This Post Explains What Is Nail Lacquer
Thank you for reading my post about nail lacquer. Since lacquers are thicker than polishes the drying process tends to take longer. They have lots of benefits however including protecting the nails and adding shine and gloss. If you have tried any of the lacquers recommended in this post please leave me a comment below and let me know how you got on. Ill be regularly updating this post with recommended products including a transparent nail polish and some more metallic shades.
Olivia is the owner of UK Beauty Room and founder three other successful websites. She gained an online following after creating a natural haircare routine which completely transformed her hair. Olivia has since written an eBook on Ayurvedic hair care to help others use the same formula to improve their own hair.
Find me on: Web
What Is Nail Polish And Nail Lacquer
Nail polish is sold in small bottles and applied to fingernails and toes with a small brush. The lacquer hardens and forms a glossy coating on the nail a few minutes after application.
This coating is resistant to water and chips This coating can last for several days before applying the chip and falling.
It can also be removed by using nail polish remover, which is specially designed to remove nail polish.
Nail polish may contain different materials. However, all of these products have some common ingredients or bases.
Plasticizers, dyes and pigments, scent pigments, adhesive polymers and thickeners are essential elements in the production of nail polish.
Apart from the apparent differences in different brands, nail polish/lacquer can also be classified into different categories. Below are some standard classifications:
The base coat is a transparent, milky coloured, or opaque pink polish used before the use of nail polish. It can strengthen the nails, help to brighten the nail and restore moisture to the nail.
Our coat is a clear, transparent nail polish used after applying nail polish nail polish.
Matte is a regular nail polish but has a dull finish rather than a shiny and shiny finish.
See What People Are Saying
AMAZING!!!!
AGAIN, KATHLEEN IS KILLING IT WITH AMAZING LAQUERS!! I GOT THE COLLECTION AT THE BEGINNING OF SUMMER AND I NEVER HAD THAT MUCH FUN TO PAINT MY NAILS SINCE THEN!! ORANGE AND YELLOW ARE SOO BRIGHT! LOVE THE DIFFERENT FINISHES AS WELL. I WILL ORDER MORE FORE SURE!!!!
VANESSA F.T
IN LOVE!
THESE POLISHES NEVER FAIL. I HAVE TWO SETS NOW AND IM SO IMPRESSED WITH HOW LONG THE COLOR LASTS ON MY NAILS AND TOES. HIGHLY RECOMMEND GIVING THESE A TRY!
RAYNAH
BEST NAIL POLISHES EVER
I HAVE BEEN BUYING NAIL POLISHES FROM KATHLEEN SINCE HER VERY FIRST ONE, AND FOR GOOD REASON. THERE IS NOT ONE BRAND OUT THERE THAT HAS MORE UNIQUE, EASY TO APPLY, LONG-LASTING SHADES THAN LIGHTS LACQUER. GO BUY THEM. ALL OF THEM.
HILLARY WALLACE
NAIL POLISH REVIEW
SUCH AMAZING SHADE SELECTION AND IT APPLIES SO WELL ON THE NAILS. I LOVE THE WIDE BRUSH. MAKES IT EASY TO APPLY.
HAYDEE KAJEWSKI
ALWAYS STUNNING
LIGHTS LACQUER NEVER DISAPPOINTS, HER COLORS ARE ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL AND I LOVE THE DIFFERENT FINISHES SHE INCLUDES IN HER COLLECTIONS. PERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND ANY TIME OF THE YEAR!
SHEYLA GOMEZ
BEST NAIL POLISH
IVE SWITCHED FROM GEL MANIS AT A SALON TO HOME MANIS AND LIGHTS LACQUER IS SO FAR BEYOND OPI AND ESSIE IN TERMS OF PERFORMANCE. THE BRUSH IS WIDE WHICH I LOVE, AND THE FORMULA IS AMAZING AND FAST DRYING. I CANT WAIT FOR THE CATALOG OF COLORS TO GROW SO I CAN BUY MORE!
EMILY EMERSON
sign up to have the first look
on all of the lacquerlatest. Promos, giveaways & exclusive offers!
You May Like: How Much Is Liquid Nails
What Is Nail Polish
The term nail polish is used for the varnish that adds shine and colors in the nails of the user other than protecting it from breaking and splitting. It will be relevant to mention here that, the term nail polish is on the market for the cosmetic industry across the globe stood established. Roughly speaking, people often refer it as paint for the nail, but it shouldnt be taken into the literal context as it is a special kind of varnish that isnt harmful to the nails. Even many of the people are of the view that nail polish adds up the much-needed moisturizer for the surface of the nail, which works in the growth of the nail. According to the experts, the nail polish was first used in China, thousands of years ago. At that time, the mixture of vegetables dyes, wax and egg white was used as the nail polish. The basic component of the nail polish are resins, plasticizers, coloring agents and the solvents. The nitrocellulose is dissolved in the solvent like butyl acetate and pigments and colors are added in it for the preparation of the nail polish.
Nail Polish Vs Nail Lacquer
The terms nail lacquers and nail polishes are synonymous. However, there are differences between the two.
