10 Ways To Use … Nail Polish By Melissa Fiorenza
H
ow many times have you bought an “in” color, worn it once, and forgotten about it — leaving it to collect dust in the back of your bathroom closet? Good news: Whatever your impulse purchase — mint green, jungle red or a clear top coat — it wasn’t for nothing. Prettying up your fingers and toes only scratches the surface of what nail polish can pull off.
1
Fake a pair of Louboutins
Using a colored opaque formula, paint the sole of your heels to give them a fashionable makeover. We took this tip from cosmopolitan.com, which adds that you should let it dry before applying a second coat, if necessary.
2
Seal envelopes
Sending out a mass mailing of thank you cards? Save your saliva and skip the messy water treatment — a dab of clear polish will do just the trick.
3
Smudge-proof labels
From instructables.com: “Prevent ink from running on your labels. Coat the labels that identify your garden plants, or the labels that distinguish your shampoo bottles with clear nail polish.”
4
Tighten screws
5
Stop a stocking run
Photo: sozaijiten/Datacraft/Gettyimages.
Loose screws can be made more reliable with a touch of clear polish.
This may be the most wellknown additional use for polish, but it’s so great, it bears repeating! If you’ve got a run in your stocking, put a little polish on both ends to keep that tear from spreading.
6
Make things easier to see
7
Prevent tarnish on costume jewelry
8
Mark the toxic stuff
9
Color code your keys
“Still use [nail polish] to mark my toothbrush and the Talk button on the phone (so my old eyes can see it),” says Denise on Facebook.
A great idea from rd.com: “To keep your fake jewelry and your skin sparkling clean, brush clear nail polish onto the back of each piece and allow it to dry before wearing.”
Got little ones running around? Using a bold color, make an “X” on anything poisonous or dangerous for kids, so they know to stay away.
Honeydew for home. White for work. Pink for parents’ house. Crème for car. You get the idea.
10
Renew your accessories
If you’re bored of an old necklace or pair of earrings, make them like new by changing up the colors with, yup, nail polish.
Did you know? A burst of cold air from the hairdryer will help set and dry polish stat.
Want to join in the 10 Ways fun? Stay tuned to our Facebook page for upcoming questions: facebook.com/lifeathomemagazine. timesunion.com/lifeathome | 57