Many women notice that two weeks after purchasing nail polish becomes too thick, after which it is difficult to use. And the effect is not at all what we would like. This article will talk about how to store nail polish at home so that it remains usable for as long as possible. You will also be able to learn about methods for “reanimating” this product.
Terms and conditions of storage
Nail polish will not deteriorate during long-term storage - mold will not appear on it and the smell will not change. But it can thicken and even dry out.
The shelf life of high-quality varnishes is about 2-3 years. Store them tightly closed at room temperature (18-22 C), away from direct sunlight, in a dry place. Avoid overheating or freezing.
If stored properly, good gel polish and regular polish can be used even after the expiration date has expired.
The refrigerator is not a suitable place for a bottle of nail polish. Some argue that this slows down the color change. But the temperature on the refrigerator shelves is usually 1-6 C, which is why the consistency of the varnish becomes viscous. It’s even worse if moisture gets into the bottle due to condensation.
Do not store it in the bathroom - there are constant temperature changes and high humidity.
How long you can store nail polish of specific brands is usually written on the label. Some manufacturers indicate the shelf life of gel polish after opening the bottle. For example, for BlueSky - 3 years from the date of production, for SHELLAC - 2 years, for Gelish - 3 years and 18 months from the date of opening.
How to store varnishes
There are several varieties of this manicure material. The chemical composition of the base formula greatly affects shelf life. But the volume of the bottle is also an important factor. Proper storage will extend the shelf life of any type of product, you just need to follow some rules.
Storage
- The bottles should stand vertically in a place where sunlight does not penetrate and where there are no temperature changes.
- For storage, choose cool places without sources of light and heat. They act on the pigment, after which it fades and loses color saturation.
- It is not advisable to keep bottles in the bathroom. Constant changes in air humidity and temperature will lead to the composition quickly losing quality.
- Also, do not store polish in the refrigerator. Condensation that forms in low temperature conditions will quickly render it unusable.
Tightness of the container
The cap on the bottle is hermetically sealed immediately after use. If this is not done, a film will quickly form on the surface, and the varnish itself will become thick. When applied to nails, clots will be clearly visible.
Each time you close the bottle, you need to check that there is no dried varnish on the threads of the cap: it will prevent the cap from closing tightly. If this happens, apply a little acetone or other solvent to the cotton wool and wipe the lid from the inside.
Carbon dioxide
If you exhale directly into the bottle, carbon dioxide will take the place of oxygen, and the contents of the bottle will not dry out as quickly. The same storage method can be applied to gel polishes and shellacs. But in this case, you need to try to ensure that the bottles are not exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time.
An increased temperature is created near the switched on lamp, and this leads to the fact that the product will begin to separate. You can restore the original properties of the varnish if you pour a solvent into it and mix well, but using this composition will not last long - up to 1 month.
What to do if the nail polish has separated in the bottle
If it's regular varnish, it's still usable. Just shake the bottle well several times. Small balls inside the bottle will mix the layers, and the varnish will again take its original appearance.
If it has already become lumpy, and shaking does not restore a homogeneous state, then it’s time to throw away the bottle.
But you can’t shake gel polish in this way. Sudden movements will lead to the formation of air bubbles, which will be very difficult or impossible for you to get rid of. To restore the uniformity of gel polishes, it is enough to make several smooth rotational movements of the bottle in one direction. After stirring, wait at least three hours before using.
Where to store varnish
You can store the varnish on a shelf where the sun's rays do not penetrate. If this is not possible, you can simply put all the bottles in the house in one thick cardboard box that closes well.
People who do manicures professionally use portable beauty boxes to store containers, which, of course, is very convenient.
The best option is to store it on a shelf, because the master immediately sees the shade he needs. The main thing is to keep the bottles away from bright light.
Polishes, if not used daily, are best kept in a closet. In this case, they will be reliably protected from exposure to sunlight.
Drawers can also be used for these purposes - this method of storing varnish meets all the requirements of storage rules.
Too many bottles can be placed on special stands or in translucent boxes. They are sold in specialized stores that sell cosmetics. The boxes are equipped with support devices for each bottle or separate cells. If you place all the polishes in a certain order from light to dark according to the color scheme, you won’t have to search for the right color for a long time.
Storage rules: do's and don'ts
- The sun is a real horror for nail polish. The heat and light will cause it to thicken quickly. Most gel polish bottles are opaque, but they don't block 100% of UV rays.
- After painting your nails, you need to wipe the edges of the neck of the bottle to remove any remaining polish. That's where it dries first.
- If you cannot find another place for the varnish other than the refrigerator, then first let the bottle warm up in the room before use. You'll have to wait about an hour.
- Vials must remain upright. If they end up on their side or upside down, varnish can seep into the neck and dry there, cementing the lid.
- Do not store varnishes near heat sources - radiators, heaters, etc.
- The most important thing is to screw the cap tightly!
Acrylic powder for nail extension systems
It is recommended to store the powder at a temperature not exceeding 40°C, in a dry and cool place. The shelf life of acrylic powder is from 3 to 5 years from different manufacturers. It should not interact with water and other liquids other than the monomer, otherwise it loses its properties, color and texture, and stops polymerizing when interacting with the liquid. When disposing of the powder, do not pour it down the drain or scatter it in an open place, so as not to provoke allergic reactions if inhaled.
