Give toxic, corporate polish the finger with these awesome indie brands
If you've ever wondered whether the strong fumes coming from your nail polish are harmful, the answer is yes. Luckily, these brands are “five free,” having eliminated five of the harshest chemicals, like formaldehyde, from their formulas. They’re a little pricier than drugstore buys, but embracing sandal season with polishes that are healthy, vegan, and created by women is probably worth it.
SMITH & CULT
The two women who created makeup brand Hard Candy are back in the indie polish biz making amazing colors like coral Psycho Candy (pictured far right in top photo) and mellow yellow The Bee Side. Plus, the glam packaging is as topnotch as the formula.
FLOSS GLOSS
Looking for colors that shine in the sun? Try Donatella, a bronzy-orange shimmer, or Holographic Dimepiece (pictured second from the right in top photo), which may have the best coverage of any glitter polish on the market—one swipe and your nails could practically double as a disco ball.
KESTER BLACK
This Australian brand lasts longer than your average nail polish, even those that rely on crazy chemicals for staying power. And their colors pack a punch—bright Monarch (pictured second from the left in top photo) and turquoise Parrot are blue hues that will make nails pop.
JIN SOON
N.Y.C. nail artist Jin Soon Choi is known for celeb clients like Sarah Jessica Parker, but you can pick up her expertly crafted polish. Cherry Berry (pictured far left in top photo) looks great with all skin tones; top any color with Polka White (pictured far left in top photo) for perfect spots.
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By Kathryn Hensch
Photographed by Megan Senior
Nail Artist: Miss Pop
This article originally appeared in the June/July 2016 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!
Smith & Cult photo via Facebook, Floss Gloss photo via Facebook, Kester Black photo via Facebook, JINsoon photo via Facebook
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