DORÉ

It took me awhile to take all of my beauty regimens seriously, but as I’ve gotten older (and less lazy), I’ve started to see the importance behind each of them. They actually do make a difference! I do my weekly face-masks, monthly hair oil treatments and a full head to toe exfoliation once in a blue moon.

Nails used to always be a bit of an afterthought, but I learned the hard way that they need just as much attention as the rest of your body. Also, I’ve been super into rings lately and let’s face it: rings look much better when you have your nails painted.

So, I did the whole shebang: kept my hands clean and moisturized at all times, cuticle care and DIY manicures. Yet, I was still struggling with something: making the nail color last for more than a day. I’ve done the gel coats, topcoats and base coats and still, my nails would end up brittle, weak and ultimately, my nail polish chipped.

It all came down to the nail polishes I was using. Turns out nail polishes are filled to the brim with chemicals that are harmful for both you and the environment.

I’m going to be real here and admit that I never thought to read the ingredients on the label of nail polishes, as I do with my other beauty products.

Spoiler alert: I recently did and half of the words I can’t even pronounce, let alone know what they mean. In 2010, some nail polish brands banned certain chemicals (specifically formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and toluene), but there are still other chemicals roaming around that are just downright sketchy.

Next time you’re shopping for nail polish, look for the ones that say 7-free or 8-free. These are trustworthy brands that won’t cause you or the environment any harm. You’ll notice that they’ll make a world of difference for your nails. The color deposit is better, the formula will last longer and they’ll promote healthier and stronger nails because they’re toxin free.

Here are some of my favorites that have been tried, tested and loved:

The idea behind Olive & June was born out of giving yourself that spa treatment in the comfort of your home, which is an idea I stand behind 100%. If pastel colors are your jam, they offer a stunning array of shades. With a foolproof formula that will last you at least a week, they’re also vegan, cruelty-free and 7-free, meaning they don’t contain contain dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, or xylene.

My favorite shade at the moment is BP, a gorgeous icy blue that will catch everyone’s attention.

And, right now, Olive & June is offering The Studio Box— a package deal that includes everything you’d ever need for the most delicious at-home mani.

You’ve probably seen J. Hannah nail polishes on the vanities of your favorite influencers. The bottle is super instagramable and their color selection, which is inspired by artists’ palettes and natural elements, is to die for. You’ll find unconventional shades that’ll make you swoon for sure.

But, I’m highlighting a limited edition shade (run and get it) that they released for spring! This one is called Nectar. They describe it as a “smoky apricot” and I can’t stop saying those words out loud now. What a great description! The formula is super pigmented; two coats and you’re out the door. Important to note that they’re also cruelty free and 7-free (no toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) and xylene.

There is no packaging quite as iconic or appealing to the eye as Smith & Cult. Born out of a passion and affinity for all things beauty, Smith & Cult looks to find the pretty details in all things, even if it is a bit odd and out of the box. That’s why the bottle looks the way it does. When it comes down to the shade range, there’s something for everyone. You wouldn’t expect me to talk about metallic shades for spring but sometimes you have to break the rules. They’ve released a collection of metallics that radiate fun vibes for your hands. My go-to at the moment has been Soul Purpose, a metallic midnight blue that I just can’t stop staring at. Smith & Cult is vegan, gluten-free and for a bonus: they’re 8-free (no dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide or triphenyl phosphate).

If you’re looking to rejuvenate your nails, you won’t regret doing it with any of these amazing brands. And chime in with your own favorite colors and non-toxic nail polish brands!