- Use nail lacquers to protect your nails. Use nail polish for decorating and coloring your nails.
- Nail polish is often much thinner in consistency than nail lacquers. Nail lacquers are renowned for their thickness.
- Nail polish lends a designer look to your nails. Nail lacquer makes your nails look shiny and glossy.
- One of the advantages of choosing nail lacquers over nail polishes is that they strengthen your nails with their thick coating.
- Many stylists and cosmetologist recommend nail lacquers because they are durable and chip resistant.
- Nail polish is available in more colors and shades than nail lacquers.
Read Also: How To Get Child To Stop Biting Nails
Regular Nail Polish Vs Gel Polish
Just like everything else in the world, beauty routine is not so simple anymore: there are numerous shades and types of every product and you have to stay up-to-date in order to make sure youre getting something that goes well with your personal style.
In an attempt to aid our readers in navigating the complex beauty world of today, we’ve compiled an article that covers everything you need to know before you choose to get a gel polish done on your nails.
We get it, to the average user of nail polishes, the inclination to dismiss gel polish as another fad might be too persistent.
Youd probably shake your head in dismay and ask, how is gel polish exactly any different from regular nail polish? Or is it just another way to waste money on beauty products you dont need?
Well, youd be surprised to hear that there is a huge difference between regular nail polish and gel polish.
To understand this better, lets take a look at what theyre made of and how they differ in terms of application and results.
Middle East North Africa And Egypt
The application of nail paints spread across the globe to the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Egypt. In Egypt, people polished their nails with colors according to their position in society.
Rulers used henna to paint their nails in a reddish-brown color and lower classes paler shades. Mummified pharaohs had their nails painted with henna when buried.
Read Also: What Kind Of Doctor Treats Nail Fungus
What Is The Difference Between A Nail Polish/gel And Nail Lacquer
Nail lacquer is something that is generally associated with the protection of the nail. Nail Lacquer is available in specific colors and does not offer much choice. The nail polish/gels, on the other hand, are products associated with the attractiveness of the nails. There is a vast range of colors and shades available for use.
The main objective of the nail lacquer is to add brightness and shine on the glossy nail paint. In fact, the thickness of the nail paint also increases in your nail if you apply the proper nail lacquer. Therefore, if you want to make your nails grow stronger then applying a lacquer is a good decision.
In case you are planning to go for manicure then nail polish application is great. The color of the nail polish stays longer as compared to nail lacquer. These days nail polishes are available in cruelty free, quick dry and long lasting benefits. Nail polishes are classified under base coat, topcoat and matte finish textures. When you think of differentiating between a lacquer and a polish the main thing is consistency or thickness. However, several manufacturers sell the same products labeled as nail lacquer or nail polish. Therefore, nail varnishes, polishes and lacquer are all same with different names.
No matter how the thickness is calculated between the nail lacquer or polish there is one advantage of using both is the blending of colors. You can either mix varied colors or use single color and still get the look you desire.
How Is Nail Lacquer Made
Do you know what is nail lacquer, or how is it made? When creating the nail lacquer, many different chemicals need to be mixed together to make this perfect substance. The liquid base for the lacquer is provided by solvents and other harsh ingredients and the varnish is suspended in this base. The thickeners used in nail lacquers are in charge of the color to distribute everywhere evenly.
Read Also: Acrylic Nail Kit With Everything You Need
What Is Regular Nail Polish
Regular nail polish is made of polymers that are dissolved in solvents that evaporate upon application and leave behind a film of color.
In contrast gel polish contain some photo initiating compounds that make them impossible to dry in air and need harsher measures for them to stick on nails for longer.
Even though regular nail polish and gel polish can both be applied at home, if done with great attention and care. However, theres a tricky application process involved when it comes to gel polish and knowing that technique can make a huge difference in the results you obtain.
Regular nail polish is easy to apply: you shape your nails, apply the base coat, then the polish and the top coat before letting it dry naturally. With gel polish, the application technique is not so simple.
After the nails have been shaped and the base coat has been applied, a coat of gel polish is applied on the top surface of the nails. This gel polish doesnt dry in air naturally.
It requires LED/UVA light exposure that allows the nail polish to dry while retaining proper texture. In addition, every additional coat of gel polish requires the same treatment.
Therefore, you can see why applying gel polish isnt exactly an easy task and if you plan on doing it at home, make sure you have an LED or UVA drying machine at home.
Creates Gloss And Shine
Nails Inc produce high quality nail lacquers. Their top coat can be applied over any kind of polish to create a glossy finish thats resistant to breakage and chipping. The product using sunlight curing technology and dries with natural UV rays. This ensures your colour is locked in and lasts for up to 14 days.
Just as your gel manicure is cured by UV light, this revolutionary top coat features sunlight curing technology, using natural UV rays to lock in your colour for extended wear for up to 14 days.
You May Like: Removing Nail Glue
Regulation And Environmental Concerns
The U.S. city of San Francisco enacted a city ordinance, publicly identifying establishments that use nail polishes free of the “toxic trio” of dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde.
