Types of nail polishes: gel coating and history of origin

It seems that nail polishes have always been with us, but in fact this beauty product is not much more than 80 years old! People loved to decorate nails in ancient times, using henna and other natural dyes, compositions based on resin, wax and vegetable oils. However, the first varnish in its familiar form appeared in 1934 and immediately took its place in the first ranks of beauty. Since then, varnishes have not lost their popularity. Everything you need to know about this tool can be found in this article.

What types of nail polishes are there - 18 types

Nail polishes can be decorative or medicinal. The latter, as the name suggests, are aimed at solving problems: they strengthen nails, help cope with splitting, fungus and other troubles (read more about nail care here). Decorative varnishes are responsible for interesting nail looks: let's talk about them in more detail.

Liquid gloss varnish

Founder varnish. A single-color coating with a glossy effect is still considered traditional. And even if you don’t belong to the community of nail maniacs, you will definitely have several bottles of bright or nude polishes. Sometimes this type of coating is called cream or enamel.

Pearlescent varnish

For decades, pearl polish was the most popular - partly because, for example, in the Soviet Union, others were not available. They forgot about it in the 2000s, but a few seasons ago, leading brands made sure that pearlescent polish made a triumphant return to the beauty arena.

True, this product has several disadvantages - pearlescent varnish can visually “age” your hands. In addition, it emphasizes all the irregularities of the nail plate. Therefore, when making this choice, it is important to ensure that your hands and nails are in perfect condition.

Matt lacquer

One of the hottest trends in recent years is a varnish coating that does not shine. There are colored varnishes on sale that initially guarantee a similar effect. But you can also buy a transparent matte coating that can turn any glossy varnish into a matte one. We wrote more about how to make a matte manicure in this article.

Glitter

Varnish with large shiny particles in the composition. Particularly popular are transparent topcoats with abundant glitter, ready to make any manicure festive in a couple of minutes. For a detailed article dedicated exclusively to glitter manicure, follow this link.

Shimmer

Perhaps, in the modern world, shimmers are the second most popular varnishes after classic glossy ones. A delicate shine is provided by small sparkling particles in the composition. If the varnish is light, then it can be used in everyday manicure. It is important to emphasize that such varnishes differ from glitters in the smaller size of the shining crumbs.

"Sand" varnish

Varnish with small particles that make the coating lumpy, “sandy”. The same effect can be achieved if you buy a special powder in a store for professional craftsmen and apply it over regular varnish. The main disadvantage of this type of coating is that it is more susceptible to chipping than others.

"Caviar" coating

Like “sand” varnish, this product is of the texture type, but it also includes larger colored particles that resemble small beads. Such varnishes are rarely produced ready-made; more often, “caviar” manicures are created using loose pigments.

Duochrome and multichrome

“Chameleon varnish” changes its shade depending on the viewing angle thanks to small shiny particles that glare differently in the light. If the varnish shimmers in two shades, then you have a duochrome; if there are more shades, then we are talking about multichrome.

Holographic

It shimmers on the nails with all the colors of the rainbow, reminiscent of streaks of gasoline film. By the way, this technique is now trending in the field of makeup.

Metallic

They create the effect of a foil coating - silver, gold, copper or bronze. Metallic manicure has become one of the main trends of last year, which has remained with us and is not losing ground. Read how to create such an image here.

Thermolac

Changes its shade depending on the ambient temperature. It is enough to expose your nails to a stream of warm water for the color of the coating to change, as if by magic. You shouldn’t expect radical changes (blue won’t turn into red), but you can instantly create an ombre effect on your nails with a smooth transition from one shade to another.

Craquelure

Creates a “cracking” effect on the nails. For a more impressive look, first paint your nails with a contrasting colored polish and apply a craquelure coating on top: the first layer will “peek through” the “cracks.” This varnish must be secured with a transparent top coat, otherwise it will not last long.

Fluorescent varnish

In daylight it looks like an ordinary varnish of a bright “acid” shade, but under ultraviolet rays it begins to glow. Just right for a disco!

Magnetic varnish

The composition includes tiny metal particles that form intricate patterns when you hold a magnet to your nails.

