Looking for the best affordable nail polish sets in 2025 without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re a nail art lover or just want pretty nails on a budget, there are amazing nail polish sets available in South Africa right now that cost less than R500. From bright summer colours to classic everyday shades, these sets give you more bang for your buck and keep your nails looking salon-fresh at home.
I’m Tumelo, and I’ve been testing and reviewing nail products for Salonjournal.co.za for over three years. I’ve painted my nails (and my friends’ nails) with dozens of different polish brands, so I know which ones are worth your hard-earned rands and which ones to skip.
Why Buy Nail Polish Sets Instead of Single Bottles?
Buying nail polish sets is a smart money move. When you buy polishes one by one, you often pay R50 to R100 per bottle. But with a set, you can get 6 to 12 colours for almost the same price as buying 2 or 3 single bottles.
Sets also let you try new colours you might never pick on your own. That orange shade you thought you’d never wear? It might become your new favourite!
Plus, having a variety of colours at home means you can change your nail look whenever you want without running to the shops.
What Makes a Good Affordable Nail Polish Set?
Before I share my top picks, let me tell you what I look for when choosing budget-friendly nail polishes:
Long-lasting formula – Nobody wants polish that chips after one day of doing dishes or typing on a keyboard.
Good colour payoff – The polish should look bright and true to the bottle colour in just 2 coats.
Quick drying time – We’re all busy! Polish that takes forever to dry is just asking for smudges.
Safe ingredients – Look for polishes that are “3-free,” “5-free,” or even “10-free.” This means they don’t have harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP.
Nice brush – A good brush makes painting your nails so much easier, especially for your non-dominant hand.
The Top 10 Affordable Nail Polish Sets in 2025
1. Essence Colour & Go Collection Set
Price: Around R180 for 8 mini bottles
Essence is a favourite at Clicks and Dischem stores across South Africa. This German brand gives you quality without the high price tag. The 2025 collection includes beautiful pastels, bold reds, and trendy neutral tones.
What I love: The formula is smooth and dries fast. Perfect for beginners.
What could be better: The mini bottles run out quickly if you paint your nails often.
2. Catrice Ultimate Nail Lacquer Set
Price: Around R220 for 6 full-size polishes
Catrice has stepped up their game in 2025. This set comes with a mix of shimmer and cream finishes. The brush is wide and flat, making it easy to paint your whole nail in just two strokes.
What I love: Super shiny finish without a top coat. Lasts about 5-6 days without chipping.
What could be better: Some darker colours need 3 coats for full coverage.
3. Sinful Colors 10-Piece Rainbow Set
Price: Around R299 for 10 polishes
You can find Sinful Colors at most beauty supply stores and some Checkers locations. This American brand is known for their huge colour range. The 2025 rainbow set has every colour from red to purple.
What I love: Amazing value for money. Each bottle is full-sized.
What could be better: Takes a bit longer to dry than other brands.
4. Ruby Kisses HD Nail Polish Set
Price: Around R250 for 6 polishes
This set is popular in SA beauty supply shops. Ruby Kisses polishes have a gel-like shine without needing a UV lamp. The 2025 shades focus on berry tones and nude colours that suit all South African skin tones beautifully.
What I love: The gel-look finish is gorgeous. Great for special occasions.
What could be better: You really need a base coat to prevent staining with darker shades.
5. Pep&Co Seasonal Collection
Price: Around R150 for 6 polishes
Yes, the clothing store Pep has nail polish! And honestly, it’s pretty good for the price. Available at Pep stores nationwide, this budget-friendly set is perfect if you want to try new colours without spending too much.
What I love: The cheapest set on this list. Cute colour selection.
What could be better: Not as long-lasting as pricier options. Expect 3-4 days of wear.
6. Woolworths Studio Nail Colour Set
Price: Around R280 for 5 polishes
Woolworths’ own brand polishes are underrated. The 2025 Studio range focuses on earthy tones and soft pinks. These polishes are made without harmful chemicals, which is great news for health-conscious shoppers.
What I love: Beautiful, classy colours. Thick brush for easy application.
What could be better: Limited colour variety in each set.
7. L.A. Colors Color Craze Set
Price: Around R199 for 12 mini polishes
L.A. Colors gives you the most colours for your money. Found at beauty supply stores and some game stores, this set includes everything from nude to neon. Perfect for nail art lovers who want lots of options.
What I love: 12 colours in one set! Great for mixing and matching.
What could be better: Mini bottles mean less product overall.
