Nail trends come and go, but we all have that one polish shade we return to again and again. Whether it’s a goes-with-everything neutral or a party-ready glitter, the right nail polish is like a beloved recipe or worn-in tee: comforting, versatile, and always there for you when you need it. (And yes, I think glitter can be comforting. Don’t @ me.)
Often, our signature nail colors tend to have universal appeal, and best sellers are born. We were curious just how the top-selling polishes compared from brand to brand, so we reached out to 17 of our favorites to find out what bottles they can barely keep on shelves. And while some shades are the stuff of beauty legend at this point (ahem, Essie Ballet Slippers), more than a few are completely unexpected—and likely new to you. Keep scrolling to find out if your signature polish made the list and possibly discover a new mani shade along the way.
1. Àuda.B The First Lady
Pretty much the perfect red, this polish was inspired by Àuda.B founder Samara Walker’s grandmother as well as Michelle Obama.
2. Essie Ballet Slippers
First introduced in 1982, Ballet Slippers is a favorite of royalty (it's Queen Elizabeth II's color of choice), celebs, and brides everywhere.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the announcement of their engagement in November 2017. Markle reportedly wore Essie Ballet Slippers for the occasion.
3. Orly Turn It Up
Now, this is worth celebrating: On average, one bottle of this confetti-like polish is sold every two minutes.
4. OPI Bubble Bath
This classic pink is the most popular of the iconic brand’s hundreds of shade ranges. But don’t worry: Fellow faves like I'm Not Really a Waitress and Lincoln Park After Dark locked up spots in the top 20 too.
5. LeChat Hologram Diamond
The brand first launched this fun silver as a part of uts glitter collection in the early aughts, and it's been a best seller ever since.
6. Ciaté Sun Switch Marshmallow
This best seller is a two-in-one: The creamy white hue transforms into a ballet pink when it hits sunlight.
The Sun Switch transforming nail polish in action
7. People of Color Walk of Fame
The shade—along with all of the brand's original 2019 collection—pays homage to founder Jacqueline Carrington’s childhood in Southern California.
8. Nails.Inc Naked in Neon Quad
Nails.Inc’s top seller is actually this fun set that includes three poppy neons and one neutral for contrast, all named for iconic London streets.
9. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri White on Time
This three-in-one polish has a base coat and topcoat built right in. (And interestingly, the top seller for the brand's Miracle Gel line, Get Mod, is also a bright white.)
10. Revlon Cherries in the Snow
First launched in 1953, Cherries in the Snow is the oldest shade in Revlon’s collection—as well as this list—and is still one of its top sellers. (And the matching lipstick is just as iconic.)
11. Côte No. 10
The clean brand's customer-fave powder pink applies sheer and magically looks perfect on everyone.
12. Static Nails Pink Is My Kink
The bold pink sold out in just 12 hours, the fastest of any of the brand’s polishes to date. And that cheeky name? It's inspired by Ashnikko's song "Daisy."
13. See My Toes Happy Baby
All the polishes in this line are named for activities when one might—you guessed it—see their toes. Happy Baby, a can't-miss orange, has sold out three times.
14. Nailtopia Green Goddess
This verdant shade is (fittingly) plant-based, 85% bio-sourced, superfood-infused, and vegan.
15. Pear Nova Dianna Boss
Named after the one and only Miss Ross, this universally flattering shade is from the brand's "BRWNGRLMGC" Collections.
16. SpaRitual Engaged
Proof that it's hard to go wrong with a good neutral: This shade is the brand's best seller on both SpaRitual's own site and Amazon.
17. CND Wildfire
A bottle of this classic yet fiery crimson sells every four minutes.
Up next: 10 Editors on Their Favorite Classic Nail Polish Shades of All Time
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