Nail polish will continue to be a classic product in our beauty bags because it has the ability to change your look in a matter of minutes.

The Chinese were the first to experiment with nail colour in 3000 B.C when they would apply enamel that would turn their nails a reddish/pink colour. India used the Henna plant to create designs on their nails, leaving a reddish brown stain. During this period nail polish would even determine people's social status. In Egypt, those with a higher status in society would wear a darker shade of red, while those at the bottom of the social hierarchy were only allowed to wear pale shades.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century the Europeans developed the orange wood stick, which began to modernise the manicure.

Celebrities in the 1920's began wearing coloured polish, red was a particular favourite. The 1940's saw the rise of Revlon via their developments in nail polishes with pigments, rather that dye, allowing for a wide range of colours. Nail fashion continued to grow, transcending trends. Nail colours and art became culture signifiers. For example black nail polish was a popular colour amongst Goths, rock stars and punks during the 1970's. This view continues today.

Moving into the present, nail art and nail design is more influential than ever. The two-toned nail is a popular design, as well as using nail pens to create your own unique design. Nail colour and art has become an accessory to our outfits with the development of new techniques and styles.

Get the two-toned look:

It's up to you, what colours you would like to pair together? Black and gold is a popular favourite, and it's best to have a darker and lighter colour to get the optimum effect.

Step 1: Make sure nails are filed and buffed. Apply cuticle oil into cuticle and then push the cuticles back. Wipe off any access and apply a base coat to your nails.

Step 2: Apply a coat of the lighter colour nail polish to your nails. Let it dry and apply a second coat.

Step 3: Now here comes the fun part. This will completely depend on what look you're going for. You could have a simple strip of darker polish down the middle of the nail or create dots with the flat side of a skewer. If you're painting a line down the middle of the nail be careful not to make the line too think, as this will cover the lighter colour.

You could even paint a line across the nail, whatever designs you desire.

Step 4: Wait for the nail colours to dry and then apply a topcoat. Remember it takes a full hour a manicure to dry so don't go washing any dishes straight away.