An easy way to add a little flair and color to your fancy appearance is to polish your nails. When your nails are well polished, you can set yourself from the crowd in any occasion or season.

The market is full of bold colors, styles, and shades making it hard to pick something that will bring out the best in you.

We’ve spared a couple of hours to prepare a comprehensive guide on the factors to consider, outlined the different types of nail polish finishes and ways of preventing nail polish chipping and bubbling.

And to make it easy for you to choose the right nail polish, we’ve reviewed a couple of nail polishes under $10 that are not only non-toxic but will leave your nails looking so adorable.

Features to Consider in Cheap Nail Polishes

When purchasing nail polish, there isn’t a lot to consider in regards to chemical and physical properties. Here are a few things to look for in your next bottle or nail polish set.

How Long It Takes To Dry

You’ll come across nail polishes advertised as drying extremely. And due to impatient, you might be tempted to pick that one. Who has the time to wait, anyway? But be warned that that’s not really a good property of a nail polish.

If it dries too fast, then the chances are only the top part will dry fast while the covered layer dries too slowly. That’ll lead to bubbling. Once applied, the nail polish should dry just quickly enough to allow all the layers to dry uniformly.

Consistency

It doesn’t matter where you purchase your bottles of nail polish, check that the entire bottle looks uniform. And until it’s been applied and started drying, make sure that it’s not too thick or too thin. Just liquid enough to be applied with ease.

Doesn’t Chip/Peel Off Easily

If your nails are so sensitive to a particular nail polish type, then you need to know what’s in them that doesn’t sit well with your fingers. After that, make sure the product you pick doesn’t contain the ingredients to which your fingers react.

It’s good to point out there are now nail polishes advertised as ‘peel-off nail polishes,’ made from less toxic chemicals. These are natural water-based nail polishes that use resin as a raw material. They’re peel-off nail polishes because you can easily pull the entire piece down without the need for a nail polish remover like acetone.

Chemical Properties of a Nail Polish

It just isn’t possible to give out the exact formula used in making nail polishes because most of them remain the secret of the manufacturer and vary wildly among the polish producers.

However, nitrocellulose is a very popular ingredient in most nail polish brands. This chemical helps the polish dry properly and gives the polish a smooth surface.

Some manufacturers still use the harmful ingredients like toluene, dibutyl phthalate, camphor, formaldehyde. By all means, steer clear of any nail polishes with these ingredients in their chemical composition because they’re toxic and can cause damage to your fingers and other far-reaching health issues. Butyl acetate and ethyl acetate are common solvents used in place of the toxic chemicals like toluene and formaldehyde. The solvent binds together the materials in the nail polish until gets applied to the nails. After that, the solvent evaporates leaving behind a colorful finish.

Best Cheap Nail Polishes 2024 (Under $10)

1. INLP Juliette Holographic Nail Polish (Rose Gold Finish)

Performance
Nail biting habit is an oral compulsive habit and while there’s a lot you can do to quit, painting your nails is an effective remedy. There’s no denying you paint your nail to look pretty. But there’s no freaking way you’ll bite your fingers while they look so adorable.

We introduce you to Juliet Holographic Nail Polish, Rose Gold. It contains an array of ultrathin metallic flakes which gives your mani that exquisite reflective quality. Would you really bite your fingers with that metallic rose gold finish?

The very first stroke of this holographic nail polish will make you appear stylish and trendy. You’ll fall in love with it. It’ll be addictive. Plus, when the time comes, it’ll be pretty easy to remove the nail polish.
Also, this nail polish is 3-Free meaning it doesn’t contain the toxic chemicals. You can describe it as a vegan nail polish. It’s also first drying and leaves behind a smooth texture.

Verdict
Juliet Holographic Nail Polish, Rose Gold qualifies in all respects. It doesn’t contain toxic, dries fast and generates that attractive metallic sparkle. You’ll love it.

