The 15 Best Nail Polishes for Everyday Use

A bestseller on Amazon and a universally-flattering pink-nude shade, Essie’s “Lady Like” is everything you want from a soft baby-pink hue, while still feeling like a “grown-up” shade. This neutral works in every season, and for any occasion, which makes it one of the best nail polish colours for everyday use.

Essie nail polish in “Lady Like”, $8

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Harper’s Bazaar notes yellow nail polish as one of the biggest nail trends to watch for in Spring 2019. While you may be wary of sporting such a statement hue, you might just reconsider when you get a glimpse at this rich, buttery-yellow hue by OPI, called “Meet a Boy As Cute As Can Be”.

OPI Nail Polish in “Meet a Boy As Cute As Can Be”, US $13

Of the oh-so-pretty metallic pink from their Spring 2019 collection, Essie nail artist Michelle Saunders told Glamour, “It's the ideal pastel apricot with a hint of sheen that feels like satin once it’s applied… It’s a perfect pedicure color as well…”

Essie nail polish in “Pinkies Out”, $13

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Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel is a bestselling line for a reason. The brand’s Miracle Gel Value Pack, which includes the gel colour and a top coat polish, allows for an easy at-home manicure with gel-treatment results, minus the need for any special light technology to set it. This value pack comes in six shades, featuring the much-loved crimson hue known as “Red Eye” — a universally-flattering and easy-to-wear red which also ranks as one of the best no-chip nail polishes, thanks to it’s gel formula.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Value Pack in “Red Eye”, $18

“Living Coral” is Pantone’s 2019 colour of the year, and it’s a good one. On their website, Pantone describes this colour as “An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.” If that doesn’t sell you on it, nothing will.

Butter London Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer in “Living Coral”, $17

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Essie’s “Bare With Me” is the perfect nude for everyday wear. The apricot tone and hint of gray make for a universally-flattering shade that will give the slightest hint of colour and work to refresh your nails.

Essie Nail Polish in “Bare With Me”, $9

While green polish may not sound all that appealing, this moss green shade is ranked high with beauty insiders as one of the 2019 nail trends to watch for. This hue perfectly captures the earthy vibes of the moment, and we’re digging the muted polish as an everyday go-to for those looking to make a statement with this new-neutral. We also love that the brand makes a point to note their polishes are not tested on animals!

J. Hannah Nail Polish in “Eames”, US $19

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Etobicoke-based nail technician Van reveals white-based pastels as one of her clients’ favourites for everyday wear. Says Van, “I recommend an off-white, barely-there pink like OPI’s “Mod About You” in the pastel version — it looks good on everyone and my clients are always happy with how it looks.”

OPI nail polish in “Mod About You” (pastel version), $9

The perfect everyday shade of nail polish should take you seamlessly from a day at the office to a night out with the crew — but not every work environment is a stuffy one. For those operating in more casual workplaces — and all the entrepreneurs making their own rules — this one’s for you. Give those nudes and muted tones a run for their money with a statement neon hue. Make your own rules 365 days of the year with this can’t-miss shade from Christian Louboutin’s Loubiflash Collection, called Neoprene.

Christian Louboutin Loubiflash Nail Collection in “Neoprene”, $40

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A compromise for anyone looking to keep their nails polished — but neutral — dove gray is a soft and flattering shade that works year-round.

Essie Nail Polish in “Without a Stitch”, $8

An easy pick, especially in the warmer seasons, crisp white nail polish is also the perfect canvas for those looking to add a little nail art or design to their manicure. We love Essie’s snowy-white “Blanc” shade, which doubles as a great all-over white or the perfect colour for those at-home French-tip manicures.

Essie Nail Polish in “Blanc”, $12

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This deep-red shade, aptly named after the wine, is a rich colour that will flatter any skin tone. For a hue that hits the mark every time, try Giorgio Armani’s Beauty Nail Lacquer in 502-Scarletto.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Nail Lacquer in 502-Scarletto, $34

The sky’s the limit with this subdued and subtle blue hue. As sweet and feminine as a soft pink polish, but with a little added edge, a light blue shade is the perfect way to sport an unexpected colour in a wearable way.

Chanel Le Vernis Bleu Pastel, $33

This deep orange is beautiful in every season, and works to make a statement, without being overly flashy. You can feel good about buying this shade from Smith & Cult, who’s nail polishes are cruelty-free, vegan, and made with an 8-free formula. This opaque burnt orange is called “Tang Bang”.

Smith & Cult Nail Polish in “Tang Bang”, US $18

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When in doubt — opt for a barely-there nude. One of the best nail polishes for working hands, the subtle shade will elongate your fingers while leaving nails looking polished and neat. This luxe pick from Tom Ford, named “Toasted Sugar”, is the chic and understated indulgence your nails have been waiting for.

Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in “Toasted Sugar”, US $37

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