There are many advantages to trying out a soy-based nail polish remover, including the fact that it's eco-friendly and won't dry out the nails. Also, since it's acetone- and chemical-free, you won't have to inhale stinky fumes when using it. But the real question is, does it work as well as regular formulas? Check out this video, where we test A Beautiful Life's Soy Polish Remover ($20), to find out.
Like many frequent travelers, I insist on packing light. These packing tips prove that one bag can hold everything you'll need for a two-week trip, provided you're willing to whittle things down to the basics. That means bulky items stayed at home — until I came across La Fresh's travel wipes. Each individually packaged wipe targets a different grooming need. As you might expect, there are anti-bacterial wipes as well as ones that remove makeup, but my favorite wipe comes pre-soaked with nail polish remover. These aren't acetone-free (in case you care) but they have ingredients like vitamin E and aloe vera to soothe cuticles. A box of 48 is $20, but through May 7 they're down to $8 at Hautelook. They're pretty clever for travelers: No need to haul a leaky bottle around, no reason to buy it at your destination. Just simple and small, just the way I like my carry-on luggage.
A mysterious smell permeating throughout the cabin of a recent Australian flight caused the crew to make an emergency landing. The culprit? It was likely a leaky polish remover coming from a passenger's bag. While a few fell ill as a result of the fumes, luckily, all affected were treated and have made a full recovery.
Don't want to be the one responsible for your next flight to be diverted due to a stinky spill? Consider packing Avon's Nail Enamel Remover Wipes ($5) instead. Or pick up a small bottle at the drugstore when you reach your destination — it's cheap. Another option is simply to stop in a salon for a quick polish removal and touch-up service.
But if you must pack nail polish remover on your carry-on, first follow TSA's 3-1-1 policy. After twisting the cap tightly, tape to the bottle to secure. Then you're cleared for takeoff.
Let's face it: nail polish removers stink of chemicals, and when formulated with harsh, drying ingredients like acetone, toulene, and DBP, they're not exactly earth- or body-friendly, either. Recently, the folks from the Philly-based skin and makeup boutique, A Beautiful Life, sent over a sample of their naturally-based, three-free Soy Polish Remover ($20). See what I thought of the eco-friendly product when you read more.
I'll admit that with a few exceptions, most beauty supply stores are not the place to go for your glamorous upscale shopping. Whether it's megachain Sally's Beauty Supply or the local beauty emporium down the street, the majority of you said you're fans of these types of establishments — and with good reason. We at Team Bella love them too, and that's why we compiled a list of five of our favorite beauty supply store items.
Some people love that peel-off style nail polish, but I'd venture to say that most people don't love it when their actual nails peel. Peeling nails can be caused by certain medical conditions and even some prescriptions, but what can you do in everyday life to prevent your fingernails from going all flaky on you? Find out more in my ultracool, easy-to-follow chart when you keep reading.
It might not look like much, but this little guy on the right has made life a whole lot easier. I'm not exactly what you would call a graceful swan, and ever since I ruined the finish on my parents' dining room table back in my younger days due to an accidental spill of nail polish remover, I've been extra careful around the stuff. A few years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to something very similar to the Twist and Lock Plastic Liquid Dispenser ($8), and I haven't cried over any spilled polish remover since. You simply place a cotton ball or swab over the opening on the lid and push down. Voilà! Up pops nail polish remover without all the mess, spills, or wrecked tables — and it can be used for other liquid beauty items, too.
Everyone loves a good bargain, particularly when it comes to beauty staples, like good old-fashioned nail polish remover. Reader hippiecowgirl calls Cutex Nail Polish Remover in Strengthening ($2) a great value, and here's why:
This is a great product for the price. It doesn't dry my nails out at all like some other budget brands I've tried. The smell isn't nearly as pleasant as some of my more expensive favorites (such as Sephora), but it works well to remove my polish. In the end, that's most important to me.
Do you have some favorite nail-care items you'd like to share with us? I've got the perfect place for you to review to your heart's delight. It's our Product Reviews website, where there are over 50,000 items from which to choose. We'd love to hear from you!
Although I'm definitely a crowd pleaser for the quirky tips and products I've got on hand, I snatched this trick from an unsuspecting pal before a night out. After waiting through her beautification process, our exit was delayed when she decided her peeling polish was more tacky than trendy.
As I watched some TV, I caught her removing nail polish with a cotton ball held in plastic wrap. Assuming it had something to do with the scent of the product, I watched as she made it through the whole hand with just one swab and probably could have started on the left. She laughed when she caught me staring and said that wrapping with plastic slows the remover's evaporation process — and keeps the lifted polish on the swab, not on the hand that swiped it. Sorry, friend, I'm stealing this tip from you!
Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate — all chemicals considered dangerous for our bodies and the environment, and yet they are still found in many nail products. Sophie Uliano is the author of Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life ($15.25), where she discusses everything from choosing an earth-friendly lipstick to preparing eco-conscious treats.
Last year, Uliano appeared on Oprah with her friend Julia Roberts to celebrate Earth Day. And now, she has some tips for greening your manicure, along with specific product suggestions she shared with me. Uliano recommends mixing up a "gorgeously green" bag to take with you to your next manicure. Find out her suggestions when you read more
