Remember being transfixed by mood rings as a kid? The 50 cent knick-knack mystified many of us, seemingly shifting with our mood. Now we know the rings were likely just responding to our temperature changes. Nonetheless, it was still exciting to watch something change colors in front of your eyes. If you’re seeking the adult version of a mood ring, let us introduce you to thermal nail polishes.
“Due to their heat-reactivity pigments, thermal nail polishes like ours shift shades throughout the change of temperature, meaning one color when your hands are warm, and another when they’re cool, blending into a gorgeous ombré in between,” explains chief marketing officer at Mooncat, Diana Chen. “It’s like having multiple polishes in one, changing with your mood and the rhythm of your day, making the polishes a standout.”
Note that due to the nature of the special pigments used in most thermal polishes, they’re likely to be a bit thicker than standard formulas. The thermal colors and transitions vary based on body chemistry, room conditions and current climate. The transition of colors may take a few hours to be activated for the first time. Check out some of our favorite thermal nail polishes below for a unique shade-shifting mood ring manicure.
Thermal nail polishes to try
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Cirque Colors says these thermal nail polishes are more than just a color, they’re an experience. Since Cirque Color’s offerings aren’t gel or powder formulas, Cirque Colors polishes are an easy option for at-home thermal nails. They have a beautiful collection of colors, plus some limited-edition shades to grab before they sell out.
Ones to try: Bisou Bisou, Rothko Red, Tequila Sunrise
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Mooncat is one of the first brands that comes to mind when I think about thermal nail polishes. “At Mooncat, thermal polishes are one of our most popular nail polishes because they feel like magic at your fingertips,” says Chen. An innovator in the technology, Mooncat is always ahead of the game and consistently adding new and exciting shades.
Ones to try: Melonberry, Queen of the Dead, Sagebrush
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Nailboo has both dip powder and gel polish thermal options, so there’s something for everyone. However, the gel polishes are so popular they were sold out at the time of writing this, so you’ll have to opt for one of the pretty powders until you can get your hands on the gel.
Ones to try: Peek-A-Blue, Limelight, Rosy Reveal
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We’re predicting Death Valley will soon become a huge it-girl brand due to its ultra cool vibes and unique product offerings. Created by a small team in Texas, their thermal polishes are one of their most exciting items. They even offer photo-thermal polishes, which react to the presence or absence of direct sunlight.
Ones to try: West Texas Peyote, Til Death Do Us Part, The Sink After He Shaves
