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Yes, a gel manicure stays put for forever and a half. But after years of consistent gel manis, it’s starting to take a toll on our nails. So rather than investing in an at-home UV lamp, we’re opting for the old fashioned stuff (you know, regular nail polish). There’s just one problem: We don’t have the patience for formulas that chip after a day or two anymore. Luckily, we’ve got options. Here, eight remarkably long-lasting nail polishes that’ll get you at least seven days of wear.
Wear: 7 days with minimal chipping
Pro: This drugstore gem comes in 72 shades (crème, sheer and metallic) and delivers super-smooth application.
Con: It doesn’t quite last the 14 days it promises.
Wear: 7 to 8 days
Pro: It’s the perfect combo of regular polish and shellac.
Con: If you don’t use the brand’s topcoat too, it chips pretty easily.
Wear: 7 to 10 days without chips
Pro: This polish stays shiny for the entire wear.
Con: Handle with care—this polish takes at least a few minutes to dry or you risk denting your hard work.
Wear: 14 days without chips
Pro: This one has the glossy, thick look of a gel without the harmful UV rays.
Con: The formula is slightly thicker, so it can get a bit gloppy.
Wear: A solid 10 days without chipping
Pro: Not only is this polish long-lasting, it’s also free of harmful toxins like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP (dibutyl phthalate). The extensive line offers 36 colors, and it’s even vegan-friendly.
Con: It stays put so well that it's hard to get off. Try PureWow's polish removal trick with this brand.
Wear: 7 to 8 days
Pro: Olive & June’s brushes are designed for easy at-home application.
Con: We genuinely can’t find a bad review about this polish, sorry!
Wear: About 10 days
Pro: This luxury polish glides on smoothly and never clumps.
Con: To really make it last, you’ll need to apply a base coat first.
Wear: 6 to 8 days with no chips
Pro: This formula is 8-free, meaning it doesn’t contain the potentially harmful ingredients that are typically found in other nail polishes.
Con: Some users complain that the color fades around day four or five.