8. Pretty Woman NYC Collection
Price: Around R320 for 8 polishes
This brand has become more available in SA in 2025. Pretty Woman polishes are vegan and cruelty-free. The formula is thick and creamy, giving you full coverage in just one coat for most colours.
What I love: One-coat coverage saves time. Vegan-friendly.
What could be better: Can be tricky to find in some areas. Check online stores.
9. Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Starter Set
Price: Around R450 for 4 polishes plus top coat
This is the priciest set on my list, but it includes the famous Diamond Top Coat. Revlon’s gel formula lasts up to 11 days (I tested it myself – got 9 days with light housework). Available at Clicks, Dischem, and Pick n Pay.
What I love: Longest-lasting formula on this list. Professional-looking results.
What could be better: Only 4 colour options in the starter set.
10. Foschini Beauty Marks Collection
Price: Around R350 for 6 polishes
Foschini’s house brand surprised me this year. The 2025 collection has sophisticated colours like dusty rose, burgundy, and champagne. These shades work well for both office looks and weekend vibes.
What I love: Elegant colour choices. Sturdy bottles.
What could be better: Not available outside of major cities.
How to Make Your Affordable Nail Polish Last Longer
Getting cheap polish to last like expensive polish is possible. Here are my tried-and-tested tips:
Always use a base coat. Even a cheap base coat from the same brand helps your polish stick better and prevents staining.
Apply thin layers. Two thin coats dry faster and last longer than one thick goopy coat.
Wrap the tip. When you paint your nails, run the brush along the edge of your nail tip. This seals the colour and stops chipping from the ends.
Wait between coats. Give each coat at least 2 minutes to dry before adding the next one.
Use a good top coat. A shiny top coat makes even R20 polish look expensive. Reapply your top coat every 2-3 days to extend your manicure.
Wear gloves for cleaning. Hot water and cleaning chemicals are the enemies of nail polish. Pop on some rubber gloves when you do dishes or clean the house.
Where to Buy These Nail Polish Sets in South Africa
You can find most of these sets at:
- Clicks – Great for Essence, Catrice, and Revlon
- Dischem – Wide variety of local and international brands
- Takealot – Good for ordering sets online with delivery to your door
- Beauty supply stores – Best for Sinful Colors, L.A. Colors, and Ruby Kisses
- Pep, Woolworths, and Foschini – For their house brand collections
Shopping online? Always check the seller reviews and make sure you’re buying from an official store. Fake nail polishes are out there, and they can damage your nails.
Are Cheap Nail Polishes Safe to Use?
This is a question I get asked a lot. The short answer is yes – as long as you buy from trusted stores and check the ingredients.
Look for polishes labelled as:
- 3-Free (no formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP)
- 5-Free (also no formaldehyde resin or camphor)
- 10-Free (even more chemicals removed)
All the sets on my list are at least 3-free. Brands like Pretty Woman NYC and Woolworths Studio go even further with 10-free formulas.
If you notice any strange smells, burning feelings, or your nails becoming yellow and weak, stop using that polish right away.
Which Set Should You Choose?
Still not sure which set is right for you? Here’s my quick guide:
For beginners: Start with the Essence Colour & Go set. It’s affordable and easy to work with.
For nail art fans: Get the L.A. Colors set. More colours mean more creative options.
For long-lasting wear: Spend a bit more on the Revlon ColorStay set. Your manicure will last over a week.
For the tightest budget: The Pep&Co set gives you decent quality for under R200.
For eco-friendly shoppers: Pretty Woman NYC’s vegan formula is your best bet.
My Personal Favourites for 2025
After testing all these sets, my everyday go-to is the Catrice Ultimate set. The quality matches polishes that cost three times as much, and I can find it at my local Clicks easily.
For special occasions, I reach for the Revlon ColorStay. Yes, it costs more upfront, but when I need my nails to look perfect for a whole week, it delivers every time.
And when I want to play around with nail art or try bold colours I’m not sure about, the L.A. Colors set is my playground. At R199 for 12 colours, I don’t feel bad if a shade doesn’t work out.
Your Perfect Mani Awaits
Getting beautiful nails doesn’t mean spending a fortune. These 10 affordable nail polish sets prove that you can have salon-quality colour at home without emptying your wallet.
Whether you’re prepping for a special event, want to treat yourself on payday, or just love having pretty nails, there’s a set on this list for you.
Have you tried any of these nail polish sets? I’d love to hear about your favourites! Drop a comment below or tag Salonjournal on social media to show off your budget-friendly manis.
Happy painting!
– Tumelo