Best Nail Care Products

Types of nail polish

Nail polishes aren’t just for decoration, they can enhance nail growth, protect the nail plate and stop the nail from breaking, making them healthier and more attractive overall.

There are lots of nail polish products on the market today and here are some of the few types you might want to consider:

Coloured nail polish

With salon-quality manicures easily costing up to $50, you could save a fortune by learning to paint your own nails at home. DIY manicures can still look professional and last just as long since nail care companies are now creating long-lasting formulas.

Coloured nail polish is also known as nail varnish or nail lacquer and come in a variety of different shades to suit everyone’s preferences. They normally require 1-3 coats for full opacity and can be air dried, lasting between 3 days to 1 week chip-free depending on the formula.

Gel and shellac nail polish

Gel and shellac nail polish both can last for up to two weeks chip-free without losing shine if properly cared for. They require UV lamps or LED light to dry and typically, the bottles tend to be more expensive than traditional nail varnish.

Gel nail polish is also harder to remove than shellac and can be tougher on the nails. Acetone can effectively remove it, but has been noted to damage the nail bed.

What’s the difference between the two? Gel nails colour your nails with a semi-permanent gel, whereas shellac nails utilise a semi-permanent lacquer. There are approximately three times as many colour options for gel nails than there are for shellac nails, but both have plenty of colours to select from.

Base coat nail polish

A base coat is normally translucent or a pale milky colour in appearance. You can use it on your nail plate before applying your coloured varnish to improve the adhesivity of the following nail polish and to protect your nails from any damaging effects of the polish. In addition, many are designed to moisturise, strengthen and restore your nails as well. It is a great option to help extend the life of your manicure and to prevent staining after you take the colour off.

Top coat nail polish

Top coats act as a barrier between your nail polish and the general wear and tear of the world, leading to less scratching and chipping. It provides a transparent sheen to boost your mani’s look. There are numerous varieties of top coats including quick dry, strengthening, thick (for chunky glitters) as well as effects coats such as matte, holo and flakie.

Nail hardeners

A nail hardener can be applied to your nails to promote growth and make them more resistant to breakage, as well as protect them from future harm. It can be used on fragile nails once a week before getting a manicure.

Things to look for when choosing a nail polish

While all nail polish eventually chips, those made with the right ingredients can last longer. When looking for the best nail polish brand, look for one that not only uses nourishing ingredients, but also has a wide range of colours, dries quickly, has easy applicator brushes and is readily available in stores or online.

Adhesiveness

The colour particles in the nail polish should stick well to one another and to your nail in order to obtain long-lasting results. Good nail paints should also be waterproof and not dissolve or fade when exposed to water.

Drying time

Something that can be really inconvenient is the time nail polish takes to dry since you can’t do much without smurging all your hard work. The best nail polishes don’t take too long to set, so keep this in mind when hunting for your next nail polish.

Hardness

Acrylic polymer is commonly found in high-quality nail polishes and makes a good nail polish durable, water-resistant, and hard. If the polish has already hardened before it comes into contact with water, it will not fade, nor will it be easily scraped off if scratched.

Brush size

When considering nail polishes, also take a look at the brush size and manouverability. Make sure the brush is big enough to cover the whole nail in a few swipes and has an angled tip that is perfect for square or oval nails. Wider brushes also allow for a quicker and mess-free application, whereas a more narrow brush may be more suitable for those looking to create nail art (such as crescent-moon manis).

Ingredients to look out for

A good nail polish should protect the nail while not staining the nail plate. The best nail polish will also allow your nails to revert to their natural state when the polish is removed. The best nail polishes have special formulas and ingredients that contain essential vitamins that enhance and nourish your nails, keeping them healthy.

Nail polishes containing biotin, keratin and vitamin E are the best for strengthening, growing, and nourishing nails, resulting in overall healthier nails. Formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, on the other hand, should be avoided at all costs because they are thought to be harmful to the health of the nails and the longevity of a manicure.

The term “8-free” or “[number]-free” means it's made without 8 (or said number) of harmful ingredients, a few being formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and TPHP, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance.

Coverage

Some nail polishes provide excellent coverage in one coat whereas more translucent shades will require 2-3 coats before there is sufficient coverage. Make sure you’re getting the opacity you want without making your nails too bulky.

Brands

Some of the most famous nailcare brands found in Australia are Essie, OPI, Revlon, Zoya, Barry M Smith & Cult and Sally Hansen. Designer brands include Dior, Christian Louboutin, Tom Ford, Givenchy and Chanel.

Price

Nail polish can range from $5-45 for high-end designer brands. Many great quality nail polishes with no harsh chemicals can be found in the mid-range between $10-20.

How to get the perfect manicure at home

• Step 1: Start by washing your hands with soap and water. It sounds basic but it’s essential, it’s always best to work with a clean and clear palette.
• Step 2: Take off any existing nail polish by using an acetone-free remover in order to not damage your nails.
• Step 3: Get clipping, filing and buffing. Here is where you create your perfect shape by trimming your claws, filing gently by moving in one direction to get your desired tip shape and buffing the tops and sides of your nails with a nail buffer to create a smooth surface. Buffing also helps remove oil from the nails and brightens them.
• Step 4: Apply your base coat. This forms an adhesive that allows your colour to stick more easily whilst also acting as a protective barrier to protect your nail plate from staining and harsh chemicals that may be present in the nail polish.
• Step 5: Get that colour on. Here is where you can apply 1 or 2 coats of your coloured nail varnish. Make sure each coat dries completely before applying the next.
• Step 6: Top it off with a good quality top coat. Make sure your nail polish has completely dried for this step. You can create a high gloss or matte finish and protect your mani for a few more days before chipping by investing in a great top coat.
• Step 7: If you want your mani to last even longer and for a luxurious feel, apply some cuticle oil (or moisturiser) for great shine, nourishment and protection.

Other nail care products

Best nail polish remover

Bad quality nail polish removers either stink, don't remove your polish effectively and leave your nails feeling dry and weak. This is due to the use of drying ingredients such as formaldehyde and acetone.

The best nail polish removers, on the other hand, are packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe and almond oil and will remove your nail varnish in a couple of swipes.

Nail moisturisers

Your nails, like your skin and hair, are made up of layers of keratin that can be damaged by things like overexposure to water, harsh weather, acetone-based nail polish or improperly removing gel manicures. However, with the help of the best nail moisturisers, you can repair current damage while also protecting your nails from becoming weak and brittle in the future.

You can use a variety of different products to keep your nails and cuticles smooth. One of the most important ingredients to look for is vitamin E, which is a particular superstar when it comes to nail health because it not only moisturises your skin and nails, but it can also help treat yellow nail syndrome. Jojoba and sweet almond oils are also nutrient-rich ingredients that help moisturise and protect your cuticles, hands, and nails.

Nail and cuticle oil

A perfect manicure would be incomplete without well-kept cuticles. Cuticle oil is a product that moisturises your nails and cuticles. Applying cuticle oil to your nails can improve circulation and stimulate nail growth. It can also protect your nail and cuticle from damage. The oil can also help improve your nail's health and appearance.

You can read reviews on our website to help you choose the best nail care products for you.