Nail Polish Finishes by All Lacquered Up

I got this from All Lacquered Up. Since I’m really new at documenting my nail polish adventures, this list is more for me than anything else. I really have no idea how to describe nail polishes. So I guess more reading for me to do, eh?

Terms:

• Shimmer – subtle (usually metallic) color mixed very evenly in base color (typical color balance has more pigment than shimmer, but there are also sheer shimmers )
• Micro-shimmer – very fine metallic/sparkly particles mixed evenly throughout base color (this finish is often smooth to the touch)
• Micro-glitter – fine metallic/sparkly particles suspended in base color (this finish may feel a little rough to the touch, but not always)
• Glitter – chunky and more visible glitter particles suspended in base color (this finish often feels rough to the touch)
• Frost – icy/frosty finish with a predominant metallic look (typical color balance has more frost than pigment)
• Lustre – pearly finish – can be pearl/white, gold, silver or iridescent – not as predominant a finish as a frost, sometimes light-reflecting
• Creme – no shimmer – a milky, creamy finish….can be sheer or opaque
• Prismatic micro-glitter or shimmer – fine rainbow colored particles that flash multi-colors & reflect light, some have a holographic or “3D” quality. (Also referred to as Holographic/Holo)
• Iridescent – usually gives a color a “flash” of another color, depending on how light is reflected on the surface. Opalescent is similar, although typically has a distinct ‘pearly’ quality.

• Matte – satin or flat looking polish. no gloss or shine
• Duo-chrome – a shimmer polish that appears as two or more shades, depending on the light

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