5 Fantastic Natural Nail Polishes

Photo: Martin Poole / Getty Images

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Cosmetics can be a minefield of chemicals and mile-long ingredient lists. Want simple answers to your biggest natural makeup questions? Natural makeup artist Jessa Blades has you covered.

Q: How evil is nail polish? Is it even possible to find one that isn't terrible for the environment and oneself?
-Kristine Kay Johnson

A: There is no nail polish that is TOTALLY natural but the best thing to look for in nail polish is one that is "Three-Free," meaning free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde — all known carcinogenic ingredients.

Wearing nail polish even without the most harmful ingredients can still mean you are exposing yourself to unnecessary chemicals. On the other hand, nail polish is lovely and you should continue to use it, like everything else, in moderation. By using "natural" nail polish you have to realize that you are making a better choice but nail polish still contains chemicals.

Some brands that are Three Free are:
> Priti ($10.50-$12.25 at amazon.com or $16 at gaiam.com.)
> Zoya ($7 at amazon.com)
> Acquarella ($16 at amazon.com or store.acquarellapolish.com)
> Butter London ($14 at amazon.com)
> Sante

Related: More Natural Nail Polish Brands

For nails, another great product is Soy Polish Remover by Priti NYC. ($19.50 at amazon.com or $28 at gaiam.com) It leaves your cuticles conditioned, smells great and doesn't burn your nostrils!

And when going to the nail salon, don't be afraid to BYOP (bring your own polish)!

Jessa Blades founded Blades Natural Beauty in 2008 and was named one of Glamour Magazine's 70 Eco-Heroes in 2009. She was trained at the Makeup Artistry School in Toronto and later worked for MAC Cosmetics before switching to natural beauty products. Jessa lives in New York City and works for various fashion, beauty and bridal clients. She believes women can have it both ways — live healthfully and look beautiful.

Jessa answers more of your beauty questions:
Is Mineral Makeup Bad for Your Lungs?
Is There Natural Makeup for People with Rosacea?
What's a Great Natural Mascara?
How Do Natural Cosmetics Keep from "Going Bad"?
What's a Great Natural Lipstick?
Are There Affordable Natural Beauty Products?

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