High-Performance Nail Polish for Strong, Healthy Nails
Nail Polishes That Hydrate
All those postgym showers and hand sanitizer pumps can make nails brittle. Swipe on a multitasking polish that offers long-lasting moisture and chip-resistant color. (Try this Low-Maintenance Mani That Won't Damage Your Nails.)
Londontown Lakur Enhanced Colour in Radlette heals cracked nails with soothers like lavender and evening primrose oils while keeping polish long-lasting. ($16, londontownusa.com)
Essie Treat Love & Color in Sheers to You is a one-step mani-no base or topcoat needed-that's infused with collagen and camellia leaf extract to lock in moisture. ($10, essie.com)
The argan oil in Sally Hansen Color Therapy in Primrose and Proper delivers intense nourishment-and our shade made it through 10 days of consistent workouts! ($9, drugstores)
Nail Polishes for Strength
These formulas give you the durability of a gel mani that can stand up to metal barbells and grippy pull-ups without the UV-light application or the need for a stripping acetone soak to remove them.
When used with the corresponding base and topcoat, Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Cake by the Ocean can last up to two weeks. ($45, deborahlippmann.com)
Essence the Gel Nail Polish in My Hula Hoop-along with its base and topcoat-beautifully coats nails with a chip-resistant, high-gloss armor. ($2, essencemakeup.com)
Nail Polishes for Recovery
Even nails need recovery days. A permeable polish that lets oxygen and hydration through is best for nails that have been roughed up by, say, improper gel removal.
A polymer in Inglot O2M Breathable Nail Enamel in 504 allows oxygen and water to reach nails, which nourishes them and extends the life of your shade. ($16, inglotusa.com)
Seaweed extract and red tea in SpaRitual Nourishing Vegan Color in Harmony nourish nails as they stay perfectly polished through your sets. ($12.50, sparitual.com)