Signs of unsuitability: discoloration, clumping into lumps and flakes, loss of polymerization properties.
Is it possible to thin the varnish if it has dried?
Once the varnish has thickened, special thinners will help return it to its previous consistency. They are sold in every cosmetics store.
To thin thickened varnish:
- Add literally 2-3 drops.
- Shake the bottle.
- If this doesn't work, add a few more drops until the polish becomes liquid.
Let it sit for a while before using so that the bubbles that form when shaking disappear.
NEVER use nail polish remover for dilution, even gentle ones. Yes, the contents of the bottle will become liquid, but the adhesion to the nail plate will be very weak. The effect will not last long - just a few days.
Another quick way to dilute thickened varnish is to hold it in hot water for a few minutes. It will become liquid, but for a short time, which is only enough to paint your nails once.
Can I use nail polish after the expiration date?
Many ladies will argue that even a product with an expired expiration date still remains presentable and is well applied to the nail plate. This is often the case, which is why women continue to use the product as a decorative coating.
Important! Spoiled varnish that has passed its expiration date can negatively affect the health of your nails. Its structure changes imperceptibly, bringing with it problems with prolonged and regular use.
At the same time, the outdated product can be used for another purpose, so as not to throw away an almost full bottle. It is suitable, for example, for handicrafts. Use it to attach buttons and flowers to plant pots on windowsills.
You can also experiment and create original designs for your phone case, shoes or other household items. Wallets and clutches can be decorated with beautiful ornaments and bright prints using this product.
Life hack: what to do if the varnish does not open
If the varnish has dried on the neck of the bottle and now you can't open the cap, there is a way to fix it. Soak the bottle in hot water for a few seconds. The varnish that has dried to the cap will become liquid, and the bottle can be opened again.
Then dampen a cotton pad a little with nail polish remover and wipe the neck.
Before closing, carefully lubricate the threads of the bottle with a couple of drops of vegetable oil or Vaseline. Next time you will have no problem opening the polish.
Home coasters
You can put your varnish storage in order using various stands, drawers or shelves. Buying a ready-made holder or using a creative approach by making a stand from scrap materials is a matter of taste for every owner of multi-colored bottles. Options may vary depending on the size of the varnish collection.
Ready-made stands
Many cosmetic companies offer to purchase ready-made stands for varnishes. You can order the stand you like in an online store specializing in manicure accessories.
Types of varnish stands:
- Wall shelf
- Multi-tier stand (slide, steps)
- Horizontal single-level
- Vertical stand
Stands are available in various materials:
- Polycarbonate
- Plexiglas
- Acrylic glass
- Tree
- Plastic
Each material has its own advantages and you should choose a stand based on personal preferences. Plexiglas stands can withstand good loads and are suitable as an exhibition stand. Transparent synthetic materials look stylish and make it possible to see the entire color palette of varnishes.
Wooden supply in the form of vertical shelves is convenient from the point of view of practicality and durability, and also because it can be painted in any color. This stand can be hung on the wall using fasteners or placed on a table.
Beauty Salons
Professional manicurists working in hairdressers and beauty salons own a large assortment of nail polishes. This is necessary to please any, the most demanding taste of clients and help them create a complete, harmonious image.
The entire collection of nail polishes should be placed in such a way that visitors can appreciate the variety of colors.
How to store polishes in beauty salons? For this purpose, ready-made stands, stands and displays are used, which are produced both according to standard sizes and to customer sizes.
Types of stands:
1. Wall shelf for open type varnishes
Hanging shelves are mounted on the wall directly next to the working manicurist or, if desired, can be installed on his desk.
2. Shelf-tray made of transparent plexiglass
The trays are made of transparent plexiglass with the ability to be mounted on a wall and are equipped with a rear wall with a side at the front.
3. Wall-mounted chest of drawers with shelves closed with transparent doors.
This type of storage is suitable for salons that not only provide manicure and pedicure services, but also sell varnishes.
4. Multi-tiered shelf (slide)
Transparent stands for displaying and storing polishes in the form of a slide with several tiers of steps are placed on the table of the manicurist. They come in a straight type or with an angle that allows you to clearly see the shades of varnishes and use them to the last drop.
5. Display for varnishes with a showcase-type lid (closed with a lock)
Displays with a locking lid are needed for retail outlets or for storing expensive varnishes in salons.
6. Straight stand (shelf) for varnishes
Stands (shelves) for straight varnishes with several tiers are designed to organize a manicurist’s workplace. Manufacturers offer options equipped with a wide bottom shelf for bottles of creams and liquids. The lower tier is required to limit the space on the table.
Some manufacturing companies produce small seasonal collections of varnishes (4-12 pieces), complete with a stand for them, equipped with an insert with a company logo. It is better to store such collections separately so that visitors can see all the fashionable new items.
For manicurists who work on the road, it will be convenient to have a special portable box or suitcase that will accommodate not only varnishes, but also tongs, files and other necessary accessories.
