Also, color-changing nail paints are sensitive to heat, and you will find a color change when exposed to different temperatures. They come in various formulas, finishes, and shades to suit everyone. In this article, let us explore the best color-changing nail polishes that will help you achieve salon-quality manicure and will be chip-resistant, long-lasting, and shine-boosting. Check out the list now and take your pick! Scroll on.
11 Best Color Changing Nail Polishes – Our Top Picks
1. Best Color Variants: Modelones Mood Color Changing Gel Nail Polish
Be it any occasion — halloween, Christmas, or birthday, this can be a great gift for your loved ones as this set of color changing nails polishes comes in a beautiful gift pack. They can try it on with a base and top coat, and by curing it under a lamp. These nail colors change their hue either from body temperature or from a change in environmental temperature. The Modelones mood gel nail comes in glitter finish and exciting colors that are worth falling in love with. It gives a matte finish that can last for as long as 2 weeks. The set comes with 6 nail colors at an affordable price and leaves no chips or smudges on your nails. But apply a thin layer of gel as it may cause slight burning sensation while it cures under the UV nail lamp. You can also check this YouTube video for a complete idea about the product. Pros
Shiny gel Long-lasting Easy to use No scuffing Covers nail evenly Comes with 6 color variants
Cons
Not tested for allergies
2. Best Mirror Finish: Kanorine Chameleon Color Coat Soak-Off UV & LED Gel Polish – Shade W22
Your colleagues’ jaws will drop open when they see your beautiful nails. Thanks to this nail polish that changes color as and when your body or external temperatures change. The non-toxic gel looks like polish and can be applied in a matter of a few minutes. Though it looks great on long nails, it also looks just as amazing on short nails as the royal blue/turquoise shade is a subtle hue that suits every nail type, shape, and occasion. Suitable for false nails as well, the gel can be a perfect three-week-long wear. It has a faint scent and pretty colors that stay on giving a mirror-finish. It sure is to blow your mind! Pros
Mirror finish No smudges, nicks, or chips Long-lasting Non-toxic Good tenacity Suitable for false nails too
Cons
Some may find the consistency too thick.
3. Best Long-Lasting: Aimeili Gel Polish UV & LED Soak Off – Hot Pink To White
Experience the magic of colors with this color changing nail polish. The salon-quality formula of this gel offers you vibrant colors that change as per the temperature. The high-gloss wear can last for 21 days without causing chipped or smudged nails. The color changes to white when your nails are hot and hot pink when they are cold. It can sometimes have an ombre effect with the tips being pink and nails white depending on the temperature. All you need to do is ensure that your nails are clean, dry, and oil-free before you apply the nail polish. Pros
Easy to use Long-lasting Thicker consistency Vibrant colors Mirror shine finish
Cons
You may have to warm it for better consistency.
4. Best For UV Gel Nails: Allenbelle Chameleon Color Coat Soak-Off
Get rid of that old habit of using the same colors for weeks and try something fun, beautiful, and eye-catching for your nails. This heat activated color changing nail polish is not just smooth to use but also safe and harmless as it is made of non-toxic resin. The Allenbelle color-changing nail polish set comes with 6 color changing nail polish that can be cured in just 60 seconds under an LED or UV nail lamp for a salon-quality shine and dual-shade finish. The color changes at warm temperatures and does not leave any smudges or bubbles on your nails. The temperature changing nail polish changes to some warm shades during warm temperatures and darker shades during the cold. Flaunt your beautiful nails for as long as 25 days and more as this gel gives you long-lasting results. Pros
Bright and shiny colors Suitable for natural and UV gel nails High-gloss wear Lasts for at least 3 weeks Smooth to apply Non-toxic Mirror finish Leaves no bubbles
Cons
Some may find it slightly sticky after it dries.
5. Best Easy-To-Use: Perfect Match Mood Color Changing Gel Polish – Twilight Skies
Now forget about using a nail polish remover and applying different nail colors again and again. This easy-to-use mood color changing nail polish will help save a lot of your time as you just need to apply one gel for different colors. You need not worry about reapplying it for weeks as it lasts quite long. Its high-quality formula is not runny and does not shrink. It goes on to give you flawless colors to try on with dramatic changes according to the body temperature. It naturally creates an ombre effect as the temperature of your finger changes. The product comes in 42 shades, giving you a wide collection to choose from. You will never run out of beautiful shades or get bored when you invest in these amazing color changing gels. If you want to know more about the results, take a look at this review on YouTube. Pros
Wide color selection Not runny Long-lasting Easy application Creates ombre effect naturally
Cons
Some may find it slightly expensive.
