The Best Nail Polish and Nail-Care Products of 2022

Whether you're doing an at-home mani or hitting up the salon, these are the brands you want at hand.

By Kayla Greaves May 02, 2022 @ 8:55 am

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

Let's be honest here: There are few things in life that feel as good as a fresh mani or pedi. But when we all took to our homes a couple years ago, we started paying a lot more attention to our at-home nail care — and finally, the industry has taken note. Press-ons went viral, gel became truly a DIY experience, and the regular paints and polishes continued to release new colors and formulas to step up their game (and yours!).

Year after year, InStyle gathers with industry pros to test and nail down (no pun intended) the top products on the market, and of course, this year's Best Beauty Buys is no different.

Whether you're shopping for your own at-home mani or back on your weekly-salon routine, we're here to prep you with the products that will give you the gorgeous, lasting manicure you crave.

From the best top coats and polishes for every season, to the nourishing remover that will take it all off without damaging your nails, here's the best in nail care for 2022.

Polish and Nail Extensions

Neutral Nail Polish
Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle
This universal shade of pink looks pretty on all skin tones.

$9.00

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Target
New Brand
Pleasing The Perfect Polish Set
Harry Style's line of polish is perfect for nearly every occasion. But if you can't pick just one shade, go for The Perfect Set.

$20.00

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Pleasing
Packaging & Design
Gucci Vernis à Ongles
Ever met a polish that was as pretty as its packaging? If the answer is no, let us introduce you to this gem from Gucci.

$30.00

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Sephora
Polish for Fall
OPI Nail Lacquer in Espresso Your Inner Self
While we're not quite into fall just yet, preparation is the key to success. So go ahead and grab this chocolate brown shade.

$11.00

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OPI

Red Nail Polish
OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red
You can never go wrong with a classic red. And OPI's Big Apple Red is truly as good as it gets.

$11.00

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OPI
Top Coat
SECHE Vive Instant Gel Effect Top Coat
Expect a longwear, ultra-shiny finish whenever you use this expert-approved top coat.

$12.00

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Ulta

Polish for Spring
Essie Nail Polish in Lilacism
Is there really any other color that makes you think of spring the way lilac does? This classic and universal shade works for everyone.

$9.00

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Ulta
Polish for Summer
OPI Infinite Shine 2 Nail Lacquer in Strawberry Margarita
With summer almost in full swing, give your fingers and/or toes a pop of color.

$13.00

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OPI
Polish for Winter
CHANEL Le Vernis in Rouge Brun
This oxblood color is exactly our vibe in the winter months.

$30.00

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Chanel
Press-On Nails
Chillhouse Chill Tips
Want a gorgeous mani, but don't have gorgeous mani time? Opt for Chillhouse's Chill Tips press-ons instead.

$16.00

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Chillhouse

At-Home Gel Nail Polish Kit
CND Gel Basic Kit
Gel manicures are a solid option, seeing as they typically last 14 days chip-free. And now, you can enjoy all the perks of the once salon-only service right at home.

$220.00

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Beyond Polish
Base Coat
Orly Bonder Rubberized Base Coat
Start your mani or pedi off right with Orly's fan-favorite Rubberized Base Coat. Once applied, wait for it to dry matte — then you'll know you're ready to go.

$12.00

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Orly Beauty
Dark Nail Polish
Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in Empire State Nightcap
Looking for a vampy mani? Smith & Cult has you covered with Empire State Nightcap.

$18.00

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Smith & Cult
Most Innovative
Aprés Nail Gel-X Nail Extension Kit
Apres Nails have become the go-to option for extensions over the past few years as they give a long-lasting natural finish. Trust us, no one will ever be able to tell you have on extensions.

$113.00

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apresnail.com

Nail, Hand, and Cuticle Care

Hand Cream
Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment
Once you've wrapped your mani, slather your hands in this luxurious hand cream, complete with the brand's trademark TFC8 complex.

$NaN

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Augustinus Bader
MVP
Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Remover
Gently remove dead skin around the cuticles and edges of the nails with this exfoliating treatment.

$20.00

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Deborah Lippmann
Cuticle Oil
Olive & June Cuticle Serum
Dry cuticles are no match for this cult-favorite oil. To use, simply apply directly to the base of your nails. No dripping and no mess.

$30.00

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Olive & June
Nail Polish Remover
Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover
This three-in-one remover helps to prep, get rid of polish, and clean nail beds, all while keeping the nails hydrated.

$12.00

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Amazon