There is something soothing and satisfying about a pedicure (and a manicure). Unfortunately, the process can involve some smelly chemicals and expense. I have a confession, I love the look of polished nails but rarely polish my own because I hate the smell of nail polish and nail polish remover.
Disclosure: I recently discovered scent-free nail polish from Play Love Laugh, Inc. By discovered, I mean they sent a free sample of one of their “all natural” peel off polishes. One use for this polish is a healthier alternative for children to enjoy a little non-toxic color. But I found, the color is beautiful and lasts for days. So it is also a great alternative for adults (and kids) who do not like the scent or chemicals in typical nail polish and removers.
It is possible to enjoy a relaxing pedicure (and manicure if you wish!) without the chemical scent that often is involved. (By the way, I must say this for the chemists in my family… I am not anti-chemical the world is made of chemicals both natural and synthetic.) I just don’t like certain scents that to me seem strongly “chemical” and find it more relaxing and healthy to avoid some of those scents.
Six Steps to A Blissful Stink-Free Pedicure:
1. Set the mood,
Play some lovely music and maybe use an aroma-therapy diffuser or candle (if it is safe). This is “me” time or “we time”. Enjoy!
2. Start with a cleansing and exfoliating skin treatment
I used this DIY Lemonade, Peppermint Foot Scrub (recently posted) as it is wonderfully moisturizing and exfoliating. If you have Argan or Rosehip oils, they make a lovely cuticle treatment. Or just use your personal favorites!
3. Wash feet
Use washcloth or ideally a nail brush to clean and gently exfoliate. A nail brush is ideal for cleaning under the nails.
4. Clip nails if necessary and file
For toenails I like to file straight across with a soft curve at the edges.
5. Buff or paint.
A nail buffer creates a natural beautiful shine without polish! Or if you like a bit of color, paint your nails with your favorite polish. For the stink free experience, I recommend Play Laugh Love All Natural Peel-Off Polishes (Review to follow).
6. Relax
Perhaps enjoy a refreshing beverage and read a book. Or just chat, this is a lovely bonding activity.
About Play Love Laugh All Natural Peel Off Nail Polish:
Play Love Laugh polishes are made in America by Hugo Naturals using “carrots, beets, spinach, acerola cherries, black currents, sugar and other natural ingredients”. They are currently available in 12 colors.
According to Play Love Laugh publicity materials: “These amazing, safe, gorgeous natural nail polishes were created by a mom, of 3 young children, who is a Certified Physicians Assistant and a Registered Nutritionist. She created them for her children and for herself to use because there is not anything on the market as safe, as natural, as easy to use, as smooth, and as beautiful as Play Love Laugh nail polishes. She is very excited to share with all women and children who care about their health and beauty. ”
Pros from my experience:
I love the color and it is truly stink-free! The polish lasts days even doing the dishes, showering etc. To remove, I took a long relaxing bath then used a nail brush to scrub the polish off. Much more enjoyable than using polish remover! I can see why a lot of mom’s prefer this polish for their daughters. Since I often get a headache when I polish my nails, the lack of scent is a huge plus to me. I also like that it is made in the USA!
Cons from my perspective:
This polish takes longer to dry and feels a little tacky while it dries. The texture is different from traditional nail polish. The bottle I received was teeny, tiny it was about 1/2 the volume of an Opi nail polish. If this is their retail size, it is very expensive. I plan to order a set because I feel the trade off may be worth it, but thought I should mention that detail. Yes, I know made in America and natural are not cheap! But the price and volume are definite cons.
Ingredients for Rosie Posie:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Water, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Juice, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Powder, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Powder, Sucrose, Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Leaf Powder, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Fruit Powder, Maldighia Glabra (Acerola Cherry) Fruit Powder, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide (CI 77491), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)
Where To Find Play Laugh Love:
Play Laugh Love is available on Etsy (Etsy Store here) and on their website: Play Love Laugh, Inc. website. It is also available on the Hugo Naturals Website.
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