Varnish jelly

As the name implies, it has a jelly texture and lays down in a translucent layer, even if the shade in the bottle seems rich. Often these varnishes contain large shiny particles. It doesn't take much courage to create a jelly manicure, but what about lip makeup like this?

Gel polish

A coating that threatens to supplant classic varnishes: today gel polish is almost more popular than regular polishes. And this is not surprising, because such a coating, hardening under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, remains on the nails in its original form for up to three weeks without chips or scratches.

At the same time, the appearance of gel polish cannot be distinguished from any other! The only inconvenience is that you won’t be able to remove it with the usual liquid; you’ll have to stock up on a special kit. Previously, gel coating could only be done in a salon, but today many beauty brands produce kits for home use.

Base coat

A transparent varnish that is applied to the nail plate before using the varnish of the main shade. It is better not to skip this stage in manicure: the base coat protects the nails from the effects of color pigments and prevents the nails from peeling and turning yellow. By the way, if the last trouble did happen, our guide will help you.

Top

The finishing coat is applied at the last stage to secure the manicure. This varnish significantly extends the life of a manicure. For best results, use a topcoat of the same brand as the base polish.

We recommend reading:

Interesting facts about manicure
What do you need for a manicure?
What is classic manicure technology?

Review of famous brands

Nail polish OPI (Oh Pi Eye)

The decorative cosmetics product is manufactured in the USA. The varnish is made on the basis of nitrocellulose with the addition of TSF, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate and other components. The formula contains amino acids and natural silk particles.

Depending on fashionable world trends, the collection of shades is constantly updated. Today there are about 300 flowers on sale. The shape of the bottle is designed so that decorative fillers (glitter and mother-of-pearl) do not settle to the bottom. A brush made of natural material of a special shape is provided, which allows you to apply the varnish evenly and comfortably to the surface of the nails.

Nail polish Golden Rose

This amazing product from Turkish manufacturers is presented in several collections, each of which has a variety of colors and textures.

A distinctive feature is the presence of a wide brush, which allows you to apply the varnish carefully and quickly. The texture of the product is medium, not thick and not runny. The products are presented in the middle price category.

Nail polish Dance Legend

The Russian company offers unique varnishes that combine fashionable, rich shades, safe to apply, created on the basis of innovative technologies that allow you to create various effects. Today, the manufacturer offers more than 1,500 varnishes of various textures, presented in 30 series. Fashionistas will be pleased with the constantly updated collections. You can purchase professional varnishes with various visual effects (color changes depending on the temperature or brightness of the sun's color). Holographic and multichrome varnishes are available to customers.

Nail Look Nail Polish

Decorative coatings of this brand were created in England in 2010. Today the collection consists of a huge number of beautiful shades of different textures. Varnishes do not fade or crack when applied. The coating dries in 8-10 minutes and lasts about a week. The most saturated shades do not stain the nail plate because they contain pigments and other high quality ingredients.

Thanks to the convenient brush of 236 bristles and texture, the polish is easily applied and distributed over the surface of the nail. The volume of the container is 8.5 ml.

Nail polish Orly

Few people know that it was Jeff Pink, the creator of the Orly brand, who at one time first used French manicure, which became one of the most favorite options for applying varnish. The company was founded in 1975.

Varnishes of this brand are considered absolutely safe and are of high quality, and are also presented in a wide palette. In 2002, the company created its own unique cap with a brush, the outer surface of which is made of rubberized material. Thanks to this, you can open the polish with one hand, and the material completely follows the contours of your fingers.

Over many years on the market, Orly has managed to win 12 ABBIES awards, which is one of the most valuable in the world of cosmetology.

Thanks to their dense structure, Orly varnishes look great when applied in 1 layer. The line of cosmetic products includes varnishes produced in jars with a capacity of 5.3 ml and 18 ml. This allows you to purchase small samples, and if you like the color and it suits you, you can buy a larger bottle.

Essence nail polish

Presented in various collections: from neutral to rich and neon tones. The coating is quite dense and looks expensive on the nails, despite the quite budget price. For application, a convenient wide brush has been designed, which picks up a sufficient amount of varnish and distributes it efficiently over the surface of the nail plate.

In the bottle the product does not thicken for a long time and retains a liquid texture. However, when applied, the varnish dries within a few minutes.

