Nail polish originated in China and dates back
to 3000 BC.
Early nail polish formulas were created using basic ingredients such as
lavender oil, carmine, oxide tin, and bergamot oil. Colored nail polish
did not make an appearance until the 1920s. Since the 1920s, nail colors
progressed from French manicures and standard reds to various palettes
of color choices, usually coordinated with the fashion industry's
clothing colors for the season. By the 1940s the whole nail was painted;
before that, it was fashionable to leave the tips and a half-moon on the
nail bed bare.
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Nail polish types: