Before we discuss the different areas of nail art I thought it would be suitable to briefly explain to you how nail varnish came about and how we got to where we are with it today.
The earliest sign of nail adornment was in 3000 B.C. China where coloured nails were a sign of wealth and social status. A mixture of egg whites, gelatine, beeswax and natural gum were then combined with natural dyes (rose, orchid and petals) to create the nail paint. Although, the application was not as simple as we know it now to be, nails had to be soaked in this mixture for at least two hours for the colour to finally set.
Chen Yu 1940’s advert courtesy of Etsy
Fast-forward to 1923, where Revlon created the first opaque nail colour, as opposed to the other pale and transparent neutral shades that were already on offer, here is when nail varnish really took off. Throughout the latter half of the 20th Century, the vogue for brightly coloured nails and more neutral shades were constantly interchanging.
Chanel hit big in 1994 with the colour ‘Rouge Noir’, it became their best-selling product ever and created a cult-like following after Uma Therman wore it in the action/thriller film ‘Kill Bill’.
Today, brands such as Models Own and 17 at Boots have created ranges to include every colour imaginable. Now, you can choose from glitter, texture and even scent. It is safe to say that the obsession with nail varnish does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Models Own Summer 2013 Collection courtesy of Wizard Pr
17 Summer 2013 collection courtesy of Red Consultancy PR
Lacquered Lane 