• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Glowing Fridge
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Cycle Phase Recipes
      • Menstrual Phase
      • Follicular Phase
      • Ovulatory Phase
      • Luteal Phase
    • Breakfast
    • Smoothies and Juices
    • Drinks
    • Salads
    • Main Dish
    • Glow Bowls
    • Soup
    • Sides
    • Sauces, Dressings and Dips
    • Snacks
    • Sweets
    • Mocktails & Cocktails
  • My Books
    • The Plant-Based Cookbook for Women
    • The Happy Hormone Tracker
    • The Happy Hormone Guide
  • Hormone Health
    • The Happy Hormone Tracker
    • The Happy Hormone Guide
    • Food Chart Download
    • Hormone Blog Posts
    • Cycle Phase Recipes
      • Menstrual Phase
      • Follicular Phase
      • Ovulatory Phase
      • Luteal Phase
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Wellness
    • Hormone Health
    • Pregnancy
    • What I Ate
    • Why Vegan?
    • Vegan Starter Guide
    • 5-Day Cleanse
    • The Glow Down
    • Videos
  • KING COFFEE
    • 7-Day KING COFFEE Challenge
    • How to Buy King Coffee/Become a Distributor
    • About Reishi KING Coffee
    • FAQ About KING Coffee + Vegan Reishi Latte
  • Contact
    • Contact Me
    • About
      • About Me
      • My Vegan Story
  • Shop
    • Amazon Store
    • CODES
    • 7-Day KING COFFEE Challenge
    • How to Buy King Coffee
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • How to Buy King Coffee
  • Menstrual Phase Recipes
  • Follicular Phase Recipes
  • Ovulatory Phase Recipes
  • Luteal Phase Recipes
  • My Books
  • Wellness & Lifestyle
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Better For You Nail Polishes

    Sep 1, 2016 • Beauty, Wellness & Lifestyle

    'Better For You' Nail Polishes. Vegan, Cruelty-Free and "5-Free". A list of the best brands that are healthier for us and the environment, PLUS my mani-pedi routine. #5free #nail #polish #vegan

    The mani-pedi game is changing – and with good reason.

    Since I feel super weird without nail polish on, you can always find me with my nails painted. It may be chipping and peeling off at times (lol) but that’s beside the point. You guys always ask about the nail polish in my instagram pics, so I figured it was time to share the deets on ‘Better For You Nail Polishes’. They do exist and are worth exploring. 

    If you’re at all concerned about the ingredients in your beauty products, you may want to consider nail polish as well. There’s a new wave of non-toxic polishes that are amazing and SO worth supporting. If you haven’t yet heard of the “5-Free” nail polishes then I’m glad you’re reading this because awareness is key and now you can make a “greener” choice. 

    The 5-Free brands have removed formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, camphor and formaldehyde resin ? all potentially dangerous carcinogens and allergens that could do everything from disrupt your endocrine system to cause cancer. Have no fear ladies – removing these toxic ingredients does not skimp on the quality, performance, creativity or color. 

    Time to uncover the sketchy ingredients which come with all sorts of warnings, after a little research. Why even risk it? Better safe than sorry, no?

    The “Toxic Trio”:

    Formaldehyde: Yep… that stuff they use to preserve and embalm dead bodies…. a commonly used chemical with irritating vapors that can trigger asthma. A known human carcinogen, meaning it’s directly related to causing cancer. Used as a nail-hardening agent and sterilizer for nail tools.

    Toluene: commonly used liquid solvent with the familiar smell of paint thinner to dissolve or combine chemicals. An additive in gasoline that creates a smooth finish across the nail and prevents pigment separation in the bottle. We are exposed by breathing it in or getting it on our skin which can cause irritation. Inhaling toluene can affects the nervous system and cause reproductive harm, let alone light-headedness and nausea. 

    Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): a plasticizer added for flexibility and fluidity (used to make plastics malleable) and is what your shower curtain is made out of. Has been banned from children’s toys. DBP has been connected to cancer and birth defects in lab animal studies.  This toxin was added to the California Proposition 65 list of suspected teratogens, which are agents that cause malformations of an embryo (um… no thank you).