Essie nail polish

The collection was created in 1981 by Essie Wijngaarten from New York, who came up with 12 shades of decorative varnish and 3 healing products. A distinctive feature of the collection is considered to be special durability and excellent quality. The secret formula allows the varnish to create a durable coating that lasts for about a week. Moreover, during this time the shade of the varnish will not change and will remain as bright as on the day of application.

Collections are updated once a year. The permanent assortment includes more than 250 shades. I would especially like to note the plastic brush, with which you can apply nail polish in one motion without staining the cuticle. The product dries quickly and acquires a beautiful glossy shine.

To be fair, I would like to note that the product line is quite expensive, although due to its excellent qualities, this type of product has many fans.

Varnish Vinylux

Provides a super durable coating that stays on the nail surface for up to 8 days. Does not require prior application of a base coat. It dries in 10-15 minutes, but unlike gel polish it does not require special conditions for removal - it is washed off with regular nail polish remover without acetone. Does not contain formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate. One bottle of varnish is enough for 33 coats (if you paint in 2 layers). The product is applied in a thin layer.

Red Carpet Manicure Polish

This series presents gel polishes that are completely suitable for use at home. The coating procedure takes 10-15 minutes; a UV lamp must be used to harden the varnish. First, a base coat from the same series is applied, then the colored varnish is applied directly in 2 layers, each of which is dried under a lamp. Then the top layer is applied. The consistency of the coating is similar to regular varnish, which does not cause difficulties during application.

RGB Nail Color

Products are manufactured in the USA. We have several collections. Characteristic advantages are that it does not contain formaldehyde and formaldehyde-containing resins, and does not contain camphor and toluene.

Varnish Avon Nails Inc

Decorative cosmetics for nail care are presented in several collections. The varnish contains diamond dust, panthenol, acrylic, as well as special polymers that guarantee shine. The coating lasts up to 10 days on the nail plate.

Each bristle of the brush has an angular bevel, which allows for the highest quality, precise and even distribution of the varnish. Rich tones are applied in 2 layers. After applying the first layer, you must wait 1 minute and apply the second layer.

Rimmel varnish

Decorative cosmetics of this brand are manufactured in the UK. The brand traces its history back to 1834, when the famous perfumer, who served Napoleon's wife, Josephine, moved to England and founded his own business. Today the company's products are the best-selling in the UK and rank third in Europe.

The varnish of this brand is of high quality. The coating is easy to apply thanks to the patented brush. The varnish dries in less than 60 seconds.

Revlon varnish

Products are made in Spain. When applied to prepared nails, the polish dries in less than 60 seconds. The decorative product is distributed evenly over the surface, since the individual bristles of the brush are cut in the shape of an angle.

The composition includes ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, panthenol, keratin, as well as diamond dust and other components. The manufacturer distinguished itself by introducing fragrant varnishes in one of the collections.

Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish

The brand was founded in 1998 by Ji Baek and literally translated means “Saving Beauty.” At first, a beauty salon arose, where work was carried out in especially sterile conditions. In parallel with the opening of the salon, the founder of the brand launched a new collection of cosmetics, in particular, varnishes.

The texture of the product is medium and very convenient for application. The brush is triangular in shape, medium thickness. The coating dries quite quickly. For a beautiful nail design, you need to apply the product in 2 layers. The polishes are not cheap and sell for $18 per bottle.

China Glaze Nail Polish

Decorative cosmetics are made in the USA. The main difference is that the composition is free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and therefore deserves the name “environmentally friendly”. To make nails stronger and harder, manufacturers add kaolin (white Chinese clay) to the composition. The assortment includes more than 300 shades. The varnishes are suitable for home and professional use.

Maybelline Colorama nail polish

The American company has been delighting its fans with new ideas and excellent shades for 100 years. The series presents quite bright and rich shades that are suitable for application at different times of the year. The affordable price of the bottle makes decorative coating affordable for many.

The manufacturer himself guarantees that the varnish stays on the nails for up to 7 days, but this property depends not only on the composition of the varnish, but also on the characteristics of the nails themselves. The kit includes a brush that guarantees convenient and accurate application.

