As with many cosmetics, nail polish that has been exposed to air over time loses its effectiveness. If you've been opening it for a while, it has probably become thick, lumpy, and difficult to apply. Thankfully, there are some simple tricks you can try to make it last longer.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using Quick and Temporary Remedies
Step 1. Turn the bottle upside down to mix the pigments, then put it back upright
Keep rotating it like this for 2-3 minutes. Sometimes this movement is enough to revive it.
Step 2. Roll the bottle between your palms for a few minutes
The heat from your hands will dilute the consistency of the nail polish, making it easier to apply. Never shake it, otherwise bubbles will form.
Step 3. Try putting the bottle under a stream of warm water for 2 minutes
Make sure it's closed tightly and grab it by the cap so you don't burn your fingers. The water will heat the glaze and make it easier to apply.
Step 4. Apply it to a nail to test its consistency
Let the first layer dry before rolling out a second. If the nail polish is too thick or lumpy, read on to find out what to do.
Part 2 of 3: Using Long Term Remedies
Step 1. Open the bottle and pour in 2-3 drops of nail polish thinner
Use a dropper. The thinner can be found in perfumery or other shops that sell beauty products.
If you will be using gel polish, opt for a suitable thinner. Gel polish has a special UV reactive property, so using a classic thinner may prevent it from working properly
Step 2. As a last resort, use acetone or another solvent
Both can ruin the nail polish and cause it to crack once it dries. If you use them, you will probably have to throw away the polish after a few more uses.
Do not use acetone or solvent to dilute gel polish
Step 3. Close the bottle tightly and roll it between your palms to mix the thinner and nail polish
Do not shake it, otherwise bubbles will form. If the thinner does not mix with the nail polish, try inverting the vial a few times.
Step 4. If necessary, repeat the process
If the nail polish is still mushy, open the bottle and pour in another 2-3 drops of thinner. Close it and roll it between your palms to mix thinner and nail polish.
Step 5. For very mushy nail polish, try to let the thinner work before mixing
If it is quite thick and you have repeated the process several times, try waiting a little longer. Open the bottle, pour in 2-3 drops of diluent and close it. Let it sit for an hour, then mix them by rolling the bottle in your hands.
Step 6. Recover the functionality of the brush by dipping it in acetone
Fill a glass bowl or ceramic cup with acetone. Don't use plastic cups (otherwise acetone will dissolve them) or cups that you use for drinking. Dip the brush in the liquid and rotate it - the dry nail polish should dissolve and fall off the bristles. If any residue remains, wipe it off with a napkin. Do not use cotton balls or pads. Once you're done, close the bottle. The remains of acetone will help dilute the enamel.
The acetone could ruin the enamel. It is best to use this method when the bottle is almost empty
Step 7. If the enamel has become too liquid, this can be remedied
Have you used more thinner than necessary? All you have to do is let some air into the bottle. First, remove the brush and clean it with nail polish remover. Wrap it in cling film and leave the bottle open, in a place where you don't risk dropping it. Check it the next day: the air circulating in the room should have thickened the product again.
Sometimes it is necessary to leave it open for a few days - it depends on the temperature and humidity of the environment
Part 3 of 3: Keep the Nail Polish Well
Step 1. Find out how to prevent nail polish from drying or clumping
Sooner or later it will expire, but there are some tricks to make it last longer. This section will give you some tips on how to take care of your nail polish so it doesn't dry out again as quickly.
Step 2. Before closing, clean the neck of the bottle with a cotton swab soaked in acetone
This allows you to get rid of the excess polish. If you don't, the product may dry out on the neck, making it difficult to close the bottle. The air will then be trapped in the bottle, causing the enamel to dry first.
Step 3. Store the nail polish in a cool, dry place
Do not keep it in the bathroom: temperature changes are significant and frequent. Instead, store it in a desk drawer.
If you keep it in the fridge, be careful. Cold temperatures can make it last longer, but it's still an enclosed space. If the bottle breaks, there is a risk of a fire due to the fumes
Step 4. Store the bottles upright, do not lay on their sides
When storing the nail polish, it is important that the bottle stands upright: placing it horizontally will cause the product to flow towards the neck, which can dry the nail polish and make it difficult to open.
Step 5. As soon as you finish using the nail polish, close it immediately
Don't leave it open while you wait for your nails to dry. The enamel dries in contact with the air, so it is preferable to reduce the exposure as much as possible.
Advice
- Before use, let the nail polish cool in the fridge. This helps reduce evaporation of the solvent. It also prevents the pigment from congealing and settling.
- Dark enamels tend to clump together earlier than light or transparent ones. This is due to the increased pigmentation.
- When applying nail polish, remember that those that have a liquid consistency tend to last less, while those that are dense will chip longer.
Warnings
- Use acetone or nail polish remover to dilute nail polish only if you don't have a nail polish remover available or there is little product left in the bottle.
- Do not shake the bottle, otherwise bubbles will form.
- The enamel can expire. Do not use it if it has congealed, thickened or smells bad.
- Nail polish remover may not be effective on those that contain glitter. In most cases it is impossible to save them and must be replaced.
- Sometimes it is impossible to save a nail polish, so it must be thrown away.