    Extra Chemicals:

    Formaldehyde Resin: is a derivative of Formaldehyde, a polymer used as a nail hardener. Mainly for coatings and adhesives 

    Camphor: is a waxy, highly flammable poison that adheres and acts as a cover on your nails. Causes that yellow staining by depriving them of nutrients. Can cause seizures and disorientation if used in large doses.

    Awesome…

    With all that being said, you probably want to know options and what’s available. You may be surprised to find some of your favorite brands have already made the switch to 5-Free! The polishes in these pictures are some of my favorite brands so far, but I’ve listed out a bunch of 5-Free polishes below, along with my nail routine! 

    'Better For You' Nail Polishes. Vegan, Cruelty-Free and "5-Free". A list of the best brands that are healthier for us and the environment! #5free #nail #polish #vegan

    Defy & Inspire in Newlyweds, Defy & Inspire in Top Model, Joshik in 254

    'Better For You' Nail Polishes. Vegan, Cruelty-Free and "5-Free". A list of the best brands that are healthier for us and the environment! #5free #nail #polish #vegan

    ZOYA in Kelly // Zoya in Brigitte // Raga Varnish in Sahasrara // ZOYA in Caitlin

    My collection of colors has slowly been growing over the months, especially after stopping in Ulta this week for their “buy two, get one free” nail polish sale. I figured it was time to pick up some new fall-ish colors?! Of course I chose my fave brand Zoya, figuring they were apart of this epic nail sale but learned otherwise at checkout. Don’t you hate that?! 

    Anyways… they were worth it 🙂

    'Better For You' Nail Polishes. Vegan, Cruelty-Free and "5-Free". A list of the best brands that are healthier for us and the environment! #5free #nail #polish #vegan

    My Mani-Pedi Routine:

    Before applying polish, I make sure to moisturize and soften my cuticles for a few minutes with oil, Cocokind Serum in particular. I know it says “facial serum” but it’s a mixture of coconut oil and avocado oil, which I can’t put on my already semi-oily face, so I use it on my hands and nails instead! Then I push back my cuticles with this tool and remove the oil with the Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover 32 oz – (only $10!).

    You want to make sure nails are clean so the polish adheres right.

    Next, I apply the Zoya Naked Manicure Naked Base to create a better base for the polish. The Naked Base is “a nutrient-rich formula that refines the nail surface and treats damage with a blend of vitamins, proteins, botanicals and sulfur amino acids that mimic the natural structure of the nail. Supports cellular renewal, oxygenation and hydration improving strength and polish adhesion”.

    Let that dry and pick out your favorite polish! Do two coats, then finish with a quality top coat (like this one).

    'Better For You' Nail Polishes. Vegan, Cruelty-Free and "5-Free". A list of the best brands that are healthier for us and the environment! #5free #nail #polish #vegan

    “5-Free” Nail Polish Brands:

    Butter London
    Color Club
    C?te
    Deborah Lippman
    Defy & Inspire
    Ella+Mila
    Ginger +Liz
    Jenna Hip
    Joshik
    Julep
    Mineral Fusion
    Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
    Pacifica
    Raga Varnish
    RGB
    Sonia Kashuk
    Suncoat
    Tenoverten
    Vapour Organic
    ZOYA

    I wanted to point out that Ella + Mila (and some others listed above) have gone one step further by claiming to be “7-Free” (read more here) I’m going to get some of their adorable polishes ASAP! 

    Ella+Mila Nail Polish - Vegan, Cruelty-Free & 7-Free. BonBon Collection

    Hope you find this helpful. What are your favorite brands?!

    Go green my loves.

