National Nail Polish Day | June 1
Thu Jun 1st

National Nail Polish Day

Every year, National Nail Polish Day primes us with every shade under the sun on June 1st. Sandals and beaches also provide manicures and pedicures.

#nationalnailpolishday

Nail polish has come a long way since the Chinese bee wax and gum Arabic were used by the Chinese around 3,000 B.C. Egyptians in high societies used reddish brown henna to paint their nails, from the French manicure to elaborate nail art. Nail polish has undergone many changes over the years. People began polishing their nails with tinted powders and pastes around the nineteenth century. They also buffed their fingernails to make them shiny, which made them shine.

Who invented nail polish? Who invented nail polish?

In 1911, Northam Warren invented Northam Warren. Warren first invented a liquid to eliminate dead cuticles from your skin without having to cut or scrape them. He his invention, which by 1916, led to the development of a colorless nail polish. However, a makeup artist by the name of Michelle Menard in 1920 created brush-on varnishes with the same properties as automotive paint. The Menard's inventions were especially popular with flappers in the 1920s.

Menard founded her own cosmetic business in 1932, offering nail polish in a variety of shades. Nail polish was sold at drugstores and department stores around the country by the manufacturer. Millions of women have painted their nails on a regular basis since then.

Not so secret facts

Why do people polish their nails?

People polish their nails to make their hands look more attractive. Painting your nails also shields them from breakage. Some people paint their names in order to enjoy the relaxation that comes with getting their nails done. Nail polish is also a great way to accessorize or highlight an outfit with so many colors to choose from.

Do nail polish colors refer to specific events?

Some people opt to wear a certain shade of nail polish to complement the season or their mood. And, of course, every occasion has a shade or hue. Summer nails shine at beach parties and weekend barbecues, with vibrant reds, turquoises, and plums. Women are able to look workweek chic thanks to the understated style of pale pinks and beiges, or a subtle moss. Nail polish adds gold, silver, and sparkle to even the most expensive wardrobe, whether you want to make a statement or not.

Although certain nail polish colors come and go, there are some that will never go out of style. The following nail polish colors have stood the test of time for the past several years.

  • Jet black
  • Cherry red
  • Cool blue
  • Light lavender
  • Fine wine
  • Pure white
  • Chocolate brown
  • Iridescent rainbow
  • Nearly neon orange
  • Blackberry

Timeline tidbits

Did you know?

Nail polish was often described as lacquer in 1934, and it cost 35 cents a bottle. A bottle of nail polish can cost anywhere from $2 to $25 today, according to Today. The world's most expensive nail polish costs $250,000. This nail polish is made with black diamonds. Hundreds of nail polish colors are available in the United States, as opposed to only having three shades of red to choose from in the past, some nail polish manufacturers produce over 300 hundred different shades of nail polish. An opened bottle of nail polish lasts only for a few years. To extend its shelf life, store your nail polish in a cool space at room temperature.

What are some unusual uses for nail polish?

Nail polish is used for nail polish, as with most items. For example, nail polish can be used to keep costume jewelry looking like new. Many people use it to prevent a run or snag in your nylon stockings. Nail polish can be used to seal envelopes and color code your keyboard around the office. Threading a needle is done at home, clear nail polish is used to prevent a small tear in curtains, and fill holes where pictures used to hang.

CELEBRATE

On national nail polish day, join essie in honoring nail polish's universal love of nail polish by posting your manicures, favorite colors, and personal #essielove tale on social media

National nail polish day is the first national nail polish day in the United States

On June 1st, essie established National Nail Polish Day to celebrate the start of the nail-care season, where everyone will be sporting their freshly painted nails!

About essie

Essie, the USA's nail salon specialist since 1981, hopes to inspire a passion for manicures. essie is the go-to nail brand for beauty professionals, industry insiders, actors, and fashion icons around the world. They do it with a wit and style that captures women's hearts. As the color authority, essie is center stage on runways around the world, delivering highly awaited color collections that push trends season after season. With an award-winning line of polishes and nail care products for every woman and salon professional, essie is a leader in nail luxury, committed to high-quality standards. essie has delighted the color-obsessed with a passion shared around the world since its inception by Essie Weingarten.