Bringing Nail Polish Back to Life
Ask any nail enthusiast what they hate and pretty near the top of the list is opening a bottle of nail polish to find an unbrushable, gooey mess, and it always happens to the exact color you want to wear that day – always!
Anyone who loves nail polish is bound to have a few bottles of old, clumpy nail polish that are just too precious to toss. That perfect shade that’s been discontinued, the bottle of polish that you wore on your wedding day – seriously, we can’t just throw them out. So even if we buy wholesale nail polish, good quality nail polish thinner will ensure that your polishes go the distance.
Other tips for preserving your favorite polishes includes:
- Always store nail polish is a cool, dark place. During ultra hot spells, I have been known to keep mine in the refrigerator
- Never store your polish near a heat source, or in direct sunlight
- Avoid storing your bottles in the bathroom. The temperature fluctuations and humidity aren’t good for polish
However, if it’s already too late and your half full bottle of gorgeousness is ruined, there’s a simple, effective solution – nail polish thinner!
Using a glass dropper, add 2 or 3 drops of the thinner into the polish bottle, and mix it by rolling between your palms gently. It’s important to roll and not shake as that encourages air bubbles to form which will cause it to chip once on your nails. If the consistency is still too thick, add another drop and roll, repeating until you have achieved the viscosity you want.
So, I’ve grabbed every bottle of gunky, clumpy polish I can find – even raiding my friend’s mani kits, so that I can test the best thinners around.
1) Super Nail Polish Thinner
What Makes It Great
Super Nail have created an easy-to-use thinner. It took three drops to bring my polishes back from the brink, but once mixed, it flowed beautifully. I even think the thinned polish, once dried, looked better than it did when I first used it.
Where It Could Be Improved
The acetone odor is quite strong, but it lessens significantly once mixed with the polish.
Super Nail Polish Thinner 4 Ounce (118ml)
- Excellent for Keeping Nail Polish at its Proper Consistency.Makes it easier to apply nail polish in thin coats.Keeps nail polish consistently smooth.
2) BEAUTY SECRETS Nail Polish Thinner
What Makes It Great
Designed to stabilize thickened nail polish, meaning that once added to your bottle, it prevents the polish becoming gloopy again. I only needed to use two drops of this thinner in a averagely sized bottle of polish, and after a couple of rolls, it was nicely brushable again.
Where It Could Be Improved
The drops come out quite fast, so go easy when you tip up the bottle.
3) Seche Restore
What Makes It Great
This thinner can be used with any polish, including gel, and with only a couple of drops, all the polishes I used for testing were back to a good consistency. The colors remained as vibrant as ever, and it even includes a neat little glass dropper.
Where It Could Be Improved
On opening the bottle, the odor is eye wateringly strong, but after a few minutes by an open window, it fades to a much more manageable level.
Seche Restore, 2 Ounce
- Comes as a boxed item
- Provides a simple regimen that will lead to younger and more beautiful nails
- Adheres to the natural nail
4) Supernail Thinner
What Makes It Great
Resulting in beautifully thin coats that provide great coverage, this thinner only takes a drop or two to restore a brushable consistency to your favorite polish. As an added bonus, my nails appeared to look healthier once the polish was removed, and I’m certain this was down to the thinner as this was the only variable.
Where It Could Be Improved
Give this thinner, once it’s in with the polish, a really good rolling to mix it – it seems to need the extra mixing.
Supernail Thinner, 1 Fluid Ounce
- Formulated to restore polish to a correct consistency
- Easier to apply thin coats
- Makes coats last longer
5) O.P.I. Nail Lacquer Thinner
What Makes It Great
This bottle of polish thinner, coming with its own dropper lid, is great. It only took one single drop and my polish was back to a great consistency. It even worked well with the hard-to-ungloop metallics.
Where It Could Be Improved
It is a little pricier than the others I’ve looked at, but this thinner is so awesome, it’s certainly not a deal breaker at all.
OPI Nail Lacquer Thinner
- Extends Life Of Favorite Nail Polishes
- Rejuvenates Overworked Polishes
- Maintain Proper Nail Lacquer Consistency
Stock up on more manicure essentials here:
