Salon Formula vs. Drugstore Brand Nail Polish: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Nail polish brands like OPI and Essie have become staples in the nail salon world. However, does their quality actually measure up to their price tags? And are they really any better than more affordable brands such as Maybelline and Sally Hansen? As a nail polish addict and a part-time nail stylist, I can tell you the difference between these brands and what really makes any of them better than the other. Here is my take on them.

Professional/Salon Formula Nail Lacquers

OPI - The main benefit of this brand is its wide variety of colors and frequently issued collections. Every quarter, you will be assured that OPI will probably come out with a new collection whether it's cinema-related or country themed, each collection will also abound with several shades to pick and choose from. The cons are the hefty price tag (starting at $8.50 a bottle) and the life span of the polish once applied onto your nails. $8.50 is a whole lot to be spending on nail polishes, but at least it's not that outrageous compared to brands such as Chanel and Estee Lauder which go for much, much more. Although the color variety is immense, they are only fun to look at for awhile as in a couple of days, even pair with OPI's base and top coat, the color begins to chip away and fade.

Essie - Essie nail polishes, although not boasting as much of a color selection as OPI, tend to last longer, and their application formula appears smoother. Their price is also a jaw-dropping one at $8.00 a pop. They tend to come out with a new collection per season.

China Glaze - Out of all the "salon" formula nail polishes, China Glaze is my absolute favorite. With these just running at $6.50 a bottle, not only are they more affordable, but they also offer fun and fresh colors every new collection which debuts every season with inspiring season-themed labels. The longevity of the polishes last me up to week.

ORLY - Although the brand sports the least amount of color selection, ORLY does have the benefit of coming out with the more unique shades and limited edition collections. Their nail lacquers do last longer than OPI in my opinion. Individual ORLY nail polish bottles retail for $7.00 each.

Mass Merchandise/Drugstore Brand Nail Polishes

Maybelline - Maybelline's "60 Seconds" nail polishes are the best for gals on the go. This is definitely the quickest formula in the "fast drying" category. However, this nail polish does not last long enough, and luckily since these dry so fast, you can reapply another shade later in the same amount of time.

Sally Hansen - Sally Hansen is the "go to" brand for nail polish junkies, whether beginners, or long time aficionados. Long wearing, brilliant color formulas are primarily what you would describe their nail polishes as. Their pricing is the most affordable with bottles ranging from $2.50-$7.00.

Revlon- Although the color selection doesn't seem to deviate much, this formula, I have noticed, lasts quite a long time. Revlon will come out with random, short-lived collections that spark the interests of nail polish fanatics, but generally, their colors are more on the "plain" side.

ULTA - ULTA brand nail polishes, although only sold exclusively in their store is a toss up. I would consider it a salon type formula, but because of its affordable price, it can be placed in the mass merchandise category. ULTA nail polishes last an insanely long time and come in many array of colors. Seasonal limited edition shades are also released once in awhile to keep nail polish collectors out of boredom. Each bottle tends to retail for $5 each, but ULTA has frequent sails where the nail polish can cost just $2.