The History of Nail Polish

The Chinese are credited with the invention of nail polish around 3000 BCE. These original formulas were a combination of beeswax, gelatin, gum arabic, and egg whites with flower petals mixed in to create a red color. The Egyptians weren't far behind the Chinese, using a henna mixture for a red- or orange-hued polish about the same time. By 600 BC, the Chinese were using silver and gold to symbolize royalty, while only the aristocracy were allowed to wear polish at all. Egyptians of that time were also using color to symbolize royalty with red the color of choice for both Cleopatra and Nefertiti.