These Expensive-Looking Nail Polishes Surprisingly Come From the Drugstore

Pros: Shades are super pigmented (even after just one coat)

Cons: Regular polish chips faster than other options

Finish: Glossy

Shades: 135

When you think of iconic nail polish brands, chances are you immediately land on OPI. It's just classic! It's such a staple brand seen on practically every nail salon's polish wall for a few reasons: It wears exceptionally well; has an endless range of cult colors (shout-out to Lincoln Park After Dark, Mod About You, and the orange-red shade below, Stop at Nothin'); and it dries fast with a glossy, patent-leather finish. It's no wonder celebrity manicurists often include it in their kits—OPI is reliable.

Pros: Provides full coverage even with one coat, dries instantly

Cons: Darker colors chip faster than other options

Finish: Glossy

Shades: 77

If you're someone who smudges your mani the moment you put away the polish (regretfully raises hand…), you must get your claws on a quick-drying formula. Sally Hansen's range is one of the best you can choose, as it's practically made for all the paint-and-go nail artists out there. It's formulated with a base and top coat already, so you only need one polish product for a rich, chip-free coat of pigment. Oh, and it dries down in just 60 seconds.

Pros: Dries quickly, richly pigmented colors

Cons: While you can find it at drugstores, it's not as widely available

Finish: Glossy

Shades: 260

With a self-adhering color coat, this polish eliminates the need for a base coat—meaning faster manis that withstand the test of time. Just two coats of polish, and you'll wind up with a candy-shell lacquer that rivals the look of gels. If you can, I highly recommend pairing it with the brand's Vinylux Long Wear Shine Top Coat. The formula gets tougher with time and exposure to natural light, creating a shield of protection for the color that lasts at least a week. (Translation: It locks in the color to prevent chipping over time!)

Pros: Smooth application, long-lasting polish

Cons: Some reviewers don't love the wide-angled brush

Finish: Glossy

Shades: 82

Most nail polishes today skip the big three problematic toxins—dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene—but if you're looking for a formula that goes above and beyond 3-free, I highly suggest Mineral Fusion. The 16-free polishes are 82% naturally derived and cruelty-free, but don't think that means they skimp on color options, longevity, and shine. The brand even offers metallic finishes, which is always fun to see in a natural-leaning brand!

Pros: Strengthens nails, lasts at least a week without chipping

Cons: Pricier than other drugstore options

Finish: Glossy

Shades: 70

Okay, Deborah Lippmann's patented treatment-enriched nail polish technically falls into the luxury category, but you can snag more than a few shades at Walmart, so I'm adding the brand to this drugstore list! Its Gel Lab Pro technology delivers the "gloss and cushion of a gel manicure without the nail damage," and the formula comes infused with keratin, biotin, and green tea extract to simultaneously strengthen the nails. True to its name, the gel-like formula lasts way longer than other regular polishes I've tried.

Pros: Dries quickly, lasts a while, the shades mesh seamlessly for ombré nail art

Cons: The shades are quite sheer if you're looking for something with a richer pigment

Finish: Jelly

Shades: 9

Classic nail brand Essie leans into the buzzy "jelly nails" trend with this nine-shade collection, and it has quickly become my go-to pick for at-home manis. The juicy shades are super forgiving with a smooth application and buildable pigment, so I can fix any errant strokes in a snap. These polishes also last a long while—I had this blush hue on for over a week before I noticed any chipping at the sides. "Lip gloss" nail looks have never been easier to re-create!

Pros: Dries quickly, really nails a chic, velvet-like finish

Cons: Darker polish can stain the nails, so make sure you wear a base coat!

Finish: Matte

Shades: 10

Zoya has an immense collection of polishes to choose from (642 options, to be exact!), including 10 gorgeous matte finishes that make your tips look soft as velvet. I'm partial to this moody amethyst for a soft grunge flair that's gorgeous for fall.

Pros: Subtle enough to layer over polishes for an iridescent effect, polish has a wider top for easier application

Cons: Takes longer to dry than other options

Finish: Iridescent

Shades: 39

Olive June has 39 stunning iridescent, metallic, and glitter finishes, but the brand's Pink Goldfish might be my favorite polish of all time. There, I said it! The iridescence is subtle yet adds a little something extra to my everyday nail looks. And because it leans sheer, I don't have to be as precise with my application. I can apply two coats in less than five minutes and head out the door with a cool, twinkly new mani.

Pros: High-shine, incredible long wear, salon-quality finish

Cons: Not as many color options as regular Essie polish

Finish: Glossy

Shades: 61

I couldn't help but include another Essie option on the list. The iconic twisted bottle is a mainstay in many nail salons, and the extra-long-wear technology helps you secure a chip-free manicure for two weeks. Many polish brands claim to have an ultra-glossy, gel-like finish, but this is the one option that I find truly delivers on the promise.