DIY Custom Nail Polish: The Orly Color Lab Experience

Updated at: 31/12/2024

Have you ever dreamt of crafting the perfect nail polish shade, a color so unique it's an extension of your personal style? Forget sifting through endless racks of pre-made polishes – the Orly Color Lab offers a revolutionary DIY experience, putting the power of bespoke nail color creation directly into your hands. This isn't just about mixing colors; it's about unleashing your creativity and crafting a truly personalized manicure, reflecting your individual taste and mood. Imagine the possibilities: subtle pastel hues perfectly matched to your favorite outfit, vibrant neons that pop, or sophisticated metallics shimmering with individuality.

The Orly Color Lab system simplifies the process, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic experience. This guide will take you through a step-by-step process, demonstrating how to effortlessly create your own signature nail polish shades using the Orly Color Lab system. From selecting your base colors to achieving the perfect consistency, we’ll cover everything you need to know to master this exciting new beauty trend.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Orly Color Lab mixing bar
  • iPad interface
  • mini mixer
  • shimmer powders
  • nail polish bottles
  • secret peel off base coat
  • glossy top coat
Safety Guidelines
  • Always work in a well-ventilated area. Nail polish ingredients can be strong and inhaling fumes can be harmful.
  • Avoid skin contact. Wear gloves to protect your skin from potential irritants and stains.
  • Store your custom-mixed polish properly in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life and prevent separation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Color Inspiration and Selection

    • Choose your desired nail polish color using Orly's iPad interface. This acts as a mood board, guiding your color selection.
    • Select your desired shade's lightness/darkness and any additional shimmer or pearl effects. It's recommended to add these after the base color is mixed.
    • Name your custom shade before seeing the final product.
    Name your custom shade before seeing the final product.Name your custom shade before seeing the final product.
    Color Inspiration and Selection

  2. Custom Polish Mixing

    • At the mixing bar, the mixologist will use pre-filled bottles of different polish colors to create your custom shade. This involves squirting the colors into a cup and stirring them together.
    • Make adjustments to the color by adding more of each color as needed until you achieve the desired hue.
    Make adjustments to the color by adding more of each color as needed until you achieve the desired hue.Make adjustments to the color by adding more of each color as needed until you achieve the desired hue.
    Custom Polish Mixing

  3. Shimmer and Refinement

    • Once the base color is satisfactory, add your chosen shimmer powders and blend thoroughly using a mini mixer.
    • The mixologist will swatch the polish on a nail to ensure the color and shimmer are to your liking.
    The mixologist will swatch the polish on a nail to ensure the color and shimmer are to your liking.The mixologist will swatch the polish on a nail to ensure the color and shimmer are to your liking.
    Shimmer and Refinement

  4. Bottling and Labeling

    • Bottle your custom nail polish and add a custom label.
    Bottle your custom nail polish and add a custom label.
    Bottling and Labeling

  5. Nail Application

    • Apply a peel-off base coat to your nails.
    • Apply your custom nail polish in one or more coats to achieve desired opacity.
    • Finish with a glossy top coat.
    Finish with a glossy top coat.Finish with a glossy top coat.Finish with a glossy top coat.
    Nail Application

Read more: Achieve Salon-Quality Gel Nails at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different color combinations and shimmer effects!
  • Consider the overall effect you want to achieve (e.g., nighttime vibe, summery feel) when choosing your colors and shimmers.
  • Use the iPad interface's mood board to inspire your color choices, even if you don't choose the exact colors shown.
  • If making a Frankenpolish (mixing all available colors), start with small amounts of each shade to avoid overflow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Pigment Distribution

Reason: Inconsistent mixing of the base and pigment leads to streaks or patches of color on the nails.
Solution: Thoroughly mix the base and pigment until a completely uniform color is achieved before applying.

2. Too Thick of a Polish Consistency

Reason: Adding too much pigment or using an improperly thinned base results in a thick, gloppy polish that's difficult to apply and prone to chipping.
Solution: Thin the polish with a few drops of nail polish thinner, or use less pigment.

3. Insufficient Curing Time

Reason: Not allowing enough time for the polish to cure between coats can lead to smudging and chipping.
Solution: Allow each coat of polish to dry completely (following the Orly Color Lab instructions) before applying the next.

FAQs

How long does the Orly Color Lab custom nail polish last?
The longevity of your custom polish depends on your application and overall nail care. With proper base and top coat application, you can expect similar wear to other high-quality polishes, lasting around a week before chipping.
Can I create a truly unique color, or are the options limited?
Orly Color Lab offers a vast range of colors and pigments, allowing for a nearly limitless range of custom shades. You can experiment with different color combinations to achieve a truly unique, personalized color.
What happens if I'm unhappy with the final color of my custom polish?
While Orly strives for customer satisfaction, there's no guarantee of a perfect match to your vision or an option to return a custom-mixed polish. The interactive system helps in visualizing the final outcome, but it’s essential to consider your color choices carefully before completing the order.