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Top 10 Most Expensive Nail Polishes You Can Buy

Top 10 Most Expensive Nail Polishes You Can Buy

Luxury-quality nail polish can garner dozens of compliments from coworkers, friends, and strangers. But if you’re looking for decadent nail polish, you’ll need to be prepared to spend more than you would at a standard department or beauty store. Still, what is the most expensive nail polish in the world, and why is it so pricey?

The most expensive nail polish is Christian Louboutin Nail Color, priced at $50 per bottle ($3.85 per milliliter). This nail polish is available in dozens of striking colors, but some hues are solid out. Still, you may be able to find for-sale bottles by searching online marketplaces.

While a handful of unique nail polishes have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, we’ll be ranking the priciest polishes currently available, many of which may be within your budget.

Here Are the Top 10 Most Expensive Nail Polishes You Can Buy:

  1. Christian Louboutin Nail Color – $3.85 per ml
  2. Jimmy Choo Nail Polish – $3.20 per ml
  3. Gucci Vernis à Ongles – $3.07 per ml
  4. Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel – $3.00 per ml
  5. Dior Vernis – $2.87 per ml
  6. Saint Laurent Limited Edition La Laque Couture – $2.80 per ml
  7. Chanel Le Vernis – $2.54 per ml
  8. Emilie Heathe 10-Free Longwear Nail Polish – $2.33 per ml
  9. Paintbox Single Nail Lacquer – $2.22 per ml
  10. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color – $1.33 per ml

10. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color – $1.33 Per ml

Deborah-Lippmann-Gel-Lab-Pro-Nail-Color
photo source: deborah lippmann

Deborah Lippmann products aren’t quite as sought-after as Louis Vuitton or Supreme items, but they are luxury goods. So, it should be no surprise that one of the world’s most expensive nail polishes comes from this up-and-coming brand.

This brand’s Gel Lab Pro Nail Color is priced at $20 per bottle ($1.33 per milliliter). It contains only ten essential ingredients and is designed to strengthen your nails while also helping them look their best.

But the biotin and green tea extract aren’t nearly as eye-catching as the platinum powder that adds to this polish’s durability.

Why It’s Expensive

This nail polish’s positive brand reputation and high-quality ingredients are why it’s one of the most expensive nail colors available. After all, who wouldn’t want to sport luscious nail polish that’s chock-full of both health-focused vitamins and luxurious platinum powder?

9. Paintbox Single Nail Lacquer – $2.22 per ml

Paintbox-Single-Nail-Lacquer
photo source: Paintbox

New York City is home to some of the world’s top luxury brands, including Paintbox. Founded in the Upper East Side, this nail studio produces some of the world’s most exclusive nail polishes. Their seasonal selections are often in high demand, but the supply of lacquers is exceptionally limited.

Still, with more than two dozen hues available at any given time, you’re sure to find a color that works for you. But you’ll need to be willing to spend $22 per 0.34oz bottle to enjoy these designer nail polishes. That’s about $2.22 per milliliter.

Why It’s Expensive

Almost nothing is more fashionable than purchasing a limited edition nail polish from a tiny nail studio in New York City. As a result, this brand’s seasonal nail lacquers tend to be popular among many of the most influential and stylish socialites and trend-setters.

But the supply of available hues is limited, so buyers often have to compete for the chance to own one of these glimmering bottles of polish. As such, the price for each bottle rises over time.

8. Emilie Heathe 10-Free Longwear Nail Polish – $2.33 per ml

Emilie-Heathe-10-Free-Longwear-Nail-Polish
photo source: Emilie Heathe

Emilie Heath nail polish is a vegan, non-toxic luxury option that’s wholly unlike other high-quality designer polishes. And while you can find an $80 trio of polishes available from this brand (The Batman Trilogy), the priciest offering is the 10-Free Longwear Nail Polish.

This option is also relatively versatile, available in nine distinct hues that range from a vibrant, romantic red to a silvery metallic shade. There’s a color for every outfit and occasion, but you can expect to spend $28 per 0.4oz bottle ($2.33 per milliliter) to make this decadent nail polish your own.

Why It’s Expensive

The circular design of this nail polish’s iconic bottle is an excellent representation of the Emilie Heathe brand. It’s modern, it’s instantly recognizable, and it’s attractive. Emilie Heath 10-Free Longwear Nail Polish is also full of health-friendly vitamins and nutrients, helping to keep your nails healthy even when they’re covered up.

This long-lasting nail polish is pricier than others due to its exceptional brand reputation, toxin-free ingredient list, and potentially rejuvenating elements.

