How much do you know about 5-Free nail polishes? Admittedly I didn’t know much until a new salon opened in my town that only uses 5-Free products. Considering my fingers and toes are painted 361 days a year, I decided it was time for me to research the 5-Free ‘trend’ and share quiz you on what I learned. Because everyone likes a quiz right? Here we go:
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP, a common ingredient in drugstore nail polish) is bad for the reproductive system and Toluene (also a common ingredient) can be harmful to unborn fetuses, True or False?
- Formaldehyde Resin is a nail hardener that can cause contact dermatitis in those with allergies, True or False?
- Camphor can cause problems when inhaled in large doses, True or False?
Did you answer True for all? See, I told you that was easy. Good for you!
5-Free nail polishes are free of the 4 ingredients mentioned below plus Formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. For those of us without allergies, and those who keep their polish changes to a minimum, these affects may not be serious. However, you may buy organic produce when possible and have kicked your smoking habit, so why tempt fate by wearing polishes with known toxins? Furthermore, I can’t help but think of the women painting your nails inhaling Camphor in large doses every day. Let’s do them a favor and bring your own 5-Free nail polish for manicures, or support a 5-Free salon.
Why am a harping on about nail polish toxins? Because ever since I heard about these chemicals I have been trying various brands, and I seem to have an issue with each one. One may not have great coverage, which means 3-4 coats. One may peel off too easy. One takes FOREVER to dry, which basically has me like Edward Scissor hands for half a day.
That is until I tried the polishes from the local spa, Soulstice Spa. Although the locations are in Sausalito and Sonoma, their polishes are available online and will soon be distributed in Good Earth Natural Food locations. All of their polishes are 5-Free and cruelty free, and are made entirely in the United States. I have been exclusively wearing their colors for the past 6 weeks, and love them! The richness of the hues, how easily the color applies and how long the color lasts without chipping (a solid 5 days!) is better quality than many polishes on the market. What’s the kicker? There is a polish color for every city in Marin and Sonoma County, so you can rep your city wherever you go. Not from Marin or Sonoma? I realize many of you are reading from all over the country and world (hello to my UK and Russia readers!). Now you can purchase a small piece of Marin or Sonoma county next time you are visiting, as a small souvenir of the beautiful colors and experiences of your travels. Since both myself and Soulstice want you to be able to try the polishes, use the code STYLESAFARI at checkout for 25% off all Soulstice nail colour!
I tried the Marin County colors and picked out a few of my favorites above, which from top to bottom are:
Belvedere
Tomales Bay (a favorite spot for oysters!)
Inverness
Mill Valley (my current home)
Stinson Beach
Ross
Novato (where I grew up)
San Rafael
I photographed a few of the Soulstice Spa colors in their natural habitat with some of favorite things to do in the town, so you can see how the colors look on my real (but very pale) hands.
First up, San Rafael. A lush berry color that perfectly matches the dahlias I picked up from the Civic Center Farmer’s Market.
The sparkly orange for Tiburon was perfect for a casual date night at Luna Blu.
The modern mauve hue of Larkspur perfectly matches my coffee and croissant at our weekend haunt, Rustic Bakery.
Seasmoke is the perfect way to describe the modern neutral color of Sausalito.
Mill Valley is the perfect locale to enjoy my fresh pistachio green polish and my delicious Noci gelato.
Which color is your favorite? If you design a nail polish color for your hometown, what color would it be?
Remember, use the code STYLESAFARI at checkout for 25% off all Soulstice nail colour!
