Best nail polish removers according to redditors
We found 99 Reddit comments discussing the best nail polish removers. We ranked the 40 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 99 Reddit comments discussing the best nail polish removers. We ranked the 40 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Yeah, apparently you have to go to amazon for that.
It may not work if it’s not pure acetone (example: https://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Professional-Nail-Polish-Remover/dp/B07PWHN5K6). Some regular bottles don’t even have it at all.
cotton ball gripper for doing your nails
I have my nail tech license, so I have access to the professional products and equipment, but I’ve found a lot of alternatives to the ‘mainstream’ giants in the nail industry. If you go into the nail section of Cosmoprof and SalonCentric, they’re usually dominated by OPI, CND, Essie, and Gelish. CND’s Shellac was probably the first/most prevalent/recognizable gel polish that became familiar to the public, so much that “Shellac” became a catch-all name for gel manicures (similar to names like Q-Tip, Band-Aid, or Kleenex). For a long time, a gel manicure was likely requested (or listed in the salon service menu) as Shellac, regardless of the product line that was used. I was trained on the CND Shellac line when I first learned gel polishes, but I never went on to purchase a single CND Shellac polish/base/top coat. I do own the remover and prep, because it came in a kit for their Brisa gel, but I still don’t own anything “Shellac”. The big thing that I’ve learned? With these giant brands that become industry standards, I’d say that the high price of their products is generally: 75% (a product bearing a brand name that a non-nailpro can see in your supply kit and instantly recognize, therefore they’ll be more likely to have confidence in the products that you use and trust your professional knowledge/skill) and 25% (a popular product that is trusted within the industry).
I have a pretty varied mix of gel polish products, which I started building by stocking up when Cosmoprof and SalonCentric would heavily discount a new batch of OPI and Gelish, and supplemented my stock with Gelaze by China Glaze (which is extremely affordable, compared to OPI/Gelish/Shellac). Of the “big brands”, Gelish is my favorite. But I’ve branched put away from the “mainstream brands” and have found a lot more unique (and affordable) products through nail artists on instagram and by just falling into nail-related rabbit holes on amazon. You can absolutely build a solid stash of gel polishes and supplies without breaking the bank. Here’s what I would recommend:
-Cleanse/Remove: You don’t need a special to remove gel polish. It’s one of those products that are easily packaged and promoted as a “must have” part of the product line. You can soak off gel polish by using a file or buffer to remove the top coat (basically until the surface is no longer shiny), then soaking for a few minutes with those little foil wraps and 100% acetone. If you prefer to not use acetone, the polish can be 100% buffed off with a 120 grit file or buffer. Gel polish cleanser, which is used to clean the natural nail before application and to remove the sticky layer after the gel cures, is 99% isopropyl alcohol. 99% is the most effective, but I know that some cleansers that you can get at Walmart and the like aren’t 99%. I picked up a cheap cleanser and a bottle of acetone at Walmart (Onyx Professional brand) and they worked just the same as my professional brand products. I recommend the little rectangular buffers (you can buy a good amount at Sally’s for cheap) and a 100/120 grit zebra file. The final thing here is lint-free nail wipes. You can find them in the nail aisle at Walmart, which is a great thing because I could only find the damn things in pro stores forever. If I’m being cheap and doing my own nails? I just use paper towels, as long as they aren’t the quilted/soft ones. Never toilet paper, it’s way too crumbly.
-Prep/Base/Top Coat: I’ve tried a few, but Gelish has been the most effective for me. It’s also lasted FOR-EV-ER. You can get the full size of pH Bond, Foundation, and Top It Off in the Gelish Terrific Trio Kit on Amazon for $30.99. This an excellent price and the only way I’ll purchase these items, because they’re individual prices are ridiculous.
Curing: This is where I circle back to my rant about the professional brands and how they can get away with ridiculous markup by slapping their name on a product. A few years ago, OPI and CND both unveiled their ‘cutting edge’ LED nail lamps. This was when the industry was moving away from UV and embracing LED. Gelish also had a very popular lamp at the time. If you went into any salon, you were probably going to see a lamp by Gelish, OPI, or CND. These came with $200-450 price tags. My reaction was basically “fuuuuuuck that”. I bought a basic UV lamp for $20 on eBay and a little LED on amazon for $40. I’m still using them, 4 years later. This is a knockoff version of the CND lamp, and the one that I’m looking at to upgrade from my first LED. Here’s another option, which is similar to the one I currently use.
-Read the reviews when you buy nail products on amazon, but pay attention to the complaints. Some negative reviews come from faulty products, but a LOT of them come from people who have no idea what they’re doing.
