Beauty testing: 14 best nail polish picks PLUS top coats

8. Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear (Iced Coffee), $2.29

Tester says: "This is a lighter colour, between pink and brown, and looks great, just like in the bottle. It was very easy to apply, and one thin coat was enough and lasted well, especially considering that I'm a cook and use my hands a lot! I would buy this polish again."

Available at drugstores

9. Rimmel Play Fast Quick Dry Nail Polish (Killer Queen), $4.95

Tester says: "I love this dark purple! It was very easy to apply – the brush was good and the polish went on evenly. The handle is wider at the bottom which makes it easy to use. Two thin coats were enough and the polish dried fairly fast. I really liked this product and would buy it again."

Available at drugstores

10. Guerlain Kit French Manicure, $50

Tester says: "This is the nicest nail polish I have every used. The soft pink was very natural and lasted extremely well – I only had to redo my nails once they grew out. The brushes were really good and the handles were beautiful and easy to grip. I was very impressed with the top coat, which also did a great job protecting one of my other, cheaper polishes. I really liked this product and would certainly buy it again."

Available at department stores across Canada and Guerlain boutiques in Toronto and Montreal

11. L'Oréal Paris Pro Manicure (Dozen Red Roses), $5.95; L'Oréal Paris Pro Manicure Top Coat, $5.95

Tester says: "I loved this bright and vibrant red! It was easy to put on and the brush and handle were good. One thick coat dried in two to three minutes. Without the top coat, it was good for a week before I needed to touch up. With the top coat, it lasted through two weeks of normal life, or one week-long ocean kayaking and camping trip when I was in the salt water every day. I had never used a top coat before but I will now – it makes a big difference."

Available at drugstores

12. M.A.C Nail Lacquer (Dark Angel), $12; M.A.C Overlacquer, $12

Tester says: "Dark Angel is a deep, dark, matte purple that's my new favourite polish colour. It applies easily and, depending on how thick you're applying it, two coats should do the trick. I'm a klutz with nail polish, even on my toes, but once dry, any extra you painted onto your toes (rather than your nails) will come right off. The top coat definitely made a difference – it made the polish last a couple of days longer and added a nice sheen."

Available at maccosmetics.com, M.A.C stores and M.A.C counters at The Bay nationwide

13. Revlon Nail Enamel (Autumn Berry), $5.50; Revlon Multi-Care Base and Top Coat, $7.50

Tester says: "Autumn Berry is a dark, shimmery purple with brown undertones, not my usual shade but very on-trend. It was very smooth going on and I liked the brush – it fanned out well without losing too much control. It took three thin coats for this colour to look good on. The polish lasted three to four days without the top coat and a week with it – not bad considering my active life taking my child to the zoo and playground."

Available at drugstores

14. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour (Pepite), $25

Tester says: "I'm hopeless at keeping nail polish on my fingers for more than a day without chipping, so I like to go for neutrals or clears that don't show flaws. This clear polish loaded with glitter does the trick – the clear base means chips don't show, and the glitter makes my nails sparkle. Alone, this is a subtle way to dress up your nails, and you could use it to brighten up other colours as well. I love it!"

Available at Chanel beauty counters across Canada; chanel.ca

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