Treating yourself to a professional salon manicure is worth it once in a while, but if you’re anything like us, you probably fall back on DIY manicures for those gaps in between. Taking the time to paint your nails is a welcome act of self care—and will also save you a lot of money, especially if you can find an affordable nail polish brand to rely upon.
There are plenty of brilliant nail polish brands out there, from classics like OPI and Essie to new and trending brands like Manucurist and Nailberry, but one of my favourite nail polish options, is actually an incredibly underrated one. H&M is (obviously) better known for its clothing options, but not many people know that the brand also has very extensive range of nail polishes. Available in literally every colour and finish imaginable and at affordable prices—starting at just £4—they’re incredible pigmented and also impressively long-lasting.
From on-trend cherry red to my go-to classic black, these are the H&M nail polishes that we deem “the best”.
The Best H&M Nail Colours, Listed:
- True Tyrian
- Piece of Simplicity
- Full-On Fuchsia
- Brass Apples
- Neo Noir
- Pudding Cup
- A Bit of Tangerine
- Flamingo Flush
- Lapis Lazuli
- Paris to Ibiza
- Safe With You
Shop the Best H&M Nail Colours, According to Experts:
1. True Tyrian
Nail artist Rose Tucker loves a deep burgundy red for autumn—which also happens to be trending this year as ‘cherry red nails’. “To get a really deep, opaque finish with this colour, layer two coats of polish,” she advises.
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Nail Polish in True Tyrian
Colour: Deep burgundy
Finish: High shine
Benefits: Easy to apply
2. Piece of Simplicity
If you’re looking for a nice, neutral base for nail art, I love this one,” says nail artist Meg Watson. “It also looks great on its own if you want a clean but natural finish.”
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Nail Polish in Piece of Simplicity
Colour: Sheer pale pink
Finish: High shine
Benefits: Vegan
3. Full-On Fuchsia
“When I’m working with normal nail polishes, the H&M formula is one of my favourites,” says nail artist Ashleigh Bamber. “It’s so pigmented, and really easy to apply.” This bright fuchsia pink is one of her favourite shades. “it’s not too warm or too cool,” she adds. “So works well for all skin tones.”
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Nail Polish in Full-On Fuchsia
Colour: Bright pink
Finish: High shine
Benefits: Highly pigmented
4. Brass Apples
This is a true classic red, an essential in every home manicure kit in my opinion,” says Bamber.
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Nail Polish in Brass Apples
Colour: True red
Finish: High shine
Benefits: Works for all skin tones
5. Neo Noir
Another colour which, in my opinion, really ought to be an essential in your home nail polish lineup? A true black. I think this shade, with its super pigmented formula and high shine finish looks so chic on short nails.
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Nail Polish in Neo Noir
Colour: Black
Finish: High shine
Benefits: Shine doesn’t wear off
6. Pudding Cup
Chocolate brown nails are a major trend this year, and indeed, brown in general is trending throughout the fashion and beauty worlds. This muted milky brown is perfect for nailing the trend, and works well when paired with other shades, too.
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Nail Polish in Pudding Cup
Colour: Milky brown
Finish: High shine
Benefits: Highly pigmented
7. A Bit of Tangerine
“One of the great things about H&M nail polishes being so affordable is that you can use them to figure out if a nail colour or trend will suit you, before investing in a professional manicure or more expensive polish,” says Bamber. “I know a lot of people can be scared of a bright orange shade, but it’s actually very universally flattering and works well for pedicures, too.”
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Nail Polish in A Bit of Tangerine
Colour: Bright orange
Finish: High shine
Benefits: Long-lasting
8. Flamingo Flush
“Bright Barbie pink was a big nail colour trend last year,” says Watson. “But if you’re after something a little more subtle, try this pastel shade instead.”
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Nail Polish in Flamingo Flush
Colour: Cool pale pink
Finish: Shimmer
Benefits: Easy to apply
9. Lapis Lazuli
If you tend to dress in neutrals then a pop of blue on your nails is always a fun way to add in colour. I’ve seen lots of high-end, luxury nail polish brands launch vibrant, cobalt blue polishes like this one this year, but this is the first affordable option I’ve found. A great way to try the trend with change from a fiver.
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Nail Polish in Lapis Lazuli
Colour: Bright blue
Finish: High shine
Benefits: Highly pigmented
10. Paris to Ibiza
“This silver metallic is just as good as some luxury and gel formulas I’ve tried,” says Bamber. “Silver is such a big trend right now—it’s fun and bold, but basically still a neutral.”
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Fast-Drying Nail Polish in Paris to Ibiza
Colour: Silver
Finish: Metallic
Benefits: Quick-dry formula
11. Safe With You
“This dark navy blue is a great way to add in a subtle hint of colour without going for anything too bright,” says Watson. “Plus, this formula is one of the best I’ve tried for achieving a gel effect and high shine finish without the need for a UV lamp.”
Shop the Shade:
H&M
Gel Nail Polish in Safe With You
Colour: Navy blue
Finish: Gel effect
Benefits: Vegan
