6 Best Japanese Nail Polish Brands 2024

by Erika Shinomoto
best japanese nail polish brands

Love getting your nails done? Here are the best Japanese nail polish brands that offer some vibrant colors that will make your nails pop! 

Forget chipped tips and lackluster shine! Dive into the world of exquisite Japanese nail polishes, where vibrant colors meet high-performance formulas. 

From gel-powered longevity to natural, gentle care, discover the brands that will transform your manicure game. 

Get ready to be obsessed with the flawless finish and unique hues that only Japan can offer! ✨

Key Takeaways

  • Magelic Gel Polish offers exceptional shine and long-lasting wear, making it a great choice for a salon-quality experience at home.
  • Excel Nail Polish provides a sheer finish with one coat and full color with two, offering versatility and easy application.
  • Canmake Colorful Nails offers a vast and trendy color range at an affordable price, although it may chip easily.
  • KATE Nail Enamel dries quickly and offers decent chip resistance, ideal for those seeking convenience and trendy colors.
  • ADDICTION features a unique and edgy color palette, but comes with a luxury price tag and potential application challenges.
  • OSAJI Uplift Nail Color boasts a gentle formula with vibrant colors, suitable for those prioritizing natural ingredients and comfortable wear.

Which is the best Japanese nail polish brand? 

Magelic Gel Polish is the best Japanese nail polish brand. It offers exceptional shine, long-lasting wear (up to 2 weeks), and diverse colors, while still being more affordable than some salon brands. While it requires a UV/LED lamp for curing and removal might be slightly more involved, these factors might be outweighed by its longevity and performance for many users.

Best Japanese Nail Polish Brands

Magelic Gel Polish

Magelic Gel Polish promises chip-free, high-gloss nails straight from your own fingertips. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s a closer look:

This polish delivers on its promise of exceptional shine. Manicures maintain a mirror-like finish for up to two weeks, outshining even some salon gel polishes.

Say goodbye to chips! Magelic’s formula boasts incredible wear time, resisting everyday wear and tear with ease. Two coats are enough for opaque coverage, and proper application with a base and top coat is key to maximizing longevity.

Magelic Gel Polish

The brand offers a wide range of vibrant, on-trend colors. From classic nudes to bold metallics and playful glitters, there’s a shade to suit every mood and occasion.

Curing requires a UV/LED lamp, which adds an extra step to the process compared to regular polishes. However, the long-lasting results make it a worthwhile investment for many.

Removal can be slightly more challenging than regular polishes, requiring soaking in acetone-based remover. Be gentle to avoid damaging your nails.

Magelic falls in the mid-range price category, making it more affordable than some salon brands but pricier than drugstore options.

Magelic Gel Polish delivers salon-quality results at home, with exceptional shine, long-lasting wear, and a diverse color palette. However, the need for a lamp and slightly more involved removal process might deter some users. 

Ultimately, it’s a great choice for those seeking a high-performance, long-lasting gel manicure experience.

Pros:

  • Exceptional shine and long-lasting wear (up to 2 weeks)
  • Wide range of trendy colors
  • More affordable than salon brands
  • Salon-quality results at home
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Cons:

  • Removal process slightly more challenging
  • Mid-range price point (more expensive than drugstore brands)

Excel Nail Polish

Excel Nail Polish offers a breath of fresh air in the world of vibrant lacquers. Its unique selling point lies in its delicate, light-absorbing colors. 

With one coat, you achieve a trendy, sheer finish, while two coats build to full color intensity. This versatility allows for customizable nail looks, perfect for everyday wear or a touch of elegance.

Excel Nail Polish

The formula itself is a delight. It boasts a smooth, even application, minimizing streaks and ensuring a polished look. The quick-drying properties are another bonus, ideal for busy lifestyles. While not boasting chip-resistance of gel polishes, Excel offers a respectable wear time for regular polishes.

However, the brand leans towards subtler color palettes, potentially underwhelming those seeking bolder hues. Additionally, the translucent nature might require more coats for opaque coverage.

Overall, Excel Nail Polish shines for those seeking easy application, customizable colors, and a touch of understated elegance. Its quick-drying formula and decent wear time make it a practical choice, but bolder color lovers might need to look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Lightweight formula
  • Versatile color range
  • Buildable coverage
  • Quick-drying
  • Gentle on nails

Cons

  • Limited color payoff
  • Not chip resistance
  • Availability

Canmake Colorful Nails

On the pro side, Canmake is a playground for color enthusiasts. From sugary pinks and shimmering lavenders to edgy metallics and quirky neons, the vast range caters to every mood and outfit. 

And the best part? It’s super affordable, making it a guilt-free way to express your nail art creativity. 

While the formula isn’t the smoothest, it applies decently with 2-3 coats, offering surprising quality for the price point. 

