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I used to dread taking off my nail polish, so I would either (A) peel it off—I know, bad—or (B) wait until it was so chipped, I had no choice but to wipe it off. And, TBH, this dread makes complete sense! So many nail polish removers either smell awful, don't actually remove your polish without taking up too much of your time (or too many of your cotton pads), or leave your nails feeling extra dry and super weak. Thankfully, though, the nail polish remover gods have recently answered my prayers. Today's generation of removers won't completely ruin your life—or your nails—since they're filled with hydrating ingredients (think: aloe and almond oil), don't have any intense smells, and will remove your painted nails in a couple of swipes. Ahead, the 10 best nail polish removers that'll make the entire process an absolute breeze.
If you have trust issues with most nail polish removers, you're not alone. Thankfully, this cream remover isn't playing any games. Apply a thick layer on your nails, leave it on for about three minutes, and then massage it off with a cotton pad. It removes even the darkest of nail polish with just one swipe, and the blend of macadamia, almond, and argan oils leave your nails and cuticles super soft.
I used to avoid glitter nail polishes because I didn't want to deal with the removal process (seriously, though—why is it so hard to get rid of?), until I switched to this nail polish remover. It removes the sparkly shades off your nails without sucking your fingertips dry.
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3
Best Budget Nail Polish Remover
Cutex Ultra-Powerful Nail Polish Remover
Put aside that remover that takes way too long totake off your polishand switch to this option instead. Not only does this nail polish removerget rid of your polish without using an entire roll of cotton pads, but it also has a light cucumber scent that doesn't smell like you're inhaling fumes. Oh, and it's under five bucks. What's not to love?
4
Best Nail Polish Remover for Brittle Nails
Ella + Mila Soy Nail Polish Remover
Now 34% Off
Some nail polish removers are so harsh, they feel like they're taking off the top layer of your nails along with your polish. You don't have to worry about that with this soy-based remover, though. It's extra gentle and it's packed with vitamins E, C, and A to help promote nail growth.
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This nail polish remover pen was basically made for anyone who can't stay inside the lines when painting their nails, no matter how hard you try. Go ahead and swipe on your nail polish, and when you're done, go back and correct your little mishaps with this easy-to-use pen.
Just because this nail polish remover is cruelty-free and vegan doesn't mean it won't get the job done. Loaded with vitamins and oils, this remover strengthens and hydrates your nails and cuticles while also getting rid of your polish in no time.
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Okay, when I first heard of this sponge nail remover, I thought it was a scam. Like, there was no way removing your polish could be that easy. But, surprisingly, there really is no catch. The jar comes with a big sponge that's soaked in a nail polish remover formula. Put your finger inside the hole in the sponge, twist, and when you take out your nail, the polish will be completely gone. Sounds fake, but I swear it's not.
If your nail polish removers are always leaking, spilling, or just taking up too much damn space, these remover pads are about to become your new go-to. They're thick and super saturated, so one pad can wipe off polish from almost all of your fingers. Plus, each pad has a dose of aloe included to keep your nails conditioned.
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FYI, headache-inducing smells and intense chemicals don't have to be a part of your removal routine.This acetone-free nail polish remover won't leave you (or your nails) stressed out—with soybean oil and lavender essential oils, it cleans up your nails, while also leaving them soft and smooth.
10
Best Moisturizing Nail Polish Remover
Deborah Lippmann The Stripper Nail Polish Remover
Don't let the name fool you—this nail polish remover definitely won'tleave your nails stripped and dry. In fact, it actually does the exact opposite. The combo of aloe vera and glycerin give your nails and cuticlesa shot of hydration while also removing your nail color.
Ama Kwarteng
Ama Kwarteng was previously the associate beauty editor at Cosmopolitan.