Nail varnish
I cannot leave the house without polish on my nails it’s my one true obsession
Set to be worth over 10.77 billion by 2021 the nail varnish revolution of colours technologies acrylic eco-friendly 3D stickers etc shows no sign of slowing down
History
China
Nail polish originated in China and dates back to 3000BC .Around 600 BC during the Zhou dynasty ,the royal house preferred the colours gold & silver but eventually replaced them with red & black.
Ingredients
During the Ming dynasty nail polish was often made from a mixture including bees wax egg whites , gelatin ,vegetable dye and gum arabic
Coloured nail varnish appeared in the 1920s using lavender oil ,Carmine ,oxide tin & bergamot oil
In the beginning
Revlon 1932
Charles and Joseph Revlon paired up with chemist Charles Lachman to create the first opaque nail enamel they did this by creating a pigmented formula which they sold door to door starting with Cherries in the snow that remains a best seller today
Cherries in the snow
In 1940 Revlon cosmetics started producing lipsticks in the same colour made famous by Sylvia Plath she references the lipstick 5 times in her book The Bell Jar
Cutex
Cutex colours
Cutex red
1950s Harper’s Bazaar
Essie highest selling brand 2020
Queen of polish
The New York born Essie Weingarten began her career in 1981 when she premiered 12 nail varnish colours in Vegas she then began distributing her polishes to salons.The company was brought by L’Oreal in 2010
Ballet slippers
The best selling colour it’s used by stylists and salons around the world and whispered to be worn not only by the Queen but Meghan Markle on her wedding day as well
Manicures
centuries ago elaborate nails denoted wealth or status but today manicures are affordable and nail art the ultimate act of self-expression
My favourite varnishes
High end
A special treat Dior or Tom Ford
Budget choice
My first choice and believe me I’ve tried a lot
My choice Barry M
Barry M
Launched in 1982 I have worn this brand for 38 years, made in the Uk it’s the hardest wearing my colour Black Cherry
Ethics of Barry M
1.No animal testing
2. Its VEGAN
3. It supports animal charities
4. Their blog has vegan recipes
5. It’s £3.99 a bottle
The 2020 trends we brought in to
Neutrals colours came top this was due to the lockdowns and nail salons staying closed and people staying home
Tinted greys
Reds
metallic
French polish
I like her style
Diana Vreeland
“When I arrived in America, I had these very dark red nails which some people objected to , but then some people object to absolutely everything.