Canmake Colorful Nails

Plus, the quick-drying time is a real bonus for busy lives.

However, don’t expect miracles in terms of wear time. 

Be prepared for chipping within a few days, especially without a good top coat. Frequent touch-ups might be the norm. While the shine is decent, it doesn’t reach the dazzling heights of pricier brands. 

Additionally, the thin formula requires a steady hand to avoid streaks, which might not be ideal for nail painting novices.

In conclusion, Canmake Colorful Nails is a fun and accessible option for color lovers on a budget. The expansive color selection and quick drying time are definite wins. However, if long-lasting wear and a high-gloss finish are your priorities, you might want to invest in a higher-end brand. 

Pros:

  • Vast & Trendy Color Range
  • Budget-Friendly Fun
  • Decent Formula (with some practice)
  • Quick-Drying

Cons:

  • Chips Easily (needs a good top coat)
  • Lower Shine Compared to High-End Brands
  • Thin Formula Can Be Streaky

KATE Nail Enamel

KATE shines (literally) in its lightning-fast drying time, ideal for impatient nail enthusiasts and spontaneous touch-ups. 

The color palette stays abreast of trends, offering classic staples and bold pops of color to match your mood. Plus, it boasts decent chip resistance, exceeding expectations for a fast-drying formula. 

Finally, the sleek packaging and mid-range price tag add a touch of sophistication without breaking the bank.

However, achieving even, opaque coverage might require multiple coats, potentially negating the speed factor. 

Additionally, the initial shine tends to fade faster than some competitors, and the colors, while trendy, might lack the depth and vibrancy of pricier brands.

So, is KATE the perfect polish? For the time-pressed fashionista who prioritizes convenience and trendy nails, it’s a solid choice. However, if lasting shine and rich color are your top priorities, explore higher-end options. 

Pros:

  • Lightning-fast drying time
  • Trendy color range
  • Decent chip resistance
  • Sleek packaging, mid-range price

Cons:

  • May require multiple coats for even coverage
  • Shine fades faster than some brands
  • Colors might lack depth and vibrancy

ADDICTION

ADDICTION shines (quite literally) with its unique and edgy color palette. Forget safe nudes; here, you’ll find metallic teals, smoky purples, and holographic glitters that scream individuality. Be prepared to turn heads with your next statement manicure. 

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But luxury comes at a cost, and ADDICTION falls firmly in the high-end category, making it a splurge for many.

While the fast-drying formula delivers a high-shine finish in record time, achieving that flawless look might require some practice. 

The pigmented formula can be prone to streaks, demanding a steady hand and patience. Additionally, finding ADDICTION outside of Japan or select online retailers can be a challenge.

So, is ADDICTION worth the hype? For the fashion-forward nail enthusiast who prioritizes unique colors, long-lasting wear, and top-notch quality, it’s a dream come true. 

Be prepared for the price tag and potential application challenges, but if you’re ready to indulge, ADDICTION offers a luxurious and trendsetting nail experience. 

However, if budget is a concern or readily available options are more your style, explore other brands. 

Pros:

  • Unique & edgy colors
  • Fast-drying, high-shine formula
  • Long-lasting wear (up to a week)
  • High-quality, nourishing ingredients

Cons:

  • Luxury price tag
  • Can be streaky (requires practice)
  • Limited availability

OSAJI Uplift Nail Color

OSAJI Uplift Nail Color promises a gentle touch and vibrant hues, but does it truly elevate your manicure? This vegan, natural-ingredient polish boasts a diverse color range, from playful pastels to sophisticated nudes. 

The quick-drying formula nourishes nails and allows them to breathe, making it comfortable for everyday wear. 

OSAJI Uplift Nail Color

However, chip resistance might not be as impressive as some high-end options, and the shine leans towards natural rather than high-gloss. 

Ultimately, OSAJI Uplift is a great choice for those seeking a gentle, natural-ingredient polish with beautiful colors. If you prioritize long-lasting wear or a high-shine finish, consider other brands. 

But for a mood-boosting and healthy manicure experience, OSAJI offers a unique and gentle touch.

Pros:

  • Vibrant & Diverse Colors
  • Gentle on Nails (natural ingredients)
  • Quick-Drying & Breathable
  • Comfortable Wear

Cons:

  • Lower Chip Resistance
  • Less Shine Compared to Some Brands
  • Mid-Range Price (more expensive than drugstore options)

How to Choose the Right Japanese Nail Polish For You

When it comes to choosing a Japanese nail polish, here are some factors to consider:

  • Quality

 Japanese nail polish brands are known for their high-quality products, so make sure to choose a brand that has a reputation for quality.

