With the increased popularity of natural and organic skincare and cosmetic ranges fueled by some well known celebrities even launching their own lines, there has been more attention drawn to the many harmful ingredients in everyday personal care products like nail polish, and the benefits of going ‘chemical free’.

Most of us are becoming more mindful of what we are putting on our faces each morning, but one cosmetic item that’s gaining more attention for it’s toxic chemical cocktail, is nail polish. With summer soon upon us (which means it’s time for a pop of color for the pedicure!) it’s a good time to review what some of the more natural and less toxic options are for nails. Here are four brands leading the charge.

1. Scotch Naturals

Scotch Naturals describe themselves as smart, fun and forward thinking. They offer a revolutionary water-based formula and are free from many of the common toxins found in conventional nail polish such as ethyl acetate, acetone and heavy metals. The color range is quite extensive and come with quirky names like Hot Toddy, To Hell With Swords and Garter and Balmoral Punch. Scotch Naturals also offer a kids range called Hopscotch, with a range of ‘kidcentric’ cosmetics for mini beauty buffs.

2. Butter London

Butter London is perhaps one of the best known brands in the beauty world, made famous by being one of the pioneers of carcinogen free nail care. It was founded in 2005 by British entrepreneur Sasha Muir and says it is synonymous with all things Rock ‘n’ Roll, Great Britain and fashion. The line has become a fixture at fashion weeks and is a cult celebrity favorite. Interestingly, they have recently launched a range of lip glosses, to really a pack a punch.

3. Zoya

Zoya is named for one of its founders, Zoya Reyzis, a traditionally trained pianist from Russia, turned household beauty icon. She earned her cosmetology license after migrating to the United States in the late ’70s and began a pursuit of quality, natural ingredients. Her husband, a trained chemist, developed and patented a range of beauty products including a fast drying nail topcoat and a natural polish, which is how Zoya was born. The brand was recently awarded the ‘longest wearing natural polish’ award by Women’s Health Magazine. The best thing about Zoya is that it offers over 300 colors, plus four seasonal collections of polish, released every year.

4. Keeki

Natalie Bauss started Keeki as a simple kitchen experiment for her children and friends, but within a few short years, it has taken off as an international brand. Residing on an organic farm in West Michigan, Natalie started using local and homegrown ingredients, to create wholesome and natural products. All products in the range are gluten free, cruelty free and devoid of many of the nasty toxins found in conventional cosmetics. A number of products in the range, including the nail polish are also 100 percent vegan. Cute colors like Sour Apple Slushie, Midnight Snack and Glazed Donut, keep the range cute, accessible and creative.

Images: Zitona, Scotch Naturals, Butter London, Keeki Pure and Simple, Zoya

The post Nail It: The 4 Least Toxic Nail Polish Brands appeared first on EcoSalon.

Celebrate the first blush of spring by leaving dark winter clothes behind and opting for soft hues of pink.

At first blush, it seems like spring is here to stay. Before we bring out those summer whites, let’s go through a transition period where we leave those dark solids of winter behind and instead opt for different hues of pink. There is no right or wrong, every shade of pink is equally on trend this spring. Combine your pinks with other pinks or soft beige hues for that sweet spring look that we are all so craving right now.

Hewn Ring with Ruby by Dawes Design
Jennifer Dawes’ exquisite jewelry combines her love of ancient civilizations with current cultural influences to make pieces that are modern with a distinct heirloom quality. All pieces are handmade to order at Dawes’ studio in rural Sonoma County, California. Available in 18k yellow, white or rose gold.
$1,950.00, Green With Glamour

Cosí Nero Quasi Blue Short Jumpsuit
Part of eco-fashionista Livia Firth‘s selection for shopping site Yoox, this jumpsuit by Italian designer Federica Martin Wedard sneakily looks like just a pretty dress from the front. When seen from the back, you realize it, indeed, has legs. It’s made from 100% organic cotton bio-satin and decorated with hand-painted brush strokes.
$648, Yoox

Angle Tee by Indigenous Designs
This tee by Indigenous Designs is fairly made in Peru from 100% organic cotton jersey and dyed using low impact dyes. The delicious raspberry pink color makes it the perfect match for a pair of pale pink shorts (see below). The flattering V-detail in the front gives it a twist that is part super hero part vamp. We like.
$53, Indigenous Designs

Balance Heels by Olsen Haus
One thing you don’t want to do is finish off your blushy outfit with a black pair of heels, it’s way too harsh and takes away from the soft look we’re going for. Instead, opt for a pair of nude heels like these vegan beauties from Olsen Haus. The silver strap creates a nice contrast with the cork heel without demanding too much attention.
On sale for $90, Mission Savvy

The Short Short by IOU Project
A pair of pale pink shorts is definitely a must-have this summer. The IOU Project produces unique, handmade apparel based on fabrics handwoven in India. Each IOU garment has a QR code, which you can scan to find out more about the artisans who made these shorts – probably one of the few times when transparency is a good thing when it comes to shorts.
Approx. $87.50, IOU Project

Zoya Nail Polish in Jessika
Nail polish is without a doubt one of the biggest trends right now and it’s a really fun and easy way to pull an outfit together. Just make sure you reach for the non-toxic stuff, like this nail polish from Zoya. This hue is called Jessika and is a flattering girly pink nude that’s both professional and adorable.
$8, Zoya

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