Nail polish that doesn't show chipping

September 9, 2023 6:42 PM

Can you recommend a nail polish that won't show chips or imperfections? Something with a little more coverage than clear, that doesn't require perfect application, and where small chips aren't obvious. Pearlescent or a little shimmer is okay, but nothing too glittery.

A sheer, light color could be good, but some I've tried become much more opaque with multiple coats, so it shows any brush marks or overlapping coats. I've seen Dior Nail Glow, is it as good as the hype?

posted by socktime to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (14 answers total)

Dior Nail Glow is indeed as good as the hype, I regret to report (cause it is PRICEY). I would categorize it as clear, though. It makes your nails look like a very subtle Instagram filter has been applied to them.
posted by branca at 6:47 PM on September 9, 2023 [3 favorites]

Hype? it's rated 2 and a half stars on Dior's own site. I've never used it but it would have to be pretty terrible to be worse than that hype. Sure I guess that makes it as good as the hype but not worth $30!

I cannot recommend a specific nail polish that won't show chips. You need to choose something close to your natural nail color and this will make chips much less obvious.

It will also be helpful to choose a product that won't chip as much in the first place. I recommend https://orlybeauty.com/, get a bonding base coat, a color that matches your nails, and a long wearing top coat. There are also matte top coats available which might show "imperfections" less or possibly more depending on what your specific issue is
posted by yohko at 7:24 PM on September 9, 2023 [1 favorite]

Olive and June has some nice sheer polishes; I own 3 and they all wear well!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:42 PM on September 9, 2023 [3 favorites]

Dior Nail Glow is that good.
posted by hollyholly at 8:34 PM on September 9, 2023 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I am a Nail Polish Person, I own several hundred nail polishes and am weirdly obsessive about them, I even have a spreadsheet to track their metrics.

I believe you will be extremely happy with Orly Beverly Hills Plum.

I would not buy a Dior polish if they gave them away for free. They aren't special in any way. That's my 2¢.
posted by phunniemee at 7:23 AM on September 10, 2023 [6 favorites]

Essie makes some good sheer, non sparkly, "your nails but better" options. I like Ballet Slippers, but Mademoiselle is popular too.
posted by champers at 8:00 AM on September 10, 2023 [2 favorites]

Orly Sweet Serenity; Five Dior Nail Glow Dupes
posted by Iris Gambol at 11:04 AM on September 10, 2023 [1 favorite]

n-thing Essie's gel couture line. Very easy to apply, very forgiving on layers. I like Fairy Tailor and Of Corset sheers.
posted by porpoise at 11:54 AM on September 10, 2023 [1 favorite]

I'm a big fan of Cirque's sheer polishes. They have a base coat that is buildable to a sheer pink, that would be great with just a top coat on it.
posted by little king trashmouth at 12:28 PM on September 10, 2023

I'd recommend a layer of Sally Hansen Repair+Rescue Ridge Filler, followed by a layer of a sheer polish of your choice if you want (the Ridge Filler may be enough for you depending on what you're looking for), followed by a layer of Seche Vite.
posted by erst at 4:47 PM on September 10, 2023 [2 favorites]

The first six ingredients of Active Glow are identical to Dior Nail Glow for half the price (ingredients are always listed with the greatest percentage of an ingredient first and go down in order from there). Looks like it could be just a skosh pinker than Nail Glow.
posted by oneirodynia at 6:33 PM on September 10, 2023

The first six ingredients of Active Glow are identical to Dior Nail Glow for half the price

That is not how nail polish works. Otherwise this may as well be an identical polish.
posted by phunniemee at 8:29 PM on September 10, 2023 [2 favorites]

Best answer: I have Dior Nail glow, it’s fine. I haven’t used it since I got Londontown’s Nail Concealer. FWIW, I can’t tell the difference between the pinkish and nude colors I have when I use a single coat. It’s so good I’ve given it as gifts to my girlfriends and now they all swear by it too. Chips are not noticeable and it dries so quickly!! Sometimes QVC has good deals on it.
posted by girlalex at 8:58 PM on September 10, 2023

The first six ingredients of Active Glow are identical to Dior Nail Glow for half the price

That is not how nail polish works. Otherwise this may as well be an identical polish.

Sorry, I should have been more clear: my point was meant to be that there's nothing particularly special about Dior since the bulk of the ingredients are the same (for nearly everything).
But I also didn't say that made it identical.
posted by oneirodynia at 12:31 PM on September 13, 2023 [1 favorite]