  • Color range

Japanese nail polish brands typically offer a wide range of colors, so choose a brand that has a selection that suits your personal style.

  • Consistency

Look for a nail polish with a smooth and creamy consistency, as this will make application easier and more even.

  • Drying time

Choose a nail polish that dries relatively quickly, as this will save you time and help prevent smudging.

  • Longevity

Look for a nail polish that is long-lasting and chip-resistant, as this will help your nail color last for days without chipping or peeling.

  • Ingredients

Consider choosing a brand that uses non-toxic and cruelty-free ingredients, as this is better for your health and the environment.

  • Brand reputation

Finally, research the brand’s reputation and read reviews from other customers to ensure that the product meets your expectations.

What is the difference between Japanese gel and regular gel?

The main difference between Japanese gel and regular gel is the quality and durability of the product. Japanese gel nail polish is known for its high-quality formula, which is designed to create a smooth and glossy finish that lasts longer than regular gel nail polish. Here are some specific differences:

  1. Flexibility: Japanese gel nail polish is designed to be flexible and move with the natural nail, which helps prevent the nail from cracking or breaking. Regular gel nail polish may not have the same level of flexibility, which can make the nails more prone to damage.
  2. Application: Japanese gel nail polish is typically easier to apply than regular gel nail polish. The formula is smooth and creamy, which makes it easier to apply evenly without multiple coats.
  3. Durability: Japanese gel nail polish is known for its durability and chip-resistant formula, which means that the nail color will last longer without chipping or peeling. Regular gel nail polish may not have the same level of durability and may require more frequent touch-ups.
  4. Quality: Japanese gel nail polish is known for its high-quality ingredients and attention to detail in the production process. This results in a product that is consistent in quality and creates a smooth and even finish.
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Overall, Japanese gel nail polish is considered to be of higher quality and durability than regular gel nail polish, which is why it has gained a reputation as a premium product.

Why is Japanese gel better?

Japanese gel nail polish is known for its high-quality and long-lasting formula. Here are a few reasons why it is considered better than other types of gel nail polish:

  1. Durability: Japanese gel nail polish has a high level of durability and is chip-resistant, meaning that the nail color will last for a longer time without chipping or peeling.
  2. Flexibility: Japanese gel nail polish is designed to be flexible and moves with the natural nail, preventing the nail from cracking or breaking.
  3. Application: Japanese gel nail polish is easy to apply and does not require multiple coats, which saves time and money.
  4. Health: Japanese gel nail polish is formulated with non-toxic and cruelty-free ingredients, making it a healthier option for those who have concerns about the chemicals found in some other nail products.
  5. Quality: Japanese gel nail polish is known for its high-quality and is designed to create a smooth and glossy finish that lasts longer than regular nail polish.

Overall, Japanese gel nail polish is considered better because it provides a longer-lasting and more durable finish, while also being healthier for your nails and skin.

Best Japanese Nail Polish Brands: FAQs

Is Japanese gel safe?

Japanese gel nail polish is generally considered safe to use as it is formulated with non-toxic and cruelty-free ingredients. However, it’s important to use it properly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any potential skin irritation or adverse effects. Gel nail polish, including Japanese gel nail polish, can cause skin damage if there’s overexposure to UV light during the curing process. So, it’s recommended to follow the curing times and avoid overexposure to UV light. Additionally, it’s important to do a patch test before using any new product to avoid any allergic reactions.

How to avoid drying out the Japanese nail polish?

Make sure the fans and AC are switched off where you’re applying the nail paint as the excess air quicks the drying process. Avoid direct sunlight and try keeping them in the refrigerator during hot climates to avoid quick drying.

Is OPI gel nail polish good?

OPI is one of the best nail polish brands because of its high pigmentation and durability. It doesn’t damage nails and adds strength instead. In most cases its chip resistant.

How bad is nail polish for you?

Nail polish is said to contain some of the extremely harmful chemicals that can ruin your health. Avoid nail polishes that contain dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene and formaldehyde. Putting nail polish once in a while is considered alright.

Is it okay to wear nail polish everyday?

Wearing nail polish everyday can dry your nails and turn them brittle. It’s important to let your nails breathe otherwise they might develop fungus or infection. 

Beautiful nails, always!

These were some of the best Japanese nail polish brands that are excellent in quality and come in a stunning range of colors. These long-lasting polishes will surely give your nails the beauty that they deserve. Get these nail polishes today and enjoy fantastic and beautifully colored nails. 

Canmake Nail Polish
best japanese nail polish brands

Check out the best Japanese nail polish brands, these nail polishes are highly pigmented and looks great on nails. Do check out Canmake which is the best in the list. Read further to know more about it.

Product SKU: BHHT9037493705

Product Brand: Canmake

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 7.50

Price Valid Until: 2022

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
5

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