Types of nail polishes

1. Finishes
Nail polishes come in different finishes. They range from matte ones to glittery ones. Matte polishes are those polishes that has little or no shine in them, and they often look flat. They are one of the most classic polishes that one can pick up. If you are a big fan of classic polishes, then this is recommended for you.
Cream and Pearl Finishes contain a little shimmer that reflects beautifully when light is shone on them. They are a step above the matte polishes. Cream and pearl finishes are one of my most favorite types.

Metallics are those that appear metallic or foil-like on your nails. The most common colors are gold, bronze and silver. They are great on those days where you want to feel glamorous.
Glitter polishes are the type of polishes that just spell glamour. They come in different textures and patterns. Some polishes contain finely milled glitters and some contain chunkier ones. The only downside of glitter is that it is really difficult to remove.

2. Base Coat
A base coat is essential in preparing the nails for color. It protects them from discoloration that is brought about by bold colored polishes. A base coat often comes as a colorless finish. You can get a base coat that contains nail strengthening elements that would help keep your nails strong.

3. Top Coat
A top coat is what you put on top of your colored polish. It helps prevent nails from chipping and it also adds additional shine on your nails.

4. Quick Drying
If you don't want to spend so much time painting your nails and waiting for them to dry between layers, a quick drying polish is the right choice for you. It is still recommended to allow at least 15 minutes of drying time, in order to avoid any annoying nicks and dents. Remember that the thinner you apply your polish, the faster it dries.

5. Growth Enhancing
For those who have dry and brittle nails, a growth enhancing nail polish will help keep your nails strong. They contain proteins and fibers that aid in faster and healthier nail growth.
Before you head out and stock up on your favorite polishes, find out if you have any problems with your nails. All it needs is just a little TLC. You may choose to treat your nails and remember to allow at least a couple of days for them to breath before applying your next nail color.

Reena Mariel, author of Beauty Is My Duty, your online resource for beauty tips and tricks for the average girl.

How to keep nail polish Fresh!

I find it amusing when clients tell me that they keep their polish in the refrigerator.  I can't seem to figure out why.  Then the answer came to me.  The polish has been kept in the dark (prevents the polish from changing color) and the cold air slows down the air molecules.  I personally think that there are better ways to keep your polish fresh (and leave room for the milk in the frig).  As I've mentioned, keeping polish stored in the dark or out of direct sunlight is very important.  Direct sunlight and even indirect sunlight (a bright room) can distort the original color of the polish.  I've worked in a spa that had bright light coming into the nail room in the morning.  This spa had to replace the OPI color Coney Island Cotton Candy about once every two months. The color would turn yellow and become very unappealing to the customer.  Another thing that I've noticed is that a lot of people do not know how to keep the neck of the bottle clean.  By keeping the neck and the inside cap of the bottle clean, you'll keep your polish fresher, longer.  You ask why?  Well, when there is a build-up of polish around the neck and inside the cap, it will allow more air into the bottle and thicken the polish quicker.

So, how do you keep the neck and the inside cap of the bottle clean?  You can do it the usual way, with a little polish remover on a lint-free paper towel and wipe them off every time you polish your nails.  Or you can just add a little caution to how you pull the brush out of the bottle.  As you pull the brush out of the bottle, wipe off the excess polish inside the bottle instead of on the top of the bottle.  This will reduce the amount of times you need to clean the neck and the inside cap of dried out polish.  You'll also save yourself the headache of trying to open a bottle of polish that won't open because the cap is stuck on with dried polish.

If the polish is already thick, use polish thinner to thin it out, not polish remover.  Polish remover can sometimes break the polish down incorrectly and make it chip faster.  You can pick up polish thinner at beauty supply houses like Sally's.  Fresh base coat nail polish also works to thin polish without effecting the consistency.  Also, you can get more out of your polish (if you use it a lot) by buying two of the same type of polish (base coats, top coats, color polish).  Use one bottle to apply to your nails and use the other to refill the first.  Instead of only getting a half bottle out of each bottle (one bottle out of two), you'll get 1 ½ bottles out of the two.  It is important to note, don't use a third bottle because the original polish has broken down too much with thinning that the original polish will chip faster than a fresh bottle.

