As a result, I've sworn by keeping my polishes in the Fridge, in a vain attempt to encourage them to last a bit longer. But, what I really want to know is? Am I absolutely crazy, and wasting my time? Or is there some truth to the Old Wives Tale? My post-NaNoWriMo challenge, is to find out!
One thing is for sure, when I recently tested all of my nail polishes to see if any needed throwing away because they had gone hard (attempting to thin my collection down), I only ended up throwing two away because they'd gone hard. But is that evidence alone? No, probably not!
Looking around the internet, general opinion on this subject seems very, VERY divided. There are those that do it religiously and swear that it definitely does extend the life of the polish, whilst there are others who are adamant that storing them in the fridge actually makes them go harder quicker, rather than keeping them thin. In fact, many people recommend keeping bottles in a cool (note cool, not cold), dry place, and yeah fridges aren't particularly dry.
It seems to be a classic case of no one really appears to know for sure.
So what do the experts say? Finding an expert to ask about such matters is quite difficult, purely because it raises the question of who is qualified to give a solid response that is more than just an overall opinion. It's fine to have an opinion, of course, but I really wanted to find some solid fact-based evidence to say either way. So, is a Nail Technician qualified to know? How about a company that manufactures polishes? Or maybe it's a Scientist that I should be approaching, I really haven't a clue on this one.
The only real advice my internet search came up with was the following, from Oprah Winfrey's website, in which OPI Exectutive Vice President states the following:
storing polish in the fridge will slow down the discoloration that happens as polish gets older. She suggests keeping the bottles upright, because if a bottle falls on its side it's harder to shake the pigments back together. The cosmetic chemist Mort Westman explains that refrigeration reduces solvent evaporation and pigment caking and settling.
But Mort, who must like to think of everything, expressed a concern. If you keep a highly flammable mixture (the polish) in a sealed box (the refrigerator) with a motor that could spark, what might happen if the bottle breaks or opens?
Uh…kaboom?
Bottom line: Though your polish will last longer in the refrigerator, it's probably safer to keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight—and potential sparks.Read more: http://www.oprah.com/style/How-to-Store-Nail-Polish#ixzz1fQ5qNyjU
It's certainly an interesting viewpoint, which alongside other thoughts, that storing in the fridge may just be silly. However, if something appears to be working, should a person stop doing it just because others don't agree? Well, that's probably up to individuals, but it is most definitely something to think about.
I say, store your polishes where ever fits in with your lifestyle, and if any one else questions that choice, stuff them.
Where do you store your polishes? Do you think anything really slows polishes from becoming gloopy and thick, or do you think it's inevitable as the product ages?
Share your thoughts below.