11 Indie Nail Polish Brands Loved By Customers – 2024
Look bold and sophisticated with these long-lasing shades on your fingetips.
baishali bhattacharyaMA (English)
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you are looking for the best indie nail polish to add some fun to your nail art, we got you covered! Indie nail polishes are known for their quirky and glittery nail paints that can jazz up your nail look anytime. Formulated with cosmetic-grade ingredients, in small batches by independent brands, these add a protective layer to your nails and make your nail art last longer. Available in beautiful shades with unique colors and combinations, these give you that statement-making, glitter holographic effect under the sun. With the uniqueness of their quirky shades, you can now flaunt your nails and innovative nail design any time! To help you get started, we have enlisted the 11 best indie nail polish brands for you to choose from.
In This Article
11 Best Indie Nail Polish Brands And Nail Polishes
1. Best Long-Lasting:Cirque Colors Holographic Nail Polish
The Cirque Colors Holographic Nail Polish is an Indie glitter nail polish for top coat application. The ‘We Trippy’ shade of nail polish with holographic flakes colors your nails with a sparkling metallic tint or chrome. It comes in liquid form with a holographic finish that looks unique and attractive. Several reviewers attest that the multichrome flaky nail polish makes dull and plain-looking nails look prismatic with just one coat. The color combination and blend from this nail polish brand provide a beautiful rainbow effect that looks radiant under direct light. Check this video to learn more about a tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Gentle
- Non-toxic
- Long-lasting
- 10-free
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Takes long to dry.
"This nail polish applies smoothly and gives me a great shine. It dries quickly and remains durable. I like that it enhances my manicure and makes my nails appear stylish."
Trivia
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,022 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
2. Best For Quick-Drying:Tenoverten Indie Nail Polish
This nail polish from Tenoverten is non-toxic and safe to apply to your fragile nails. The brand offers a collection of gorgeous, long-lasting colors that promote stronger and healthier nails. Each shade is named after the streets of New York. Ludlow is a bright red shade that is sure to grab everyone’s attention. The salon-tested nail polish comes in a transparent bottle and is free of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP).
Pros
- Dries quickly
- Smudge-proof
- Long-lasting
- Streak-free
- 5-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Acetone-free
Cons
- Chips easily
"This Tenoverten nail polish gives me long-lasting coverage. I like the non-toxic formula that does not flake or chip. It delivers rich pigmentation even with a single coat."
3. Best Chip-Resistant:10 Free Chemistry Clean Nail Color
The 10 Free Chemistry Clean Nail Color improves the overall appearance of your nails by making them thicker. It contains nail-NRGY Bio Peptide Complex, which is a boosting and revitalizing serum that hydrates, restores, and maintains the nails. It is also enriched with vitamins, minerals, peptides, and ceramides that reduce dryness and hydrate the cuticles.
The formula forms a protective layer over your fragile nails, preventing damage and chipping due to external factors. The brand uses natural ingredients that enhance the health and well-being of the nails. It is also not tested on animals, making it a favorite of many ethically-conscious reviewers.
Pros
- Botanical ingredients
- 10+ free
- Chip-resistant
- Strengthens brittle nails
- Long-lasting
- Artificial color-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Hard to apply
"This nail polish applies smoothly. It is durable and dries faster. I recommend it because it has a low odor and is less toxic for daily use."
| Cirque Colors Holographic Nail Polish Best Long-Lasting | Tenoverten Indie Nail Polish Best For Quick-Drying | 10 Free Chemistry Clean Nail Color Best Chip-Resistant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | We Trippy | Ludlow | Mermaids Pearl |
| Dimensions | 1.13 x 1.13 x 2.75 inches | 1.38 x 1.38 x 2.75 inches | - |
| Weight | 0.37 Ounces | 2.4 Ounces. | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,022 | 102 | 201 |
| Price | $14.5 | $12 | $12 |
4. Best Pregnancy-Safe:sundays Non-Toxic Nail Polish
This nail polish from sundays has a glossy finish and enhances the appearance of your nails. The formula is highly pigmented and free of the 10 most common and harmful chemicals that damage the nails. Peacock Blue is an opaque jade blue shade with dark green undertones that give your nails an elegant touch. This nail polish is designed to last longer without chipping or fading so that your nails look and feel at their best. It also includes a fine soft flat brush with 800 bristles, which easily reach the corners of your nails.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- 10-free
- Pregnancy-safe
- Highly pigmented
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Odor-free
Cons
- None
"This nail polish has a smooth texture. I like that it applies easily and does not make my nails appear sticky. It stays for a long time and does not chip or budge easily."
5. Best UV Blacklight Reactive:DIRECTGLOW LLC Neon Glitter Nail Polish
The DIRECTGLOW LLC Neon Glitter Nail Polish with glow-in-the-dark properties has a clear formula, making this awesome indie nail polish easy to apply on any base color. The multichrome flaky nail polish contains different neon-colored glitters in shapes like stars, polka dots, and bar glitters. These glitters look neon in normal light and appear bright under UV blacklight. This cruelty-free nail polish has a shimmery finish.
Pros
- Clear base
- Easy to apply
- Dries quickly
- Shimmery finish
- Cruelty-free
- Dibutyl phthalate-free
Cons
- Removing it can get messy
"The polish delivers a pop of vibrancy to my nails. It is easy to apply and spreads smoothly. It does not chip or peel around the edges. I often pair it with a UV light for a bright, glow-in-the-dark effect."
6. Best Easy Application:IBD Just Gel Polish
The IBD Just Gel Polish imparts your nails with a high gloss shine. It applies like a regular polish but requires an LED lamp for curing and setting. The beautiful polish is suitable for overlaying or sculpting. Reviews on online forums recommend this nail polish as it strengthens your nail bed and stays on for many days. It is available in multiple shades, so there is a color for everyone’s needs.
