Nail Polish & Nail Care – Beautiful Colors and Thoughtful Formulas
From glossy color polishes and sheer Jelly Nails to protective base and top coats and nourishing nail oils: our selection pairs beautiful colors with carefully developed formulas. Brands such as Nailberry, Manucurist, OZN, Kia Charlotta, Le Rouge Français, and Kure Bazaar show just how versatile modern nail care can be. Some polishes use a high proportion of bio-based raw materials; others stand out for their distinctive finishes, tested material properties, or selected ingredients.
Nail Polish – Intense Colors and Selected Ingredients
Natural nail polishes offer a wide range of colors and effects. Some brands source parts of their polish ingredients from renewable resources such as corn, cassava, sugarcane, or cotton. These polishes also require solvents, film formers, and other functional ingredients to dry evenly and last a long time. A high proportion of bio-based raw materials therefore does not mean that the entire nail polish is made from natural cosmetics ingredients.
The choice depends on more than just the ingredient list: coverage, application, drying time, and wear also play a role. Many of our brands combine a carefully considered selection of raw materials with a high-quality manicure. Nail polishes that comply with European cosmetics regulations must meet applicable safety requirements, regardless of how their brands are positioned.
Free Nail Polish: What Do 5-Free, 9-Free, and 12-Free Mean?
The term “free” indicates which selected ingredients or groups of substances a brand excludes from its formula. Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate are often cited, for example. However, 5-Free, 9-Free, and 12-Free are not uniform, legally defined standards: the substances excluded vary by manufacturer. The specific exclusion list is therefore more informative than the number alone.
Consciously avoiding certain substances can be an important brand feature. However, this does not justify a blanket assumption that other legally compliant nail polishes are harmful to health or that “free” polishes are always better tolerated. Individual sensitivities and the overall formulation should also be considered.
The verifiable differences between the brands are particularly interesting: According to independent testing, Nailberry’s L’Oxygéné color polishes are more permeable to oxygen and water vapor than many conventional polishes and belong to a vegan, 12-Free and halal-certified line. Manucurist’s vegan Green polishes contain up to 84% bio-based ingredients, depending on the shade, air-dry, and last up to seven days when used with the matching system. Kure Bazaar uses up to 90% bio-based ingredients in its nail polish line. With its sheer jelly shades and nourishing Active line, Manucurist also offers particularly beautiful alternatives to opaque color polishes.
Top coat & base coat – for a long-lasting manicure
Base coats and top coats are often underestimated, but can do a lot to create an even finish and help colored polish last.
The base coat is applied before nail polish. It can smooth the nail surface, reduce discoloration from intense color pigments, and improve polish adhesion. Depending on the formula, special nourishing or strengthening base coats also create a protective layer.
The top coat is applied over colored polish and can extend its wear. Depending on the product, it adds intense shine, a gel effect, or another finish, and helps protect the manicure from chipping prematurely.
Nail polish removers – effective with nourishing properties
Nail polish removers dissolve color polish from the nail surface. Our range includes various acetone-free formulas, including removers with nourishing oils or other skin-conditioning ingredients. They can be a good choice if the polish comes off without prolonged, vigorous rubbing.
Acetone-free removers also contain effective solvents and can have a drying effect if used frequently or incorrectly. So follow the directions for use and care for your nails and cuticles afterward with oil or hand cream. A remover designed for the purpose may be needed for special long-lasting polish systems.
Nail care – nail oils and serums for supple nails
Natural nail care and nail oils are a lovely addition to a well-groomed look. Nail oils with selected plant-based lipids help keep cuticles supple and care for dry nail edges. Depending on the formula, they can also protect the nail surface from drying out.
Regular care is especially helpful if you wash your hands often, are exposed to dry air, or have stressed cuticles. In addition to oils, we offer serums and specialty nail care products for different needs—from gentle smoothing to care for brittle nails.
How to apply polish for a beautiful result
Start with clean, dry nails. For a classic color polish, first apply a Base Coat and let it dry. Then apply one or two thin coats of nail polish in your chosen color. Seal the color with a suitable Top Coat to help achieve an even, glossy finish. To finish, you can care for your cuticles with a little nail oil. For all-in-one products such as Manucurist Active, follow the respective application instructions; a base and top coat aren’t necessarily needed.
Why we chose these nail polish brands
We’re impressed by nail polishes that combine the joy of color with clear product features: Nailberry with the distinctive oxygen and water vapor permeability of its L’Oxygéné line, Manucurist with bio-based Green formulas and easy-to-use Active polishes, and Kure Bazaar with a high proportion of bio-based ingredients. OZN, Kia Charlotta and Le Rouge Français round out our selection with distinctive color palettes and different formulation approaches. The specific product line is what matters—not a blanket promise that applies to all nail polishes.
Tips for brittle fingernails
Brittle nails can have many causes, such as frequent contact with water, mechanical stress or individual factors. If needed, keep your nails a little shorter, file them gently, and regularly care for your cuticles and nail edges. A suitable base coat can protect the nail surface from external influences. Nails don’t need to “breathe”; taking a break from polish makes sense mainly when the nail plate is irritated or damaged, or if you notice changes.
A balanced diet is also important. However, taking supplements isn’t automatically beneficial when nails are brittle. If changes are pronounced or persistent, consult a doctor to investigate possible causes.
Find out more in our blog post: What really helps with brittle fingernails?