The 8 Longest-Lasting Nail Polishes to Get You at Least 7 Days of Wear

Yes, a gel manicure is fun and stays on longer, but sometimes our nails (and wallets) need a break, which is when good ol' regular nail polish comes in handy again. But how do we make the most of our home manicures so they don't dull or chip within a day or two? Ahead, we spoke to a nail expert about her best practices (and things to avoid doing) when painting your nails, so you get the longest, smoothest wear time. We also gathered eight remarkably long-lasting nail polishes that’ll get you at least seven days of wear.

Juanita Huber-Millet is the founder and creative director at Townhouse, a British luxury nail bar, which has 40 locations across the UK, ranging from Harrods in Knightsbridge and Chelsea in London to Manchester and Leeds, and opened its first international salon in Beverly Hills this year.

The key to nailing an at-home mani lies in the prep. "From proper filing to careful buffing and cuticle care, this establishes a perfect canvas, resulting in a smooth finish," says Huber-Millet. Some specifics include:

• Filing your nails in one direction, rather than using a back-and-forth motion: This will prevent the nails from weakening and fraying at the tips.
• Applying your polish in thin layers and allowing each layer sufficient time to dry: Both are important for enhancing the durability and longevity of your manicure.
• Using gentler soaps and wearing rubber gloves when doing chores: You want to protect your hands and nails from the wear and tear of daily life whenever possible.
• Applying cuticle oil and hand cream regularly: Moisture is essential for maintaining healthy nails and cuticles. Since nail growth starts at the cuticles, caring for this area promotes stronger, healthier nails.

According to Huber-Millet, the top mistake you can make when giving yourself a manicure is rushing through the drying process. "This is a common misstep that often results in smudges and dents."

Also, don't forget to apply topcoat. "Many overlook the importance of a topcoat, but this final step is crucial for both the durability of your manicure," advises Huber-Millet. "Topcoat helps to ensure that your polish lasts longer while maintaining a high-shine appearance."

For a long-lasting finish, keep an eye out for certain key terms like "resistant wear," which indicates that the formula is built to withstand chipping and fading. "Highly pigmented" indicates that the polish provides rich, full coverage, contributing to a vibrant look, and a "gel-like finish" implies a glossy, high-shine effect that's reminiscent of gel manicures, often also enhancing the polish's durability.

And with that, here are our eight top picks for long-lasting nail polishes.