Nail polish is considered a hazardous waste by some regulatory bodies such as the Los Angeles Department of Public Works. Many countries have strict restrictions on sending nail polish by mail. The “toxic trio” are currently being phased out, but there are still components of nail polish that could cause environmental concern. Leaking out of the bottle into the soil could cause contamination in ground water.Chromium oxide green and Prussian blue are common in nail polish and have shown evidence of going through chemical degradation, which could have a detrimental effect on health.
Lacquer Nail Polish That Lasts
The gel manicure was a game changer for working women when it exploded on the beauty scene a few years ago. Up until then, women had to cope with chips after a day or two with regular lacquer nail polish.
Now, there are lacquer nail polish systems that last almost as long as a gel polish. I recently tried OPI Infinite nail system instead of a gel manicure to see how long it would last.
Infinite shine offers the long lasting gel effects in a regular polish. It’s a three-step nail lacquer system with primer, polish and top coat. The system produces the rich color and lasting wear of gels, without the need for LED light curing or removal by soaking.
It cost $5 extra on top of the $15 manicure at LeVa Nail Salon at 1796 Monroe Ave. in Brighton, where I usually go for my manicures. That’s $17 less than a gel manicure there.
Salon manager Tracy Van says the polish lasts a week to 10 days, so about a week less than gel polishes.
I type a lot, so I was skeptical of the polish. But I’m happy to report that the polish stayed on without a chip for more than a week. There is just one small chip as of day nine, although it has lost some of its sheen over time.
The polish does take longer to dry, so you will have to sit under a dryer for some time.
You can take the polish off yourself at home with regular polish remover.
Speaking of home nail care, you can also opt to try the system at home with the polish costing about $12 a bottle for each of the three-piece system.
You May Like: Home Remedies For Nail Polish Remover
Best Drugstore: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel
Theres a good reason why this is the number one best-selling gel polish in the US. Simply put, the formula is pretty darn epic. It packs serious shine and impressive staying power, and the flat-headed brush makes application a breeze, not to mention that there are nearly 100 colors to pick from.
For best results, the color is meant to be used on bare nails and topped with the Miracle Gel Top Coat.
Is Nail Polish Lacquer Or Enamel
Nail polishnail lacqueris nail enamellacquervarnishnailsnail polish
Key difference: Nail polish and Nail enamel are varnishes, which are used for decorating the nails. Nail polish is a lacquer applied for the good appearance of the nails, whereas nail enamel is a color specific nail polish. The origin of nail polishes was found to be in China around some 3000 BC.
Beside above, what does nail lacquer do? The purpose of nail lacquer is mainly to add shiny luster to your nails, adding more thickness to it. While you think nail polish add color to your, nail lacquer add the color with shine and consistency. Not just this, but nail lacquer is a great way to make the nail strong and keep them protected.
Similarly, is lacquer nail polish safe?
Take a whiff and you’ll smelland feeltoxic. Research has revealed several toxic ingredients found in polish and lacquers that are dangerous to the environment and your health, including formaldehyde, toluene and DBP .
How long does lacquer nail polish last?
Unopened and properly stored polish will last at least 18 months, possibly 24 months depending on storage conditions, says Doug. Real talktwo years is a little early to ditch that half-used splurge, so it’s more important to look for signs of a spoiled bottle instead of relying on the date.
Don’t Miss: How To Take Off Powder Nails
Shop Nail Polish By Brands
TOP CHOICE AWARD
It is an honor to be elected as Top Choice Award Winner 2016-2021, for B2B Salon/SPA Wholesale Warehouse for nails and beauty supplies in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario.
Why Choose Us?
Secured Website – checkout safely with secured connection and protection service
Top Brands – we supply products from the best vendors in the beauty industry
Wholesale Price – salons and spas can maximize profit with low-priced bulk supplies
Fully Stocked – shop over 16,900 products available in our warehouse based in Mississauga
Fast Shipping – more than 90% of our orders arrive within 3 business days
Quick Links
Difference Between Nail Polish And Enamel
Key difference: Nail polish and Nail enamel are varnishes, which are used for decorating the nails. Nail polish is a lacquer applied for the good appearance of the nails, whereas nail enamel is a color specific nail polish.
The origin of nail polishes was found to be in China around some 3000 BC. They were previously made up of a mixture including beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, vegetable dyes, and gum . Afterwards, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the people started using a polished look by massaging tinted powders and creams into their nails, then buffing them shiny.
Nail polish is a varnish which is applied to the fingers to make them shiny and colorful. They add beauty to the nails by representing them with a better look. In the market, there are various varieties of nail polishes available in different shades and colors. They give a presentable look to the hand. Nail arts and nail designs are done with the help of nail polishes. Nail polishes beautify the hand and fingers with colors and shine.
Enamel basically is ‘a cosmetic lacquer that dries quickly, when applied to the nails it adds color and makes them shiny’.
It is another form of nail varnish, which is commonly known as nail polish. Nail enamels is generally applied with the help of a brush. It basically adds color to the nails. They dry off easily after applying, and thickens the color on the nails.
Comparison between Nail Polish and Enamel:
Image Courtesy: overstuffed.co.uk, nihrida.com
Also Check: How To Get A Child To Stop Biting Their Nails
