[MonicaM]

I wore acrylic fingernails for many years, and it has taken a few years for my own nails to get strong. I have only used clear polish, but now I am considering using colors. What brands do you recommend? I usually get a manicure every two weeks, and I want to start bringing my own polish so I can do touch-ups in between if necessary. Thanks!

[JerseyGyrl]

I've tried lots of nail polishes and surprisingly my favorite brands are inexpensive. I really like Wet n Wild Megalast and Milani. Both go on nicely and are long lasting. I also like Out The Door as a topcoat.

[PatLib]

As long as you get good base coat and top cover most nail polishes are pretty good. I buy OPI or Butter base coats and top coats and then buy those big nail polish sets from E.L.F.

[CanadianCutie]

I have various brands of nail polishes, but my favourites are OPI (both the original and Nicole), Wet N Wild, and Sally Hansen. I tend to go for blues/greens and reds and pinks as far as colours. I almost always have colour on my toes, and go for pale or clear on my fingers.

[ILoveVegetables]

My favourite nail polishes are the matte ones. I just think they look really, really classy, especially a midnight blue or dark red. They tend to be more expensive than normal ones, but I think they're worth it.

[Em Coconut]

I usually go with Essie polishes, they're really easy to apply IMO, and they come in so many cute colors.

[MonicaM]

Thanks everyone! I will check prices on those suggested and get a few that I like. I tend to go darker on my toes, too!But for years I had French acrylic and had my toes done to match. I just could not stand the time spent in the salons, the odor and the expense....not to mention what it was doing to my real nails.

[Durian]

Wet n Wild Megalast is a great polish because it's long-lasting and 3-free. I like Zoya, but I'll only buy it if there is a particular color I can't find elsewhere (Godiva, for example) because it's more expensive than Wet n Wild and doesn't wear any better.

[stunningsparkle]

I can't stand regular nail polish. I do my own gel nails using Gelish or Fingerpaints brand. Once you get the hang of it it is very easy and lasts two weeks! Just make sure to use the Gelish nail prep dehydrator, it makes all the difference.

[seabiscuit]

I like Opi and Essie. They both have such pretty colors. I love getting mani pedis, which I hope to do soon. It is fun picking out the different colors. I tried organic nail polish but it cracked so easily.

[novangel]

OPI or Essie. Best clear top coat is Seche Vite, hands down.

[Ursula745]

I like China Glaze and it has less bad chemicals than regular polish.

[helwa588]

I've gotten really into OPI nail polishes. Their color selection is endless.

[BettyBooty]

Sally Hansen is my favorite. Two coats and a top usually last almost a full week for me.
I hated Zoya - lasted barely 3 days with 2 coats and a top coat. Not worth it at all IMHO.

[SnowAngel72]

I like sally hansen and china girl. I recently started doing gel nails at home using fingerpaint brand. I agree with stunningsparkle don't forget the dehydrater. I found they tend to peel/chip quicker if you don't use it. Mine last about two weeks. I also put little designs on mine. Every once in a while I do go to the salon an get my nails done. A little treat. But I prefer to do them at home. In fact I have done acyclic at home to but I don't do a good job. My friends on the hand tell me I should open my own place. I think they are just being nice. Besides I would have to go to school for it.