Les différents types de vernis à ongles

The different types of nail polish

If you're not a nail technician, it can be very difficult to navigate the jargon of nail polishes and finishes. We hear about gel polish, UV polish, powder polish, polish with a lamp, others without a lamp, but what's the difference between them?

Types of nail polish

There are 4 main types of nail polish. Their consistency, durability, and application are different: regular polishes, UV polishes, gel-effect polishes, and powder polishes.

Regular polish

This is classic nail polish, found everywhere, in pharmacies and supermarkets alike. The staying power of regular nail polish is limited to a few days and requires the application of a base coat and a top coat for good hold and a beautiful shine. It scratches easily and can chip. Its price is very attractive, less than $10, and it removes very easily with remover with or without acetone. This is an ideal polish for those who like to change colors regularly. They also offer a very wide choice of effects.

UV polish or Gel polish

UV polishes are also commonly called gel polish or semi-permanent polish. Their composition differs from regular polish. UV gel polishes do not air-dry; they need to be cured (baked) under a UV lamp for about 2 minutes. These polishes do not chip and last 2 to 3 weeks. Application is more complicated than with regular polish and requires some practice or going to a technician for application. They require a UV base coat and a UV top coat. Regrowth is visible, and the polish cannot be removed with regular remover. You must soak your nails in all-purpose remover or wrap your nails with all-purpose remover for about 10 minutes to melt the polish. Gel polishes are more expensive to buy, between $20 and $25, and require equipment (UV lamp, all-purpose remover, remover pot or pads). Their durability is excellent, but their removal is quite long. These polishes will suit you if you like to keep the same color for several weeks. The best-known brands are Shellac by CND and Essie Gel.

Gel-effect polish

Gel-effect polish is a compromise between regular polish and gel polish. It applies like regular polish but has a thicker, gel-like texture. It air-dries, so it doesn't need a lamp. Its durability is a little better than regular polish, lasting 4 to 7 days, and it doesn't chip and resists knocks better than regular polish. Its price is a little higher, between $10 and $15. You will find brands like Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel, CND's Vinylux, and Essie Gel Couture.

Powder polish

Yes, powder polishes exist! This new system is applied in several steps: a base specially designed for powder polish, you dip your nails into the powder (2 to 3 coats are needed), then you apply the activator protector which will help your powder set, and finally, you finish with a top coat. This powder polish does not need a lamp and lasts 2 to 3 weeks. It's easier to remove than gel polish, using acetone-based remover or all-purpose remover.

Types of finishes

Now that you know the different types of polish, you need to choose an effect! And here too, it can get very complicated.

  • Cream polish Cream polish is the basic polish, with no glitter or special effects, just the color, usually glossy.
  • Iridescent polish Iridescent polish contains iridescent reflections. It's a polish that will shimmer in the sun or under a light source. It's a very glamorous polish, ideal for evenings.
  • Glitter polish These polishes contain glitter, of varying sizes, and can even have different shapes (rounds, stars, diamonds...) and sometimes different colors.
  • Holographic polish Holographic polishes contain micro-glitter that changes color depending on the light.
  • Magnetic polish Magnetic polishes react to a magnet during application to create patterns (lines, circles...) depending on how you move the magnet.
  • Crackle or cracked-effect polish Crackle polishes give your manicure a cracked effect for a rather rock look.
  • Matte polish Normally, polishes have a slightly shiny finish. Matte polishes, however, have a completely matte, non-reflective finish, for a more understated look or to create matte/glossy nail art! You can transform a classic polish into a matte polish by applying a matte top coat.
  • Metallic polish Metallic polishes give a metallic effect to your nails. Available colors are generally gold and silver.
  • Mood or color-changing polish These polishes change color according to heat or your mood! A bit like the rings from our childhood that changed color according to our mood.
  • Mirror polish This is actually a mirror powder to be applied over black polish, which will transform your nails into a mirror!
  • Neon polish Neon polishes are polishes with flashy colors, often yellow, orange, green, and fuchsia.
  • Fluorescent polish As their name suggests, these polishes are fluorescent, or rather phosphorescent, so they glow in the dark! Ideal for nightclubs and Halloween.
  • Velvet polish As with mirror polishes, this is a velvet powder to apply over your polish to give your nails a velvet texture.

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