Smith & Cult Price $18
My Rating: 4/5
Procs and Cons: Ive been using this brand for quite some time. When I was a stylist, this was a brand I often noticed a lot of professionals were using. Personally, I love the shades and they offer a variety of neutrals and muted tones. I used this brand on my pinky and ring finger. I found the color to be slightly on the thinner side but that may have had more to do with what color I choose. It was by far the lightest in the bunch. My only complaint with this brand was the brush. It had the thinnest brush and an awkward handle. If youre a pro you might not find this a big deal, but if you struggle to paint your nails you might find this hard to apply.
Why I Love It: Smith + Cult is Vegan + Gluten-Free, 8-Free Formula: No Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide, & Triphenyl Phosphate.
Rating: Smith & Cult is what I would opt for at the salon for sure, but at home, I think youll have trouble properly applying.
How To Make Gel Polish Manicures Safer & Healthier
1- Avoid using Acetone to remove your gel polish There are other safer methods you can use to remove your gel polish.
I have an entire article that goes through 4 different methods you can use to remove gel polish without using acetone. You can click here to read it.
2- Use a Manicure Glove or apply sunscreen if you are worried about UV exposure I recommend wearing a manicure glove or applying sunscreen onto your hands and fingers when you are curing your gel polish.
I have an entire article on Manicure gloves where I recommend the best ones and where I explain how they work. You can click here to read it.
Or you can
More Healthy Nail Tips
There are a few ways to keep your nails healthy beyond wearing a better polish. Even if youre opting for a non-toxic nail polish, Dr. Stern advises taking a break from manicures if your nails are showing signs of weakness, which include dehydrated cuticles, discoloration, ridges, splits, peeling, or rough, white patches.
Use the opportunity between manicures to condition your nails, too. Consistently moisturizing nails and cuticles helps them maintain their vitality over the long-term and in the short-term, that smooth canvas will make your nail polish look better and last longer. Another word of warning: Most nail-strengthening treatments contain formaldehyde definitely not good. Instead, Dr. Stern trusts botanical oils rich in phospholipids, like sunflower oil, apricot oil, and mastic oil, for improving nail strength and preventing damage.
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Nail Rehab: The Dos And Donts For Healthy Nails
Advice for when you havent quite nailed it.
We all love treating ourselves to a shiny new manicure or pedicure now and then, but just because your nails look good, doesnt mean they are healthy underneath all that polish. Take the time to really evaluate your nail health, and follow our definitive guide to resurrecting your ragged nails.
DO: Use acetone-free nail polish remover.
When its time to clean off your varnish or gel, make sure to use acetone-free remover Acetone is a highly toxic ingredient that is bad for your body and is also very flammable.
DONT: Use harsh nail care products.
Fast-drying sprays, harsh polish removers, and even harsh dish soap can all damage your brittle nails. Its best to limit use of these products or pro-actively wear rubber gloves.
DO: Use moisturizer frequently.
Moisturized nails are happy nails. Make sure to use hand lotion often and rub it into your fingernails and cuticles in the process.
DONT: Bite your fingernails at the cuticles.
These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your fingernail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection. No one wants that!
DO: Apply a protective layer before painting your nails.
DONT: Get acrylic or gel nails too often.
DO: Trim your nails regularly
A Look At The Effects Of Nail Polish On Nail Health And Safety
- Kristina Liu, MD, MHS, Contributor
In recent years, the nail polish industry has been transformed by the development of longer-lasting polish techniques. As dermatologists, we are often asked about the effects of these various products on nails. Here we review the main types of polish, and consider the pros and cons of each with an eye toward nail health and safety.
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Best Nail Polish Remover Faq
What Is the Difference Between Using Pure Acetone and a Nail Polish Remover?
Acetone is only one of the ingredients used in some types of nail polish removers. The best ones have a formula that also includes other ingredients that make up for the damage the acetone causes the nail. Some nail polish removers dont use acetone, but instead they have other milder solvents that arent as harsh on the nails. Some of these solvents are propylene carbonate, isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl acetate.
How Damaging Is Nail Polish Remover to Your Nails?
Acetone-based nail polish remover can dry your nails out, which eventually causes splitting, peeling, and even nail breakage. Watch out for nail polish removers designed specifically for gel nails, as they usually contain acetone exclusively, due to how strong the gel is. To further help your nails regenerate their natural oils and vitamins, opt for removers that use these ingredients in their formula, or consider purchasing separate nail moisturizers and conditioners.
How Do You Use Nail Polish Remover From a Bottle?