7. Chanel Le Vernis – $2.54 per ml

Chanel-Le-Vernis
photo source: Chanel

The Chanel brand is one of the most successful luxury brands on the planet and is worth billions of dollars. But while many Chanel products cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, Chanel nail polish is far more affordable, costing only $30 per 0.4oz bottle ($2.54 per milliliter).

This French nail polish comes in more than ten colors, including candy red (Anthurium) and gorgeous lavender (Mirage). A few layers of one of these eye-catching colors can accent any fashionable ensemble.

But a dash of some of the most expensive perfumes could bring everything together into one alluring package!

Why It’s Expensive

If Chanel lowered the prices of its products, it would cease to be one of the world’s most powerful and influential luxury brands. After all, if everyone could afford to purchase a Chanel item, the brand would no longer be exclusive, making it less desirable to the world’s wealthiest shoppers.

In short, the reason why this nail polish is costlier than most is because of its branding.

6. Saint Laurent Limited Edition La Laque Couture – $2.80 per ml

Saint-Laurent-Limited-Edition-La-Laque-Couture
photo source: Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent is a French fashion brand well known for its designer footwear, bags, and jewelry. But this world-famous brand also produces the occasional bottle of limited edition nail polish, including Saint Laurent Limited Edition La Laque Couture.

This polish is only available in two colors: a plum-grey hue (Call Me Grey) and a rich magenta (Desire Me Red). However, both are compatible with a variety of refined looks, so there’s no need for a wide selection of colors.

Each 10-milliliter bottle sells for $28, less than Chanel Le Vernis nail polish. But when you calculate the price-per-milliliter, this option is more expensive, costing $2.80 per milliliter.

Why It’s Expensive

Saint Laurent nail polish is far rarer than Saint Laurent shoes or handbags. As such, it’s inherently a scarcer (and therefore more valuable) item.

Remember, nail polishes associated with internationally beloved luxury brands sell for higher prices than those produced by common or little-known consumer brands. That’s certainly true of the next entry in this ranking.

5. Dior Vernis – $2.87 per ml

Dior-Vernis
photo source: Dior

The Dior brand has been making waves in the fashion industry since the late 1940s, but unlike other luxury brands, its aesthetic hasn’t changed much over the last century or so. So, for example, you won’t find acid green or neon blue nail polishes in this brand’s selection.

Instead, you’ll find a variety of demure reds, soft pinks, and warm oranges. That’s because Dior nail polish is designed to complement classic styles and traditionally elegant ensembles.

Still, at $28 per bottle ($2.87 per milliliter), there’s nothing outdated or conservative about this nail polish’s price tag.

Why It’s Expensive

Brand association is the primary reason why this nail polish is so costly.

Like other luxury brands, Dior is worth billions of dollars and has established an international reputation as one of the highest-quality purveyors of luxury goods. As a result, it can charge virtually any price for its goods.

4. Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel – $3.00 per ml

Hermès-Les-Mains-Nail-Enamel
photo source: Hermès

Hermès is a French brand that’s probably best known for its incredibly expensive Birkin bags. But did you know that this brand also produces some of the world’s priciest nail polishes, including the Les Mains Nail Enamel?

Hues are always limited edition, with shades often changing with the passing seasons. So if you don’t act fast, you might not be able to secure your favorite color. But each bottle costs $45, or about $3 per milliliter, so you might prefer to save and stock up on these nail colors next season.

Why It’s Expensive

The Hermès brand is closely associated with wealth. As such, its products are never inexpensive or on sale. That’s true of both its handmade handbags and durable, naturally-sourced nail polishes.

3. Gucci Vernis à Ongles – $3.07 per ml

Gucci-Vernis-à-Ongles
photo source: Gucci

Painting your nails in Gucci might sound too good to be true, but it’s not! Though this brand is known for its fashion accessories and high-priced clothing, it’s also notable for producing one of the most expensive nail polish line-ups, Gucci Vernis à Ongles.

This polish is available in ten brilliant colors, some of which are pretty unconventional. Each bottle costs $30, or about $3.07 per milliliter, which might seem like a steal when you consider the average price of Gucci items. But when compared to other nail polishes, Gucci Vernis à Ongles is one of the costliest still-available nail polishes on the planet!

There are several reasons why Gucci is expensive, but what is it about this nail polish that makes it so costly?

Why It’s Expensive

This Gucci nail polish is one of the world’s most expensive due to its eco-friendly nature (featuring plant-based ingredients), brand association (Gucci is worth more than $15 million), and limited supply. And unlike some luxury brands, Gucci isn’t afraid to sell bright blue or deep black polish colors.

