How to Store Nail Polish to Prevent It from Drying Out
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Store Nail Polish to Prevent It from Drying Out
Nail polish is an essential part of many beauty routines, offering endless possibilities for self-expression through colors, designs, and finishes. However, one common frustration nail polish users face is a polish that dries out, thickens, or becomes difficult to apply over time. Whether you’re a nail polish enthusiast with a vast collection or someone with a few favorite shades, properly storing your nail polish is crucial to maintaining its quality and longevity.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best tips and practices for storing nail polish to prevent it from drying out and ensure it stays fresh and ready to use.
1. Store Your Nail Polish in a Cool, Dry Place
One of the most important things to remember when storing nail polish is that it should be kept in a cool, dry place. Extreme heat and humidity can cause the polish to thicken, separate, or dry out much faster than normal. Similarly, fluctuating temperatures can negatively affect the formula, leading to clumping or difficulty applying.
Why Temperature Matters:
- Heat: Exposure to high temperatures can cause the solvents in nail polish to evaporate, leading to a thicker consistency that becomes challenging to apply smoothly. It can also cause discoloration in some shades.
- Humidity: Humidity introduces moisture into the bottle, which can cause the formula to break down over time.
Ideal Storage Locations:
- A bedroom drawer or shelf that is out of direct sunlight is a great spot for nail polish.
- Avoid storing nail polish in bathrooms as they tend to be humid due to steam from showers, which can damage the formula.
- While some people suggest storing nail polish in the refrigerator, it’s generally unnecessary unless you live in a particularly hot climate. However, if you do opt for refrigeration, ensure it’s kept in a sealed container to avoid moisture.
2. Always Keep the Bottle Tightly Closed
A simple yet often overlooked practice is to ensure the bottle is always tightly sealed after every use. Nail polish can start to dry out as soon as it’s exposed to air, as the solvents begin to evaporate, causing the polish to thicken.
Best Practices for Closing Nail Polish:
- After using the polish, clean the neck of the bottle with a tissue or cotton pad dipped in polish remover to remove any excess product. This helps prevent the bottle from becoming difficult to open and ensures a tight seal.
- Twist the cap securely but avoid overtightening, as this can damage the cap’s threads over time.
3. Store Nail Polish Upright
It’s essential to store nail polish bottles in an upright position to prevent leakage and separation of the ingredients. When bottles are stored sideways or upside down, the polish can leak into the cap, causing it to dry out and making the bottle difficult to open.
Storing nail polish upright also prevents uneven settling of the formula, ensuring that the pigments and other ingredients stay mixed properly.
Benefits of Storing Upright:
- Prevents leakage and the polish from pooling in the cap.
- Helps the formula maintain its consistency.
- Makes it easier to identify colors when storing multiple bottles.
4. Shake the Bottle Occasionally
Nail polish contains a mixture of solvents, pigments, and other ingredients that can naturally separate over time, especially if the polish sits unused for long periods. To maintain the formula’s smoothness and prevent it from drying out, it’s a good idea to shake your nail polish bottles every now and then.
How to Shake Polish Properly:
- Gently roll the bottle between your hands instead of shaking it vigorously. This helps avoid creating air bubbles in the polish, which can lead to uneven application.
- You don’t need to shake it every day, but giving it a gentle roll every couple of weeks will help keep the formula evenly mixed.
5. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Bright Light
Exposure to direct sunlight or other strong light sources can cause nail polish to become discolored and break down more quickly. The UV rays from sunlight can alter the chemical composition of the polish, leading to fading or a change in color, especially in lighter or pastel shades.
Where to Store Nail Polish:
- Keep nail polish in a dark or shaded area where it won’t be exposed to sunlight.
- Avoid leaving bottles on windowsills or counters that receive direct sunlight.
- A drawer or closed cabinet is an ideal storage spot to keep your nail polish away from harmful light exposure.
6. Check Expiration Dates and Shelf Life
While proper storage can help extend the life of your nail polish, it’s important to remember that all cosmetics, including nail polish, have a shelf life. Most nail polishes last between 18-24 months, but this can vary depending on the brand and formula.
Signs Your Nail Polish Has Expired:
- Separation of ingredients that can’t be fixed with shaking or rolling.
- A thick, goopy consistency that makes it difficult to apply.
- Discoloration or fading of the polish shade.
- A strong, unpleasant odor that indicates the formula has broken down.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to dispose of the polish and invest in a fresh bottle.
7. Thin Out Polish When Needed (But Use Caution)
If you notice your nail polish starting to thicken but it’s still within its expiration period, you can try thinning it out to extend its life. However, it’s important to use the correct products and methods to avoid damaging the formula.
How to Thin Out Nail Polish:
- Use a nail polish thinner specifically designed for this purpose. A few drops should be enough to restore the polish to a usable consistency.
- Avoid using nail polish remover to thin your polish. While it might seem like a quick fix, nail polish remover contains ingredients that can break down the polish formula, making it unusable over time.
By using proper nail polish thinner, you can add a few extra months to the life of your favorite shades.
8. Use Nail Polish Regularly
While it might seem counterintuitive, using your nail polish regularly can actually help keep it in good condition. When a bottle of nail polish sits unused for long periods, the ingredients can separate and the solvents may begin to evaporate, causing the polish to thicken or dry out.
Benefits of Regular Use:
- Keeps the formula mixed and prevents separation.
- Helps prevent the polish from thickening due to lack of use.
- Ensures the polish stays fresh, so you can enjoy it for its full shelf life.
If you have a large collection of nail polishes, try rotating them regularly to ensure they all get some use.
9. Invest in a Proper Storage Solution
If you’re someone who owns multiple bottles of nail polish, it’s worth investing in a proper storage solution to keep them organized and protected. There are plenty of nail polish organizers available that are designed to store bottles upright and protect them from dust, light, and temperature fluctuations.
Types of Nail Polish Storage Solutions:
- Nail polish racks: Perfect for displaying your collection while keeping bottles upright and organized.
- Drawer organizers: Great for storing polish in a cool, dark place while keeping them easy to access.
- Portable Cases: Ideal for traveling or for those who like to do their nails on the go.
An organized storage system not only helps extend the life of your polish but also makes it easier to find the color you’re looking for.
Conclusion: Proper Storage for Long-Lasting Nail Polish
Nail polish, when properly stored, can last much longer than expected, maintaining its vibrant colors and smooth application. By keeping your polish in a cool, dry place, sealing the bottle tightly, and using it regularly, you can prevent it from drying out and enjoy your favorite shades for as long as possible.
At Avlon International, we offer high-quality nail polishes in a wide range of shades and finishes. Our polishes are designed to last, but following these storage tips will help ensure your manicure looks fresh and flawless for every occasion. Explore our collection today to find your perfect shade!
