What was nail polish made of

Thermochromic polishes use compounds called leucodyes contained within microcapsules. These microcapsules also contain a low melting point solvent and an acid. When the temperature is low enough, the dye and the acid molecules are in close proximity, allowing transfer of hydrogen atoms between the molecules and leaving the dye in its coloured form.

As temperature increases, the solvent melts, and the molecules move away from each other; with hydrogen transfer no longer occurring, the dye changes to a colourless form. Photochromic polishes use light-sensitive compounds which experience a structural change when exposed to sunlight. Examples of compounds used include spiropyrans and spirooxazines.

The structural change on the absorption of UV light changes the absorption of the compound, causing its colour to change. UV light can also be a problem for nail polishes — over time exposure to sunlight can cause the colour of the polish to fade. To avoid this, additives such as benzophenone-1 are added into the mixture. These additives absorb UV light and prevent it from bleaching the coloured pigments in the polish.

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Nitrocellulose acts as a film-forming polymer that dissolves in the solvent, allowing nail polish to stick to whatever surface it's applied to—which is also what makes nail polish such a nightmare to clean when accidentally spilled. Shimmer polish can also include crushed mica or even natural pearls. If you see the word 'guanine' on the ingredient list, this refers to a glittery substance that's actually derived from fish scales. Knowing what nail polish is made of is an important companion to knowing where it comes from.

With its origins traced back to ancient China, nail polish has been around for thousands of years. And if you doubt that what goes around comes around, consider that the Zhou Dynasty saw trends shift from metallic shades like gold and silver to classic shades like red and black in the 7th century B.

Shop a few of our favorite shades below from brands we love. This pretty peach polish by OPI has flecks of gold shimmer for the perfect springtime manicure. Deborah Lippmann's polish includes biotin and keratin to strengthen and protect nails. We love this vampy indigo shade.

Essie's two-step Gel Couture line stays put, no UV light needed. Add on the Gel Couture Top Coat as the final step. Context's line of minimalist colors is vegan, cruelty-free, and nontoxic. This celadon shade will be our go-to this summer. Oribe's gorgeous line of polish offers highly-pigmented color in a single coat. Butter London's high-shine polish contains bamboo extract and diamond powder to strengthen and brighten nails.

Sally Hansen's polish is a classic for a reason. Revlon became the first established nail polish brand in when they released a cream color. Essie currently sells colors of nail polish, not including nail decals or specialty base and top coats. You can even buy them in vending machines in airports and malls around the country. Acrylic nails were introduced in And they were invented by a dentist. In , a bottle of Cutex nail polish cost 35 cents.

It was only available in three shades of red. Nope, that's not a typo. The color, Black Diamond King, is made with carats worth of black diamonds. Actress Rita Hayworth popularized red nail polish. After the introduction of Technicolor, Rita's bold nails launched a polish movement. Much later, Uma Thurman would start a new trend of vamp-colored nails , thanks to her hit role in Pulp Fiction. There are 13 types of nail polish finishes. Opened bottles of nail polish only last about two years.

Unopened bottles can last indefinitely. But once you twist the cap off for the first time, certain ingredients evaporate, which changes the formula and consistency of your polish. Some nail polishes have food in them.