Lately, I’ve been obsessed with at-home manicures. While I’m the first to admit that I could never mimic the precision of a professional nail artist, there’s something so chic about taking a DIY approach. At least I think so. Whenever I sit down to do it, I think of similar scenes from old movies, TV shows, and rom-coms, in which the protagonist is hastily painting her nails before heading out the door. And since I truly believe it’s a skill you can develop, I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction when I get the odd compliment on my manicure. “Thanks!” I say, “I did it myself!”
My personal nail polish collection has grown over the years, and these days, it contains timeless, designer shades. It might be girl math, but I’m saving money by skipping the salon, so I figure I can invest a little more in the shades I buy…especially if they’re undeniably and timelessly stylish ones from high-fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Hermès. Ahead, see a list of the classic designer nail polishes that will instantly elevate your at-home manicures.
Chanel
This is the designer nail polish I recommend the most (other than Chanel’s iconic red shades, but more on those in a minute). Ballerina is a soft, pretty, pale pink. I consider it the foundation for any good designer nail polish collection.
In my opinion, every at-home nail polish collection needs a shade of cherry red. Chanel’s Pirate has blue undertones, which explains why it’s universally flattering.
Fiery red is my favorite. Chanel’s Incendiare is on my nails more often than not.
Beauty buffs might know this beautiful red-black nail polish used to be called Vamp, and it has a fascinating history (I suggest reading up on it). It’s an eternally chic shade for your fingers and toes, especially in the fall and winter.
Navy blue screams sophistication, and Chanel’s Fugueuse is my preferred choice.
Le Diable en Chanel, or “the devil in Chanel,” is a deep, classy, and glossy black.
Dior
Every nail polish collection needs white. This creamy, snowdrop shade is my pick.
The perfect rosy-nude? Yes, please.
This pearly baby-pink is by far my most complimented Dior nail polish.
The glittery gold is inspired by Dior’s iconic J’adore Eau de Parfum ($185).
The iconic Dior red is a true forever staple for me.
This sophisticated raspberry shade looks just as good on toes as it does on fingers.
Not quite navy, Dior’s Denim is a slightly muted and super versatile shade of blue.
The French term for houndstooth pattern, Pied-de-Poule is a rich, midnight blue.
Gucci
Gucci is my go-to for bold, vintage-inspired nail colors (or, as the brand puts it, “a yesteryear glamour allure”). I could wax poetic about every single shade, but Lucy Baby Blue is my all-time favorite. I wear the fresh, sky blue year-round.
Gucci uses the most delightful names. This one, Peggy Sunburn, is a burnt peach.
Goldie Red is a rich, lipstick-like crimson that I’ve recommended to all my friends.
For me, a staple nail polish doesn’t necessarily mean “neutral.” It’s any shade that’s A) beautiful or B) unique enough to keep on hand forever. Gucci’s Melinda Green is both. It’s straight out of the ’60s, and I have yet to find anything quite like it.
Hermès
All 24 shades of Hermès nail polish are inspired by the fashion house’s signature enamel. Rose Baltique, a “Nordic pink,” is soft, muted, and undeniably pretty.
Inspired by an evening mist, Rose Tamisé is rosewood with purple undertones.
Orange is Hermès’ signature color. While there are multiple bright and juicy shades to choose from (most notably Orange Boîte), I find Orange Brûlé to be the most wearable. It’s a deep, smoldering hue that reminds me of firelight.
Hermès’ Rouge Casaque holds a special place in my heart. I’ve worn the same shade in the brand’s Matte Lipstick ($86) for years. In fact, it’s my favorite red lipstick ever. Now, there’s nothing I love more than matching it with my nails.
Burgundy nail polish is the epitome of sophistication, especially if it’s Hermès…
Brun Bistre is such an underrated nail color IMO. It’s the exact shade of the border that accentuates each Hermès orange box. On my nails, it has a rich, smooth, and almost liquid look; it reminds me of a strong cup of espresso, and I love it.
I’ve always thought that emerald green is exceptionally elegant. I’ve tested so many emerald nail polishes over the years, but Hermès Vert Égyptien has no equal.