Joy of Polish

WHEN IT COMES TO THE SUBJECT of impulse-buying, nail polish ranks high up there for me, close to cheese and chocolate. In recent years, it has even surpassed shoes in terms of shopping frequency. After all, what’s not to love about a rich, creamy, shiny varnish that leaves one’s digits extra-posh, extra-preened?

That said, I’ve come across a multitude of shades that have graced my own tips—from delicious apple reds and sophisticated maroons, down to the subdued mauves and ballet-slipper pinks. Throw in the fuchsias and elegant indigos, I can very well declare myself a true lover of lacquer.

But with this vibrant palette of fashionable varnish comes one caveat: formula.

Some literally pale in comparison in shades upon application or as the days go by. Others, on the other hand—no pun intended—are simply dreadful and leave nails yellow for days.

Fortunately, new polishes have recently emerged now offering optimum nail-care benefits, thanks to plant-based ingredients and the absence of harmful chemicals that leave tips compromised. Here are three polish picks that have stepped up to the challenge of bringing nail lacquer enthusiasts quality formulas worth shelling out cash for (and justifying yet another impulse purchase).

Zoya

At the Organic Rituals Spa and Nail Salon where Zoya is sold for P380 each, not only do owners Nikki Ang-Angco and Kat Armamento vouch for this vegan nail treat (“It’s nontoxic, paraben-free and has no toluene”). They also supplement the polish experience with single-use and “strictly sterilized” manicure and pedicure implements. Three shades I’ve tested on my own digits while interviewing the spa tandem are Lael (an enticing grape color), Sofia (richer plum) and Indigo (dark cobalt in a shiny metal finish).

Spa Ritual Lacquer

This brand also boasts of the same nontoxic formulation with an added earth-friendly perk: “Spa Ritual bottles are made from recyclable glass,” shares the entrepreneurial duo. The packaging also features “a rubbery, nonslip cap that’s a cinch to open,” according to Karen of Makeupandbeauty blog.com. (Admit it, you’ve also used your teeth at some point to open an extra-tight bottle.)

Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen

Leave it to a big-name brand to get with the program by coming up with its latest fast-dry formula (P599.75) that not only features an easy-to-tote pen applicator, but is also enriched with vitamins A and C, Panthenol, and UV protector to keep nails in tiptop shape in each vibrant and colorful shade.

Mariel Chua is the former beauty editor of Cosmopolitan, Seventeen and Ok! Magazine Philippines. She is now based in New York City. Read her blog at http://NyMinuteNow.com or visit http://BeautyintheBigApple.com.

(Original Inquirer article link here.)