     

    You Might Like These too:

    • Why You Should Stop Eating Dairy Products and the Best Non-Dairy AlternativesWhy You Should Stop Eating Dairy Products and the Best Non-Dairy Alternatives
    • Quinoa Cauliflower Crust Veggie PizzaQuinoa Cauliflower Crust Veggie Pizza
    • What I Ate WednesdayWhat I Ate Wednesday
    • Blueberry Banana Power MuffinsBlueberry Banana Power Muffins
    • Probiotics for Digestive BalanceProbiotics for Digestive Balance
    • Forbidden Rice & Veggie Glow BowlForbidden Rice & Veggie Glow Bowl
    « Vegan Leather Backpack
    End-of-Summer Salsa »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. kpbgggvakc

      January 23, 2020 at 2:52 am

      xhrtnehswnpzrnqnysmtxxgqkgpmul

      Reply
    2. Gina

      January 14, 2019 at 6:37 pm

      Another awesome 5-free nail polish line is Paris & Vine on Amazon! Excellent polish!

      Reply
    3. Wendy C.

      September 30, 2017 at 7:57 pm

      Hi,

      I’ve been using Zoya. It really fits my nails and the colors are pretty cool.

      Reply
    4. Jackie

      June 24, 2017 at 10:06 pm

      Zoya nail polish is now 10 free.

      Reply
    5. Patty

      June 14, 2017 at 1:48 am

      What brand do you recommend for nail polish remover?

      Reply
      • Shannon Leparski

        June 15, 2017 at 9:07 am

        Hi Patty,

        Zoya has a great one as well as Suncoat; they have a natural plant based polish remover and there are a few other natural ones out there (I think Essie has a clean version but I haven’t tried it). I’ve also heard that you can make a homemade solution of: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. I haven’t tried it but I’m going to!

        Reply
    6. Jenelle Lukasik

      May 27, 2017 at 10:27 am

      I encourage you to check out Jamberry nail products as well! All of their nail lacquers, gel enamels, and nails wraps are 8 free, cruelty free, and made in the USA! The lacquers go on nice and smooth, dry fast, and last well too with good nail prep. I would be happy to send you some free samples to try too 🙂
      Jenellelukasik.jamberry.com

      Reply
      • Shannon Leparski

        May 29, 2017 at 5:35 pm

        Hey Jenelle, I will definitely check them out, thanks!

        Reply
    7. Rochelle

      September 08, 2016 at 6:43 pm

      You should check out Habit Cosmetics. Not only is the polish cruelty free the all the packaging is sustainable. Their colors are amazing and go on super smooth and when it comes time to take it off it is no fuss.
      They are also made in Los Angeles!

      http://www.habitcosmetics.com/collections/colors

      Reply
    8. ninaframbuesa

      September 05, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      Korres is “11-free”

      No mineral oils
      No Propylenglycol
      No Ethanolamine
      No Parabenes
      No Silicones
      No Acetone
      No Phtalates
      No Formaldehyde
      No Camphor
      No Toluene
      No Xylen

      Reply
      • Shannon Leparski

        September 07, 2016 at 3:23 pm

        Yay thanks for sharing this Nina! Amazing 🙂

        Reply
    9. Kathy

      September 02, 2016 at 9:12 am

      I use Pacifica – love their colors and I believe they are 5-free, but these are great to know if I feel more adventurous! I usually only paint my toes because the fingernails are used too much to garden and paint and all things nail polish unfriendly – it would be pointless ha ha.

      Reply
    10. Amy

      September 01, 2016 at 7:15 pm

      I love Zoya polishes, too! I’m going to try that base coat and top coat, because it seems like no matter what I do, my polish chips after a couple of days.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    SHANNON Leparski

    SHANNON Leparski

    Hi! I'm Shannon, a Certified Hormone Specialist and plant based blogger living in Chicago. I help women heal their bodies bodies from the inside out and balance their hormones naturally through a plant based diet and lifestyle. Let me guide you through it, so you can glow from within and feel the best you've ever felt!

    MY NEW COOKBOOK!

    Fertility Prep eBook!

    Fertility Prep eBook!

    The Happy Hormone Tracker

    The Happy Hormone Tracker

    My Book >> The Happy Hormone Guide!

    A look inside The Happy Hormone Guide. The first ever plant-based vegan book for balancing hormones, increasing energy and reducing PMS symptoms. With recipes and lifestyle tips for each phase of your menstrual cycle. #cyclesycning

    BECOME A PRACTITIONER

    HOW TO DETOX FROM BIRTH CONTROL

    HOW TO DETOX FROM BIRTH CONTROL

    NATURAL BIRTH CONTROL

    NATURAL BIRTH CONTROL

    Want to know the best foods to eat for each phase of your menstrual cycle?

    sign up to start eating in sync with your cycle!