The disadvantages of varnishes include the inclusion of toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde. To apply a rich shade, two layers are not always enough. In some shades, even 3-4 layers do not provide coverage without gaps.

Dior Vernis nail polish

The decorative cosmetics of this company will certainly appeal to those women who are not attracted to too bright, saturated, poisonous shades. Manufacturers took shades of famous spices as a basis, which means that you will find many natural colors in the collection.

The series includes various varnishes: with metallic or craquelure effects, with glitter and translucent. You need to apply the product using a special brush with beveled corners: thanks to the fairly wide and moderately flat shape of the bristles, they pick up the right amount of product and distribute it evenly over the surface of the nail plate.

Varnishes of this brand do not thicken or separate during storage. The natural composition has a beneficial effect on the condition of the nail plate, strengthens it and makes it healthier. The varnish does not stain the surface of the nail and can be applied even without a base coat.

Givenchy nail polish

This product provides reliable coverage that lasts up to 7 days. Thanks to the special formula, the nail plate is nourished. The texture of the varnish is quite dense, which allows it to be applied even in 1 layer. When applied, the varnishes dry quickly and create a special shimmer and shine.

According to some customer reviews, the varnish thickens quite quickly, which makes it much more difficult to apply.

Nail polish CND Shellac

The products of this brand are natural, and therefore can be used by allergy sufferers and even pregnant women. A special advantage is that the product stays on the nails for about 2 weeks - during this time the natural nail plate can grow significantly, since it has reliable protection against breakage.

The assortment includes many shades, from which it will not be difficult to choose the one you like.

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Fashionable nail polishes of 2021

Let us tell you which polishes to add to the collection to stay on trend in 2021?

Nude

Most likely, you already have such a varnish, and you actively use it in both daytime and evening manicures. But if for some reason you still haven’t bought it or want to replace the one you already have with a new one, try to find a polish that is the color of pointe shoes, “ballerina shoes.” Judging by the latest shows, this shade will be the most relevant. We have collected as many as 94 ideas for nude manicure in this article.

Dark metallic

In general, it doesn’t matter what shade of metallic you end up choosing - no one can accuse you of being beauty illiterate. However, if you come across a deep metallic polish, don’t miss the chance. Combine this manicure with matching makeup, like at the Alexis Mabille fall-winter show.

©fotoimedia/imaxtree

Grey

Light gray pastel or taupe varnish is at the peak of popularity. Such a manicure, on the one hand, will not look too gloomy, on the other hand, it will be combined with any outfit and will definitely not raise questions either from teachers at the institute or from management at work. And if you want to make it more interesting, paint a few nails with glitter or shimmer polish.

Emerald

Is bright green polish too bold for you? Then try on a deep emerald shade, which looks very noble and interesting. Pair it with burgundy and gold for a go-to manicure. By the way, if you prefer a simple gold manicure, then this article will be useful to you.

Violet

But not bright neon or dark plum, but soft lilac, lavender or orchid color. In winter, this will definitely lift your spirits, and in summer it will beautifully highlight your tan.

©fotoimedia/imaxtree

Red-orange

Red varnish is the head of everything, but the trends of 2021 show that not everything is so simple. Choose options with orange pigments and combine them with equally bright clothes. Find more ideas for manicures with orange polish here.

We recommend reading:

New Year's manicure 2021: fashion trends and design ideas
Nail design 2021: new trends in winter manicure
Manicure 2021: main trends of the year

What is nail polish made of?

The list of ingredients on a nail polish bottle looks like Chinese writing to most of us. What is hidden behind the obscure names?

Nitrocellulose

A resin that literally “glues” and holds all components together. As a rule, the composition contains two types of resin - film-forming (this is what is designated by the word nitrocellulose) and adhesive (look for the inscription polymer, copolymer or resin). The film-forming resin is responsible for the glossy shine, and the adhesive polymer makes the texture of the varnish more elastic and allows it to better adhere to the surface of the nail plate.

Ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate

All these components are solvents, which are responsible for easy application and quick drying of the varnish. As the compound dries, the solvent evaporates, leaving the surface dry. The main problem facing manufacturers is to ensure that the solvent does not evaporate too quickly, otherwise bubbles will appear. Alas, the buyer can check this only after applying nail polish.

