Finding Your Signature Lacquer: The 15 Best Nail Polish Brands - 33rd Square

As someone who views nail polish as the ultimate vehicle for self-expression, having the right shades in your collection is everything. But the sheer options out there make settling on just a few favored brands feel impossible! Should you prioritize trendy limited editions or timeless classics? Are pricier formulas actually better? Is it worth trying indie brands? Are typical drugstore varieties even good quality?With over 3500 shades swatched first-hand, I‘ve become a polish ingredient detective working to answer all these questions and more. My testing criteria boils down to 5 key indicators of top tier lacquers:What Makes a Quality Nail Polish?1. Safety & Ethics These two factors go hand in hand, as brands who value human health and the planet tend to use safer ingredients. Key things I analyze are:Toxin-free status (most importantly 10-free)Cruelty-free & vegan claims Responsible sourcing initiativesEco-friendly business practices2. Formula & WearThe formula makes or breaks applica...