6. Best Non-Toxic: beetles Gel Polish Color Gel Soak Off UV & LED Cured
This nail polish that changes color comes in a pack of 6 trendy shades. So,there will always be a color for each of your moods. The non-toxic color changing nail polish is made with safe ingredients, these pretty colors can give you a great three-week-long wear. The temperature changing nail polish gives different shades according to the temperature of your nails and has a faint scent. Just cure it under the LED light for 90 to 120 seconds and apply a base and top coat for a flawless finish so that you can flaunt the beautiful colors of your nails in front of the world. You can check this YouTube video for more information about the product. Pros
Non-toxic and safe Low odor 6 shades in a set Lasts for longer than 3 weeks
Cons
It is not suitable for use by pregnant women.
7. Best Fragrance-Free: Cirque Colors Thermal Nail Polish – Luna
As you walk into a room, let your ‘nail’ language do the talking. These modern shades can make a bold statement as the colors definitely open a window into the endless possibilities of the color spectrum. This handmade thermal nail polish is made by blending color pigments with raw materials that are cruelty-free and vegan. It changes its color to violet in the cold temperature and turquoise in the hot temperature. Richly pigmented, the gel also delivers holographic finishes and a teal green shimmer with a smooth finish. The non-toxic formula gives long-lasting results, and when applied with top and base coats, the dazzling manicure would look like it was done professionally in a salon. Pros
Handmade Cruelty-free and vegan Non-toxic Paraben and fragrance-free Has holographic sparkle Smooth finish
Cons
Contains alcohol
8. Best Eco-Friendly: Senvenski Gel Color Changing Polish UV & LED Soak Off
The colors of this thermal nail polish are vivid and are suitable for the hot as well as the cold seasons. Hence, you can use it throughout the year. The eco-friendly and non-toxic color changing nail polish is made with harmless resin and is easy to apply. It can be used at your home or a professional salon for any occasion, be it a casual day at work or a special event like weddings or birthday parties. It comes in a pack of 6 popular and trendy shades and offers you a wide range of 72 bright and shiny colors that change from one to another based on varying temperatures. Pros
Glossy, matte-finish Easy application Non-toxic formula Lasts for 3 weeks Bright and shiny colors Comes with 6 color shades Healthy and eco-friendly
Cons
The white nail color may peel away after a while.
9. Best Smudge-Free: Saviland Color Changing Gel Nail Set
Your hands might look tired with all the hard work you put in throughout the day. Get vibrant nails and feel good about yourself as you show your hands and nails some love. This thermal nail polish contains a set of 9 color changing nail polishes. The non-toxic color changing nail polish ensures minimal odor and does not let the polish peel off easily. Feel excited as the color changes when the temperature drops below 18°C and goes up over 31°C . With proper application, the nail polish can last for at least 3 weeks, and it does not smudge or chip. So, paint a beautiful canvas on your nail and get ready to flaunt those beauties. Pros
Non-toxic Does not peel off easily No smudges or chips Low odor Lasts for minimum of 3 weeks Comes in 9 shades
Cons
Some may find the consistency to be slightly thicker.
10. Best Cruelty-Free: Del Sol Color Changing Nail Polish – Inside Out
With this color changing nail polish that gives you a striking manicure, you can finally start your first self-manicure session right at the comfort of your home. This nail polish changes color when exposed to the ultraviolet light. This glitter color changing nail polish can change color from metallic pink to dark lavender even in cloudy weather as 80% of the sun rays still pass through the clouds to make its way to your nails. Its formula is cruelty free and non-toxic. Made in the USA, its chemically-engineered spectrachrome crystals have an energy shift when exposed to sun’s rays to reveal hidden colors, making it a fun experience for you. After all, the mission of the product is to create fun and joyous memories for its customers since 1994. Pros
Cruelty-free Non-toxic Offers both glittery and matte finish Changes color even in cloudy weather
Cons
Some may find the consistency thin.
