💅 How to Apply Indie Nail Polish

Step 1: Start with a Base Coat
A good base coat is essential—it protects your nails from staining, fills ridges, smooths the nail surface, and can even strengthen your nails. It also helps prevent chipping and tip wear, extends the life of your manicure, and makes glitter removal much easier later on.

Step 2: Apply Your Polish
For standard polishes, apply in thin coats, allowing each layer to dry in between for the best depth and finish.
For glitter toppers or polishes with a clear base, you may need to dab extra glitter onto any bare patches after your initial coat. Another trick: place a drop of polish in the centre of the nail and gently push it outward with the brush to distribute glitter evenly.

Step 3: Finish with a Top Coat
Top coat brings your mani to life—it enhances shine, speeds up drying time, improves chip resistance, smooths out any brush strokes, and helps your manicure last longer. Once dry, don’t forget to finish with a nourishing cuticle oil for extra nail TLC.

✨ Matte Tip:
Love a matte finish? For glitter-heavy polishes, apply a regular top coat first to smooth out any texture, then finish with a matte top coat for a velvety effect.

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🧽 How to Remove Indie Polish

Indie polishes—especially those packed with solvent-resistant glitters—can be trickier to remove than standard polishes. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Acetone-based remover is the most effective (unless you’re wearing nail enhancements).

• For stubborn glitter bombs, use the Foil Soak-Off Method:
  1️⃣ Soak a small piece of cotton with remover and place it on each nail.
  2️⃣ Wrap each fingertip in foil to keep the remover from evaporating.
  3️⃣ After 5–10 minutes, unwrap and gently wipe—your polish should slide right off!

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✨ Aftercare

Once your polish is removed, show your nails some love by applying a generous amount of cuticle oil or hand cream to keep your nails and skin hydrated and healthy.

By following these steps, you’ll get the best possible results from your indie polishes and keep your nails looking fabulous!

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✨ Special Effect Polishes: Thermals & Magnetics

Thermal Polishes:
Thermal (or temperature-reactive) polishes change colour based on heat. You'll notice a shift when your hands are cold vs. warm—or even see a gradient effect as your nail tips stay cooler than your nail beds! 🌡️
Tips for best results:

• Store thermals in a cool, dry place to help maintain their colour-changing properties.

• Over time, thermal pigments may fade; this is normal and part of the polish's natural lifespan.

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Magnetic Polishes:
Magnetic polishes contain special iron particles that move when exposed to a nail magnet—creating mesmerising patterns like cat-eye lines, waves, or velvet effects. 🧲✨
How to use:
1️⃣ Apply your first coat as usual (no magnet needed).
2️⃣ For the second coat, immediately hold a strong magnet close to the nail (without touching) for 10–15 seconds.
3️⃣ Repeat for each nail, and seal with a top coat.

Pro Tip: The closer and steadier you hold the magnet, the sharper the effect!

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Both thermal and magnetic polishes are fantastic ways to add an extra touch of magic to your mani—and Indies Down Under often features these beauties in our monthly collections.