Nail polish is a cosmetic lacquer that is applied to the nails of both the fingers and toes. Most nail polishes are made of nitrocellulose dissolved in a solvent and either left clear or colored with various pigments.

There are historic records of its use in ancient societies of China and Egypt, where colour signified social class. Originally made of natural pigments, modern nail polish is similar to car paint, and requires solvents such as acetone to remove.

Sometimes females paint their nails a color that will match their clothes.