Nail varnish removers can be hit and miss. Some will dissolve polish in seconds but leave you with parched cuticles and flaky nails (acetone can be pretty potent stuff), while others just don't seem to scratch the surface - especially if you're a fan of wearing glitter. *Cue scrubbing for what feels like hours*
But, fear not, because there are so many gentle yet effective formulas all vying for a space inside your bathroom cabinet, whether you're an on-the-go kinda gal or the type who likes to make an evening of a DIY mani (basically what Sundays were made for).
How to remove nail varnish
When it comes to removing your nail varnish without it going everywhere, Mavala's in-house nail expert Lynn Gray knows a trick or two. 'Go slowly , don’t rush as that’s when you get the colour everywhere,' advises Gray. 'Soak the cotton pad with remover and hold on the nail as this will help dissolve the polish making it easier to remove, wipe the pad down and away from the nail , do not rub as this will spread the colour all over the skin. If there is any polish left around the cuticle area, use a corrector pen to reach those hard to get to places.'
Done and done.
Check out our pick of the best nail polish removers to buy right now.
Nail polish removers don't have to be packed full of potent-smelling chemicals that burn your nostril hair off, in fact, Manicurist's vegan and cruelty-free formula is free from acetone plus 11 other toxic nasties.
'My advice would be to always use a non-acetone remover as acetone can dehydrate the nail plate and weaken the nails,' advises nail expert Lynn Gray. 'Mavala have launched a crystal nail polish remover which is non-acetone, non-flammable, odourless, colourant-free and biodegradable. This is much kinder to nails.'
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Chanel Le Dissolvant Douceur Gentle Nail Enamel Remover
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Chanel Le Dissolvant Douceur Gentle Nail Enamel Remover
This nail varnish remover does much more than look seriously chic atop your dressing table. Vitamin E and argan oil intensely nourish the nail-bed while the rest of the ingredients get to work on lifting off every trace of polish. It's one of the gentlest (and most luxe) out there.
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Dior Dissolvant Abricot Gentle Nail Polish Remover - £17.50
If your current nail polish remover leaves you with flaky nails and peeling cuticles, swap it out for Dior's Dissolvant Abricot. Ultra-gentle and filled to bursting with nourishing, hydrating ingredients, it cares for your nails as it zaps every last scrap of colour.
Somewhere along the line a genius combined the tube of cotton pads with the nail varnish remover in one handbag-friendly pod. Simply take one of the soaked pads and remove your chipped manicure on the go.
With a super gentle formula and a scent that doesn't hit you in the nostrils wit pure alcohol, this nail polish remover is non-oily and works a treat at removing even the most stubborn varnish.
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nails inc. Express Nail Polish Remover Pot Powered by Collagen
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nails inc. Express Nail Polish Remover Pot Powered by Collagen
This is basically like a squeegee for nails. The internal sponge is drenched in a gentle yet effective remover, so all you need to do is dip and twist and they'll emerge perfectly clean. It's great for tending to your talons on the go.
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Sally Hansen Strengthening Nail Polish Remover - £8.99
We're still loyal to Sally Hansen's Strengthening Polish Remover years after discovering it. Why? A few drops gets rid of dark colours in next to no time at all and it isn't harsh on brittle nails thanks to the added vitamin B5. It'll last you ages, too.