Toss it Out Tuesday - Drugstore Nail Polish

Did you know that your favorite nail polish can contain harsh chemicals like formaldehyde (a well-known embalming material and a known carcinogen), toluene (paint thinner), DBT - dibutyl phthalate (an endocrine disruptor), camphor (highly toxic and flammable substance and embalming material), parabens (possible link to breast cancer), TPHP - triphenol phosphate (endocrine disruptor) and sulfates (irritant).

But why are these chemicals added to your nail polishes!? They apparently help the polish harden and adhere to the nails and reduce the flammability of the product.

Why should we be concerned about applying these chemicals to our nails? Since our nails are actually porous some chemicals can be absorbed through our nails!

Finding a “cleaner” nail polish was a pretty difficult job… luckily I stumbled upon a cleaner brand, AILA, while browsing Clementine Fields (an online Canadian retailer of natural products)! AILA (eye-luh), was created by a board certified Podiatric Surgeon! After some battles both personal and health wise she decided to “clean up her act” and voila AILA cosmetics was born!!

I love how every bottle of AILA Nail Polish has a little story behind the colour to go with it… whether it’s a story about AILA’s founder, an old boyfriend or college friend each bottle of polish has an inspiration behind it! And if you purchase the colour “5 Senses” a portion of the proceeds goes to the Sensory Processing Disorder foundation, a disorder one of her children has. Its always a nice to know you are supporting a good cause with your purchase!

My Daughter's first manicure, lol

I decided to purchase “Ginger” from the Clemintine’s Fields website and I love this colour! Its the perfect corally pink for summer! The polish applies very smooth. There is enough pigment in this colour to apply one coat but I like to apply two coats to give a deeper colour and extend the wear time. The colour lasted for three weeks on my toes before it started to chip (but only on my two smaller toes), and that’s without a base or a top coat. The two coats I applied to my fingers lasted about 4-5 days without any major chipping. I might invest in a base and/or top coat to see if that will help extend the wear time!

There are 32 lacquer colours to choose from, so you will be able to find your perfect shade! They retail for $17.00 US through the AILA website. And when you subscribe to the AILA newsletter you get a code for free shipping on your first order! Or you can purchase a bottle of AILA nail polish from Clementine Fields for $21.00 Canadian a bottle! (this is where I purchased mine). I can't wait to try out more colours!

Remember to always live your life in Colour!

Simply Truly Jenny…