Here are the best nail polishes for the ultimate at-home mani: gel finish, quick drying and long-lasting

Over the course of the past year, we've all become incredibly talented at at-home manicures. Not only do they provide a moment of self-care, focusing our minds on nothing but the application process, but painted nails have proved to be the gift that keeps on giving, sparking joy every time we catch a glimpse of our chosen shade.

That's right - a fresh coat of nail polish can make us feel pampered, empowered, polished and ready to take on the world. So when you take the time to sit down and complete the perfect at-home manicure, the last thing you want is for it to chip moments later.

Don't feel bad - it's not you, some nail polish formulas just aren't quite up to scratch. It doesn't matter how on point your painting skills are, if you choose a dud formula, you'll probably going to need to pick up the nail polish remover and repaint after a day or two.

11 best gel nail kits for a salon-worthy manicure at home

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By Sophie Cockett, Sheilla Mamona and Denise Primbet

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So if you want your lacquer to really last, choose from our list of the best nail varnishes. These are top-performing formulas and the latest gel nail inventions that we guarantee will perform. There's Essie's Original Shine and Gloss Nail Varnish which is chip-resistant and then some (even the Queen wears the Ballet Slippers shade from the range), or Nails Inc's Second Speedy Gloss which serves up high-shine and pigmentation in abundance. Elsewhere, consider OPI Nail Lacquer for shade variety and long-lasting wear, or the Barry M Gelly Nail Paint for a finish that's indistinguishable from a gel manicure.

Still not getting the results you want? Check out this expert hack for making your regular nail polish last over a week without chipping simply by changing your nail polish remover (trust us, it works). Or check out these at-home gel kits that are guaranteed to impress - and last. And if you're feeling especially creative, check out these easy nail art ideas for inspiration. Want to emulate the GLAMOUR teams' nails? We're on the third design of our monthly collaboration with our fave local nail bar, TOWNHOUSE. For May, we have a colour pop, peach and blue painterly design that's just about as foolproof as you can get when razzing up your mani yourself at home. This will look fantastic holding that glass of Pimm's you'll soon be sipping and what better way to spend the long weekend than giving your nails a new lick of paint in the sunshine? Follow our step-by-step here.