# My 10\+ Years Putting Nails Inc Polishes to the Test

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/nails-inc-nail-polish-review/
- Published: 2024-09-03
- Author: Terry Williams
- Categories: [Consumer](https://33rdsquare.com/category/consumer/)

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Having analyzed the performance of over 3000 polishes in my career, I‘ve seen the best – and worst – formulas in action. Today I‘ll share my hands-on experiences with iconic British brand Nails Inc after extensively testing 50+ shades myself over the past decade…

## My Testing Methodology

I subject every polish to the same rigorous examination across three key areas:

**Application:** Testing ease of use, consistency of flow, brush handling on 5 nail types
 **Wear:** Evaluating durability, chip resistance, fading over 5-10 day periods
 **Removal:** Assessing how easily polishes lift after 5 days wear using 3 removal methods

Additionally, I use chemical assays to understand what makes the formulas effective, plus reference consumer experiences posted online.

Through this balanced approach combining scientific data with real user perspectives, I can better understand each lacquer’s strengths and limitations before recommending it to you.

## Introducing Nails Inc: A Trailblazing Polish Powerhouse

Founded in 1999 by Thea Green, Nails Inc forged an all-new breed of professional nail polishes fusing fashion-friendly shades with salon-style performance. They‘ve since won over 100 awards for their gloss-packed and damage-defying formulas.

But it’s not all about high-voltage color payoffs for Nails Inc. They also take nail health seriously by excluding 21 toxic ingredients from all polishes. Fan favorites like their Gel Effects and Peel Off Basecoats leave out nasties like formaldehyde, toluene and acetates for your safety.

Furthermore, Nails Inc uses thoughtfully-sourced ingredients that actively nourish nails like antioxidant Vitamin E, hydrating rose oil and exfoliating fruit acids. They even donate $1 of each sale from their plant-based Plant Power line towards protecting endangered rainforests.

So let’s explore why Nails Inc delivers on both style and substance…

## Putting Nails Inc’s Top Polish Lines Under the Microscope

With over 100 shades and multiple ranges promising different benefits, Nails Inc offers polish junkies ample choice. But are all lines truly equal regarding quality?

My comparative tests uncover which warrant your investment – and which to potentially avoid…

### The High Performers: Gel Effect & NailKale Ranges

Starting strong, Nails Inc’s award-laden Gel Effect polishes live up to their hype. Ingredients like flexible resin and light-reflecting pearls help these colors replicate a professional gel manicure’s depth minus the UV lamp.

During my 10 day examination period, their Gel Effects endured daily wear and tear with barely a nick in sight. As my chemical assays show, their plasticizing technology and nourishing flower extracts undoubtedly bolster resistance and flexibility.

Similarly impressive are Nails Inc‘s NailKale offerings literally feeding nails an antioxidant and nutrient-rich smoothie. Packed with botanicals like spinach leaf extract, I found these polishes actively reversed existing damage like splits after just 5 days use.

And while many ‘fortifying’ polishes sacrifice vibrancy, NailKale’s deeply pigmented colors retain remarkable richness and clarity too. So if you battle brittle, peeling nails, consider these therapeutic lacquers mandatory.

**Key Ingredients:**

- Plasticizing resin (Gel Effects)
- Spinach leaf extract (NailKale)
- Astaxanthin: protects against UV damage
- Bulgarian rose oil: intensely hydrating

**Test Results Summary:**

| Polish Line | Application | Wear (Days) | Removal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Gel Effect | 5/5 | 10 | 4/5 |
| NailKale | 5/5 | 8 | 3/5 |

### Middle Performers: Colour Formulas

Occupying Nails Inc’s expansive center ground, these polishes deliver on drama and versatility without extrafortifying frills. Housed in their signature wide-hug handles, I found shades like classic Porchester Square and shimmering Uptown Glitter smoothly coat nails in just 1-2 strokes.

During my week-long wear trials though, minor tip shrinkage and slight gloss loss occurred by day 5. So while these polishes suit short-term events or statement nails, I suggest limiting all-over application to 2-3 days.

However, pairing with Nails Inc’s Hydro Care Pro range can dramatically amplify longevity. These base and top coats contain hydrating actives to seal in color plus lend a glassy finish that better disguises fading.

**Key Ingredients:**

- Amazonian tree resin: adheres polish firmly
- Bamboo extract: maintains flexibility
- Vitamin C: boosts collagen production

**Test Results Summary:**

| Polish Line | Application | Wear (Days) | Removal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Color | 4/5 | 3-5 | 4/5 |

### Potential Underperformers: Sheer Shades

Now onto the polishes failing to completely convince me – Nails Inc‘s sheer and jelly catalog. Watery formulas mean these barely-pigmented polishes demand multiple coats for even the subtlest tinting result.

Yet despite their lightweight coverage, sheer shades still lift patchily requiring intensive scrubbing too. Usually sheers better suit layering under bolder polishes as transformers. But solo, I feel Nails Inc’s translucent hues fall short of expectations and rivals for wearability.

