Tips and Tricks on Nail Polish Storage and Usage

• Storage
• Salon Results
• Magnetic Polish
• Glitter Polish
• Thermal Polish
• Neon Polish
• Glow In The Dark Polish

Storage

• Store polish in a cool, dry place out of direct light to retain the colour purity.
• We all know the gloopy polish nightmare, so prevent this by keeping air exposure to a minimum during use and keep the bottle neck clean for a tight seal. Polish inevitably thickens a little over time but is easily revived with a few drops of a good quality nail polish thinner; NEVER use acetone or remover - it will pretty much evaporate instantly and take the shine of your polish with it.
• Pigments, glitters and all the other fun stuff may separate over time; no need to hit the PANIC button. Just shake it all back together and should be good as new; the steel ball in the bottle will help to agitate the components.

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Getting that "Salon" look

1. Start with clean, dry nails and give them a quick rub over with acetone or alcohol to remove any traces of oil and dehydrate the nail plate to aid adhesion.
2. Use a good quality base coat. These are designed to bind to both nail plate and polish to create a smooth, even surface, prevent staining and prolong the life of your manicure.
3. Use thin coats and build up the nail polish for a much smoother - and faster - effect. Wrap the tip of your nail with every coat, creating a seal to prolong the life of your mani and give that professional touch. Correct any mistakes with a nail clean-up (or nail art) brush dipped in acetone.
4. Always use a top coat to smooth your nail and bring out the depth and detail of your polish. Re-applying every couple of days will refresh your mani and keep that high-gloss finish.
5. Protect your hands from water or harsh chemicals with gloves, moisturise regularly and use cuticle oil by the bucketload! Jojoba is the best oil for nails, so it's easy and inexpensive to make up your own.

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How to achieve the "cat eye" effect with magnetic polish

The perfect cat eye manicure has two very important requirements: magnetic nail polish and a strong neodymium magnet. We have you covered in both cases.

• After painting your nail with magnetic polish, hold the magnet as close to the wet nail polish as you can (without touching the nail) for 10 to 15 seconds. This should be long enough for the magnetic particles to hold the pattern once the magnet is removed.
• Repeat with a second coat and top coat if required (again using the magnet on all wet coats).
• Note: Introduce the magnet to your nail [vertically from the top down]; if you bring the magnet in from the side, the strength of the magnet will make all of the polish react, ruining the line effect.
• Effects will vary depending on the pattern of the magnet being used.

Magnet Warning. These are neodymium magnets and they are extremely powerful. Always keep them safely away from children and pets, and please familiarise yourself with the following information:

• Keep away from pacemakers.
• Powerful magnets can damage electronics.
• Not for children, parental supervision required.
• All magnets may chip and shatter, but if used correctly can last a lifetime. If damaged please dispose of completely.
• Shards are still magnetised and if swallowed can inflict serious damage.

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Application and removal of glitter polish

Aaah, we love it .. until we don't. Some tips for that perfect blast of bling:

Application

• Use thin coats and allow them to dry thoroughly; we promise the glitter in our products will build up with each coat. Larger glitters may need a little manoeuvring, just use the tip of the brush to place them where you want.
• Alternatively, put a barrier around your nails and use the sponging method - paint the polish into a make-up sponge and dab your nail for instant opacity.
• Finally, use a good plumping top coat to smooth the surface, seal in the glitter and really make it pop.
• Wikkid tip: to reduce the textured finish and make removal a little easier, layer glitter polish over a similar base colour. Same effect, half the work.

Removal

• Soak small pieces of cotton wool in nail polish remover or acetone, place on nail and wrap with aluminium foil. Leave for five minutes for the magic to happen, give a quick rub before pulling off the foil and voila. Most if not all the glitter will come off and any remnants are easily removed.
• Alternatively, use a peel-off basecoat. A good one should retain flexibility, allowing you to peel the polish off rather than pick it.

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Properties of thermal polish

• Thermal polishes tend to dry to a satin matte finish. Beautiful by itself, but you can add a top coat and the magic will not be affected.
• Occasionally, small clumps of pigment tend to collect in thermal polishes. Either brush this blob from your nail, or leave as is. It is simply the thermal pigment which clumps, it creates small pockets of fiercely intense thermal change which are beautifully random.
• Thermal pigments are active within the 15°- 30° range but they do not keep these properties indefinitely, and your polish will gradually lose the thermal effect. After six months to a year we cannot guarantee that it will continue to change colour. However, this does not mean wasting the remainder, it just becomes an ordinary polish based on its colour when cold. Following good storage practices will keep the thermal pigment active as long as possible.

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Properties of neon polish

• Unlike many neons, ours do not require a white base though of course you may use one if you prefer.
• Neon pigments occasionally form small clumps; if this happens just brush it away, it is a normal property of these polishes.
• Neon pigments lose their efficacy over time so for best results use with six months. Following good storage practices will keep it popping as long as possible.

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Properties of GITD polish

• This pigment is ignited by any light source, but for the real supernova effect use a UV light (blacklight) for an instant boost.
• If using GITD as a topper, best results are obtained over lighter base colours.
• Don't worry if your GITD polish looks cloudy in the bottle. This will not translate on to your nails.
• GITD polishes dry to a semi-matte, slightly textured finish. Use a top coat for a smooth, glossy shine, this will not affect the glow properties of the polish.
• The effectiveness of the GITD pigment diminishes over time. For best results, follow good storage practices and use within twelve months.

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