Stearalkonium hectorite, stearalkonium bentonite

Thickener additives that help mix the resin and solvent without allowing color pigments to settle at the bottom of the bottle.

Benzophenone

UV stabilizer that prevents varnish color and texture from changing when exposed to sunlight.

Trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate, triphenyl phosphate, camphor and ethyl tosylamide

These components are plasticizers; they prevent the resin from thickening and prolong the durability of your manicure.

CL (there are numbers next to it indicating the number of the shade used)

Dyes and pigments that determine the color of the varnish. Dyes are often organic, but pigments are not.

Mica

Mica is added to varnish to add a glossy shine. In rare cases, particles of natural pearls and aluminum powder are also added to the varnish.

Metallic, duo/multichrome, holographic, magnetic

The so-called metallic gives the nail the effect of a foil coating. Most often it has silver and golden shades. Copper and bronze colors are less common.

Duo- and multichrome change their colors when the angle of light or viewing changes, creating an interesting combination of several shades on the nail. There are many types of this effect; there are contrasting ones, for example, black and white, and monochrome ones. If there are two such shades, the varnish is called duochrome; if there are more, then multi.

The holographic is very reminiscent of a gasoline film on a puddle. It also sparkles and shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow.

Magnetic varnish contains particles of iron filings, which, when applied to a magnet, form a beautiful pattern. Applying it will require some experience.

How to paint your nails with polish

It seems that it could be simpler - carefully distribute the varnish over the nail plate? But many cannot cope with this beauty task on their own, preferring to entrust the process to a salon specialist. Perhaps our step-by-step photo instructions can change the situation.

Wipe your nails with nail polish remover or a special degreaser, even if you have not applied cream to your hands before and there are no remnants of old polish on your nails. By taking this action, you can be sure that you have prepared the ground for the perfect coating. It’s better not to use cotton pads, but to use a lint-free napkin that will not leave small lint on your nails.

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.

Before using the varnish, slightly warm the bottle in your palms: the product will become more pliable.

Apply the color coat in two layers and let it dry thoroughly. This is how you should proceed: first place a drop of polish at the edge of the cuticle in the center and draw a line to the tip of the nail. Then fill the space to the right and left of the drawn line with varnish. After the second layer, do not forget to “seal” the edge of each nail to further extend the durability of the coating.

Finish with a clear top coat.

Ready!

The result is unlikely to turn out beautiful if you have learned how to carefully paint your nails, but have not learned how to actually do the manicure itself. We have prepared a training video that will help bridge this gap.

How to remove polish from the skin around the nail

Often, after applying polish, a little (or a lot) of the product ends up on the skin around the nail plate. Even professional nail artists often cannot avoid this mistake, but it is very easy to eliminate. Wait until the varnish dries and proceed according to one of the recommendations below.

The easiest way is to soak a clean, thin manicure brush in nail polish remover and gently wipe off any excess polish. If you don't have a special brush, use an orange stick. It is better not to do this with a cotton swab, as it can leave small fibers on the surface of the nail that will ruin the manicure.

If you're not in a hurry, just wait for the polish to dry and take a shower. Under the influence of warm water, the skin will cleanse itself of varnish.

The third method requires preliminary preparation. Before painting your nails, carefully treat the skin around the nail with a special liquid tape or PVA glue. As a result, the varnish will end up not on the skin, but not on a film of glue, which will be easy to remove. © essie

If the problem occurs too often, you may need to purchase a special correction marker. Its rod is filled with nail polish remover. The felt-tip pen has a soft tip that is easy to remove polish from the skin around the nail.

How to dilute nail polish

As a rule, the shelf life of varnish ranges from six months to three years (depending on its composition). But what to do if your favorite varnish thickens ahead of time? We know several ways to save him!

Place the tightly sealed bottle of polish into a bowl of hot water and wait a couple of minutes. Under the influence of heat, the texture of the varnish will become more liquid, and you will be able to do a manicure without problems. However, before the next use this action will have to be repeated.

Add some micellar water

Add a couple of drops of micellar water to the bottle of polish and shake it well. But please note: the product should not contain oils!

