As is often the case with nail art, semi-permanent nail polish comes directly from the United States. The principle ? A soluble and highly elastic gel that applies as a traditional lacquer (one base coat, two colored and one top coat). Only difference: it dries under a UV lamp charged with polymerizing this acrylic material which takes at least two weeks without moving. " It's a very practical formula in summer," insists Fanny Lebrat, founder of the Manucurist institutes. Because the semi-permanent varnish does not scratch under the sand, does not tarnish in the sun and does not flake in the water. It could even be kept for three or four weeks, but as the nail continues to grow, the demarcations gradually appear at the level of the lunula.

Semi-permanent varnish: completely "safe"?

If the varnish does not damage the nail, its installation as its withdrawal can weaken it. " The new formulas, which harden under LED lamps, require less preparation, tempers Fanny Lebrat. The nail should no longer be polished to provide better adhesion to the material, which avoids weakening the horny plate. As for the removal: the varnish must soften completely under cotton wadding impregnated with an acetone solution. It is especially avoided sanding at the risk of removing, at the same time, a layer of keratin. The best is to go to an institute for the installation and removal.

The choice of VB. The nail bars Culture of Color, Manucurist or L'Onglerie, which offer a very wide range of colors.

Semi-permanent varnish: before launching ...

" This type of varnish is especially suitable for the nails of the feet: thicker and resistant, they also grow less quickly, " says Kamel, studio manicure. Be careful all the same to the already weakened nails. " The film acts as a barrier on the horny plate, which prevents the nail from breathing and can dehydrate it. The corneal plaque (especially if it is dry or brittle) is fortified with vegetable oils (castor, argan). Beware of sick or fungal nails that will also need to be treated.

The choice of VB. Lipids and vitamins: Nailactan Nourishing Cream by Mavala.
To fortify the nail: Melvita Castor Oil.

Semi-permanent polishes: what if we customize them?

If the color is long, it can sometimes weary. So, as the semi-permanent varnish remains compelling to remove (minimum twenty minutes), we have fun customizing it. " You can add material (glitter), color (classic varnish) or even stickers, provided you can remove all this with a mild solvent without acetone that will not melt the formula below, " says Fanny Lebrat. The good idea? A neutral color of semi-permanent (nude, beige or pink) that we can make evolve more easily.

The choice of VB. To put the time of an evening: Stickers Color Rich The Nail Art of L'Oreal Paris.
To draw over the permanent varnish: Dotting Tool de Bourjois.
A fine brush to draw lines or points: Revlon's Nail Art Expressionist.