Written by: Camilla
Cream nail polish, Metallic nail polish, Pixiedust... Confused? Then read along here and learn the many terms.
A beloved child has many names, and it's exactly the same in the nail world. That's why a "polish"icon can sometimes be a great help. Here we have made a list of the most commonly used terms in the nail polish world. If there is a word here on the webshop that you don't know the meaning of, you can always look it up here in the dictionary/Polishicon and read the definition.
A
Acetone: Used by many to cleanse the nails before polishing and to remove nail polish. Acetone can be used, but you should be aware that it is harsher on the nails than using nail polish remover. Offly Fast from CND is a really good alternative to acetone. Offly Fast is 20% faster than regular acetone while also containing nourishing oils.
Basecoat: A basecoat is a clear polish that is great to start any manicure with. When you use a basecoat, you achieve better durability and less risk of nail discoloration. I always use a basecoat under my polish because I have thin nails that easily bend if they get long. When I use a basecoat, it reinforces the nail because it adds an extra layer, and I find that my polish lasts much longer. A basecoat is often also a bit "sticky" so the nail polish adheres better.
A way to create a specific technique in gel polish using soap bubbles. Just search for it on YouTube and get your dish soap ready.
Burnish/burnishing: A specific way to use, for example, chrome powder, where you 'rub' it into the surface with an eyeshadow applicator. Can be done both in the sticky layer with gel, on a slightly tacky surface with regular nail polish, or on top of a No Wipe gel topcoat to achieve the ultra-shiny effect that chrome can have. Remember to seal with a water-based topcoat and then your preferred durable topcoat. See also under Topcoat.
C
Chrome: An effect named after the metal chrome. It can be created either with chrome nail polish or with chrome powder. Also known as mirror powder. The common feature is that it is a powder that gives an ultra-glossy surface. Always remember to seal chrome with a water-based topcoat.
Crelly: A crelly nail polish is a mix between a cream nail polish and a jelly nail polish. The base is opaque like a cream polish and with effects like a jelly polish. An example of a crelly nail polish is O'Hara from Picture Polish.
Cream nail polish: Cream nail polish is what many would call a regular nail polish. It is a polish without shimmer, effects, or any other frills. A regular nail polish. For example, Noah from Zoya.
Cuticle: Cuticle is the English word for nail bed. The cuticle is what sits around the nail and protects it.
D
Dotting Tools: A stick, often with a metal extension at both ends, with a small ball shape at the end. They come in very tiny balls to larger balls. They are used by dipping into wet nail polish or gel, then placing the ball on the nail to create a circle/a dot. They can be easily cleaned with a wipe and acetone/nail polish remover. See one right here!
E
Effect polish: An effect polish is a nail polish that is transparent with some kind of effect in it. For example, shimmer or glitter. It can be used alone or on top of another nail polish to give a cool look. For example, Ice Bar from CND Vinylux.
F
Fluid art: A specific type of nail art, consisting of polishes you mix on a palette to get a unique look. Then you let it dry, after which you transfer it to the nail using base coat. YouTube is our best friend, just search for "Fluid Art nails".
Foil nail polish: A foil nail polish is a metallic nail polish, but with more shimmer in it. Antiquated from Color Club is a good example.
G
Gel (nail polish): Gel polish, gellack, gellak, gel nail polish, hybrid polish. It can be called many things, but the common feature is that it is nail polish that requires a special lamp that emits UV light to cure, such as Le Mini Macaron, Molly Lac, Moyra Gelpolish or stamping gel.
Gel Effect: Not to be confused with gel! Gel Effect products should NOT be cured in UV light. When we talk about gel effect topcoat, gel effect is often thicker in consistency and creates a smooth and glazed surface on the nail.
Glitter nail polish: A glitter nail polish in a clear base with lots of glitter pieces. They can be in all sorts of shapes and colors and give a fantastic effect. An example of a glitter nail polish is Lux from Zoya. psst... See under S and find the foil method.
Gradient: A color gradation of two or more colors that are blended/faded so they transition perfectly into each other, with either a sponge or an Ombre Tool. See also under Sponge or Ombre.
H
Holo: Abbreviation of the word "holographic".
Holographic nail polish: A holographic nail polish is a polish that has a fantastic look of the finest shimmer that is reflected in the light. There are different types of holographic nail polishes. Holo / Holos is a slang term for holographic nail polish.
Linear holo: is a holographic nail polish with the biggest WOW effect. In this type of holo, you can see a line in the polish where you can see the colors of the rainbow. An example of a beautiful linear holographic nail polish is Beyond from Color Club.
Scattered holo: is a holographic nail polish where the holographic effect is scattered. Therefore, you cannot find a line in the same way as with the linear holo nail polish. A good example of a scattered holographic nail polish is Scattered from Color Club.
Flakie holo: is a transparent polish with sequin-like flakes in various sizes with a holographic effect. An example can be Diamond Drops from Color Club.
I
Iridescent: A color that changes color depending on the angle you look at it from, like when you look
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