I kinda wrote a book here, but if anyone ever has a nail question, shoot me a message and I’m happy to help or make recommendations!!
Sorry for the long answer, but I really love this! So I’m pretty uptight about my nails and I can’t handle any chips. Once it chips I have to redo them. I swore by seche vite as a top coat for years... but then I tried dipping powder at a salon and I was sold! I figured I can do my nails as well as the salon so I can figure it out. I’m still learning (I’ve been doing this for maybe 2-3 months) but I’ve made great progress! I say that because there’s a learning curve. I do think they look salon quality right now.
I purchased this kit from amazon $39 Kiara Sky Dipping Powder Essentials Kit Steps 1-6, 0.5oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785N6LYD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rmsWCbFP80J18
Honestly: I wish I purchased the French tips kit ($109) instead bc I wish I had more dipping powders to choose from. I’ll probably buy that when mine runs out.
I picked a few colors of the powder I liked. I will say the store brand at Ulta (red carpet) is absolute trash and do not use it. The powder and the kit from ulta are not good quality. Kiara sky is significantly better. This is the tough part bc it’s kind of a guessing game, but it’s also fun trying new colors.
Gospire 10 Pcs Plastic Nail Clip Nail Art Gel Polish Remover Soak Off Cleaner Cap Clip (pink) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHSTE7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aqsWCb562XM3R I purchased these because removing the dip sucks. I take acetone on cotton balls and soak them for about 45 min-1 hour.
I purchased a drill and use on the lowest setting to clean up the edges. From where the clear coat settles around my nail bed. I can put the drill on my raw skin and it doesn’t hurt, but I was super nervous to try I at first. MelodySusie Compact Portable Electric Nail Drill - Light Electrical Professional Nail File Kit For Acrylic, Gel Nails, Manicure Pedicure Polishing Shape Tools Design For Home Salon Use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H05EDK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_assWCbHZ4KRSX
Those are the tools I bought. It takes ~1 hour to do the dip and it lasts 2-3 weeks. My toes last longer. It doesn’t chip, dries right away, and your real nails will grow out and not break off bc it’s so strong!! My nails look fake, but they are real.
I watched a few tutorials on YouTube and it’s really easy! It does take a bit longer but it’s totally worth it IMO. Feel free to PM if you want advice on how to actually apply it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acetone-Superior-Quality-Polish-Remover/dp/B0182QCU7E/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=acetone&qid=1562962520&s=gateway&sprefix=Aceto&sr=8-3
I buy this one everytime but any will work as long as it is 100%
I havent been gifted anything but I'll give you 3 items that I've bought and are great for under $5!!
EDIT: OOPS, gotta be on amazon right? If so then:
(I've been eyeing this thing at my local Daiso)
Oh! I've been drooling over that color forever. Good choice! ;) Are you a big red fan?
If you have patience, Amazon is seriously a steal for building an arsenal! And if the answer to the patience question is yes... may I suggest...
That's what I've got for now... Hmm.. What did I miss?
If she doesn't have a cotton claw she'd probably love it. You can use acetone/polish remover on your nails, or to clean up your mat, or clean off your stamping plate, etc, without ruining the polish on your scrubbing hand.
https://www.amazon.com/ASP-Manicure-Saver-Cotton-Claw/dp/B00BGEIGK0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468834454&sr=8-1&keywords=cotton+claw (this same ASP claw is a lot cheaper at Sally's Beauty Supply in the US for anyone who lives near a Sally's or can order off their website)
She might also like a silicone mat to work on, they're fairly new and popular. If you're not clear on why anyone would want one or how they are useful look up nail mat reviews on YouTube. Here are three mats made especially for nails:
https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Decal-Maker-Manicure-Workspace/dp/B018JYTRJS/ref=sr_1_9_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468834595&sr=8-9&keywords=silicone+nail+mat
https://www.amazon.com/Uber-Mat-Nail-UberChic-Beauty/dp/B0176NYLF8/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468834595&sr=8-4&keywords=silicone+nail+mat
https://www.amazon.com/Bliss-Kiss-Simply-Neat-Miracle/dp/B0195KR508/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468834595&sr=8-1&keywords=silicone+nail+mat
Essie Gel Couture isn't a super high end polish but it's a very new line from Essie and might not be in Sweden yet. (I'm in the US and haven't seen it at my local stores but I haven't looked everywhere.) You can order it online. There's a massive review showing all 42 shades here:
http://imabeautygeek.com/2016/05/01/essie-gel-couture-2016-swatches-and-review-all-the-shades/
I'm sure others will have more great suggestions so I'll stop here. :)
So with polycarbonate you need to use some acetone to allow the dye to get into the plastic. I got the following two products from amazon:
Dye
Acetone
My method was as follows:
The black ones I did were around 3m 30s I believe and are completely opaque now.