Pros
- Easy to remove
- Long-wearing
- High shine
- Odor-free
- Chip-resistant
- Available in 200 amazing shades
Cons
- May get clumpy after a few days
"This nail polish is great for both my work and casual meetups. I add a decent number of layers for full opacity. The polish stays for a long time and makes my nails appear gorgeous."
7. Best Cuticle-Friendly:JINSoon Color Field Collection Nail Lacquer
JINSoon offers Indie nail polishes in different shades, ranging from Cherry Berry to Cool Blue Dolly, Kookie White, and Pop Orange. This dew nail polish leaves behind a glossy and smooth finish that you can’t stop admiring. The tinted tones add a retro, edgy touch that goes well with any makeup. These nail polishes come with UV filters that form a protective barrier against harsh sunlight to prevent fading or yellowing.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- 5-free
- Chip-resistant
- Rapid drying time
- Vegan
- Cuticle-friendly
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Extremely streaky
"This nail polish is extremely durable. It is easy to apply and does not chip off. I like that it settles softly on my nails without making them feel heavy."
8. Best Glossy Finish:O.P.I Nail Lacquer
The O. P. I Nail Lacquer with pinkish, peachy nude, and neutral shades look like sweet candy and match with any outfit, makeup, or occasion. The brand offers 21 different nude tones that are flattering, subtle, and sophisticated. Multiple reviewers rave about this nail polish gel that coats your nails with a glossy finish that lasts for up to seven days.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Convenient to remove
- Beautiful finish
Cons
- Too watery
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 1,035 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
9. Best Budget-Friendly:essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Color
This nail polish from essie Expressie provides a gorgeous glossy finish with just one coat. The inner brush that comes with the bottle is specially designed in an angled way that allows you to apply the nail polish with both hands, whether it is your dominant or non-dominant hand. The quick-drying nail polish offers options in more than 40 vibrant colors.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- No animal-derived ingredients
- Innovatively designed brush
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Chips fast
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 8,432 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
10. Best Non-Toxic:ILNP Boutique Nail Lacquer
ILNP is a new nail polish brand that leaves your nails with a glossy, shimmery finish. The gel-like formula coats your nails with a cashmere nude pink nail polish with flakies. It features an alluring assortment of nail polish with holographic pigments of micro flakes that sparkle beneath the sun. The color looks soft and neutral while at the same time delicately balancing the touch of holographic sparkle. Numerous reviewers love how the amazing nail polish shimmers under the sunlight, making your hands look bright and beautiful. Every coat of nail polish lasts quite long, preventing chips.
Pros
- 5-free
- Easy removal
- Long-lasting
- Non-toxic
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Artificial color-free
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Very sheer
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 11,668 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
11. Best Handmade:Nail Hoot Trick And Treat Halloween Indie Nail Polish
The Nail Hoot Trick And Treat Halloween Indie Nail Polish has a cream-based jelly-like texture. This confetti nail polish contains varying chunky glitter particles that look amazing on the nails. The textured polish features a purple shifty texture and a pinch of scattered holo, making it ideal for Halloween. It is a handmade formula that is free of five common irritants. It is also free of animal testing, making it an ideal cruelty-free option.
Pros
- Quick drying formula
- Formaldehyde-free
- Toluene-free
- Camphor-free
- DBP-free
- Formaldehyde resin-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Chips easily
Infographic: Unique Ingredients Found In Indie Nail Polishes
Indie nail polishes are popular for their high-quality formula and distinctive shades that make creative and expressive nail art possible. These brands take pride in using unique ingredients to create their nail polishes, without compromising on quality. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the ingredients that make these nail polishes stand out.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
The best indie nail polishes allow you to create a new and unique look, as they are available in uncommon and glittery shades. These formulas are expertly crafted and manufactured in small batches by independent brands to ensure quality. From holographic designs to solid colors with pearl finishes, indie nail polishes offer exceptional results consistently. The Cirque Colors Holographic Nail Polish adds a multidimensional look to elevate your nail game. The sundays Non-Toxic Nail Polish provides an opaque and long-lasting finish, and the ILNP Boutique Nail Lacquer is known for its innovative formula that uses holographic pigments to add shine. The products mentioned in our list are enriched with nourishing ingredients that not only add pop to your nails but also keep them healthy. They are chemical-free, long-lasting, and chip-resistant. However, you should steer clear of nail polishes that are not streak-free. Also, perform a patch test before applying the nail polish to check for allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Indie nail polish?
• Apply a base coat on the nails. Try to stick to a color that is similar to your glitter.
• Let the base coat dry.
• Dab the glitter polish on every part of the nails.
• Let the first glitter layer dry for 10 minutes.
• Swipe a second layer of glitter polish. Let it dry completely.
• Apply a transparent top coat to your nails and let it dry.
How long does Indie Nail Polish last?
Indie nail polishes last for one to two weeks without chipping.
Are all Indie nail polishes non-toxic?
Yes. Indie nail polishes are usually free from toxins. Some brands are free from three kinds of toxic chemicals, whereas some are free from five toxins.
Is Indie nail polish good for beginners?
Yes. Indie nail polishes are easy to apply and suitable for beginners.
Is Indie nail polish good for acrylic nails?
Yes. Indie nail polishes are suitable for acrylic nails. They stay on the acrylic nails for a long time.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya is a certified image consultant and expert in makeup artistry. Her zeal and love for makeup always push her to try different makeup products out there. She tested various nail polishes, researched in detail about their formulations, and combed through several reviews given by users to curate this list of indie nail polishes. These nail polishes come in many quirky and unique shades that add that extra oomph to your nails.
