Posts Tagged ‘Nail Polish’

Nail enamel (also popularly referred to as nail polish) is indeed one of the commonly seen and hottest fashion accessories. Believe it or not, it has been in use for over thousands of years and has now become an industry of its own with a whole list of accompanying services; there are even storefronts that are solely dedicated to nail enamel.

Well, let’s start with the history of nail enamel. Nail enamel or nail polish was used back in ancient Egypt and ancient China. The women in ancient Egypt used henna in order to dye their nails and fingers red so as to enhance their appearance and to also signify their status in the social strata. Back in ancient China, they simply used a mixture that includes crushed and mashed flowers like roses and orchids in order to carefully extract their colors. In fact, the introduction of brightly colored nail enamels the way we know them today was greatly inspired by the introduction of car paint.

Types of nail enamel; well, generally nail polishes are known to come in clear and colored versions, with gradients that are in-between. Reds and pinks are of course the most preferred colors by a lot of people, but enamels are also available in increasingly vibrant and bright shades of green, metallic, blue and everything else in-between.

Good nail enamel can be identified by a pretty solid, even coat of sheer or opaque color with a pretty high gloss finish. Marks or striations in the polish indicate that is either expired or cheap (yes, cheap) or during the drying process it was interrupted. The acetate present in the nail enamel gives off a smell that is easily recognized – this smell is similar to the acetate smell that is found in a nail  enamel remover.

With fashion and of course women, one will be judged on the type of nail enamel that they wear. You need to choose a color that is appropriate for your skin tone and your age as well – there is nothing tackier than seeing a person of a certain age wearing a tacky looking color. Very bright colors are typically considered as “fresh”, “young” and confident. There are times where it is important to wear a nice bright color regardless of one’s age – well, it is all about confidence!  You also need to know that wearing brightly coloured and cheap nail enamel will leave your nails looking orange. So, you need to make sure that you wear a clear nail polish over your real finger and coat the bright color over that.

Nail enamel is really a wonderful way to splash a little color into one’s life. Just think how proud you will feel when you hold out your beautiful looking hand for a handshake and being told what elegant hands you have? One can easily express oneself with a nail polish. In addition, using nail enamel is a whole lot safer and healthier option to fake nails, which will in fact damage the integrity of your nail over a period of time.