I think the best way to think about your theme is, just the things that make us feel pampered, loved, and beautiful. What gifts can you buy that could put self-love back into someone's life? Maybe it's just giving someone a few things to alleviate stress, like some nice bath products or a subtle candle scent. Or maybe you could just look for items that accentuate femininity and grace, like a embroidered handkerchief! Here is a list of things that will give the ladies in your life some help giving back to themselves:
e.l.f. Cosmetics 12 Piece Brush Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HKR6WM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_GqlDwb1AXC858
Konjac Sponge (3 Pack) Activated Bamboo Charcoal. Facial Cleansing & Exfoliating Beauty Sponges https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WFSBHO8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_thlDwbXZ3YMEQ
12 discount panties (like 6 for 20.00 or less at target
Burt's Bees Fabulous Mini's Travel Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V0XQAU0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_yXlDwbYEBEK56
6 LA Colors Nail Polish Remover Pads Aceton Free Fruit Scent 6 Different Ones (Total 199 pADSs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TXJKES/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_WdmDwbNM22R2N
Okay, if I'm breaking the rules, then just ignore this post. But personally what I would do is just totally pamper myself!!! Since you totally deserve it, if you so choose, here's a step by step process approved by yours truly :b
Got a book? Perfect! You may proceed.
this message approved by TIG23
I would greatly appreciate [skyfall] (http://www.amazon.com/Skyfall-Daniel-Craig/dp/B007REV4T8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=KYZ3XNM7EVE1&coliid=I378YST7ZB35TV) to add to my James Bond collection/ Movie collection and enjoy for a romantic date night at home! woop-di-woop !!
Thanks for doing this contest!
EDIT: Formatting. And then again, for formatting.
I would crash a child beauty pageant
These nail polish remover pens!
Diet Pepsi
I think you need this in your life. Seriously. Slow cookers are amazing. I'm pretty sure this is the same one I bought for my sister's Christmas present last year and she loves it. There's nothing like going out to work in the morning with your slow cooker on and coming back to a ready made meal... and the smell that greets you when you come through the door is amazing. Try beef casserole. Omnomnom.
And seeing as that is the bottom half of the budget, throw yourself in these as well because they look awesome and I've just added them to my own wishlist :'D
For mee~ This little guy ♥ I've wanted him since I bought one for my nephew's birthday and was gutted when I had to give it away :( TY teddies are adorable. So yeah!
Thank you for the contest Roisiny~ woop-di-woop!
Howdy dude. It should work with ISO from my experiences before if it’s only lightly done like ur mentioning. On a side note, I also suggest getting an alchohol pump ( https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07Q2FWJFR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ppOGDbGK1ET0X) so that u can clean ur banger immediately after every dab with the iso (less cleaning in the long run). Hope this helps.
I have a few favorites! My very very favorite is actually from a show though! I always try to keep it in mind when people get under my skin :)
"You're not going to make the world any better by shouting at it." - Wilfred Mott, Doctor Who 2005 (Season 4 Episode 11)
These are only $2.50! :) Thanks for the contest!!
I'd try using Acetone
I'm going to have to disagree. I much prefer pure acetone and these.
If you weigh 150lb, then the LD50 for acetone is 1/5th of this bottle.
Acetone Dispenser oh gosh, this is so darn useful!! I would love it.
thanks for gifting!
I would love these nail polish remover pens. Fluffy!
I'm trying to do this on my phone and my cheapest item (a flower headband) isn't showing up. :(
This is the next cheapest though.
I'm really sorry you can't get your game! It's really nice that you're doing this for other people
I've been using paper towels and this bottle of acetone. I've noticed that newer sets seem to de-foil better than older ones. I spent 10 minutes scrubbing a foil Mirrodin Leonin Scimitar and there was no change at all but an M10 common was really easy; also the one DFC Werewolf I did de-inked to white paper rather than foil so DFCs probably have a different process that makes them unsuitable.
I’ve had great experiences with the gel polishes from drug stores that do not require a UV light. No issues at all and I only have to do my nails every other week. Removing it was kind of a pain though so I got these and let them soak for a few mins and it slides right off! I use Essie but I hear good things about the Salley Hansen one too.
