Best Color Changing Nail Polish [Review] in 2022

Color changing nail polish has been a growing trend in recent years, nothing spices up a manicure more than a nail polish that changes when you change the angle or heat.

But what makes them so great?

If you’re as bold as me and like to stand out from the crowd these nails are the best way to do it! From holographic nails to ones that change when there is a temperature change. Some even have one color at the bottom and different at the tip– so cool!

There’s a lot of different types, from thermal, solar to multi-chrome nail polish and I’m here to go through them all so when you pick up your next color-changing nail polish you’ll know exactly what to look for.

Let’s jump into it!

Let’s get down to all the juicy secrets that make all these different types of color-changing nail polish work, stay tuned these are pretty awesome!

Thermal Or Mood Nail Polish: 

Thermal nail polishes change color based on mood or temperature. They use leuco dye which is transparent in warmer temperatures and shows pigment in cooler temperatures. It works by using this leuco dye, weak organic acid, and a solvent. 

The solvent is usually solid in cold temperatures and liquid when warm. When the solvent is cold and sold it holds the acid and dye to make the color visible, whereas when it’s warm the solvent will melt and look transparent (showing the other color).

Smart right?

You will most often find this in a gel polish as a gel polish is much more durable and can tackle these changes. From my guide you’ll love Aimeili, it changes from a hot glittery pink when cold and then a frosty white when warm– it’s pretty cool this color transformation.

Solar Reactive Nail Polish:

In solar nail polish, the nail lacquer has tiny crystals that become invisible when not exposed to UV light. For example, nail polish may appear to be blue when out in daylight or shining under a light, but when not exposed to light it could change to purple. 

This works by the crystals calming down and becoming invisible when the nail polish isn’t under light, showing the other color. 

Multi-Chrome Nail Polish:

Multichrome nail polish is also known as duo-chrome or chameleon polish, it changes the color or illusion of the color when you change the angle of your hand or look at it in different lights. It changes without needing to change the temperature or be affected by UV lights.

The color reflects the lighting of your nails to make them appear to change color to the eye, these are a growing trend and they’re pretty awesome! It reflects on different layers of the polish pigment to show a completely different color when the angle is changed.

Now holographic nails are very similar to multi-chrome but they reflect in a different way. While multi-chrome reflects like a mirror, holographic reflects like a crystal.

You will often find that holographic nail polishes reflect into rainbows, depending on the lighting– which are pretty awesome.

Now if you want to try the coolest holographic nails you must try out ILNP MEGA, their colors are insane! 

Temperature: For thermal nail polish you need to check the temperature it needs to be at to change color, if it has to be quite a drastic change (for example: above 30ºc to change color) it may not be worth the money. I would look for the balance to ensure you have a good chance on a daily. 

Color: Color changing nail polish is nice and all but if you get a color that doesn’t work for you or one you don’t like then it’s a waste. When choosing your color-changing nail polish I would check the colors in the reviews to judge whether you should go for it! 

Longevity: Longevity and durability is also an important factor to consider, as these drastic color changes can take a toll on the nail polish. I would recommend investing in a good gel color changing nail polish off my list. Even though you may need to get a UV lamp to cure these bad boys, it’s definitely worth it for the longevity of the manicure. 

Ease of Application: When buying a color changing nail polish, ease of application and removal is key, we don’t want a color-changing nail polish that’s a challenge to apply or difficult to remove. We will end up skipping steps like the base coat and then the nails will only last a day or two– not fun!

Quality and price: As with every nail polish we need to find one within our budget while still getting value for your money. I have only selected the very best colors and formulas out there when it comes down to color changing polishes, all at fairly affordable price points too!

Quick Dry Formula: We all want convenience when it comes to painting our nails, usually, we should allow at least 2 minutes in between each layer, but it next to never happens. Why you may ask? Life gets in the way, maybe a friend has called or you’re bored of waiting so you go on your phone. That’s when you realize that the polish hasn’t fully dried– disaster!

A balance of patience and a good formula that’ll dry quickly is the way to go! 

Does color-changing nail polish work with topcoat?

Absolutely! As well as with a base coat, just apply your nail polish like normal (or how you would gel with curing for some) and watch it work the magic. The only thing I would recommend is storing your color-changing nail polish in a cool, dry area– like in your closet. Don’t store too cold or too warm otherwise, it may not work as well! 

How do you use color-changing nail polish?

Just apply a base coat, allow it to dry. Then apply a layer of the color-changing nail polish of your choice and cure under a UV lamp for a minute or two, do this in between each layer. Then apply a top coat of your choice and cure for the last time and you’ll have a manicure that’ll last you up to 3 weeks! 

Where can I buy color-changing nail polish?

Color-changing nail polish has become increasingly popular in recent years so you might be able to get hold of them anywhere. From Walmart, Walgreens, Target to Amazon. I would recommend sticking to Amazon as they offer better quality and a better range of colors to choose from. 

Holographic, thermal, multi-chrome, and solar reactive nails will add little spice to your manicure while also adding longevity. I tried my first color changing polish a few years ago and I’m now completely hooked! 

If you want to have unique nails that will make you stand out from the rest, then you have to try the ones I have selected today. Select a few if you’d like and you’ll have a manicure like a boss. 

I have also considered budget too, to give you the best gel and regular color changing nail polishes you can find on the market. 

Select any of the ones I have selected today and you won’t be disappointed, let’s rock these manicures girls!