Nails
Jul 18, 2021

These Are the Best-Selling Nail Polish Colors, From OPI to Essie

by Lindy Segal

Nail trends come and go, but we all have that one polish shade we return to again and again. Whether it’s a goes-with-everything neutral or a party-ready glitter, the right nail polish is like a beloved recipe or worn-in tee: comforting, versatile, and always there for you when you need it. (And yes, I think glitter can be comforting. Don’t @ me.)

Often, our signature nail colors tend to have universal appeal, and best sellers are born. We were curious just how the top-selling polishes compared from brand to brand, so we reached out to 17 of our favorites to find out what bottles they can barely keep on shelves. And while some shades are the stuff of beauty legend at this point (ahem, Essie Ballet Slippers), more than a few are completely unexpected—and likely new to you. Keep scrolling to find out if your signature polish made the list and possibly discover a new mani shade along the way.

Àuda.B Vegan Nail Polish ($18)

Pretty much the perfect red, this polish was inspired by Àuda.B founder Samara Walker’s grandmother as well as Michelle Obama.

Essie Nail Polish ($9)

First introduced in 1982, Ballet Slippers is a favorite of royalty (it's Queen Elizabeth II's color of choice), celebs, and brides everywhere.

Meghan Markle Essie Ballet Slippers nail polish

Photo:

Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the announcement of their engagement in November 2017. Markle reportedly wore Essie Ballet Slippers for the occasion.

Orly Nail Lacquer ($10)

Now, this is worth celebrating: On average, one bottle of this confetti-like polish is sold every two minutes.

Photo:

@hollyfalconenails

OPI Nail Lacquer ($11)

This classic pink is the most popular of the iconic brand’s hundreds of shade ranges. But don’t worry: Fellow faves like I'm Not Really a Waitress and Lincoln Park After Dark locked up spots in the top 20 too.

Photo:

Getty Images

LeChat Nail Lacquer ($10)

The brand first launched this fun silver as a part of uts glitter collection in the early aughts, and it's been a best seller ever since.

Ciaté London Sun Switch Marshmallow Nail Varnish ($17)

This best seller is a two-in-one: The creamy white hue transforms into a ballet pink when it hits sunlight.

Photo:

Courtesy Ciaté

The Sun Switch transforming nail polish in action

People of Color Nail Polish ($12)

The shade—along with all of the brand's original 2019 collection—pays homage to founder Jacqueline Carrington’s childhood in Southern California.

Nails.Inc Naked in Neon Nail Polish Set ($22)

Nails.Inc’s top seller is actually this fun set that includes three poppy neons and one neutral for contrast, all named for iconic London streets.

Photo:

@imarninails

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish ($4)

This three-in-one polish has a base coat and topcoat built right in. (And interestingly, the top seller for the brand's Miracle Gel line, Get Mod, is also a bright white.)

Photo:

@lukamuller

Revlon Nail Enamel ($5)

First launched in 1953, Cherries in the Snow is the oldest shade in Revlon’s collection—as well as this list—and is still one of its top sellers. (And the matching lipstick is just as iconic.)

Côte Nail Polish ($18)

The clean brand's customer-fave powder pink applies sheer and magically looks perfect on everyone.

Photo:

@harrietwestmoreland

Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer ($16)

The bold pink sold out in just 12 hours, the fastest of any of the brand’s polishes to date. And that cheeky name? It's inspired by Ashnikko's song "Daisy."

Photo:

@styleidealist

See My Toes Nail Polish ($18)

All the polishes in this line are named for activities when one might—you guessed it—see their toes. Happy Baby, a can't-miss orange, has sold out three times.