Polish... or POISON?

Now... full disclosure, I sunbathe. Not that often, and when I do, I wear sunscreen, but hot damn do I love to do it. Organic & natural foods are nice to eat when they're around, but not really on my list of must-haves. I consume too much Splenda. I enjoy filling up my tank because I love the smell of gasoline. I hover in front of the microwave and peer through the glass to watch my food. I practically bathe in acetone once a week.

My approach to life is not always the safest. I know, I know. I'm WILD!

But I know some of you are careful. Or pregnant. Or simply smarter than I am.

And so, dear reader, I came across this article about the toxins in nail polish, and I thought of you. The person who washes (and I mean really washes) fruit before they eat it. Who stays away from high-fructose corn syrup. Who's never smoked a cigarette and loves to go hiking. And then heads off to piloxing. This is for you, my healthy friend. Bless your heart.

Is Your Nail Polish Harmful? courtesy of Yahoo!

Formaldehyde is the F-word of manicures...This colorless and strong-smelling gas is not only used in embalming (eek!), it can also be found in countless common household items, including glue, plywood, adhesives and yes, even as a hardener and preservative in nail polish.

Oh, and last but not least: It's a proven carcinogen. In fact, as of June 10, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services updated its National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens (RoC) to state that formaldehyde is 'known to be a human carcinogen,' replacing the previous and more ambiguous 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.'

Ahhh! Okay, that excerpt scared even me! I know Zoya and Nubar are proudly 3-free. Do you all have any other favorite "green / natural / less toxic" brands to recommend?

stayshinyandsafe, Francesca

Green Bling — Happy St. Patty's Day!

Tomorrow is St. Patty's Day!

Honestly, I am not quite sure why we celebrate this holiday or why we celebrate it on its designated day.  St. Patty's Day just appears to be a good day to socialize, wear green, and drink beer.....at least that's what I've heard (can't remember the last time I celebrated St. Patty's Day).

So, I am joining in the festivities this year with some fabulous green, blinged out nails!

This is my first 3D nail, and let me tell you, I have some serious reservations about 3D nails.  Mostly, they are just WAY too much for me, gaudy, and sometimes incredibly unsophisticated.  Not to harp on 3D nails too much, but I don't really think they are meant for working professionals in their late 20's, ya know?!

So, I am attempting a serious compromise here with a 3D ringer (if you don't remember what a "ringer" is, please read here).

These nails are still loud and gaudy, but much more toned down than most 3D nails I have seen.  Compromise.

Also, I would like to note that I will not be wearing these to work....they are only for the St. Patty's Day weekend.

First, I started with a base coat.  Then I painted one thick coat of Wet n' Wild Spoiled's I Only Eat Salad, which is surprisingly opaque and quite nice after just one coat.

Then I covered my nails in one coat of Milani Neon's Totally 80's, just for a brighter pop of green.

I have to say I am rather sad out Milani Neon's Totally 80's, which is not neon at all.  It's just a bright green, and I was really hoping for a neon green :(  Oh well.

Now for the 3D effect, you will need rhinestones, a toothpick, water, and your top coat.

Once your nails are completely dry, paint a top coat on one ring finger.  Then, while still wet, use a wet toothpick to carefully place the rhinestones on your ring finger.  Once all your rhinestones are in place, then coat the entire nail in another layer of top coat.  Make sure to let dry completely.

Super fun and perfect for a St. Patty's celebration!

Have fun with your green nails and beer and remember to be safe!

 -kissmeimirish, Varnish

Orly — Enchanted Forest

I invested in Orly's complete Once Upon A Time collection two autumns ago, and it was money well spent! Half of the six have become tried-and-true staples in my collection. Scrangie swatched them all in a great post that you can read by clicking here. This week, I'm wearing one of my faves: Enchanted Forest.

Orly's Enchanted Forest may not be brand spankin' new, but it's definitely double-take good. I've gotten so many compliments this week!

It's a deep forest green with the smallest hint of a blue-ish tinge. I feel like my nails are little pine trees. From a distance, it looks like any other dark color; very deep, possibly black. But once you're in talking range — and especially in sunlight — you'll notice your conversational partner's eyes will stray. Down. Down... no, no, not there, over there... ah, yes! Your fingernails!

Enchanted Forest is a creme polish with great coverage. It definitely requires two coats, or else you'll see brush streaks. I've never felt the need to slap on three; I think it would get too dark and it's a little on the thick side, so it just doesn't seem necessary. It's remarkably true to its color in the bottle; with Enchanted Forest, what you see is what you get.

I used my usual Essie ridge filling base coat, two coats of Orly Enchanted Forest, and one coat of my dear Sally Hansen MegaShine. Perfection! For me, this polish is a must-have. It's elegant and unexpected; one of my favorite combinations. If it's a little too dark for you, but you like the idea of a darker green, here's a great pic to inspire you from Flickr.

xxo, GLOSS

Revlon — Matte Suede Emerald City

Revlon's Matte Suede in Emerald City speak to me in an number of ways.  First, I am from Seattle, so the Emerald City will always hold a special place in my heart.  Secondly, this nail polish is so pretty with it's deep shade of green and tiny flecks of lighter greens! Admittedly, it took me a very long time to get used to the idea of matte colors.  I mean, like many females, I tend to like things that are shiny and have sparkle.  However, matte is the newest fashion in nail colors and, with much hesitation and reservations about the absence of shine, I think I am starting to dig this trend!

XOXO, Varnish