Ditto. I was having crazy problems with first layer adhesion, and used IPA several times to no avail. One quick cleaning with acetone fixed everything.
I recommend you keep a bottle of real acetone handy, e.g. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KJ7AGE/
Okay, bias incoming.... I love full-nail images. I have a lot of the Cheeky plates from Amazon. A, B, D and Happy Nails 10, this is also good for a mix of small and full images. You can't beat the price for the great quality on Cheeky plates. This one by Winstonia is a recent fav as well.
You can buy those types of pens on eBay/Amazon, just slightly larger. I got 5 in a pack for about £1.50 (so about $2, right?). They came with a nib already in place (end piece you use to remove the messes), and the other end of the pen had a little holder for 4 more nibs per pen. So in total 5 pens with 25 nibs.
You can also refill those with polish remover too. When you switch out the nibs just pour some remover inside the pen and it soaks through. Because you get so many I just saved different nibs for different colours really, so no real issue of cross contamination.
I'll link, but I'm on my tablet so if it doesn't work sorry. I'm awful with anything more than straightforward posting.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/POLISH-VARNISH-REMOVER-CORRECTOR-CORRECTION/dp/B0061XTGIM/ref=pd_sim_sbs_beauty_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1MV17TXSZJ2H1P0B7YX0
I was recommended this product from Amazon when I listed the EXO wipes in my Holy Grail list. Haven't run out of my current remover yet so I can't vouch for it personally, but the reviews are excellent so it might be worth a shot:
https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Lavender-Nail-Polish-Remover/dp/B00G7S424O/ref=zg_bs_11059371_8
Something that I'm proud of is how I'm able to keep calm in panicky situations. Whenever someone around me is panicking or freaking out, I'm able to keep calm and sort of shut down my panicky side, if that makes sense. It comes in handy and I'm proud to be able to do it.
I would really like this so it's easier to paint my nails. My hands shake so they always end up looking messy.
myself
I swear by two things:
this for clean up: (total life saver) http://www.amazon.com/Opi-Correct-Clean-Refillable-Corrector/dp/B00265YNFK
and this for the best looking cuticles I've ever had! It took not even a week of using it and they were completely healthy looking:
http://www.burtsbees.com/Lemon-Butter-Cuticle-Cream/07099-00,default,pd.html
I would love to be your friend!! :D
Slothypoo and kittykins
Edit: More sloths because I got sucked up into the sloth tornado
Linky
Happy you're alive, Tara! Sorry life is being rough on you, sending my thoughts your way!
I can't decide, so surprise me: this polish or these clean-up pens
Mine only has the pattern on 2 fingers. It seems to be fine on the black as you can see here
I only had very little acetone left from an ex's bottle I found in the bathroom for this little experiment, so I could only do the one finger. Lucky for you IDGAF. The paint does smear and dry almost instantly which is why I said you have to keep it wet or use different parts of the towel or use paper towels.
Since your gloves have way more white it might take over 16oz to do the whole thing (again, the stuff evaporates almost instantly). Just don't breathe it or you'll end up stupid, rinse them in water, and don't bbq in them.
https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Professional-Acetone-Remover-Artificial/dp/B0051IC96Y
I used this stamper: http://www.amazon.com/Nail-Art-Double-Stamper-Scraper/dp/B002MZ8BK2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346559283&sr=8-1&keywords=konad+stamper
And a design off this plate: http://www.amazon.com/INTRODUCTION-Collection-Plates-Designs-Cheeky/dp/B006OMHU4C/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1346559363&sr=1-3&keywords=cheeky+plate
I'm working on doing more with my nails and I'm wanting to give stamping a try. So this is something I really need to be able to do that. And this would be for when I end up making a mess of myself. I want to try something new.
Happy anniversary!
My current favorite is Wreck it Ralph because I made a bunch of friends due to that movie.
Suggestion? Deep River Snacks chips. The best potato chips I have ever tasted, and they are free of gluten and nuts and a bunch of other stuff.
Link to my item
My favorite Disney World memory was going to each Epcot country and trying one food. By the end I could barely walk.
See ya real soon!
I need doll-modding supplies!
Like clay or tools or acetone pens or embellishments or brushes.
With practice, I hope to be able to work with some very talented doll artists in my community, as well as crafting custom dolls for people over the Internet.
Just finished changing everything! Momma didn't raise no fool.
Pens (on my nursing school WL, available for $5/free shipping under more buying choices)
Thank you!!
1.96
I'm Ron Burgundy?
Thanks for the contest!
