What is nail lacquer? This post tells you everything you need to know about the difference between nail polish and nail lacquer.
What is Nail Lacquer?
Like nail polish, nail lacquer adds colour to the nails, however it tends to be thicker in consistency and leave a more shiny finish on the nail. Since lacquers are thicker, they are good at strengthening the nails and protecting them. They tend to be more durable than regular polishes and more resistant to chips.
The word “laquer” is derived from the French word “lacre” which means “a sealing wax”. Laquers are often used to add shimmer or texture to the nails and are usually chosen over regular polishes in high-end salons.
If you suffer from brittle nails, nail lacquers are useful for making the nails stronger and harder whilst giving them a lustrous look. The only down side of lacquers compared with regular polishes is that they usually come in fewer shades.
Although the general view in the cosmetic industry is that nail lacquers tend to be thicker than polishes, many brands still use the terms nail polish, nail lacquer, nail varnish, and nail enamel interchangeably.
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Recommended Nail Lacquers
Nails Inc Lacquer Lock Top Coat
Creates Gloss and Shine
Nails Inc produce high quality nail lacquers. Their top coat can be applied over any kind of polish to create a glossy finish that’s resistant to breakage and chipping. The product using sunlight curing technology and dries with natural UV rays. This ensures your colour is locked in and lasts for up to 14 days.
Just as your gel manicure is cured by UV light, this revolutionary top coat features sunlight curing technology, using natural UV rays to lock in your colour for extended wear for up to 14 days.
- LACQUER LOCK - EXTREME LONG WEAR TOP COAT
- The result - blinding shine and gloss. Wear over any polish to create a long wear result that is...
- Wear over any polish to create a long wear result that is resistant to breakage and chipping.
Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BORN PRETTY Holographic Silver Mirror Effect Nail Lacquer
If you like nail products that create special effects, this lacquer contains a blend of high-quality holographic pigment! It’s quick drying and chip resistant creates a beautiful sparkling effect over the surface of the nail. This nail varnish leaves a glossy finish and comes with a brush that makes creating nail art easier. When used together with a base coat and top coat it lasts for seven days of wear.
- 100% PURE HOLO NAIL POLISH-Each bottle of MEGA is jam-packed with a blend of high-quality holo...
- HOLO LASER EFFECT-Delicately balanced with a precise touch of holo sparkle for some extra...
- CHIP RESISTANT, EASY TO REMOVE - Our nail polishes wear like iron! Enjoy long-lasting coverage with...
Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
OPI Nail Lacquer Pink Shades
The OPI Nail Lacquer is available in a number of different colors including a selection of beautiful pink shades. OPI is a cosmetic brand well known for producing high quality nail products. The lacquer leaves a thick coating over each nail which has a shiny effect when dry.
For the best results use the OPI base coat before applying this lacquer. My favourite from the OPI range is their opaque pink polish which gives a beautiful, trendy look.
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Nailberry L’Oxygene Oxygenated Nail Lacquer
The Nailberry L’Oxygene Nail Lacquer is a luxury breathable and oxygenated nail varnish. It’s free from formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, dpb and formaldehyde resin chemicals. This lacquer comes in a wide range of colors but the rich mulberry red is one of the most popular. The colour is bold and flattering on any skin tone.
This breathable nail varnish has won awards for being toxin free and allowing a healthier manicure. It uses patented technology to ensure your home manicure leaves you with healthy nails.
- Luxury breathable and Oxygenated nail polish
- Rich mulberry red is pure colour perfection
- Pair it with your favourite little black dress for some truly grown-up glamour
Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Nail Lacquer
Sally Hansen makes good quality nail lacquers and is one of the most trusts nail polish brands. The products come in small bottles but still provide full coverage. This set provides lacquers in a range of vibrant colors including options that leave either a shiny coating or a matte topcoat.
If you are looking for a lacquer for the purpose of nail protection, this is a great range to try. Sally Hansen also makes nail hardeners, and other nail care products to promote a healthy nail plate, nail bed and cuticles.
Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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This post explains what is Nail Lacquer
Thank you for reading my post about nail lacquer. Since lacquers are thicker than polishes the drying process tends to take longer. They have lots of benefits however including protecting the nails and adding shine and gloss. If you have tried any of the lacquers recommended in this post please leave me a comment below and let me know how you got on. I’ll be regularly updating this post with recommended products including a transparent nail polish and some more metallic shades.