This combination of brand reputation, ingredient quality, and unique color options makes the Gucci Vernis à Ongles a trendy (and expensive) option.

2. Jimmy Choo Nail Polish – $3.20 per ml

Jimmy-Choo-Nail-Polish
photo source: Jimmy Choo

If you love glitter and designer-brand accessories, you’ll fall in love with Jimmy Choo Nail Polish. These colors sparkle and shine, catching the light like a thousand tiny diamonds. Additionally, they’re made in France, just like Saint Laurent nail polish!

Bit these party-friendly polishes are more expensive than Saint Laurent options, costing $48 per 0.5oz bottle, or about $3.20 per milliliter.

Why It’s Expensive

Jimmy Choo shoewear, handbags, and sunglasses are costlier than standard store-bought items. After all, they’re designed by one of the world’s top fashion designers, Jimmy Choo! So if you’re hoping to complete your Jimmy Choo outfit with compatible nail polish, you can also expect to spend a little more.

1. Christian Louboutin Nail Color – $3.85 per ml

Christian-Louboutin-Nail-Color
photo source: Christian Louboutin

The most expensive nail polish in the world is Christian Louboutin Nail Color. This designer nail polish costs $50 per 0.4oz bottle. That equates to $3.85 per milliliter!

Christian Louboutin is a French fashion designer with a distinct style. His jewelry, perfume, and footwear tend to exude a mixture of gothic, elegant, and salacious influences, resulting in iconic pieces that always make a statement.

To complete your look, you might want to apply a layer of some of the world’s most expensive lipstick.

Why It’s Expensive

Just two coats of this designer nail polish can give you a look that’s otherwise only available after applying dozens of standard store-bought colors. Additionally, the Christian Louboutin brand name is associated with many of the wealthiest and most fashionable individuals.

This nail polish’s superior quality and luxurious associations easily help make it the world’s most expensive option.

Why Are Some Types of Nail Polish So Expensive?

The average bottle of nail polish costs about $8, though standard store-bought varieties often cost far less. So, why do some types of nail polish cost thousands of dollars?

Well, a handful of factors can significantly increase nail polish prices. These factors include:

  • Brand
  • Rarity
  • Ingredients

Let’s take a moment to delve into these factors to discover how they impact nail polish price.

Brand

Top designer brands always charge more than everyday consumer brands. That’s because their products tend to be of higher quality than those found in ordinary department stores.

These high-value brands also tend to produce a limited supply of products, thereby keeping demand high.

Many of the world’s most expensive nail polishes are attached to luxury brands, including:

  • Chanel
  • Gucci
  • Saint Laurent
  • Jimmy Choo
  • Christian Louboutin

When you purchase nail polish from one of these designer brands, you’re not only buying a top-notch bottle of nail color. Instead, you’re investing in an internationally beloved luxury brand and potentially increasing your social status.

After all, if someone recognizes your nail polish as Gucci or Chanel, they might see you as an influential and affluent person. This kind of brand associated (and its impact on a person’s reputation) is almost priceless in terms of its possible social benefits.

For example, wearing luxury brands could boost your chances of enjoying a successful job interview! Still, the brand alone isn’t the only factor influencing nail polish price.

Rarity

Limited edition items are almost always worth more than mass-produced products. This concept applies to nearly everything, including nail polish.

Some of the world’s priciest nail polishes are only around for a short time. Others are one-of-a-kind, making them exceptionally rare and desirable.

But a nail polish that happens to combine premium brand association, rarity, and top-notch ingredients is sure to surpass all others in terms of price.

Ingredients

Sometimes, a nail polish’s ingredients are the most influential factors influencing its price. Azature’s 267-carat Black Diamond is an excellent example of this, released in 2017.

This unique bottle of nail polish cost $250,000 due to its amazing black diamond content. As such, it’s the most expensive bottle of nail polish ever created.

Azature also produced a more affordable version of this luxury-quality diamond nail polish, with each bottle costing $25. But these polishes are hard to come by, as it has been several years since they were released.

Still, if you’re resourceful and patient, you may be able to find an unopened bottle for sale online.

What’s the Most Expensive Nail Polish?

The most expensive nail polish in the world (that you could purchase today) is a bottle of Christian Louboutin Nail Colour. Each hue retails for $50, equating to $3.85 per milliliter.

For comparison, if water had the same price, you’d have to spend about $57 to get a tablespoon of the stuff! Still, the expense may be worth the cost if you’re in the mood to rock out some luxury-quality nail polish.

For more information on the world’s most expensive lifestyle items, check out these related articles!