What Are The Metal Balls In Nail Polish Bottles For?

If you're a fan of painting your nails at home, at one point or another, you may have wondered: What the heck is that rattling inside the bottle? While it's fun to hear that satisfying clicking sound, that ball isn't there for fun. It has an important job. That little metal ball is an agitator, which helps keep the formula smooth and well-mixed. Nail polish is made with all kinds of ingredients, from the pigments that give it color to solvents that help with even application. For the polish to maintain its quality and be applied evenly, these ingredients must stay in balance. If you leave the bottle sitting for an extended period, the heavy pigments will likely sink to the bottom. If the ingredients aren't mixed, it'll result in a streaky application. 

If you've tried to stay up to date on nail color trends and have given yourself an at-home manicure, you're probably familiar with the trope of applying polish onto your nails and being met with a bunch of clumps and streaks. Not the flawless nails you were hoping for, right? More than likely, your polish wasn't well-mixed. That's why it's advised to always give the bottle a gentle shake before applying the polish so that the ingredients are blended again. This is how you'll achieve that vibrant, streak-free shade every single application.

With underconsumption core trending, the last thing you'd want is to buy a bunch of nail polish only to throw them out because their quality decreased over time. This is why keeping your nail polish collection in tip-top condition is crucial, and luckily, it's not that hard to do. Not only does caring for your nail polishes help maintain their vibrant colors, but it also ensures a smooth application. With just the tiniest bit of care, your favorite shades can stay fresh and colorful. 

First and foremost, make sure your nail polish bottles are tightly sealed. Air is one of the worst enemies of nail polish, as it causes the polish to thicken and separate. To keep pigments evenly distributed throughout the formula, store the bottles upright. After use, make sure to wipe clean the neck of the bottle. If nail polish is left on, it can harden, making it difficult to have a tight seal. Avoid storing it in a sunlit area and keep it in a cool and dry place. If you want to be extra cautious, some even recommend storing your nail polish in the refrigerator. If you have nail polish that has already thickened, don't toss it out just yet! Try adding a few drops of nail polish remover and giving it a gentle shake to see if it can be revived.