Shilie's Guide to Nail Polish

I never thought about it when choosing a nail color, but it goes beyond color, there is also texture, shine and finish to consider. You may consider yourself beauty lover or you may just be curious about what your polish options are. I want to give you info on the major types of nail polish. So check out my guide on the types polish so you can pin down your signature look.

Crème

When it comes to classic nail lacquer, the standard style is crème. This type of nail polish is one of the most popular and tends to be relatively low-maintenance, with a broad spectrum of shades.

Matte

Contrary to popular belief, matte nail polish does look good year-round (most people tend to associate it with the holiday season). This nail polish style is distinctly anti-shine, but high-quality polishes offer plenty of depth and give any color a distinctly editorial look. For a bold impact with zero gloss, we like Zoya’s matte collection.

Glitter/Shimmer

Nail polishes that glitter or shimmer in the light are playful, fun, and offer the perfect summer beauty fix. Most often, these types of nail polish include flecks of glitter suspended in a clear gloss polish. Don’t skip the top coat (chipping is extra noticeable with this nail polish style), and brace yourself for a tougher-than-usual removal process. However, with the right shade, glitter polish is well worth the effort.

Gel

Gel is one of the trendiest types of nail polish with an assortment of variations for DIY and salon applications. One reason for their allure is that they tend to last longer than other types of polish and are less susceptible to chipping or scratching. Salon gel manicures have grown immensely in popularity, but if you’re on the lookout for at-home varieties, Essie’s Gel Couture collection is a great place to start.

Holographic

We’re head over heels for holographic makeup, and there’s no reason the trend shouldn’t extend to the nails. This style of nail polish is light reflective and iridescent. Holographic options offer an ethereal quality that pairs well with spring and summer (especially festival season).

Neon

If you’re feeling a throwback look, nothing beats the retro aesthetics of a vibrant neon polish. From hot pink to traffic-cone orange, this type of polish is eye-catching and leans toward the matte end of the spectrum in terms of finish.

Foil

Foil nail polish, a member of the metallic/chrome family, is a high-shine variant with a specific look and texture. In essence, the term “foil” is derived from the way the polish tends to catch and reflect light. These metallic shades are similar to aluminum.

Pearl

For a delicate sheen without in-your-face color, pearl is one of the most versatile types of polish. While pearl polish can be enjoyed on its own, it also looks great on top of a colorful matte or crème polish for a pearlescent finish.

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Magnetic

This is one of our favorite types of nail polish among current trends. Once the nail polish is applied, a small magnet (typically included in the cap of the nail polish bottle) acts on tiny metal particles in the polish to create stripes, waves, or other creative designs. While outsourcing your first magnetic nail adventure probably isn’t the worst idea, you can also get the look at home with products from Sally Hansen’s Magnetix line.

You may also want to check your options on nail shape once you decide on a polish.

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