The first time I wore nail polish, it was Sally Hansen. I don't remember the exact color, but I do remember I was probably 5 when my mom painted my nails, so it must have been a pink shade (my favorite color at the time). I can totally recall looking at my tiny little nails nonstop and thinking they were so shiny and pretty.
In middle school and high school, you would most likely see me sporting one of the brand's most iconic (and one of its first) products, Hard as Nails. Since I went to Catholic school, I wasn't allowed to wear colored nail polish, so I opted for clear to get that shiny, glossy look. I cannot look at a bottle without feeling nostalgic for those very awkward, but memorable, tween and teen years.
Since Sally Hansen founded the brand in 1946, it has been one of the OG beauty brands out there, I would take a guess that many of you have some kind of memory of its nail polishes. The brand has been serving up affordable beauty for generations.
And because it has been around for a while and has launched probably hundreds of different polish colors, I wanted to see what its best sellers were. The brand sent me the list, and let me tell you, some shades I expected (neutrals), but for others, I was totally surprised (glitter!). And as someone who finds consumer insights totally fascinating, it was pretty cool to see what everyone across the U.S. was wearing. (Okay, nerd-out moment over.) Now, take a look at the best sellers below.
Get Mod
The brand has a Miracle Gel line that gives you a gel-like finish without UV technology—it's a two-step process with the color and a special topcoat. If you're looking for a classic white, Get Mod has that crisp, clean vibe.
Clearly Quick
It's not really surprising that clear polish is a popular "shade." You can wear this alone or as a topcoat. And as its name suggests, it dries very quickly, which is perfect for impatient types like myself.
Crystal Blue
And now, we get some color! Good. Kind. Pure. is Sally Hansen's line of natural, nontoxic, and plant-based polishes. The light blue is so pretty and calming, and it's a nice change if you're tired of pastel pinks.
Black Out
If you're looking for a luxe, glossy black, this one will most certainly do. The color is super saturated, and the finish is ultra-shiny.
Pomegratitude
First of all, the name of this polish is just very heartwarming. Second, I can't say no to a little pink sparkle. The brand's Color Therapy line is formulated with argan oil to nourish the nails, so it really does double duty here.
Wild Card
I wouldn't expect a glitter polish to top a list of best sellers, and this reveal has made me extremely happy because now I know there are glitter-crazed people out in this world. The gold polish has a rich color, and the formula is long-lasting and protective.
Onyx-pected
Honestly, I'm not surprised to see another black polish on the list. This one is in Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel line, so you get that chip-resistant protection.
Pink Cloud
You can't go wrong with a classic pale pink. In my opinion, it's perfect for just about any occasion, season, or mood.
Lady Millionaire
When I saw this sparkly pink polish on the list, I was pleasantly surprised. Like the gold one above, it's further affirmation that we're not afraid of glitter! There are so many things to love about this glittery polish. Mainly, its name is pretty amazing. And, of course, the shiny pink hue is a nice change-up from the usual gold and silver glitter polishes.
Invisible
On one end of the best-seller list, there are glitters, and on the other end, there's yet another clear polish. This one is super reflective, shiny, and tough enough to withstand wear and tear.
Well Well Well
Another neutral, this polish is a rich, opaque white. Normally when you want that look, it takes a lot of coats to get there, which is annoying and also leaves more room for mistakes. Reviewers on Amazon say that's not the case with this polish since it's not sheer at all and goes on without streaks.
Black to Black
Well, it seems that everyone isn't afraid to wear black nail polish since this is the third on the best-selling list. It's from the Insta-Dri collection, which means just exactly that: It will dry in a flash. It also has a three-in-one formula, meaning it has a built-in base and topcoat.
White on Time
Surprise, surprise: Here's another white polish on the best-sellers list. This particular formula only needs one coat and dries quickly.
Rosy Quartz
If you're looking for a natural look with a tint of color, this sheer pink is your best option. It has a light finish but with plenty of shine.
White Tea
Unlike the other white polishes on the list, this one is sheer. One Amazon reviewer wrote it's "a very pale pink, so pale it is just off-white."
Stay Classy
Stay Classy is a silvery white that would be fun for a festive occasion. Or, you know, you could just wear it every day if you're feeling bold.
Sugar Fix
Sugar Fix is just a tad darker than the other one on this list. One reviewer on Amazon says it's "a gray, sort of cornflower sky blue and definitely a keeper."
White On
Okay yes, here's another white polish. Who knew white was such a favorite? This one is chip resistant, fade resistant, and waterproof.
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