    Footer

    shannon.leparski

    Wellness, Motherhood, Holistic Nutrition, Gut Health
    • Root Cause Practitioner
    • Author of The Happy Hormone Guide
    💌 shannon@theglowingfridge.com

    SHANNON LEPARSKI, IHP
    HANDLE NAME CHANGE!! I’ve been wanting to do th HANDLE NAME CHANGE!!

I’ve been wanting to do this for a while as a fresh start with all the changes to my “brand” in the last year. It feels right to just use my name 😀 (fun fact: I haven’t taken my hubbys last name yet because of business paperwork that I’m too lazy to figure out 😅 name changes are complicated) 

@theglowingfridge started out of my love for the plant based lifestyle but so much has changed in the last 9 years and I’ve been itching to update. Nothing else will change and my blog will still remain as is, if you still use my recipes and such. Love you all and thank you for supporting me through all these changes 🤍🤍🤍

#namechange #handlechange #branding
    what I eat for gut health, happy hormones, healthy what I eat for gut health, happy hormones, healthy skin & hair, and to be a patient mama 🖤

When my blood sugar is on a nasty rollercoaster, I’m not the best mama that I know I should be for my girl. I’m more irritable and short. So I prioritize protein, healthy fats and carbs at each meal. This helps me feel balanced and provides energy to play and chase after her all day! I need all the fuel I can get.

- breakfast tacos with pastured eggs
- collagen king coffee ☁️ 
- leftover homemade chicken fried rice 
- swedish meatballs & gf pasta & green beans
- my homemade tahini maple cookies (I have a reel with the recipe!!) but I’m truly addicted 🍪 
- always sipping on @gerolsteiner_usa 💧

#whatieatinaday #happyhormones #hormonebalance #bloodsugarbalance #guthealth #hairhealth
    I don’t get ready everyday… But when I do I f I don’t get ready everyday…

But when I do I feel better, duh! And more confident. More productive. Happier in general. Of course I have super lazy days but I try to get myself together because I’m more likely to leave the house, you know mamas? I hate when people ask “why do you get ready if you’re home all day”.. 

I’m sharing different content like this because I feel like it and don’t want to be stuck in a box 😀

#grwm #sahm #selfcare
    I mean if you drink it everyday… It should be o I mean if you drink it everyday…

It should be organic, mold-free, tested for mycotoxins and taste delicious, etc. King coffee goes a step further with a therapeutic dose of reishi spores, the most powerful and potent part of reishi mushroom! Most other companies use the lucidum part of reishi, in case you’re wondering 👑

Want more info? DM me “king” and I’ll send you the deets 🤍🤍🤍

#kingcoffee #reishicoffee #reishi #healthycoffee #organic
    passes & smashes for gut healing ❤️‍🩹 I passes & smashes for gut healing ❤️‍🩹

I have many more passes too.. extreme diets, too many supplements, gluten, juice cleanses, eating too fast and not chewing enough.. the list goes on!

Gut healing takes a multi-faceted approach and it’s never just one supplement to heal or one thing to do.

It takes time, patience and grace! And working alongside a practitioner you feel called to 🙏🏼 

#guthealth #guthealing #guthealthmatters #healyourgut #happyhormones
    january 🤍❄️☃️ january 🤍❄️☃️

    Shannon is a health enthusiast and plant based nutrition advocate, living in Chicago. She studied Health and Fitness at Purdue University and loves everything about the plant based vegan lifestyle, especially creating colorful, nourishing, happy hormone recipes in her kitchen. Read More…

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    MENSTRUAL PHASE RECIPES

    Vegan Tortilla Mushroom and “Mozzarella Cream” Pizza

    Banana Breakfast Cookies (Vegan & Gluten Free)

    Vegan Crockpot Lentil Soup

    Simple Cucumber Salad (Vegan)

    Copyright © 2023 The Glowing Fridge on the Foodie Pro Theme