How To Extend The Life Of An Opened Bottle Of Nail Polish

A bottle of nail polish won't last forever once it is opened, as the effects of time will eventually cause it to lose its potency. However, there are things you can do to keep an opened bottle of nail polish fresh for a much longer period of time. Below is how to properly care for opened nail polish bottles and what you can do extend their useful lifespans:

Store nail polish in a stable, cool environment

Nail polish will last longer if it is protected from heat and humidity, so keeping it on your bathroom counter is definitely not a good option for avoiding either of those factors. As such, finding a cool location is key to maintaining its potency. Though it may seem like a strange place to store it, one of the best places to store nail polish is in your refrigerator. The cold temperatures stabilize the chemicals inside the polish and prevent clumping and hardening. However, as a word of caution, be sure to avoid freezing nail polish, as it may crack and ruin the bottle. In addition, keep nail polish bottles in an area where they won't be accidentally knocked over or off a shelf.

Know how to thin and mix nail polish properly

Nail polish has a natural tendency to thicken and develop clumps once the bottle is opened, but it can be rejuvenated if you use the right techniques. First of all, don't shake a bottle of nail polish, as this motion will create micro-bubbles that will ruin your application. Instead, use gentle motions such as turning the bottle end-over-end to alternate between resting on its top and bottom for a few seconds at a time. This will help loosen clumps without introducing damaging air bubbles.

Second, it is important to understand how to thin a bottle of thick nail polish. While proprietary nail polish thinners are available, only use them as a last resort, since they may change the chemical makeup of the polish. This could cause the polish to fail during application or even alter its color. Instead, the careful use of temporary heat will help loosen up the thick consistency. This can be accomplished by placing the bottle in a bowl of hot tap water; do not immerse it in boiling water, since this could crack the glass, and also be sure the cap is tightly fastened to avoid allowing water into the bottle. Never leave a bottle of nail polish in hot water longer than necessary to thin it, as prolonged heat exposure could eventually cause the opposite, undesired effect of drying out the polish.

Take care of the bottle and brush when in use

A vulnerable time for your nail polish is whenever the cap is removed and its contents are exposed to the air. That is why you will need to use an extra measure of caution to protect the polish from ruin. Here are a couple of specific hints that will help:

• Clean the exterior of the bottle and applicator brush with nail polish remover - After you have finished using the nail polish, use a cloth or paper towel soaked with nail polish remover to wipe down the bottle, especially the cap threads. This will enable the cap to fit tightly and form an airtight seal. In addition to the bottle, it is a good idea to clean off the applicator brush with nail polish remover; as the brush remains exposed to air during usage, the residual polish will thicken and introduce clumps of polish back into the bottle.

• Leave the cap off for only as long as necessary - Since air exposure is an enemy of nail polish, don't leave a bottle of polish open for more than a few minutes at a time. Instead, screw the bottle cap back onto the polish to keep it from drying out.

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