How to Store Nail Polish Correctly: Preserving Your Favorite Shades

Hello, dear nail polish aficionados! If you're as crazy about nail colors as we are, then you probably have a collection of beloved shades. But are you storing them correctly? Believe it or not, how you store your nail polish can significantly affect its lifespan and quality. So, without further ado, let's dive into the do's and don'ts of nail polish storage.

The Do's of Nail Polish Storage:

1. Store Upright: Always store your nail polish bottles upright. This helps prevent the polish from drying out and also stops the pigments from separating, ensuring a smoother application next time you use it.

2. Keep in Cool, Dark Place: Just like many other cosmetics, nail polish prefers a cool, dark environment. The back of a closet, a drawer, or a storage box away from sunlight are all great options.

3. Tighten the Caps: Make sure to tighten the caps properly after each use to prevent the polish from drying out.

The Don'ts of Nail Polish Storage:

1. Avoid Heat and Direct Sunlight: Exposure to heat and direct sunlight can alter the nail polish's consistency and color. Therefore, avoid storing your polish near windows, radiators, or in your car.

2. Don't Shake, Roll: Instead of shaking your nail polish, which can create air bubbles, roll the bottle between your hands to mix the polish.

3. Not in the Fridge: There's a common misconception that storing nail polish in the fridge can extend its life. This isn't recommended as the cold can actually thicken the polish and change its consistency.

Bonus Tips:

1. Regularly Clean the Neck of the Bottle: If there's dried polish around the neck of the bottle, it can prevent the cap from closing properly. Wipe it off with a little bit of nail polish remover on a cotton pad.

2. Revive Old Polish: If you have a bottle that's gone a bit thick or gloopy, you can bring it back to life with a few drops of nail polish thinner. Don't use nail polish remover for this - it may seem like it works at first, but it will ruin the polish over time.

Remember, nail polishes generally have a shelf life of 1-2 years. However, if your polish is separated, thick, or has a strange smell, it's best to toss it out.

Keeping your nail polish collection in a cool, dark place and maintaining the bottles properly can prolong their life, giving you more time to enjoy your favorite colors.