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During my collegiate years, I regularly visited my local low-tox nail salon, MAK Nail Bar, in Wyomissing, PA. I loved how the salon focused on cleaning the tools in autoclaves, using nail polishes without the major toxic chemicals (Big 5-Free, Big 7-Free, Big 10-Free polishes), and prioritizing the health of clients and workers. The focus for MAK was not just to make a profit. They wanted everyone to be happy and healthy.
So, What?
So, when I moved to Germany in 2018, I had a bit of a dilemma. I no longer had access to my favorite nail salon. For the entire time I was abroad, I didn’t visit any nail salons. I didn’t want to take the risk or spend the money.
In 2020 when I came back home, COVID was in full swing, and nail salons weren’t open. I relied on cleaner, low-tox bottled nail polish (Essie was my go-to) when I wanted to decorate my fingertips.
Welcome, Polish Pops!
One day, I was watching Instagram stories when I saw one of my favorite hormone-friendly Instagrammers post about a new non-toxic manicure option. Shoutout to Shannon of @theglowingfridge – her info is AWESOME!
The product she shared was from a new company that created an at-home non-toxic nail polish product that was easy to use and looked great.
Polish Pops was the brand she shared. As soon as I headed to their Instagram page, I was sold! The only problem? Too many cute designs to choose from!
Why I Love Polish Pops
- The Designs
- The Ease
- The Cost
- The Community
- The Non-Toxic Formula
The Designs
Polish Pops offers designs in both regular polish and gel polish. All nail wraps are pre-dried and semi-cured strips of polish.
The regular polish is easy to apply and remove. The gel polishes require an LED lamp, which Polish Pops offers in their shop.
Currently, there are various styles available in both gel and polish options. The designs range from everyday neutrals, fun and funky, skittle (different colors on each nail), and seasonal. In 2024, Polish Pops is adding more colors to its gel collection. They’re also adding gel top coats and more size options!
The Ease
Using Polish Pops is really so, so easy. Every item you’ll need is available on their site for purchase. They have their own base coat, top coat, mini LED lamp for gel manicures, glass nail files, and more.
For each polish set you purchase, you typically receive a few alcohol prep pads and a wood cuticle pusher.
Whether you order regular or gel polish, you receive detailed application instructions that include helpful illustrations.
To be honest, once you apply your first few pairs, you’ll be such a pro that you won’t need the tips anymore!
My usual set-up for gel manicures (ft. Pumpkin Spice)
Applying a set of polish takes some users under 30 minutes, which is way shorter than a visit to the salon! It typically takes me about 45 minutes to an hour to complete my application. I really take my time, though, as doing my nails is an important part of my self-care routine.
The manicures last a while for me, which I LOVE. I’m constantly wetting my hands, whether it be while I’m washing dishes or washing my hands at work. My hands also get lots of use with my crafting business.
Typically, my regular polish mani will last at least two weeks. My gel mani will last over two weeks, sometimes three. My manicures usually have lots of life left in them when I decide to take them off because my nail growth starts to drive me crazy.
The Cost
Polish Pops is incredibly cost-effective. When I used to get my nails professionally done, I paid upwards of $60 to $100 for a detailed gel manicure PLUS tip.
Now, I can create the same look from the ease of my own home for between $9 for regular polish and $16 for gel polish.
Isn’t that quite a difference?!
Of course, there is an initial investment when you purchase the base and top coats and a mini LED lamp, but believe me when I tell you that those will last a while. You’ll easily be able to go over a year without purchasing any of them again.
Polish Pops doesn’t currently offer its own gel top coat because its gel manicures don’t require it. I’ve been able to have gel manicures that last over three weeks without a top coat. So, if you choose to purchase your own, you may spend a bit more.
The Community
When you purchase Polish Pops, you can join a wonderful community. Polish Pops VIPs is a Facebook group filled with inspiration, camaraderie, exclusive discounts, and early access deals.
Polish Pops owners, Monique and Paolo, are also very active in the group. If someone has a question, they are quick to provide an answer or provide the customer service email to solve any issues.
One of my favorite parts of the community is Design Days. These days happen every few months and are days when Monique and Paolo ask *us* what designs we’d like to see in the new collections. How cool!
The Non-Toxic Formula
This is what initially interested me in Polish Pops. I knew that a product wouldn’t be promoted by @theglowingfridge if it wasn’t good.
Many beauty products on the market contain lots and lots of BS you’d never hope would enter your body. Conventional nail polish is one of those products.
Polish Pops products are vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic. Remember earlier when I mentioned Big-# free polishes? Polish Pops is 14-FREE! That’s like, really awesome!
What’s 14-free mean? It means that the polish is free from many harmful ingredients, including Phthalates, Toluene, Xylene, Camphor, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Ethyltosylamide, Triphenylphostphate, Colophoneum, Organic Halides, Parabens, Silicone, Fragrances, Animal Derived Ingredients.
Yup, you read that right: Formaldehyde; Fragrance; Parabens; Phthalates. These chemicals are all toxic to our bodies, but you don’t have to worry about them with Polish Pops.
Because they’re without lots of nasty chemicals, Polish Pops help my nails grow like crazy and make them stronger.
When it’s time to remove them, harsh chemicals aren’t necessary. Overall, you’re saving yourself from using things you don’t want to.
Grab Your Polish Pops Today
I’m sure by now you’re just as excited to try Polish Pops as I was when I first learned about them. Honestly, they are some of the best purchases I’ve ever made for myself.
Because I love them so much, I want to help you get 15% off your purchase and start your Polish Pops love today! All you need to do is use the code ROBYN at checkout to get your 15% off.
You can also follow this link to grab your discount without any extra steps.
I can’t wait to see all of your manis! Share them to your story on Instagram or Facebook, and tag me @thebalancedboho and @polishpops
Happy Shopping!
xoxo,
Robyn