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What fingernail shape do you like most?

Colorful nail design with peach and golden nail polish. French manicure on a knitted orange background.
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History Lesson

The nail polish industry is worth billions of dollars worldwide, and more facts

  • Nail polish wasn't always used for cosmetic purposes. In ancient Egypt, it was used to signify social status and was often made from henna. In China, nail polish was used to protect nails from damage and was often associated with specific social classes.
  • The first modern nail polish was invented by a French makeup artist, Michelle Menard, in the 1920s. She created a formula that was quick-drying and long-lasting, which revolutionized the industry. Before that, nail polish was often made at home using ingredients like egg whites, gelatin, and vegetable dyes.
  • OPI, one of the most popular nail polish brands today, was founded in 1981 by a dental supply company. The company's owner noticed that many of his dental customers were also interested in nail care, so he also started selling nail polish. Today, OPI is known for its wide range of colors and clever polish names, like "I'm Not Really a Waitress" and "Big Apple Red."
  • Nail polish can tell you a lot about a person's personality. Studies have shown that people who wear bright, bold colors like red and orange are often seen as more confident and outgoing. Those who prefer more muted shades like nude or pastels are seen as more reserved and sophisticated.
  • Nail polish isn't just for women anymore. In recent years, more and more men have been embracing nail polish as a way to express themselves. Celebrities like Harry Styles, Post Malone, and Jared Leto have been spotted wearing nail polish in public, and many brands have started marketing their products to men as well.
  • Nail polish isn't just about color anymore. Today, there are a variety of nail polish finishes to choose from, including matte, glossy, and metallic. You can even get a nail polish that changes color based on your body temperature, like a mood ring for your nails.
  • Finally, did you know that nail polish can actually be good for your nails? Many nail polishes now contain ingredients like biotin, keratin, and vitamin E, which can help strengthen and protect your nails. Some brands even offer "breathable" nail polish that allows air and moisture to penetrate the nail, preventing dryness and brittleness.
Joselyn, Heywise Staff

Quiz WriterJoselyn, Heywise Staff

Joselyn wasn’t too keen on multiple choice in high school. She vividly remembers the first biology exam she passed by only the skin of her teeth, which dragged her overall average down into the embarrassingly low 90s (she doesn’t want to talk about it). After swearing off any high school or university courses that required multiple choice tests, Joselyn managed to get an English degree by sweet-talking her professors into offering only essay-style exams. Needless to say, this did not exactly endear her to her peers. This rocky start smoothed out in time, though, and after tumbling down a black quiz hole one day while putting off job hunting, Joselyn realized her hatred of all things a-b-or-c had faded and she actually enjoyed dreaming up new ideas for questions and dangerously correct-sounding answers. You won’t find her quizzes an easy ride, but Joselyn just wants to make sure you’re really testing your knowledge.

Did you know?

Nail polish dates back to the roaring 20s

These days, we use all sorts of pigments, resins, and paint mixtures to create the rainbow of nail polish colors we have on shelves. In fact, the ingredient makeup of nail polish is continuing to evolve. From dip nails to nail stickers and DIY acrylic materials, we have dozens of fast and convenient ways to make our nails look great. The early 20th-century Chinese, however, did not have it so easy. When they wanted to decorate their nails, they often used a mixture of beeswax, vegetable dyes, and egg whites to achieve the look. While not practiced as frequently back then as it is today, the Chinese practice found its way into popularity. During the prohibition-era years when the flapper era soared, this practice became more and more common. Over time, it's become the multi-billion dollar industry we're familiar with. Getting your nails done might smell horrible, but at least it doesn't smell like rotten eggs, eh?

How to Play?

Our personality quizzes are set up a little differently than your basic trivia quiz, but you’ve probably seen their kind around. Rather than having to choose the right answer from a list of multiple choice options, in this case, there is no “right answer”! (Two plus two will always be four, but every Golden Girls character is equally awesome.)

So, stop stressing. Just click on the answer that suits you best, and enjoy the ride. These quizzes are just for fun but who knows – you might just learn something about yourself along the way!

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