We've rounded up some of the best spring nail varnishes costing less than £10, so you can re-vamp your manicure for less!
Whether you’ve got a steady enough hand to be an at-home pro or are taking a break from gels, these polishes are well worth a try. Just don’t forget to finish with a slick of top coat across the nail and tip to max out their staying power. Follow our top tips for a salon-worthy mani at home…
1. Paint like a pro
Look out for brushes with bristles that fan outwards as you move the brush upwards, covering the whole nail with straight, wobble-free edges. Strayed outside of the lines? Clean up any little spills or smudges with Leighton Denny Precision Corrector Fluid, £12, lookfantastic.com.
2. Remove right
To prevent breaking and bending caused by dehydrated nails, make sure your remover is acetone free. Even if you’ve not been wearing polish, expert manicurist Michelle Humphrey still recommends cleansing the nail plate with a quick slick of remover. ‘This will remove any excess oil and dust – important for product adhesion and smooth application,’ she explains
3. Oil up
‘I would advise oiling your cuticles at least once a day to help keep your nail plate hydrated and flexible,’ says Michellen Humphrey. Keep a bottle on your desk or bedside table to help you remember – your nails will thank you for it.
4. Give your hands some TLC
Healthy hands equal healthy nails, so it’s important to show them a little love. Keep your mitts protected by wearing gloves when cleaning and switch harsh hand soaps for something nourishing. Slathering on a hand cream will make a real difference too.
5. Pick your colour wisely
Wishy-washy whites and nudes will make chips less noticeable, but it often takes a few coats to achieve an even colour. Michelle’s advice? ‘Choose a well pigmented colour, anything that looks streaky or patchy isn’t going to give a professional finish,’ she says.
If you don’t feel ready for the day, unless your nails are looking good, you’ll also love our genius nail painting tricks – these are tips every manicure lover needs to know!
Essie ExprEssie Quick Dry Nail Colour in Second Hand First Love, £7.99
This delicate pink is universally flattering, and never goes out of style. It’s a classic. And the best bit? The super-quick-dry formula means you can do it in a hurry and not worry about smudges.
Rimmel Super Gel in Shade 001, £6.99
Don’t be scared of wearing white, it’s very flattering on all skin tones and it won’t clash with anything in your wardrobe. This high-shine, chip-resistant, long-lasting gel formula is easy to apply and doesn’t require a UV lamp.
Sally Hansen good. kind. pure Nail Polish in Golden Quartz, £8.99
Thanks to this 3-in-1 formula, you don’t need to apply base and top coats before adding colour. And the clever brush contours to the nail for a smooth, easy application.
No7 Gel Finish in Purple Bouquet, £7.50
Fancy something a little jazzier? The durable finish means it’s less likely to chip, and you need only one coat thanks to the rich colour pay-off.
Cheeky Nail Paint in Lemon Tart, £8
There’s nothing like a bright, cheery nail colour to put a smile on your face. This vibrant shade will look great on finger- and toenails, and even better with a tan. You’ll definitely stand out from the crowd.
Barry M Gelly Hi Shine in Berry Sorbet, £3.99
Barry M’s polishes are not only extremely affordable (meaning you can build up a nice collection) but the finish you get rivals high-end offerings. This new minty green shade looks great on all skin tones.
Mavala Nail Polish in Phoenix, £5.20
Make a statement with this rich vibrant orange. This mini polish will not only be finished by the time it goes gloopy, but the formula also creates tiny air pockets so your nails can breathe underneath the polish.