Nail Polish

Back to first page

Nail Polish: Colors, care, and products for a perfect manicure


Nail polish makes it easy to personalize your manicure and switch up your style whenever you feel like it. Nude, red, pink, bright colors, matte, glossy, or glitter finishes: there are countless ways to dress up your nails and complete your look. Classic polish, permanent or semi-permanent polish, gel-effect, vegan, or bio-based formulas: each product meets different expectations in terms of finish, drying time, removal, and longevity. On MyOrigines, you’ll find collections from specialty brands such as OPI and Manucurist, as well as a wide selection of colors and nail care products.


The Main Types of Nail Polish


Type of Nail Polish Features Ideal for
Classic Nail Polish Air-dries and can be removed with nail polish remover Change colors regularly
Long-lasting polish Formula designed to make your manicure last longer Extend the time between touch-ups
Gel-effect polish Smooth, shiny, and glossy finish Achieve a gel effect with a suitable traditional nail polish
Semi-permanent Typically cures under a compatible lamp For long-lasting wear

Classic nail polish for easily changing colors


Classic nail polish, sometimes referred to by the English term “nail polish,” remains the most versatile option. It air-dries, is easy to remove, and allows you to change colors regularly without using a lamp. From nude shades to reds, pinks, and more intense colors, classic nail polishes come in a wide variety of collections and finishes. They’re particularly well-suited for people who like to tailor their manicure to their personal style or current trends.


Must-Have Nail Polishes


Infinite Shine, OPI


OPI’s Infinite Shine is a long-lasting nail polish collection designed around a gel-inspired glossy finish, without requiring the same application process as a professional gel. The line offers a wide range of colors, from nudes to more intense reds, and is designed to be used with the brand’s recommended prep and top coats. The original source specifically describes Infinite Shine as a long-lasting gel-effect line.


Green Flash, Manucurist


Green Flash by Manucurist is a nail polish system that uses a compatible lamp, with a formula that includes bio-based ingredients. The Green Flash line includes various products needed for a manicure, including base coat, colors, and top coat. A specially formulated nail polish remover is also provided to facilitate removal according to the brand’s protocol.  


The Different Colors and Finishes


The choice of color instantly transforms the manicure. Pink, beige, and nude polishes offer a subtle look, while red, burgundy, or dark colors create more contrast. Glossy finishes add shine, while matte, metallic, pearlescent, or glitter effects allow you to vary your styles. Some collections also feature special effects inspired by nail art.


Base coat to protect and prepare the nail


The base coat is applied directly to the nail before the color. It can improve the polish’s adhesion, visually smooth the surface, and help minimize marks left by certain dark pigments. Some base coats also include a conditioning formula for fragile nails. Depending on the formula, they may contain ingredients designed to protect, moisturize, or strengthen the nail.


Top Coat to Extend the Manicure


Top coat is applied after the color to protect the polish and enhance its finish. It can add extra shine, create a gel-like effect, or, conversely, transform a glossy color into a matte finish. A thin coat is usually sufficient. Also, be sure to lightly cover the free edge of the nail, which is particularly vulnerable to impact.


Manicure kits


A nail polish kit may include several products needed for a single routine: base coat, color, top coat, lamp, or nail polish remover, depending on the system you choose. Before purchasing, check that the different items in the kit are compatible, especially for semi-permanent polishes and gels, which require specialized equipment.


Application Tips to Improve Nail Polish Longevity


Start by preparing your nails and making sure their surface is clean and dry. Then apply a thin layer of base coat before applying the color. Two thin coats of polish generally provide a more even finish than a single thick coat. Finish with a top coat and let each step dry or cure, depending on the type of product used.  


Nail Polish on MyOrigines


On MyOrigines, discover a wide selection of nail polish, including classic formulas, long-lasting products, gel-effect collections, and solutions to complete your manicure. Also explore our semi-permanent nail polishes, our base coats and top coats, our nail care products and our nail polish removers.


FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Nail Polish


What’s the difference between regular, semi-permanent, and gel nail polish?


Traditional nail polish air-dries and can be easily removed with nail polish remover. Semipermanent polish generally requires a lamp to cure and lasts longer. Professional gel polish involves a different technique, with specific products and a specific application process.


Which nail polish formula should you choose?


Regular nail polish is a good choice if you like to change colors often. For longer-lasting results, you can choose a long-lasting, gel-effect, or semi-permanent polish, depending on the application method you prefer.


Which nail polish color should you choose?


Pinks, beiges, and nudes offer a subtle look, while reds, burgundies, or brighter colors create more contrast. There are no hard and fast rules: above all, choose a color that matches your style.


How can you make your nail polish shine even more?


A glossy top coat accentuates the color’s shine and creates a smoother finish. Some products are specifically formulated to visually replicate a gel effect.


How can you make your nail polish last longer?


Work on clean, dry nails; apply a base coat, two thin coats of color, and then a top coat. Protecting your hands while doing household chores also helps preserve your manicure.


Why does my nail polish chip so quickly?


An oily surface, layers that are too thick, or repeated impacts can reduce the polish’s longevity. Careful nail preparation and the use of a top coat can help prevent this from happening.


How can I care for brittle nails between manicures?


Regularly use cuticle oil, hand cream, and, if necessary, a serum or repair treatment suitable for brittle nails. Also, avoid scraping or peeling off the polish when removing it.


Is vegan nail polish necessarily organic?


No. Vegan means that the formula does not contain any ingredients of animal origin. It does not mean that it is necessarily organic, natural, or bio-based.


What’s the difference between vegan and bio-based nail polish?


The term “vegan” refers to the absence of animal-derived ingredients. The term “bio-based” indicates that some of the ingredients come from renewable raw materials of biological origin. Both characteristics can be found in the same product, but they are not equivalent.


How do you remove semi-permanent nail polish?


Follow the recommended procedure for the product line you are using. Some systems require a specific remover or prior surface preparation. Always avoid pulling the product off.


What is cuticle oil used for?


It helps soften and nourish the skin around the nail. Used regularly, it helps maintain a softer, more well-groomed cuticle area between manicures.


Should you buy a kit to get started with semi-permanent nails?


A kit can be convenient when it includes the various compatible products needed for application and removal. However, be sure to check its contents: base coat, color, top coat, lamp, and removal products may vary by brand.


Should you let your nails “breathe” between applications?


Nails do not need to “breathe” in the physiological sense. However, taking a break can be helpful if your nails are dry or brittle, to limit handling and temporarily focus on moisturizing or protective care.