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Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP-Free Nail Polishes

BellaSugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:00:58 -0700

Ask and you shall receive. I read your comments on yesterday's post about nail polishes that contain formaldehyde, and I wanted to respond by giving you a few safer suggestions. Brands such as Butter London and Priti Polish are free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP - and here are some other options.

Some "three-free" polishes
Avon	Peacekeeper
China Glaze	Rescue Beauty Lounge
Elizabeth Arden	Revlon
L'Oreal	Rimmel
Lippmann Collection (newer formula)	Sally Hansen
Maybelline Salon Expert
Nars (newer formula)	Spa Ritual
OPI (newer polishes are safe, but some hardeners use formaldehyde)	Zoya

For a few of my favorite safe-polish picks, read more.

Nars Nail Polish ($16) has developed an improved formula. The varnishes are now enhanced with UV protection, have a glossier finish, and supposedly last longer without chipping (I haven't reached a verdict on this just yet). They are also free of formaldehyde, DBP and toluene - which I think makes the smell less severe.

The polishes in the Lippman Collection ($15) are now not only free of DBP, formaldehyde and toluene, but they also contain green tea and biotin (protein) to help your nails grow stronger. The formula dries quickly and has a really nice shine. I personally love the two new spring colors. Have you had the chance to check out Dream a Little Dream of Me yet?

Adorée Professional Nail Polish ($5) has more than 140 different nail colors in its range. While they are free of the "big three" polish no-no's, they do contain hardeners to help strengthen nails, and they claim to provide a high-shine finish.

Coming Soon: Cuddle Up With Essie's 2009 Autumn Collection

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Dust off your cashmere sweaters from your wardrobes and get ready to cosy up to Essie's newest nail collection. This six-colour line consists of four muted Autumnal rose, brown and grey shades along with two brights (pink and orange) to keep that Summertime neon trend going.The polishes were inspired from the bold furs and subdued knits on the Autumn/Winter 2009 runways. Essie Weingarten, Founder of Essie said in a recent press release,

"At the shows, designers showed striking tailored pieces in muted fabrics that exploded with bright pops of color – that was really refreshing and exciting. I applaud that fresh color perspective and chose to incorporate that trend into our Fall Color Collection – the mix of deep hues and happy brights is like no other collection we’ve done before."

All of the polishes are three-free from toluelene, DBP and formaldehyde. The collection is already available in the states and will be on sale in the UK in just a few weeks for £8.95 each. My favourite is Angora Cardi, a weathered, medium pink that looks warm on your skin and would be gorgeous paired with a brown leather jacket or a pale ruffled tunic and dark blazer. Which shade are you most excited about?

To see close up pictures and to read a description of these new cuddly colours, read more!

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Angora Cardi is a deep and shiny rose shade - a must have for Autumn!
Mink Muffs is a smoky, chocolate brown with a hint of army green undertones.
Chinchilly is a taupey, creamy looking shade of grey.
Midnight Cami is a navy blue with flecks of blue glittery sparkles throughout.
Bright Tights is almost more than neon - it's electric orange with a high shine finish!
Pink Parka definitely screams more of a fun Summer pink, than a wintry tone, however, it's powerful, sexy and would certainly stand out on the slopes.

How To Strengthen Your Nails

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:00:14 -0700

With my nail polish collection rapidly growing, I've been switching polish colors as often as possible - which, of course, causes problems with my nails. So I thought it would be a good idea to give you some tips on how to protect your nails from damage, as well as help fix already-damaged ones. Vertical ridges, white marks, spots, peeling and brittleness are normal signs of neglected nails. Anything else strange going on with your nails could be an indication of a health problem. There's no need to freak out, but keep an eye on it and see a doctor if you suspect there's something funky going on there.

To see how to protect and strengthen your nails, read more.

Use a base coat: Using a base coat before applying color will protect your nails from any harmful chemicals in your polish, and also help prevent the polish from staining your nails. I like Butter London Nail Foundation, especially because it's formaldehyde-free.
Keep it short: Long nails are more likely to snag and tear. The best shape for your nail's health is square and slightly rounded on the top (some call this "squoval"). Clean under the nails regularly, and file any snags as soon as they happen.
Just say no ...to toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP, that is. These common nail polish ingredients can dry out and damage your nails, and formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. To see which nail polish brands are "three-free," check out this post.
Reduce remover: Ideally, you should limit your nail polish remover usage to twice a month. I know that sounds difficult, but try extending your manicures with a rock-solid top coat, like my personal favorite, Seche Vite. When it's time to remove your polish, use a non-acetone remover, and let nails breathe for a few days in between applications.
Soak: If, despite your best efforts, your nails end up a brittle, peeling mess, treat them to a warm oil soak. Just heat some bath or olive oil in the microwave, then dip your fingertips in for about 10-15 minutes. When you're finished, rub generous amounts of lotion or a good cuticle cream into your nails and cuticles. I'm a fan of Kiehl's Imperiale Cuticle Treatment ($19.50).

