Quote by [url=http://persephonemagazine.com/2011/03/08/the-science-of-3-free-nail-polish/
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“3 Free” refers to three ingredients that used to be included in most nail polishes: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene and formaldehyde.
Dibutyl Phthalate-
DBP was included in nail polish formulas because it acted as a binder and improved the durability and the ability of nail polish to last a long time without chipping. Which, as anyone who polishes their nails can tell you, is a primary frustration with polish. However, general studies on this chemical (not performed specifically on nail polish) have shown that DBP has an effect of the in utero development of male sexual system in rats (1). There is also an effect during the pubertal sexual development of male rats and mice. In addition, DBP has been shown to antagonize the thyroid receptor (2). This means that DBP binds to the thyroid receptor and blocks the ability of necessary thyroid hormones to bind there. This blockage of thyroid hormones to normally bind to thyroid receptors can have an effect on normal brain development. Studies have also been carried out on the effect of DBP on metabolism and liver function with negative results.
In humans, a study performed in Korea (3) linked phthalate exposure to intelligence levels in children. There was a limiting factor in this study, but there is a frightening correlation, meaning that increased phthalate exposure and decreased intelligence seem to occur in the same children when maternal IQ was controlled for. This does not mean necessarily that one caused the other, and more than one phthalate was looked at; all this means is that there is some cause for concern and more studies are necessary.
Toluene-
Toluene is a solvent that was used in many nail polish formulations to dissolve other ingredients and make a nice smooth, easy-to-apply polish. After application to the nail, toluene will volatilize, or evaporate and leave a smooth, glossy finish. Toluene is found naturally in crude oil and in the tolu tree.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the effect of toluene on humans at low, environmental doses is unknown. However, short term, high load doses can result in poor performance on cognitive tests as well as eye and upper respiratory irritation. Chronic solvent abuse (such as huffing) can result in dementia and brain damage.
Formaldehyde resin-
Technically, nail polishes don’t contain straight formaldehyde, they contain a resin called tosylamide formaldehyde resin. This resin ensured that the polish adhered to the nail’s surface and made the polish tough and resilient. Interestingly, it seems that tosylamide formaldehyde resin (TS-F-R), is a major allergen and can cause contact dermatitis. In fact, TS-F-R can actually remain active and bioavailable for up to three days after painting your nails (4). A search through Pubmed.com only turns up allergy references in regards to tosylamide formaldehyde resin, indicating that the resin likely doesn’t have the carcinogenic (cancer causing) properties of its cousin, formaldehyde.
What have we learned? That DBP seems to be a pretty bad chemical, all the way around. Toluene may not be quite so bad for you, but the jury is out, given that more study is needed to study the effect of low doses. Formaldehyde resin seems mainly to cause allergic reactions, something crucial to know if you are predisposed to skin allergies or have contact dermatitis.
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Quote by Dancing_Doll
“5 FREE” NAIL POLISHES
No Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor
Chanel, Dashing Diva, Dior, Givenchy, Hopscotch Kids, L’Oreal, Nubar, Revlon, RGB, Scotch Naturals, Uslu Airlines, Zoya
One of the things to note - Seche Vite (the much touted polish top coat that everyone loves to death is NOT 3-Free and in fact does not work well with 3-Free polishes (it has the tendency to shrink the polish on your nail during drying and may cause chipping sooner than it should). Something to consider. For top/base coats I like Zoya's system but I've also used SpaRitual and OPI top coat with good results too.
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
I LOVE Ombre (color gradient) nails!!
So versatile. Super easy. You can use any colors you want!
Quote by Dancing_Doll
I swear I have this same image in my Nailpolish Folder on my desktop - I love it so much. I haven't tried ombre yet but plan to in the near future. I assume you use the make-up sponge technique? When I watch the tutorials it *seems* easy but I always wonder.
I'd also like to try water-marbling at some point. Have you tried that? Would you say it's easier to ombre or water-marble if you're a beginner with both?
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Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
I'm sooo clumsy, and with that in mind, I am so glad I discovered the sponge technique when it comes to ombre. I got it right my first time around. I promise it's as simple as it looks, and I prefer it over water marbling.
With that being said, water marbling is a bit of a challenge in terms of marbling the polishes (the first time I tried, I ended up with this blob of yuckiness), but it's more forgiving once it's on your nail. By forgiving, I mean any 'mistake' won't be obvious, and it looks intentional.
So yes, ombre is definitely the easier technique of the two. Especially when it comes to catering the technique to your nail.
Quote by Dancing_Doll
Thanks - that's the one I'm going to play with first then. The marbling looks beautiful when it's done right but it does look a lot trickier.
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Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
The one thing I would stress with the ombre is that those 2 white coats are the defining factor, especially if you're using neon colors (which work best for ombre). The white coats need to dry COMPLETELY with no stickiness whatsoever before you apply any color, otherwise when you press down with the sponge, your nails will instantly be ruined. It will come out clumpy and you'll have to start over.
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Quote by sweet_as_candy
OMG! These threads are no good for my bank account! I ADORE these nails!
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You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Quote by sprite
i blame Doll (btw, it's better then spending my money on drugs, right? )
Quote by Dancing_Doll
a-England pink/gold glitter called 'She Walks in Beauty'.
This is the actual look of the glitter shade and will go opaque in 2-3 coats.
Or stunning as layered over another shade or even to do a gradient tip mani.
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.