Navigating the vibrant world of nail polish can be as daunting as facing a wall of brightly colored bottles at your local salon. At Lookyst, we’ve delved into the task of selecting the crème de la crème for the 2023 Lookyst Best of Beauty Awards in the Nails category.
In a fiercely competitive beauty landscape, the question arises: How do we choose? It’s a meticulous process, step by step. Each polish is applied and worn with dedication, enduring the test of time against daily wear and tear. The journey restarts with each contender, allowing us to gain unparalleled insights into not just chip-resistant lacquers but also exemplary cuticle soothers, nail strengtheners, and polish removers.
Though the process may be tough on our nails, it provides the basis for your cheat sheet – a curated guide to the best, brightest, darkest, and lightest nail formulas that truly stand out. Lookyst’s Best Nail Products of 2023 is your key to unlocking the secrets behind the most exceptional products, reshaping the nail care landscape in 2023.
Best top coat: Nailberry Shine & Breathe Top Coat
Nailberry’s Shine & Breathe top coat is on the more expensive side of things but we feel worth the price tag. Its unmatched breathability is the reason why many manicurists love this product. No matter how long you apply the manicure, your nails will remain healthy and full of oxygen.
Best cuticle product: JESSICA Phenomen Oil Intensive Nail and Cuticle Moisturiser
An enduring favorite, Jessica’s ‘Phenomen Oil’ remains a timeless choice for nail care. Though it falls on the pricier side, we find it to be a worthy investment. The unique blend of essential oils, including jojoba, almond, and rice oils, absorbs swiftly, leaving no greasy residue. Beyond promoting nail health, it’s our go-to for a rejuvenating massage, addressing dry patches on elbows and knees with ease.
Best Polish Remover: Nails Inc Powered By Collagen Express Nail Polish Remover Pot
A true classic, the unassuming packaging of this product reveals its essence – packed with collagen for nail strength and delivering rapid results. This convenient pot is brimming with nourishing ingredients for the nail bed and fingertips, encouraging nail growth and fortifying cell strength. For an effortless manicure and resilient nails, it stands out as one of the most effective products you can discover!
Best Nail Strengthener: Essie Nail Care Hard To Resist Nail Strengthener
The Essie Hard to Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener, featured on Lookyst, goes beyond being a reliable base for color; it’s a game-changer in nail care. Former skeptics now swear by this ridge-smoothing translucent formula. Enriched with conditioners like camellia sinensis leaf extract and glycerin, it goes beyond preventing splitting. Applying it whenever nails feel the strain from activities like dishwashing or gardening results in noticeable resilience, making them less prone to bending and breakage.
Best Press-On Nails: KISS Classy Nails – Silk Dress
The evolution of minimalistic makeup has redefined beauty norms, moving away from the elaborate contours and heavy layers of the pre-lockdown era. This shift towards simplicity is now influencing nail care too. Explore the subtle charm with these coffin-shaped nails boasting a chic nude colorway.
Best manicure Kit: UNIQ 18-in-1 Manicure Care Set – Rose Gold
For frequent travelers like us, finding the right nail essentials for a travel case can be a challenge. But not anymore! This compact kit has it all, fitting seamlessly into overnight, weekend, or checked bags. We highly recommend this nail kit for anyone on the go.
Best Matte Nail Polish: Essie Gel Couture Matte Top Coat
Ever wished your go-to glossy polish had a matte counterpart? Essie has you covered with their ingenious top coat that effortlessly transforms any lacquer into a chic matte finish in a single swipe. This formula swiftly banishes the sheen, leaving your nails with a trendy matte effect. Offering the lasting power of traditional gel polishes without the need for a UV lamp, it’s the perfect finish for any manicure. Pairing well with Essie Gel Couture lacquers, this top coat enhances the longevity of your manicure, ensuring it lasts over a week. While it can work with any polish, considering its ideal companionship with Essie Gel Couture will keep your nails looking flawless for an extended period.
Best hand cream for nails: Mavala Nailactan Nutritive Nails Cream – 15 ml
Revitalize your damaged and brittle nails with this nourishing nail cream. Formulated with a blend of essential amino acids, lipids, and kerato-balancing vitamins, this product is designed to address split cuticles and counteract the effects of cold weather. Give your nails the boost they need for a healthier, more resilient appearance.
Best cuticle pusher: Malva Belle Nail Cuticle Pusher & Spoon Nail Cleaner Tool Set
Crafted from premium quality surgical-grade stainless steel, the Utopia Care Cuticle Pusher is a two-sided, corrosion-resistant, and tarnish-proof tool. One side features a curved end, while the other boasts a knife-like sharp end. This durable manicure-pedicure tool ensures scratch-free cuticle pushing and nail cleaning, with a textured center area providing a firm grip for comfortable use. The rounded edge is perfect for cleanly moving back cuticles, suitable for both fingers and toes. The knife edge efficiently scrapes away excess cuticle, especially effective after soaking fingers in warm water. Durable and maintaining its shape, this tool is an excellent addition to any manicure routine.
Best Base Coat: Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment Base Coat
For top-tier nail products, Essie stands out consistently. In their extensive lacquer collection, this remarkable base coat shines. Enhanced with biotin, it not only nourishes and fortifies nails instantly but also strengthens them over time. The inclusion of this potent ingredient ensures ongoing nail health, preventing issues like peeling and breaking. Additionally, its compatibility with any nail polish is a game-changer, ensuring no staining, particularly beneficial for enthusiasts of dark nail polish colors. Essie proves once again its commitment to high performance in the realm of nail care.
Best Nail Buffer: Maryton Nail Buffer Sanding Block Polisher Buffing File
The Maryton Nail Buffer is a versatile tool suitable for both at-home manicure/pedicure preparation and professional use, making it an excellent choice for DIY acrylic nails. Designed to effectively puff and grind nails without causing harm to the skin, it aids in shaping uneven nails for a smooth UV gel and acrylic application. Additionally, it proves useful for effortlessly removing nail glue or gel. This lightweight nail buffer for gel nails is not only durable but also washable, offering extended usability. Perfect for buffing acrylic nails, powder-dipped nails, and false nails, the Maryton Nail Buffer is a reliable and convenient solution for nail shine enhancement.
Best nail drill: MelodySusie Electric Nail Drill Kit
In this precision nail kit, you’ll receive six metal manicure bits and an assortment of sanding bands. The kit features a single button for adjustable speed control, providing versatility. As a bonus, it excels at buffing and filing acrylics, natural nails, or gel polish to perfection. I found this nail drill to be fantastic! As an amateur delving into the world of poly gel nail applications at home, this drill made a significant difference in achieving the desired results.