First, use a cotton ball and dab a little remover over each nail. Use another cotton ball to wipe the nails clean, and more remover if needed.
Do Acrylics Ruin Your Nails
If you rip off the nails, of course theyll cause damage to the natural nail underneath. But as long as acrylics are installed and removed properly by a trained technician, theyre not as damaging as people make them out to be. With that said, Bui doesnt recommend having acrylic nails for long periods of time and is a believer in allowing the nails time to breathe.
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Why A Nail Strengthener
The best nail strengtheners come infused with essential vitamins, proteins and hydrating oils that help to make nails harder and stronger, hence preventing splitting or breaking. Whether you have been going intensely on gel polish, work with your hands a lot or your nails are just naturally brittle, a good nail strengthener can be one of the most effective ways to get your weak nails back into excellent shape.
The current market has plenty of choices to choose from when you are looking for an ideal nail hardener. Some of them can even be used as a polish replacement, others under the polish or even for post-gel manicure. As such, picking out what would be best for your nails can get overwhelming. Therefore, we rounded up 5 of the best nail strengtheners on the market that work quite exceptionally.
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What Is The Difference Between Vegan And Cruelty
More often than not, youll come across these terms on various products during your shopping rounds, including nail strengtheners. Some people might be inclined to think these two are synonymous, but in reality they mean two different things.
A vegan label indicates that none of the ingredients in the nail strengthener have been obtained from animals or animal products. On the other hand, cruelty-free means that the manufacturer did not test the product on animals during development. These might be factors to keep in mind when getting a nail strengthener. If you fall on the latter category, the Leaping Bunny logo is a symbol recognized all over the world for cruelty-free products.
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Think About Return Policies
Last but not least, be sure to think about return policies before making your purchase. No one wants to be stuck with a product they’re not happy with, so it’s important to know the return policy of the retailer you’re buying from. That way, if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it without any hassle.
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro
If even the teensiest of chips is enough to send you frantically searching for cotton balls and remover, this is the polish for you. A unique combo of 10 active ingredients works to create the look and feel of a gel manicure without any curing light or extensive removal required. The brush is also noteworthy, boasting 320 bristles plus a rounded tip to help you seamlessly coat your entire nail.
Price at time of publish: $20
Number of Shades: 46 | Size: 0.5 ounces
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Sophi Nail Polish Remover
Though this polish remover only makes sense if youre using it to remove Sophie nail polish, it does work well! Its actually a gel and you will apply it to sit on top of your nails for several minutes. Once the remover has worked, youll notice that the Sophie nail polish has lifted off of your nail. Its pretty neat!
How To Choose A Non
When choosing a non-toxic nail polish, you may come across 3-free, 5-free, 7-free, and up to 16-free products. These counts indicate the number of chemicals or harmful ingredients that are absent in the formulation. The most common toxic trio is toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate which may cause skin irritations and other long-term effects on your body. You can also steer clear of ingredients like formaldehyde resin, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and camphor. This ensures that your nail stays healthy no matter how many times you choose to paint them with color.
Choose a water-based nail polish. A water-based polish does not give off harmful fumes and is safe for your skin. Solvent-based nail polishes, on the other hand, can give off toxic fumes, which can be dangerous when inhaled. Since nail colors last long on your enamel, you want to choose a base that is safe for you.
When looking for non-toxic nail polish, you may also want to consider the final look of the color. You can choose a finish that best suits your taste. Whether you want a matte or creamy finish, there is a non-toxic nail polish available for you. Opt for something that has a glossy finish if youre looking for a finish that will compliment your outfit on special occasions. Creme nail polishes are more suitable if you want to add a bit of color to your everyday look.
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The Best For Nail Growth: Ella+mila Nail Strengthener
If you suffer from nails that are constantly splitting, ella+milas First Aid Kiss nail strengthener was designed with you in mind. This 7-free formula contains vitamin B5 to stimulate growth and vitamin A to be an antioxidant for thin and weak nails. In addition to a treatment, this can also be used as a base coat. And, as that adorable little elephant on the bottle might suggest, its also vegan, animal-cruelty free, and certified by PETA.
According to one reviewer: I just started using it as a base coat under colored nail polish and immediately noticed a difference. My nails are stronger, not peeling anymore, and my manicures are lasting a few days longer than usual. This will definitely be my permanent base coat moving forward. Highly recommended!
