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Who isn’t obsessed with pretty nails? Painting them might be your favorite pastime and not many feelings can rival the one you get after applying the perfect coat of polish. But it can be frustrating waiting for the nail polish to dry. And, what if you’re in a rush and accidentally bump your nails on something, ruining the polish and making it bumpy and smudged? Then it becomes tougher to remove and reapply the nail pain and let’s be honest, highly time-consuming too!
To avoid turning an otherwise great manicure into an annoying experience, consider trying a fast-drying nail polish for a quick and simple application. Here are our reviews of our favorite quick dry nail polishes of 2024 that will give your hands and feet the ideal — and smudge-free — look.
Comparing the Top Quick Dry Nail Polishes of 2024
Essie Expressie — Best Overall
Available in six colors and four metallic finished top coats, this quick dry nail polish spoils you with a wide range of options. It is infused with strictly vegan ingredients, making this product perfect for anyone. To set it well on your nails, simply apply two coats and wait for a minute for the ideal manicure. This nail polish also eliminates the need for applying a base coat and top coat! It consists of a high-quality gel that helps it last for a long time on your nails and is free from harmful chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, and DPB. Thanks to all these features, this nail polish has topped our list as the best choice on the market.
Pros
- Takes less than a minute to dry
- Easy to apply
- Achieve beautiful color in only two coats
Cons
- Slightly on the expensive side
Excuse Me — Most Protective
Known for drying super fast, this nail polish with anti-chipping ingredients ensures your manicure remains in tip-top shape at all times and won’t chip or crack while going about your everyday routine. The ultra-gloss shine brings a bedazzling sparkle when compared to your average nail polish and prevents it from any ugly yellowing or staining. It lasts for a long time and is the perfect option if you’re looking for something that makes both real and fake nails glitter at all times.
Pros
- Protects your nails from breaking
- Ideal for all kinds of nail types
- The high-quality finish has excellent longevity
Cons
- You might have to reapply the coat to seal it properly
Sally Hansen — Best Colors
This next quick dry nail polish from Sally Hansen has a glossy finish that looks beautiful without any top coat — all you need is to apply one coat on your nails and wait one minute for it to dry. It features a 3-in-1 formula that consists of the base coat, the color, and the top coat all in a single bottle. The 33% chip-resistant formula ensures the nail paint lasts for a long time without damage. It is also available in 32 solid and glittery shades, offering you tons of options to choose from.
Pros
- Offers typical shine in just a single coat
- The quick dry formula dries in just one minute
- A contoured brush ensures perfect application
Cons
- Pictures don’t always accurately represent colors
Eternal Collection — Most Affordable
Hate spending time and money on buying nail polishes but want a massive collection? Don’t worry, this set is perfect for you. Available in six color options, this option contains five quick-dry nail polishes which are highly pigmented, giving you the ideal look in just a single coat. These have a super glossy finish that results in a mirror-like shine for your nails. Free from all animal-derived ingredients, this product protects you from all harmful chemicals and parabens that could damage your nails and cuticles.
Pros
- Nail-friendly formula, free from 12 chemicals
- Lasts for up to six days
- Offers excellent coverage and shine
Cons
- Very difficult to remove
OPI — Best Top Coat
Do you often ruin your nail paint before it dries? If so, this quick dry top coat nail polish from OPI is made for you. Besides drying within a minute, it gives your nails a long-lasting shine. It can also be set easily in just a single coat. Enriched with jojoba and vitamin E, it protects your nails from cracks and stains while sealing in the color of your favorite nail polish. This nail paint is perfect for preventing chipped and dull nails while serving as a quick-drying solution.
Pros
- Easy to apply non-sticky gel coat
- The formula is enriched to strengthen nails
- Provides an evenly finished look
Cons
- It consists of a few harmful chemicals
Finding Your Next Quick Dry Nail Polish: A Buyer’s Guide
A quick dry nail polish saves valuable time and makes the whole process of giving yourself a manicure hassle-free. Before picking one, you should consider some key factors to make sure you choose a high-quality option that’s optimal for your nails.
What to Look for in a Quick Dry Nail Polish
Color range
Let's be honest: when you apply the same color of nail polish for too long, it can start to look boring. Almost all brands provide a quick-drying liquid, but it is rare to find a variety of colors by the same company. Look for a brand with over five colors to choose from, so you can match them with anything you wear.
Applicator brush
Not every quick dry nail polish brush is the same — avoid rounded brushes since they make the application harder and more time-consuming. It's easier to have a chip-free manicure or pedicure if the nail polish comes with an angular or flat brush to easily and quickly apply it on both hands or feet.
Color pigment
Quick dry nail polish should have a great color pigment because if you apply multiple coats, it will look very thick and messy. Choose one that provides the maximum color in a single coat or two for the perfect look.
Anti-chip and long-lasting
It can become very tough and frustrating to constantly change your nail polish, especially after it chips off and looks less than great since you’ll need to remove it and re-apply. Look for quick dry nail polish with a formula that won’t chip when you do your everyday tasks.
Vegan and safe ingredients
Make sure the fast-drying nail polish you choose doesn’t contain harmful chemicals and animal-derived ingredients that could damage the nail’s protective layer and cuticles. Certain brands provide quick-dry options without resin, DBP, and toluene. Opt for these nail polishes to have beautiful and healthy nails.
Price range
Nail polishes can come at different prices depending on the brand, the number of bottles in a pack, available colors, and quality. However, a standard quick dry nail polish with all the necessary features and optimal color choices should be available in the price range of $4-$7.
Quick Dry Nail Polish vs. Regular Nail Polish
An effortless manicure process
Quick dry nail polish allows you to have a manicure in less time since it dries nearly instantly and gives you the glossy or matte nails you want. Also, it saves you a trip to the salon and lets you have an easy breezy experience from the comfort of your home.
Protects from UV rays
A nail polish that dries quickly doesn't need to be cured under a UV lamp for drying and proper settling. It can dry by itself in a matter of minutes, which means your nails and cuticles are very much protected from the weakening effect of UV rays.
Quite convenient
Need to rush to an event and your nails aren't done? There’s no need to worry when you’re using quick dry nail polish. You can apply it on your way or even a few minutes before leaving your place, and it will look like a classy and smudge-free manicure.
Built-in base and top coat
Quick-drying polishes also come with built-in base and top coats, making them even more effective at protecting and strengthening your nails.
How to Maintain Quick Dry Nail Polish
- File and clean your nails of any dirt or oil before applying the quick dry nail polish. If there is any dirt, the polish won't stick and will be uneven after application.
- Apply some nail and cuticle serum after buffing or cleaning your nails. This will ensure when you apply the nail paint, it settles well onto them and keeps them healthy too.
- Although a quick dry nail polish sets easily, avoid water for at least 30 minutes after applying the polish to ensure that it won’t get smudgy or messy.
- To remove it, you can use an acetone remover. However, before that, you should wash your hands and remove any lotion/hand cream as those may mess up the process. You can also use non-acetone nail polish remover to remove quick dry nail polish from your hands if you are allergic to chemicals. But to use it effectively, make sure you soak your fingers in the remover.