Hope this helps your polish stay fresher, longer.

Alicia Lyons has beena licensed cosmetologist and began doing nails in 1982. She's seen every trend in the nail industry come and go. She has seen the origin of acrylic and gel nails, French manicures and discount nail salons. In April 2008, she was listed as one of Sedona, Arizona's top six spa therapists by Sedona Monthly magazine.

She is the author of "The Secret to Beautiful Natural Nails - How to Say Goodbye to Peeling Nails and Artifical Nails Forever"To find out more about natural nail care, please visit her website at

http://www.bella10.com/

Nail Polish Designs

Shiny Nail Polish That Won't Chip - 4 ways

I am going to share with you what most people never stop to think about but most people want. Have you ever noticed that when you go to a nail salon your nail polish is well, perfect? The first thing you will notice is that your nails have a very smooth finish and they are so shiny that even the sun needs shades. Also, when the nail technicians apply nail polish, it doesn't seem to chip or slide off. Well, I have always been a big fan of doing things myself. I am going to tell you how you too, can have smooth, shiny nails.

1. Discover the nail buffer I first found out about this nail tool when shopping at a mall. I bought the whole nail set, which costs $25. Now, you can go to any retail store and buy the buffer by itself for only $3. They are becoming more popular but there are still a lot of people who don't know how necessary they are. The buffer is a square nail file and is usually white or black. Each side of the buffer has a different level of coarseness. Use the fine sides for fingernails and the course sides for toenails. The nail buffer is a wonderful replacement for those triangular, electronic buffers they use in the salons.
To use, remove any nail polish from your hands and feet. Take your nail buffer and run it back and forth over each nail. Take your time on each nail. This will even out your nails and leave them feeling unbelievably smooth.

2. Nail polish news Now that we have a smooth surface, we can paint! Choose a color of nail polish to paint your toes with. Most people do not take enough nail polish out of the tube at one time. You should only have to dip into the bottle 2-3 times to cover each nail. The reason for this is because if you do not use enough, you will have to keep going back for more nail polish. Applying more strokes of nail polish to one fingernail means more streaks and unevenness. The fewer strokes you have to use, the smoother your nails will be. You should use just enough nail polish to catch a generous drop at the end of your brush. Put it on your nail and smooth it out. You will find that you will not have to go back and apply a second coat of nail polish. If you are in a rush and are going to leave the house, do not apply your coat as thickly. This is because if the nail polish is not fully dry, it will smudge.

3. Hang your nails out to dry In order to prevent chipping and to keep your nail polish from slipping away, your nail polish must be completely dry! This is why I may wait up until an hour to apply a clear coat of nail polish. If you can't wait an hour, you can skip this step if you are doing your toes. The advice I have already given you will make your nails shiny. Let your nails dry, and then apply a clear coat. For extra coverage, purchase an anti-chipping nail polish, such as one by Sally Hansen.

4. Smudge-proof nails The final step to amazing nails is not too smudge them! People go through a lot of effort to paint their toenails and think they can go out immediately afterwards. In order for nails to remain super shiny and super smooth, the nail polish must dry completely. When it is dry, it will become a protective shell that is resistant to water, dust and pressure. This means that you should never do any of the following until your nails are dry:

· Take a shower after you paint your nails
· Allow your nails to touch or bang against anything
· Put sneakers on until several hours later. Flip-flops and sandals are okay to wear

How can you dry your nails faster? You can sprinkle your nails with drops of water. You can buy one of those nail-drying machines they sell in the stores. You can buy quick-drying nail polish. You can apply a thinner coat of nail polish. You can purchase Sally Hansen's nail drying spray.
I get compliments on my nails all the time and people think I am spending all this money on going to the salon. Follow my advice, and you will notice a huge change in the way your nails look. Your hands and feet will pop because of the silky shine your nails give off. You will also get an added boost of confidence being able to tell people you did your nails yourself!

The author of this article writes on foot care, foot health, foot problems and foot decor.
 

http://www.touchabletoes.com