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Is Your Favorite Polish "Three Free"?

BellaSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:01:38 -0700

Eliminate one more question to ask yourself when picking your polish - not only choose the right shade, but know if the bottle you grab is free of the toxic trio! We've talked about the chemicals - toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate - when greening our home manicure. And now there's an cheat sheet to know which brands are safe at the shop or salon.

The National Healthy Nail Salon Alliance surveyed product manufacturers and found that 74 percent of polishes were entirely "three free." Yay. If you're curious whether your favorite brand is in the clear, print the downloadable card - it's as easy as one, two, three when you cut, fold, and save the wallet-sized sheet as a reference.

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How-To: "Green" Your Manicure

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:00:51 -0800

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.

Non-toxic polish: Try No-Miss Nail Polish ($7), which can be found at Whole Foods. Uliano also recommends Spa Ritual Nail Lacquer ($12).
Paraben-free lotion: Uliano likes SpaRitual products. Try Instinctual Moisturizing Lotion ($28) or Cuti-Quench Cuticle and Skin Conditioning Creme ($15).
Soy-based polish remover: Uliano calls Priti's Soy Nail Polish Remover ($22.50) "awesome."
Tea tree oil: For a foot and hand soak try Desert Essence Organic Tea Tree Oil ($9).

How-To: Healthy Nails

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:00:20 -0700

I've been a nail-biter for two solid decades and what remains of my once elegant hands are so very sad. My nail beds are short and stumpy and my cuticles are pink, jagged and puffy. Every year I make a resolution to stop gnawing my nubs, and this time I'm going to do it. If you're wondering how to keep your hands healthy and looking their best, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

A nail should ideally have smooth skin folds (the area around your nail), flesh-colored cuticles (not raised or puffy) and a white lunula (half-moon shape at the bottom of your nail bed). Nails should also be consistent in color and free of horizontal ridges and dents. If your nails have any of these conditions, it could be indicative of illness.
White spots on your fingernails are OK. They are caused by injury and will typically grow out. However, red, black, green and yellow spots should be brought to the attention of a physician.
Avoid picking at your cuticles. This can lead to cuts and infection. Have a manicurist push them back manicures with clean tools (you don't want to contract a fungus).
Moisturize your cuticles and nails often. Whenever possible, apply a hydrating cream and wear white, cotton gloves before bed (as a deep conditioning treatment).
Short, square shaped nails (with rounded edges) are the easiest to maintain. Keep them covered with a hardener, polish or treatment that is free of toluene, DPB and formaldehyde. Also, I recommend an acetone-free polish so you don't dry out your nails and cuticles.
Did you know that nails grow around 0.1 millimeters a day? This means that your nails take about four to six months for full re-growth. So be patient if you don't see results instantaneously.

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Pastel Products, Part V: Lovely Lacquers

BellaSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:00:22 -0700

Pretty pastel nail polishes are a fun way to lighten up any warm-weather beauty look. Pale pinks, sage greens, sunny yellows and light lavenders are beautiful shades to complement a special sundress or handbag. (And if you're still stuck with winter, they're a nice way to bring Spring to you early.) The colors come in an array of opaque formulas for you fearless femmes, as well as sheer versions for those of you who are still a little bit gun-shy.

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L'Oreal Pro Manicure Nail Polish, Trust Fund Baby ($3.49) is a fun color with a catchy name. The polish is formaldehyde and toluene free - and since it contains pro-keratin proteins, it also strengthens your nails. I think this shade in particular looks best when you apply two coats.

Duri Nail Polish in Pistachio ($3.75) is a light, opaque lime green polish that lasts long, dries quickly, and imparts high shine along with streak-free color.

For one more pretty pastel nail polish, read more.

Essie Looking for Love ($8) is a soft and sweet, medium-hued lavender polish. The color is rich and long-lasting - and considering that Essie polishes are always at the forefront of fashion, you'll be ahead of the game for Spring.