2. INLP MEGA 100% Pure Ultra Holographic

Performance
If you’re love with holographic nail polishes, then MEGA 100% Pure Ultra Holographic is your best bet. Contained in each bottle of this is the most superior quality of holographic pigment you can find anywhere.

The nail polish is vegan and 3-Free meaning it contains zero toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene. You’ll also appreciate how fast the polish dries. It dries naturally without having to expose your nails to UV light. And boy, does this nail polish last longer on your nails!

While it’s a mistake to apply nail polish without a base coat, you can easily get away with it with MEGA 100% Pure Ultra Holographic. A single coat and it looks pretty opaque. However, two coats will do better.

The holographic sparkle? It sure as hell will make the girls jealous. The moment you step into the sun, that vibrant fingertip sparkle will reveal itself fully. If you feel a little creative, bring that old bottle of nail polish and add a few drops of this and watch as the magic unravels.

Verdict
MEGA 100% Pure Ultra Holographic is healthy has been crafted with much care. It’ll give your nails that genuine holographic sparkle.

3. AIMELI Temperature Color Change Chameleon Nail Polish

Performance
Looking at the same color of nail polish is boring. Having something fun that changes with temperature is pretty cool, don’t you think?

AIMELI Temperature Color Change Nail Polish is a unique product, which when applied vibrantly changes color depending on how warm or cold your hands feel. If your hands are warm, the nail polish is white and if cold, the nail polish turns dark pink.

And if the hands are somewhere between too warm and cold, then the paint achieves an ombre effect and turns light pink.

This nail polish is special. So after applying, you must treat under UV or LED light so it dries fast. If you follow the exact process, the result will be a mirror shine finish and it should last long without chipping.

Verdict
Although AIMELI Temperature Color Change Nail Polish requires a little bit of a process to apply, a color-changing nail polish is just so cool.

4. Oh Splat White Glitter Nail Polish

Performance
We paint our nails to look pretty and attractive. But you can also do so to match your mood or even how you’d love your mood to be for the next one or two weeks.

As we speak, our hands help us convey the message better. The sight of a gorgeous, fun and play color on your nails will only brighten your mood.

If you want to achieve such an effect, we recommend applying Oh Splat White Glitter Nail Polish for your next mani. This white jelly comes loaded with 6 rainbow colors that glitter to create something fun and eye-catching.

The manufacturer recommends that you apply three coats using the accompanying smooth brush for the best results.
Plus, it’s a product created with your health in mind. It contains no formaldehyde, toluene or Dibutyl Phthalate.

Verdict
If you feel a somewhat playful and want your mood to reflect that, then Oh Splat White Glitter Nail Polish will do.

5. INLP Missed Calls Holographic Nail Polish, Black

Performance
Want to look stylish and professional? Then you can have fingernails match the color of your dress or pants. Better yet, you can contrast the two. For instance, wearing a black pant with your nails painted black with this INLP missed calls Holographic Nail Polish.

This nail polish has been specially crafted to give that holographic reflective sparkle when exposed to light. With this nail polish, you’ll look more professional and your fingertips will tell a story.

INLP missed calls Holographic Nail Polish is cruelty-free and contains no toxic chemicals. This high quality black polish becomes fully opaque after applying two to three coats. It dries fast and doesn’t peel anyhow. Time to remove it? You’ll find the process effortless.

Verdict
It comes a time when you want to tone down a little so you’re more stylish and professional. INLP missed calls Holographic Nail Polish will come in handy.

6. Essie Chinchilly Gray Nail Polish

Performance
Essie is a renowned nail polish brand committed to high quality standards. For 35 years, Essie has produced a wide line of nail products and polishes in over 1000 shades. Essie Chinchilly Gray Nail Polish is one of their products.

By the time you’ve completed applying the base, two coats of the polish, and then sealed with a top coat, this granite gray polish will see your fingers radiating luxuriously. It’s a perfect paint that goes with pretty much everything granting you that sophisticated demeanor.