11. Best For Beginners: BURANO Color Changing Glitter Gel Polish UV & LED
This mood changing nail polish enhances your mood and gets you to burst into a great big grin. Try some DIY and experiment at home with the 7 trendy colors that come in a set. It is made with natural raw materials and is hence, safe and eco-friendly too. Watching it change colors so quick and bright can be super fun, especially if you’re the kind who gets bored of the same color on the nails for days. The glitter color changing nail polish shines like no other. It changes its color with temperature, without causing any damage to your nails. Easy to use, it is the best catch out there if you are just beginning to get into nail polishes and want to try something unique. Pros
Easy to DIY at home Trendy colors Comes in glittery and shiny finish Lasts for over 21 days Suitable for beginners
Cons
Some may find the consistency to be slightly watery.
How To Choose The Best Colour Changing Nail Polish
Types
There are thermal nail polishes which change colors according to the change in body or outside temperature. You get transparent colors at warm temperatures and opaque during the cold weather. You can try solar reactive ones too, which change colors only when exposed to the ultraviolet light. When you are away from the sun, the color turns back to normal or becomes colorless. You may choose to also go for a rainbow like effect on your nails with the holographic finishes. These work based on the principle of refraction.
Occasion
You can choose a combination of colors according to the occasion. For a daily wear, you can go for some neutral shades like gold with a bit of shimmer. For a formal occasion like work or a meeting, you can wear light peachy shades or whites and beiges. And if you are getting dressed for a special party like halloween or a birthday party, you can go all out with brighter shades.
Skin tone
The shades of the nail polish should complement your skin tone. If you have wheatish skin tone, you can try something with a pinkish undertone. And if you have dark skin tones, pastels can be a good option.If you have pale skin tone, you can try nudes, silver, lilac, deep blues, and greys. Pinks and purples will also look great on your hands. You may opt for a bright pink or red with bluish undertones. It is recommended to avoid gold and any dark polish as they may over-emphasize the natural paleness of your skin.
Finishes
Color changing nail polishes offer shiny, matte, and glittery finish. You can pick a combination of these and wear them as per occasion or your mood. And if you have a preference for only one among these finishes, don’t shy away from picking a set or a nail polish that specifically suits your preference. Now that you have understood what you need to look for while choosing a color changing nail polish, here are some tips on how to apply it.
How To Apply Color Changing Nail Polish
Clear any colors left on your nails as you need to start with clean nails.
Apply a base coat on your nails and let it dry completely.
Now, apply your choice of color changing nail polish. You can apply 2 coats so that you get the results that you expect.
However, let the first coat dry completely before you apply the second coat.
Get a nail polish remover on a cotton swab and clean the color on the corners of your nails.
You can then apply a top coat for a smooth finish. The top coat also helps prevent chipping.
If you’re curious as to how color changing nail polishes work, here’s the science behind how the colors change.
How Does Colour Changing Nail Polish Work
These nail polish change color due to the presence of an element called leuco dye which comes in 2 forms— colored and colorless. It allows the color to change at desired temperature from heat and light. When it is cool, it dye becomes colored and in hot temperature, it turns colorless. However, it is also possible for it to change colors with a chemical redox reaction. With these color changing nail polishes, you no more have to be confused about picking a color to get ready for a day out, an official lunch, tours, or any special occasions like birthdays or weddings. Color changing nail polishes are an innovation that every person with a liking for beautifully done nails would absolutely love. If you belong to that league, you can now create a signature fashion statement with these innovative polishes and your color preferences. You can go both contemporary or classic without having to wipe the color off your nails and applying a different color every other day.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Chaitra Krishnan, is a makeup enthusiast and loves to review different makeup products. After thorough research, she has provided a detailed list of the best color-changing nail polishes in this post. She went through numerous reviews and feedback on multiple forums and brand websites to help you pick the best color-changing nail polish. The products in this post come in various formulas, finishes, and shades to suit everyone. Is color changing nail polish safe? Yes, it is safe as most brands these days create nail paints that are free of chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and camphor. Does color changing nail polish work with a top coat? Top coat does not affect the color of these nail polish. However, they help give that finishing touch to your nail colors, thus giving you the best outcomes. How long does color-changing nail polish last? Color-changing nail polishes can last anywhere from six months to 12 months after opening the package. Keep it in a cool and dark place to extend its life. The premium formulas have a wear time of 3 weeks. How do you remove color-changing nail polish? Remove color-changing nail polish just like any regular nail polish. Use a cotton pad and some nail polish remover to wipe away the color until you have clean nails.. Do you need a UV light for color-changing nail polish? No. You don’t need a UV light necessarily for color-changing nail polish. Color-changing nail polish uses leuco dyes which can air dry or cure under UV light or LED light. They change color based on your body’s temperature and pH value.
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