Low Tox Nail Routine
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Are you tired of spending time and money at the nail salon, only to have your polish chip a few days later? If so, you're not alone. Many women are opting to paint their own nails at home, and one brand that's gaining popularity is Olive and June. Not only does Olive and June offer a wide range of beautiful colors, but their polish is also free of the 7 harmful chemicals commonly found in nail polishes. Plus, Olive and June has a great community where they teach you how to paint your nails like a pro. Here's how I paint my own nails using Olive and June polish, and why I love it so much.
Why Olive and June?
One of the main reasons I love Olive and June polish is because it's free of 7 harmful chemicals commonly found in nail polishes, including formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). These chemicals can be harmful to your health and the environment, so it's important to avoid them when possible. Olive and June polish is also cruelty-free and vegan, making it a great choice for those who are conscious of their impact on animals. Here are some of their nail tips!
Choosing Your Colors
One of the best things about Olive and June polish is the range of colors they offer. From classic nudes and bold reds to trendy blues and greens, there's a color for every mood and occasion. I love experimenting with different colors and designs, and Olive and June's wide range of shades makes it easy to get creative. They also come out with new colors and collaborations for each season.
The Painting Process
Painting your own nails can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Here's how I paint my nails (I linked some O&J videos too:
1. Shape your nails. This is something I never did before and after watching tutorials from O&J, it makes total sense. Clip your nails to the shape you want and then file them. Do this with your previous polish on so you can actually see the shape. Brilliant, right? (Here is a video tutorial, and another one.)
2) Prep Your Nails: Remove the old polish and treat with cuticle oil. I make my own using jojoba oil and lavender oil. Then push back your cuticles and cut them if you want. I don’t typically cut mine. Then you can do one more swipe of polish remover before starting to paint. You don’t want to paint with the oil left on the nails, it won’t adhere.
3) Apply a base coat to protect your nails and help the polish adhere better. I use the O&J primer.
4) Apply the Polish: Choose your desired color and apply a thin, even coat to each nail. Start in the middle of the nail and then paint each side, making sure to leave a small gap between the polish and your cuticles. The trick is to paint the thinnest layer possible and let that dry for 10 minutes at least. The first coat will not look good! Then add your 2nd coat to finish it off. Another thing I love about O&J polish is that they tell it’s difficulty level for painting.
5) Finish with a Top Coat: To seal in your polish and add shine, finish with a top coat. This will also help your polish last longer and resist chipping.
6) I let this dry for 10-15 minutes then I reapply the cuticle oil. I also love the Dry Drops if you’re in a hurry.
The Community
One of the things I love most about Olive and June is their community. They offer tutorials and tips on how to paint your nails like a pro, as well as fun challenges and events to participate in. Whether you're a nail art novice or a seasoned pro, the Olive and June community is a great place to connect with others who share your love of beautiful nails.
If you’d like to purchase some Olive and June products, just use this link! You can get 20% off any of their systems!
I hope this is helpful to you if you’re looking to start doing your own manicures or are looking for a lower tox polish option! I’d love to know if you do your own nails? Go to a salon? Or do you skip nail painting all together?
XO
Sarah