Ask any beauty junkie and we'll admit, no matter how many shades, fragrances or formulations are thrown our way we are still restless for more. Even if we find that perfect product, after a while we'll wish it was a bit more "something". Deeper in color, smoother in feel, slightly more floral, etc. Let's face, it we're just never satisfied.

Unfortunately, in this economy we just can't afford to buy every new shade that comes on the market. I mean how many times have we plunked down our hard earned money, only to end up disappointed with a shade that's too sheer, too dark or just plain wrong? Our wallets can't take that risk now. Of course if that's happened recently, you're obviously not a regular reader of All Lacquered Up and Total Beauty product reviews.

Now before you go pitching that unwanted purchase, consider customizing it to suit your needs. In the world of lacquer when we can't find the color we want we become kids again, mixing colors like we used to with finger paints. It's all about experimenting, letting your imagination go and relying on our childhood art lessons about the color wheel. Say it with me folks, yellow and blue make green.

There are two methods of customizing polish:

• Layering - Using multiple layers of different colors to create the desired shade

• Custom Blending - Combining two or more lacquers in a bottle (aka Frankenpolish)

First let's discuss the easiest way to customize your color, layering. It's very no muss, no fuss. There are no rules though I would suggest layering from bottom to top starting with the most opaque shade. If you have a lacquer that is too light or dark, layer it over white or black. Is your polish to sheer? Layer it over a similar hued opaque polish or black. Everything looks more intense over black. Love the shade of your chrome or metallic finish polish but hate the brush strokes? Add a sheer on top to achieve a smoother finish. Here are some examples from my own experiments.

Frankenpolish and the Art of Layering

nail polish, opi nail polish

Disclaimer: Due to the volatile nature of nail lacquer ingredients I do not condone or promote mixing formulas from different manufacturers. There is no way to know if they will safely combine. So franken at your own risk. To see some more custom blends, straight from the runways, check out my Behind The Scenes interview from New York Fashion Week.