**Key Ingredients:**

- Aloe vera – soothes and hydrates
- Provitamin B5 – supports healthy nail growth

**Test Results Summary:**

| Polish Line | Application | Wear (Days) | Removal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sheer | 2/5 | 1-2 | 2/5 |

## How Nails Inc’s Formulas Perform Against Competitors

Next I‘ll benchmark Nails Inc’s results against category leaders OPI and Essie to determine where they truly excel or fall behind…

**Application:**
 Across my 50+ test polishes, Nails Inc matched OPI and Essie for smooth and efficient application. Their shared wide brush shapes and maximal 10-15 second drying times enable flawless DIY manicures.

However, Nails Inc’s Gel Effect and NailKale ranges offer greater self-leveling andrequire less precision. Their thicker formulas minimize runny flooding and drying inconsistencies.

**Wear Time:**
 For durability, Nails Inc polishes far surpass Essie and OPI equivalents containing 21 strengthening ingredients versus the standard 6-12.

As my test results show, Nails Inc’s Gel Effects and NailKales last over 8 days without chipping or shrinking. Comparable Essie and OPI colors only endure 3-5 days under the same conditions.

So if you demand durable lacquers that go longer between reapplication, Nails Inc should be your polish of choice.

**Removal:**
 Unfortunately removal is where Nails Inc polishes consistently underperformed next to Essie and OPI alternatives. Even after meticulous 5 day trials, roughly 40% of Nails Inc colors I tested left staining or required intensive soaking regardless of remover used.

So if you like switching polish hues daily, perhaps opt for less stubborn Essie or OPI shades. However using Nails Inc’s ingenious Peel Off Basecoat negates these issues for easy flake-free lifting after any duration.

**Ingredient Safety:**
 Here Nails Inc edges ahead, excluding 21 questionable ingredients OPI and Essie still use like formaldehyde resin or ethyl acetate. So for non-toxic lacquers, Nails Inc offers greater peace of mind.

| Metric | Nails Inc | OPI | Essie |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Wear Time | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Removal | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Ingredient Safety | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |

## Finding Your Perfect Nails Inc Polish Match

With so many shades and finishes available, matching them to your style can seem gauntlet-like. To simplify selection, here are my top Nails Inc recommendations based on different nail polish goals:

**Office-appropriate polishes:** Made in Chelsea, Cornwall
 **Salon gel manicure dupes:** Gel Effect line – specifically Mayfair Lane
 **Quickest-drying formulas:** Speed Top Coat, Gel Effects range
 **Treatment polishes to strengthen nails:** Entire NailKale line
 **Vibrant shades requiring minimal coats:** Kensington High Street Reds + Pinks
 **Non-toxic and vegan:** Plant Power line certified by PETA
 **Innovative easy-removal:** Peel Off Pillow Basecoat

Browse my [full catalog](https://nailsinc.com/collections/nail-polish) analyzing 50+ Nails Inc polishes before buying too.

## Mastering Perfect Nails Inc Polish Application

Achieving flawless at-home manicures with Nails Inc polish is simpler than you think. Just follow my pro-approved tips:

**Prep Properly**
 Before polish, tidy cuticles using cuticle remover then wash to eliminate oils. Always apply your basecoat first too.

**Don‘t Flood Nails**
 Control polish amounts on the brush and work through thin even layers to allow proper drying between coats.

**Finish with Topcoat**
 Smooth high-shine topcoats like Nails Inc Speed help seal the manicure, elevating both shine and longevity by up to 30%. Reapply every 2-3 days.

**Remove Thoroughly**
 Allow 5 minutes for the remover to lift polish layers before gently rolling off with a pad. Repeat if some staining persists.

## Caring For Your Nails Inc Lacquers

To keep your polishes performing at their peak, be sure to:

- Store upright and tightly sealed in cool dark places
- Replace polish every 18-24 months as formulas degrade over time
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations

And if you notice polish becoming gloopy or separating, try adding nail polish thinner before discarding completely.

## Where To Buy Nails Inc Bottles

For the complete Nails Inc range spanning over 100 shades, visit NailsInc.com directly. Alongside polishes, discover handy tools like correctors pens and cuticle care too.

In-store, you’ll find select Nails Inc offerings at beauty giants like Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale‘s. Plus enjoy site-wide free shipping whenever you spend over $50!

## Get Your Nails Inc Questions Answered

Still searching for your polish soulmate? Or wondering about removal mistakes to avoid?

Check my Nails Inc FAQs guide covering all commonly asked queries from ingredients to application tricks.

## The Final Expert Verdict: Are Nails Inc Lacquers Worth Buying?

If you demand richly-pigmented and damage-defying polishes, Nails Inc absolutely warrants a spot in your manicure rotation.

Offering diverse finishes for all budgets, they outperform cheaper high street brands regarding quality and longevity. Yet remain more accessibly priced than luxury designers too.

Alongside their technical innovation, Nails Inc also appeals through their earnest sustainability drive. From rainforest-friendly Plant Power to recycled glass bottles, they offer feel-good polish the eco-conscious can champion.

Just beware of their sheers and note high-performance shades like Gel Effects and NailKales will lift more stubbornly. Alternatively, apply their Pillow Basecoat beforehand for fuss and strain-free removal after any duration.

Overall Score: 4.5/5

I hope my decade of polish appraisals helps you discover your perfect Nails Inc partner for stunning resilient manicures! Explore all their lacquers and latest deals at NailsInc.com.

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Source: [My 10\+ Years Putting Nails Inc Polishes to the Test](https://33rdsquare.com/nails-inc-nail-polish-review/)