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Best For Daily Use: Zoya Nail Polish Scarlet
The ZOYA Nail Polish in the shade Scarlet has a creme base of faint peach undertones, that will add a sheer, fleshy tone and glossy sparkle to your nails. The vegan and non-toxic nail polish is free from 10 chemicals that will keep your tips looking and feeling healthy. If you are looking for a lasting color and shine, choose this non-toxic nail color that comes with a small and easy-to-use application brush that will give you maximum coverage with a single stroke. Suitable for everyday wear, this nail polish will add a shimmery touch to your look.
Pros
For chip-resistant color, the Tenoverten Nail Polish is an ideal cruelty-free choice that will give you stronger, healthier and colorful nails. The 5-free non-toxic nail polish will help you combat long-term side effects of chemically-laden products. Without sacrificing the quality of your nails, this lasting lacquer gives you a smooth, saturated, and streak-free color. This natural nail polish is a healthy alternative to chemical polishes, and is not only easy to apply, but also promotes the overall health of your enamel. If you want to find out more about this product and its usage, make sure to check out this review on YouTube.
Pros
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Say Goodbye To Dry Peeling And Flaky Nails With The Best Nail Strengtheners
If you suffer from weak and brittle nails that are constantly chipping, breaking or flaking, a nail strengthener can really help with strength and condition. Many things can cause weak nails: repeated exposure to water, vitamin deficiency, or damage caused by gels, false nails or acrylic nail polish. Thankfully, the solution really is as simple as a once or twice-weekly treatment with a restorative and nourishing nail strengthener.
To get your nails looking their best for the summer, read on for our guide to finding the best nail strengthener, whatever your nail panic and, after that, find our pick of the best on the market right now.
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The Best Nail Colors To Pair With A White Dress
Nothing beats the classic elegance of a white dress. Since white dresses are classy, it’s no wonder they’re a favorite for wedding gowns, sorority events, and other fancy or semi-formal occasions. Whether it’s a goddess-inspired maxi dress, an adorable mini-dress, or anything in between, white dresses never fail to turn heads, thanks to their clean, chic appearance.
Since white is the lightest neutral hue available, many people elevate their white dresses with accessories to add stylish pizazz to their look. If you’re wearing a white dress and want to make it look more lively, you can consider flaunting a bold statement necklace, colorful purse, or unique pair of heels. Nail polish is another excellent way to level up your white dress, so why not paint your nails to complement your gorgeous garment? While countless nail colors look good with white clothes, we know the best hues for enhancing your white dress for any aesthetic and event.
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Why Base Coat Nail Polish Is So Important
A base coat acts as a protective barrier between your nail and the color, says Syreeta Aaron, an educator with LeChat Nails. When using darker colors like red, navy, or black, for example, these shades can bleed through to your natural nail, and therefore you need a base coat, she explains. In other words, those fall nail colors and even those irresistible winter nail colors you love so much can actually stain your nails if applied without a base coat.
And what about those of us whose nails need a little TLC? If you have ridges in your nails or nails that tend to peel, youre not alone. Nails can be susceptible to daily wear and tear and external factors, such as exposure to hot water, soaps, and detergents, which can contribute to peeling and ridges, says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a New York Citybased board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University. There are also some medical conditions, such as thyroid abnormalities and nutritional deficiencies, that may contribute to nail changes.
According to Dr. Garshick, people who have nail peeling or ridging should do their best to keep their nails moisturized and protected. She recommends simple steps, like applying Vaseline Healing Jelly Ointment or another cuticle treatment to the nails to help lock in moisture, and wearing gloves when doing dishes. She also has some suggestions on what to look for when shopping for base coat nail polish.
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish
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Best used with the brand’s top coat
Byrdie Associate General Manager Lindsey Metrus loves this lacquer, Essie’s alternative to an in-salon gel manicure. Chip-and fade-resistant, all you have to do is swipe on the color , then top it with the Gel Couture Top Coat. Then sit back and prepare to admire your handiwork for days to come.
Price at time of publish: $13
Number of Shades: N/A | Size: 0.46 ounces
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What Are The Different Types Of Gel Manis
As Kandalec explains it, there are two types of gel: soft and hard. Soft gel is porous, which is why you can soak if off in the salon. Hard gel, on the other hand, is sculpting gel. With hard gel, you can extend the nail and create cool shapes you otherwise couldnt, like long coffin, ballerina, or stiletto nails. Hard gel is not porous, so you have to file it off when its time to be removed. If you go somewhere that knows what theyre doing, you can see where it starts and stops on the nail plate, so theres really minimal damage, Kandalec says. While both types of gel can be used separately, you can also layer them over each other.