Use a special thinner

Most often, the varnish is diluted with a liquid to remove it, which, if you think about it, is quite pointless. Instead, use a special thinner. Yes, you will have to spend money, but with its help you can save more than one polish.

Jelly, mica, shimmer, glitter

The jelly has a jelly-like structure and transparency . It's hard to achieve vibrancy with it (even with multiple coats), although it can have a rich hue in the bottle.

Mica is very similar to jelly, but it contains oblong particles that shimmer in the light.

The shimmer includes shimmering grains. They give your nails volume and a jewel-like glow. Depending on the concentration of such particles, the coating can be almost invisible, and then it can be used in everyday life. Or, conversely, stand out with its brilliance, which makes it indispensable for parties. The varnish is easy to apply without leaving streaks, but due to the presence of sparks it is very difficult to remove.

Glitter is the sister of shimmer, but instead of tiny particles it contains small sparkles. Such an addition can be plain or colored, in the shape of a circle, rectangle, triangle, hearts, stars. Removing it from nails is also problematic.

How long does it take for nail polish to dry?

There is no clear answer to this question: it all depends on the composition, manufacturer and properties of the particular varnish.

On average, the varnish dries within 20 minutes, but you should not return to vigorous activity for about an hour.
A lot also depends on the thickness of the layers: try not to apply more than two thin layers of varnish unless you want it to take forever to dry.

© essie
If this is a deciding factor for you, pay attention to polishes that are labeled “quick-drying”: some of them (for example, Colorama from Maybelline) dry within a minute! Find our rating of quick-drying varnishes here.

How to dry varnish quickly?

Use special products that will help the varnish dry faster. As a rule, they are produced in the format of a transparent topcoat, spray or drops. With such a coating, the process of complete drying of the varnish should not take more than 10-15 minutes.

As for folk remedies that speed up the drying process of varnish, the most popular is a hair dryer. But this is not the best idea: dust particles settling on the nail plate will probably ruin the manicure. It is better to put your nails under a stream of cold water or dip your fingertips in a glass of ice water: this method is more effective. However, you should not do this right away. Wait at least 10 minutes.

Vegetable oil will help speed up the drying process of the varnish a little. Apply one drop to each nail and after 5-7 minutes, rinse your hands with cold water and soap. By the way, regular vegetable oil can be useful not only for manicure.

How to remove nail polish

The correct answer is using a special nail polish remover. The classic version is a liquid in a bottle, but today this product is also available in the format of cleansing wipes, as well as in the form of a special sponge soaked in nail polish remover. But what to do if you don’t have any of this at hand?

A product with a high alcohol content will help remove polish. The best way to do the job is with medical alcohol: place your nails in a bowl of alcohol and wait a little.

© essie
In some cases, toothpaste can help you out, but it will take some effort. It is better if the toothpaste is whitening, it will cope better with color pigments.
Try also using vinegar and adding a squeeze of lemon. This is not the most beneficial composition for the skin, so this method should only be used as a last resort.

© essie

Gel polishes and shellacs

The most popular today are shellacs and gel polishes. They are very durable, attractive and bright. Many beginning craftswomen are interested in the types of gel nail polishes and photos of these products. Gel polish is a plastic gel that is dried in an ultraviolet lamp. To harden and polymerize this product, it is ultraviolet light that is needed. Before gel polish is applied to the nail plates, they are treated with a special primer for strong adhesion to the nails. A manicure with gel polish can last two to three weeks, maintaining its brightness and shine. The gel is great for brittle, thin and fragile nails. The list of types of gel nail polishes largely coincides with conventional products. Gel polish is removed by filing with a special nail file, foil and a special liquid.

Many people are interested in another type of nail polish - shellac. It combines the properties of gel and varnish. Before applying it, the nail plates are treated with a dehydrator or degreaser. To do this, the claws no longer need to be polished with a nail file. Shellac also comes in a variety of shades and textures. Its convenience is that it can be removed using regular nail polish remover. This innovative coating is very popular and costs a little more than gel polish. Shellac dries very quickly in an ultraviolet lamp. For the first time, such a coating was produced by the American cosmetics company CND. The only drawback of shellac is the difficulty of using it independently. Therefore, to get a flawless result, it is preferable to get salon services. This requires money and time.