Yes, this is from Cheeky Jumbo Plate A. It's a great stamping plate. I used Sally Hansen White On as the stamping color, I have an old thick bottle that comes out really white, but this was with my new bottle which is a bit more thin.
Thank you for the contest!
Thanks for the contest.
I live in CA so my favorite memory in Disneyland would have to be the first time I rode Peter Pan's Magic Flight. I was 6 years old and I thought that I was actually flying through the stars, it felt like the most amazing thing ever at the time.
I don't know if you can avoid a mess with this one. I hate cleaning up as I think it's the hardest part. I just ordered some cheap nailpolish remover pens but they aren't here yet.
The only thing that worked for me was making sure I put a decent amount of polish on the nail before putting the plastic on. If you have to add more polish and press on the polish again the polish will get thick, and the colors will blend too much.
The colors you choose is kind of important. I think light colors will look the best, but no one wants boring nails when you put in all this effort. I went with one bright, one dark, and one neutral. Then I went back with my neutral color to touch up the mistakes.
I wouldn't recommend removing polish with alcohol or nail polish thinner.
Do you use opi nail envy by any chance? Some people say that makes their nails peel. Is it possible that the remover is revealing your problem instead of causing it? If it is the remover, maybe switching to something like this would help?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00G7S424O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1483119262&sr=8-1&keywords=natural+nail+polish+remover
I use an ear swap, but I still kind of suck at it so I bought these. Just received them this week so I'll be seeing how well they work on Saturday.
is this a sufficient acetone selection for US based?
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https://www.amazon.com/Super-Nail-Pure-Acetone-fl/dp/B009SDJQCI/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1536477280&sr=8-5&keywords=Anhydrous+Acetone
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Oh my, congratulations on the sale! I've been meaning to put up some of my wares on Etsy, but I haven't had the time :( Mayhaps, when I finally get off my bum and do it, we can add each into our circles! :D
Clearly this item is ridiculously overpriced, but if I could afford it, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. It's a molecular mixology kit which combines science and food! What better combination is that?!
For something a bit more within a tighter budget, sharkbanana. This one is pretty self explanatory. :)
Thank you for hosting this contest! Oh, before I forget:
<$5 and <$10
I really really want it! <3
hiday hi .uk person!
I have some nail polish remover pens in my makeup list :) (also the sherbet straws that /u/wooogly mentioned cause I looove sherbet but don't particularly needs it XD)
also xe.com for all your currency conversion needs!
Something to try on the marker: Nail polish remover pads. If you find them in a store, they're like $1 each.
This would do it.
https://www.amazon.com/Super-Nail-Pure-Acetone-fl/dp/B009SDJQCI
I'm so curious how you got those lines on them, they are perfect! As for taking off the gel polish, these were a total game changer for me and has allowed me to use gel all the time now. I take a bit of cotton ball and soak it in nail polish remover then put these on. I'm on mobile so i hope this link works. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHSTE7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7vx-Bb13R33NM
I can manage to get all of my fingers in these Except for my thumbs lol I have to ask for help.
Happy happy cake day! And thanks for this contest! I had a lot of fun doing this!
20.It's cheap and it smells like heaven!
Try a White Russian! Delicious!
Congrats on your 21st! You can now go have ALL the fun, no restrictions! ;)
link
Bottoms up!
I've been using this oil based polish remover and it works great. Smells great, no horrible smell and it's gentle on my nails and moisturizing. :)
How about something like this.
I want to make sure that when we refer to pure acetone nail polish remover, it literally is just acetone? I don't have access to the well known (or well used) Onyx professional nail polish remover but I found this that I can purchase within my country. Just want to confirm that they are the same, I might be overthinking and being dumb
If you're still looking, I have this one, and it's awesome. Maybe pick out a few other colors too.
Oh, and these along with a bottle of acetone would probably also be appreciated; gel nail polish is a pain to get off.
I use my oral-b toothbrush and pour acetone in a non-abs plastic cup with about enough to hit 1/4 of the nail. Damn this works SO good. Use acetone not nail polish remover. That crap don't remove squat!
16oz may last about 50-100 uses if you don't use more than you need.
Super Nail Pure Acetone, 16 fl. oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009SDJQCI
While looking for link, I found it $3.16 oz so I just bought 2 more..wow what a good price
> Also for the love of god don't try to use paint thinner to get polish off, I don't know why I've seen people try this but it doesn't work and that crap is toxic as fuck.
Uh. You realize acetone, the most common nail polish remover, is literally just paint thinner?
With that said, I highly recommend this stuff instead, because acetone does suck and dries you out like woah. This stuff is amazing, and much nicer on your skin. Smells better too.