Essie Nail Polishes comes in hundreds of shades. You can apply manicure based on the occasion, mood, season and pretty much every other aspect you can imagine. Always stand out in the crowd.

For the sake of your health, Essie Chinchilly Gray Nail Polish uses 3-Free formula. The polish contains no formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate. It’s also incredibly durable.

Verdict
If you’d like to try different shades of a single nail polish brand, Essie nail polish won’t disappoint.

7. INLP Hush Ultra Chrome Color Changing Nail Polish

Performance
By sitting down to paint your nails, then you’re convincing yourself that “I am worth it and I deserve this.” It’s a confidence booster.

INLP Cosmetics, Inc. has an outstanding ultra-chrome nail polish. Just what you need. Depending on the lighting you’re in, Hush spectacularly changes hues through orange, green, teal and red.

Your girl pals and complete strangers will be amazed at how Hush shifts through vivid and eye-popping colors. They’ll compliment you further boosting your ego.

This cruelty-free, color shifting nail polish dries fast, lasts long and it’s been formulated so you can apply directly on your fingers without a base coat.

Besides, it’s 3-Free. That means the polish contains no formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate.

Verdict
From time to time, we need a little distraction. And attention, too! Hush has that unique color-shifting effect that you’ll surely love.

8. INLP Black Orchid Chip-Resistant Holographic Nail Polish

Performance
As ladies, most of us do things to either impress ourselves or make other women jealous. And perhaps so we can look good for someone special. We just can’t help it.

If you’re looking for something ultra-feminine as well as sexy, then INLP Black Orchid is your best bet. It has been crafted with much care to deliver an exquisite sexy finish.

After applying, Black Orchid will dry fast to render an adorable glossy finish. Plus, this is not the kind to chip easily. It’ll remain beautiful and intact for days.

INLP Cosmetics, Inc. employs the 5-Free formula in the making of this nail polish. As such, you can be sure it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and camphor.

Since it doesn’t have that glittering texture, removing Black Orchid is a breeze. Not soaking required. It’s as simple as wiping it off.

Verdict
In the manicure world, there are a few things more annoying than nail polish that chips easily. Dealing with that problem? Try Black Orchid.

9. AIMEILI Gel Nail Polish

Performance
The objective of AIMEILI is to make your nails look vibrant so you can feel good about yourself. In achieving that, they’ve produced over 8 gel nail polish ranges.

We introduce you AIMELI Gel Nail Polish. After applying the nail polish, you’ll need to cure it under UV/LED light for 30-60 seconds for it to work. And once you’re done, your nails will have a mirror shine finish that will earn you compliments from friends and strangers alike.

With AMIELI Gel Nail Polish, you’re guaranteed up to 21 days of gloss wear. Applied with care, it doesn’t peel or chip easily. Plus, removing it is effortless.

Verdict
Got no time to apply new polish every day? Then you need a product like AMIELI Gel Nail Polish that’ll stay intact for weeks without chipping.

10. Maphie Gel Nail Polish Set

Performance
Do not be led into thinking that for one second the price and nail polish brands matter a lot. See, you can easily fill up your manicure assortment with quality nail polish bottles without spending much. We’re talking about nail polishes produced with care and using safe ingredients.

Maphie Gel Nail Polish comes in a set four 6ml bottles of autumn shades. The nail polishes come in different shades such as black, yellow, black, rich deep red, white pearl crystal shine and more. This set is perfect for a salon or even home personal use.

How long nail polish lasts also as important as its quality. Marphie Gel Nail Polish is a quality product. Once applied, it can last up to two weeks.

When painting your nails apply a base coat and top coat. Don’t forget to cure it for up to 60 seconds under LED light and 2-4 minutes under UV light.

Verdict
These are super bright colors for the autumn season. It feels nice to switch between the four different colors.