The Best Nail Products of 2024, According to Byrdie Editors and Experts

If anyone knows the power of a good mani, it’s team Byrdie. From classic French tips to bold chrome details, we see nails as the perfect extension of our personal styles. Which is why we’ve spent the past year testing every polish, file, press-on, and top coat on the market in pursuit of the coolest, healthiest, and strongest nails. From the polish you’ll want to buy in bulk to a cuticle oil to ease your hangnail woes, keep scrolling for our 2024 Beauty Award winners in the nail category.

Best Press-Ons: Glamnetic Press-On Nails

“For a long time, I was turned off from the idea of press-on nails because all the options I’d tried were ill-fitting and popped off within days, but Glamnetic’s collection of press-on nails have changed the game for me. Each pack comes with plenty of size options plus a file to further tailor them to your nail beds, and the included glue is seriously powerful. I’ve found the nails to stay on at least several days (and up to two weeks) with enough adhesive left over to fix your mani as needed. These press-ons come in a range of stunning design options for minimalists and maximalists alike, and as someone who usually goes for nails on the shorter side, I appreciate the range of shapes available here.” — Ali Webb, associate editor

Nail Polish Color of the Year: OPI Nail Lacquer in Glazed N’ Amused

“Chrome nails, aka ‘glazed donut’ nails, have transcended trends to become a veritable staple. While topping a polish with chrome powder is the OG way to get the look, as the popularity of the finish has grown, so have the ways to achieve it. OPI—which launched a thousand #ManiMondays with its Tin Man Can Chrome Powder—has made nailing the style even easier with its Glazed N’ Amused Lacquer, a pinky pearlescent polish. Just add a coat or two on top of your base coat of choice and get ready to channel your inner Hailey Bieber.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best Nail Stickers: Deco Beauty Nail Art Stickers

“I am truly useless at nail art, so if I ever want to add a little something to my mani, stickers are the best option. I love Deco’s endless designs that go way beyond classic hearts and flowers (troll dolls or kittens, anyone?), and they’re so easy to use. All you need is a pair of tweezers for easy placement, and your nails will be ready for their close-up.” — Bella Cacciatore, news editor

Best Quick-Dry Polish: Olive and June Quick Dry Nail Polish

“I’m absolutely one to decide my mani needs a refresh mere minutes before I head out the door, so having a few solid quick-dry polishes is a must for me. Olive and June has one of the longest-lasting, most chip-resistant formulas of at-home nail polish brands I’ve tried, and this particular formula promises to dry within just a minute. While I’d give it two to three just to be safe, it really does seem to be that quick, leaving you with a vivid, lasting mani (and/or pedi) without making you late for your plans.” — Ali Webb, associate editor

Best Gel (Top/Base): Kokoist Ultra Glossy Non Wipe Top Coat Gel

This non-wipe top coat provides a long-lasting shine without a sticky residue. It’s a soft gel formula, but it’s thick enough to add strength and make the nails more durable. It’s also compatible with any type of manicure, including soft gels or acrylics. So no matter what type of manicure you’re creating, you can make it extra shiny. — Maki Pitman, professional nail artist

Best Chip-Resistant Polish: Essie Gel Couture Long Lasting Nail Polish

“I’m not often in regular nail lacquer; even when I’m taking breaks from my gel or powder extensions, I usually just have bare (and honestly busted) digits. But when I do use a regular polish on my fingers, it’s this one. Essie’s Gel Couture Long Lasting Nail Polish lasts a remarkably long time, as in I, a chronic hand washer who refuses to wear gloves to do her dishes, can get nearly a week of wear without any touching up. (If you’re good about reapplying the topcoat and practicing precautionary measures, you can get up to two.) Plus, the color selection is beautiful and super on-trend. This is always my go-to recommendation for people looking for a non-gel lacquer.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best Nail Polish Remover: Static Nails Nail Polish Remover

“I love this chic, unscented nail polish remover. The nontoxic formula removes polish with a couple of swipes, and it can be used on everything from regular lacquer and nail glue to press-ons. Add a few drops to each nail and a cotton round, press the round into the nail for about 30 seconds, and lift. The polish just melts away.” — Jenna Perry, celebrity colorist + founder of Jenna Perry Hair Studio

Best At-Home Gel Kit: Apres Nail Gel-X Nail Extension Kit

“Many products claim to bring the salon to the comfort of your home, but I don’t know if any of them deliver on that quite as well as Apres does with the Gel-X Nail Extension Kit. It’s shockingly easy to use. The steps are super straightforward, and each product is labeled clear as day. The kit includes everything you need to adhere extensions, from the bonder and the Extend Gel to the LED light and topcoat. And there really is something for every nail preference: There are five shapes and five (soon to be seven) lengths to choose from. With a little patience, a salon-worthy set is quite literally at your fingertips.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best Cuticle Oil: L’Occitane Strengthening Shea Nail & Cuticle Oil

“Ragged cuticles are a always a concern for me, but I find most cuticle oils in a standard dropper bottle to be a bit messy. That’s not the case with L’Occitane’s Strengthening Shea Nail & Cuticle Oil, which features a squeeze-to-dispense tube with a built-in brush for easy application.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Nail Treatment: Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System

“I have been cursed with both weak, brittle nails and a horrible biting habit, and I’ve never really been able to fix either of those things. Every “miracle” product I’ve tried, from strengtheners to supplements, has barely made a difference when it comes to my nails. This three-step system (including a priming solution, buffer wand, and hydrating treatment) is the only thing that’s been able to help my nails look and feel better. The buffer is superior to any I’ve tried, and paired with the hydrating treatment, my nails look super-shiny and feel smooth and strong. While it hasn’t broken my biting habit, I’m no longer embarrassed when my nails are naked, so I’ll take what I can get.” — Bella Cacciatore, news editor

Best Nail File: Lights Lacquer Crystal Nail File

“Confession: I was skeptical of crystal nail files for a long time. Surely they couldn’t get the job done like the gritty boards I was used to? The Lights Lacquer Crystal File completely changed my mind—now, I won’t shape my nails with anything else. I can’t think of how to describe the results other than really freaking smooth. My free edges are smooth, my shapes are smooth, my plates are smooth—everything. Trust me, after one manicure with this one, you’ll be ready to ditch the grit, too.” — Eden Stuart, editor