You know when you find a product that you instantly know you’ll use the rest of your life? It’s kind of like falling in love and for me, Scotch NaturalsTM Premium Nail Lacquers is one of those things. I’m not just happy to have these eco-friendly and non-toxic nail polishes, but I feel truly thankful for those who created this product! Okay, allow me to gush here for a moment… Scotch Naturals is vegan, cruelty-free, gluten free, fragrance free, toxin free, paraben free, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable. Oh, and did I mention they’re absolutely gorgeous? Quite the resume! I chose these as best nail polish in the natural beauty guide of Sweet Violet Bride magazine.
I have so many wonderful things to say about this eco-friendly alternative to conventional solvent-based nail polish, but I will start by saying that when I first used these I felt like a new world had dawned. I (gasp) didn’t inhale a toxic, headache-inducing, eye-watering smell. I could paint my nails in the same room as my husband and until he looked up at what I was doing had no idea that I was painting my nails. “How come those polishes don’t stink?” he asked. “They’re water-based!” I gleamed as I painted Roasted Mellow onto my pinkie. “Cool” he said as he went back to reading his rock climbing magazine. It didn’t bother my cats, it didn’t bother family, and it didn’t bother me!
The colors Scotch Naturals has created (more than 42) are absolutely stunning. Seriously, I cannot say enough about their great taste in colors and cannot wait to see what they will come up with next. So far I have a little collection of pale pinks and nudes (Roasted Mellow, Neat, Klondike Cooler, Atholl Brose), and then they just sent me some of their purples that I am soooo in love with (Mamie Gilroy, Velvet Kilt, Queen of Scots) and also Widow Woods’ Nightcap which is a very deep red with a purplish tinge and hint of shimmer. It looked more purple online (perhaps just my computer) but even though it is not quite what I was expecting is still a very pretty shade that fits right in with the purples. Together with the purples they make a great ombre look with one on each nail (below: top left). Velvet Kilt is quite a dynamic color because with one coat it looks like a deep violet, and with two coats has a beautiful Greek olive shade (below: bottom left). I’m in love with all of these but think Queen of Scots might be my favorite violet nail polish of all time.
The color Klondike Cooler can create a festive gold look by brushing a bit of glitter (I used Martha Stewart glitter in Florentine Gold) onto the tips after applying the sticky base coat, then one layer of Klondike Cooler, finished with the On the Rocks Top Coat to seal it all in.
They are 100% free of all phthalates, parabens, solvents (ethyl acetate and butyl acetate), nitrocellulose, acetone, and heavy metals. Another great thing about these polishes is that they don’t yellow my nails like solvent based polishes tend to do after repeated use.
The Process of using these polishes is a bit different from what you’re used to. First you start by painting a sticky base coat, wait a minute and then paint the color of your choice. They look great at this point, but when you then finish it off with their On The Rocks Top Coat, they look ah-mazing. Super glossy and as if you’ve just had a professional manicure. Taking it off is a little more time consuming than removing solvent-based polish. To do so you use a cotton ball and their Soy Polish Remover (this can also remove solvent-based polish) and gently rub. However, I find that it helps to soak your hands in water for 10 minutes (add a little rose oil and jojoba oil and it’s like you’re at a spa!) and then also using an orange stick or thumbnail to help scrape it off. This takes longer than removing regular polish, but to me the benefits far outweigh this little bit of extra time.
A great way to try out Scotch Naturals is to get their detox package (this also makes a great gift) which contains one color of your choice and the base coat and top coat. And guess what, they’ve allowed me to share a special discount code with you guys!
Use promo code: SWEETVIOLET for 25% off detox packages. Good until 1/31/14 Enjoy!
— Naomi
