquarters: Calabasas, California, USA

Founded: 1981

Founder: George Schaeffer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opi/

Website: https://www.opi.com/

In 2012, Nailberry was established to address the lack of vegan nail brands that could provide the same level of durability as their non-vegan counterparts. The brand's advanced formulations quickly gained popularity due to their ability to prevent chips, cracks, and fading.

To further innovate, Nailberry introduced the UV Gloss Top Coat which brings the shine and durability of a gel manicure to the comfort of one's home without the need for UV or LED lamps. Instead, the product utilizes a specialized 3D reactive technology that cures through sunlight.

Nailberry prides itself on maintaining nail health by ensuring that their products are breathable and allow moisture permeation to avoid dehydration. The brand's brush is also designed to be precise and streak-free for optimal application. Among Nailberry's range of colors, Noirberry (£15) is a favorite for its red-black shade, while Spiritual (£15) is a soft blue-gray hue that is versatile and wearable for everyday use.

Headquarters: London, UK
Founded: 2012
Founder: Sonia Hully
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailberry_/
Website: https://www.nailberry.co.uk/

Ciaté London, founded by Charlotte Knight in 2009, is a renowned makeup and beauty brand. Initially focusing on nail polishes, the brand has since expanded its offerings to include makeup, skincare, and fragrance products.

Ciaté London is widely recognized for its inventive and trendsetting creations. One of their notable innovations is the Caviar Manicure, a popular nail technique that involves applying tiny beads to achieve a textured, three-dimensional effect. The brand has also introduced other unique nail finishes, including glitter, holographic, and chrome, captivating nail enthusiasts with their diverse and exciting options.

In addition to their exceptional nail products, Ciaté London presents a range of makeup items, such as eyeshadows, lipsticks, and highlighters. Renowned for their vivid and daring colors, the brand offers a broad spectrum of shades to suit various preferences. Moreover, Ciaté London prides itself on delivering high-quality formulas that ensure long-lasting wear and outstanding performance.

Ciaté London places importance on clean and ethical practices. Many of their products are vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with the brand's dedication to utilizing ingredients that meet high ethical standards. Furthermore, Ciaté London prioritizes sustainable packaging, opting for eco-friendly materials that can be recycled, contributing to their overall commitment to environmental responsibility.

Headquarters: London, UK
Founded: 2009
Founder: Charlotte Knight
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciatelondon/
Website: https://www.ciatelondon.com/

Zoya is a brand that has quickly become a favorite among those who want vegan-friendly and non-toxic nail polish options. The brand offers an extensive range of dazzling colors and finishes, ranging from cremes and shimmers to metallics, glitters, and sheers. With so many options to choose from, there is something for everyone.

Zoya's claim to fame is their long-wearing and chip-resistant formula, which is known as the "world's longest-wearing natural nail polish." This makes Zoya a great choice for those who want a long-lasting manicure without having to compromise on health or sustainability. The brand's nail polishes are free from harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, formaldehyde resin, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

What sets Zoya apart from other non-toxic nail polish brands is its use of natural ingredients that help to strengthen and nourish the nails. The brand's non-toxic nail polish for kids and adults is made with a blend of natural ingredients, including potato, corn, and wheat. These ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy nail growth, making Zoya a great choice for those who want to care for their nails while still enjoying beautiful colors and finishes.

Headquarters: Ohio, USA
Founded: 1986

Founders: Zoya and Michael Reyzis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoyanailpolish/

Website: https://www.zoya.com/

Maybelline is a well-known global cosmetics brand that offers a wide range of makeup and beauty products, including foundation, mascara, lipstick, and nail polish. The brand was founded in 1915 and has since become one of the most recognized and trusted names in the beauty industry.

One of Maybelline's most popular products is its Superstay Gel Nail Color line. This line features a range of vibrant and bold colors that are designed to last for up to two weeks without chipping or fading. The formula is also designed to dry quickly, making it a great option for those who are short on time.

Maybelline also offers a range of other nail polish lines, including its Color Show line, which features a variety of classic and trendy colors, and its Express Finish line, which is designed to dry in just 60 seconds. Maybelline New York has a great selection of fast-drying gel nail polishes in their inventory, making it one of the best nail polish brands in the UK.

Headquarters: New York, USA
Founded: 1915
Founder: Thomas Lyle Williams
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maybelline/
Website: https://www.maybelline.com/