I have a confession to make.
I’m not that great at looking after my nails.
I used to bite them when I was a kid – a nervous habit – and while I don’t do that now, I am a bit of a picker.
When I’m nervous or anxious, I find myself picking at the delicate cuticle area around my nails. Sometimes I don’t even know I’m doing it.
I’ve tried all sorts of things over the years to break the habit, but it’s a tough one to shift.
Manicures definitely help. They take my nails from drab to fab and while I’d love to get regular gel manicures, I don’t.
Time is an issue, but the main problem with gel or shellac nails is they leave my already troubles nails in shocking condition.
And of course, picking the gel or shellac off doesn’t exactly help the situation!
So natural nails it is for me. If it is for you too, you’re in luck.
A friend of mine asked over on the Kirsten and co. Facebook page if I could write a blog post featuring the best long-lasting nail polishes for natural nails.
With a natural nail manicure being my mani of choice, yes, I can write that blog post.
Here are the brands on high nail polish rotation in my beauty cupboard.
The best long-lasting nail polishes for natural nails
1. Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy
I discovered this one recently while in line at the chemist. There was some sort of 2 for 1 deal happening, so naturally I walked right into that up-sell trap.
I went for number 015 Up In Charms. Love a brand that plays on words. So much so, I happen to have one of my own – Get Up And Glow or Sleep On It, anyone?
But enough of the shameless Skin Boss self promoting, let’s get back to the nail polish.
Two coats of 015 + one coat of gel envy diamond top coat = hello reasonably long-lasting nail polish.
I give this one 3 natural nails out of 5.
2. Revitanail whitening glow & triple strength
My weak nails love all of the Revitanail products. The nail strengthener is particularly good to use on your natural nails, especially if you’ve had artificial nails removed.
Their nail polishes can be hard to find sometimes, but they’re definitely worth a look.
The Whitening Glow will leave your natural nails looking beautiful and bright. One coat leaves my nails looking very natural but with a lovely glossy finish. Two coats gives my nails a white, bright finish.
I give Revitanail Whitening Glow 4 natural nails out of 5.
The Triple Strength receives a 2 natural nail rating. Mainly because it’s so hard to find. It could possibly be discontinued, but don’t quote me on that.
3. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel
I discovered this Miracle Gel a few years ago and it’s been a firm favourite ever since.
There are a range of colours available and you apply it in the same way as the Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy.
Two coats of Miracle Gel, one coat of Miracle Gel Top Coat (not shown – it comes in a black bottle) equals natural nail perfection.
I can get a good 4-5 days out of this particular brand. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but I have weird nails. Most nail polishes last a day or two before peeling off, so 4-5 days is a record for me. It’ll probably last even longer on you.
4. Other brands worth a mention
OPI, Essie, Maybeline, L’orel Paris and Rimmel all offer gel nail polishes. I haven’t tried any of these, but maybe you have? I’d love to know your thoughts on any of those mentioned.
nail polish tips:
I’ve found the trick to making any nail polish last is to let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next one.
A base-coat isn’t required for gel nail polishes, but it will definitely help with regular nail polish.
Chemists, supermarkets and department stores all stock the nail polishes mentioned in this post. For discounted prices, are worth a look.
Leave a Reply