Ditch the Gel and Get Pro-Level Manicure at Home With These Long-Lasting Nail Polishes

Whether you're obsessed with iconic brands like OPI or viral internet darlings like Holo Taco, these nail polishes promise chip-resistant glossy color for under $15. 

By Sofía viera Jan 06, 2026 7:40 PMTags
No more gel nails? Try these at-home polishes that lastE! illustration/Sally Hansen

The more we hear about the dangers of at-home gel manicures and developing a gel allergy, the less we want to mess with it. We'd rather not take the chance, thanks! Especially when you can get killer nails using just regular nail polish.

Formulas are a-changing! Gone are the days when you need to go to an expensive salon or use a UV lamp to get long-lasting, gorgeous color on your nails. Whether you're concerned about the toxic ingredients or simply feeling lazy, there are affordable options for you! They come in a variety of shades, too, perfect for any season or personal tastes. We're talking pastel, dark, neutral, and glittery shimmery shades. 

From iconic major brands like OPI and Essie that we all know and love to viral internet darling brands like Holo Taco and Chillhouse, these are the nail polishes we recommend if you want nails to look glossy for days for under $15

So, keep scrolling to shop our picks for the best non-gel nail polishes that promise to last and last and last... 

OPI Nail Lacquer Classic Nail Polish

When it comes to nail polishes, OPI is an iconic brand. It features a chip-resistant formula and a wide variety of shades, including the viral sheer pink one called Bubble Bath.  

Holo Taco Specialty Nail Polish

Created by OG nail Youtuber Simply Nailogical, Holo Taco is beloved by fans and nail art enthusiasts alike for its long-lasting formula and maximalist shades. 

Essie Nail Polish

A fan of butter yellow? This Essie polish captured our hearts with their signature glossy sheen, easy-glide brush, and salon-quality formula. 

Olive & June Long Lasting Polish

Olive & June is beloved for its signature gel-like clean polish, handy polish remover, and a portable handle that makes painting your nails a breeze. 

Chillhouse Chill Paint Forever Wear Polish

This light blue shade is totally trending right now. So, paint your nails this shade with Chillhouse's Forever Wear nail polish—the same ones used in the brand's NYC spa salon.  

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Sally Hansen Insta Dri Crème & Shimmer Nail Polish

Don't want to be waiting around for your nails to dry? There are plenty of quick-drying polishes, but our favorite affordable pick is Sally Hansen's Insta Dri ones. 

Ella+Mila Elite Nail Polish Collection

This nail polish by clean brand Ella+Mila features rich shades, creamy application, and a smooth finish. The brand promises a healthier alternative for at-home manis. 

Zoya Nail Lacquer

Deep reds aren't just for the holiday season; it's year-round! Zoya's Nail Lacquers features a long-wear professional, toxin-free formula and a wide variety of deeply pigmented shades. 

Nails Inc. Nail Polish

Looking to add an adorable Valentine touch to your nails? Skip the tiny nail stickers, and get this Nails Inc topper with clear glossy polish filled with holographic hearts. 

Manucurist Green Nail Polish

Made in France, this vegan nail polish by Manucurist features a long-lasting, quick-drying, and gel-like formula that is shiny, extremely pigmented, and all made with bio-sourced ingredients.

 

Looking for more nail products? Shop this nail glue editors swear by!

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.

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