Product Review: Butter London HRH Nail Polish

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

Butter London is one of those beauty brands that is fast becoming cult property. Although the company is actually based in Seattle, it offers a thoroughly British experience with quirky names such as Old Blighty and Chimney Sweep. Their creative director, Nonie Creme has worked on numerous A-list nails, including Kate Moss, as well as creating looks on campaigns for Vogue, H&M, and Jimmy Choo. This is one nail polish brand with serious fashion credentials.

I'm also pleased to note that it's not all about image. Butter London has a strong commitment to making non-toxic polishes. All of the polishes are free of the "big three" - toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde. It's a relief to know you needn't worry about toxicity in the quest to be beautiful.

In terms of colours, these are bang on-trend. After checking out my girl Bella US's favourite shades, I found it very hard to choose between Butter London's gothic glam black, patriotically called Union Jack Black and the royal looking HRH. I plumped for HRH, which is a rich purple that has a fantastic sheen. For how the varnish stood the test of time, just read more.

Firstly I have a confession, I'm actually rubbish at applying my own nail colour. Sometimes I feel more akin to a child playing with a paintbox than a wannabe makeup artist. I found the oblong shaped lid quite tricky to use as a brush, being used to a round-lid applicator. The brush itself is good though and again it does seem worth splashing out for more pricey polishes as cheaper ones often have brushes with loose bristles that get stuck in your artwork.

I was blown away by the colour; bright, glossy and with a depth that made it look as though I had amethysts for nails. Although purple nails certainly turns heads, the shade was sophisticated enough for work and a meeting with my bank manager. Plus it seemed to go with all my clothes, from a black lace cocktail dress to a red and grey striped top with jeans or a classic taupe-coloured coat. After five days of washing up, typing, pumping up the tyre on my Vespa and opening post there wasn't a chip in sight. Definitely fit for Her Royal Highness.

Bella Brand: Butter London

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 07:00:28 -0800

I'm usually not convinced that fancy nail polish is much better than drugstore polish, but some brands provide an incentive to spend a few dollars more. Butter London is one of them. Although it's based in Seattle, the nail-care brand is an Anglophile's dream, offering a thoroughly British experience. (Well, there's no tea, but it's pretty close.)

Butter London operates three nail salons in Washington state, one in California, and soon one will open at Dulles International Airport. I haven't visited any of them, but after trying a few nail polishes, I now know that I want to. Nonie Creme, the creative director, has loaned her nail creativity to clients including Kate Moss, Vogue, H&M, and Jimmy Choo. It's no surprise, then, that the polish colors ($12) are completely on-trend. (Check out some of my favorite colors below.)

Along with the color variety, the other big draw of Butter London is its commitment to making nontoxic polishes. All of the polishes are free of the "big three" - toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde - and so I feel safer wearing them. I've now switched to using Nail Foundation ($18), which has helped my manicure stay chip free. If you're looking for fashionable colors and are cautious with your cosmetics safety, you might want to check it out.

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Acetone poisoning

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:57:11 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Symptoms
Home Treatment
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
What to expect at the emergency room
Expectations (prognosis)

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Acetone is a chemical used in many household products. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing acetone-based products.

Alternative Names

Dimethyl formaldehyde poisoning; Dimethyl ketone poisoning; Nail polish remover poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

Acetone; Dimethyl formaldehyde; Dimethyl ketone

Where Found

Fingernail polish remover
Some cleaning solutions
Some glues, including rubber cement
Some lacquers

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Cardiovascular system
- Low blood pressure
Gastrointestinal system
- Nausea
- Pain in belly area (abdomen)
- Person may have a fruity odor
- Sweet taste in mouth
- Vomiting
Nervous system
- Acting as if drunk
- Coma
- Drowsiness
- Stupor
Respiratory system
- Difficulty breathing
- Slowed breathing rate
- Shortness of breath
Urinary system
- Increased need to urinate

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
The time it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

Activated charcoal if the patient arrives immediately after swallowing the poison
Tube through the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
Oxygen, if needed

Expectations (prognosis)

Accidentally drinking small amounts of acetone/nail polish remover is unlikely to harm you as an adult. However even small amounts can be dangerous to your child, so it is important to keep this and all household chemicals in a safe place.

If the person survives past 48 hours, the chances for recovery are good.

Review Date: 10/18/2007

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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