BN Clean Cut is a new column devoted to exploring brands with a cleaner, greener edge. The terms “clean” and “green” are highly subjective and (just like the term “natural”) not regulated at all. Every brand, retailer, or publication is likely to have their own definition. Instead of creating a single benchmark, we’re sharing each brand’s “claim to clean” to evaluate against your own standards.
THE BRAND
Dazzle Dry
THEIR CLAIM TO CLEAN
Founded by bio-organic chemist Dr. Vivian Valenty, this line of polish and nail prep essentials nixes the questionable ingredients commonly found in gel formulas and opts for a healthier route to long-lasting, chip-free shine. I certainly won’t miss chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, TPHP, nitrocellulose, camphor, formaldehyde resin, ethyl tosylamide, phthalates, xylene, and MEK in my manicure thankyouverymuch. Dazzle Dry maintains ingredient integrity by manufacturing in the US only and verifying each one for purity.
OTHER NOTABLES
The line is also hypoallergenic, vegan, woman-owned, and cruelty-free.
WHAT WE LOVE
I’m certainly no pro when it comes to self-manicuring, but enforced isolation is giving me plenty of practice. Luckily, the Dazzle Dry system is pretty foolproof. You’ll prep and polish in four steps, starting with Nail Prep Primer & Strengthener, followed by a base coat, lacquer, and top coat. I only got to step two before I messed up, skipping one that says to warm the bottle in a water bath before application. (I was wondering why the base coat was the consistency of jelly and had a bumpy texture as I applied, and that’s why — but what’s truly amazing is that in spite of my flawed direction-following, it dried completely smooth and bump-free.) This jelly-like base coat is what gives the polish its flexibility and helps it last. I’m on day 10 and totally chip free, even after tons of chores and hand-washing. Another one of my classic mistakes is trying to do things before my nails are completely dry, and when I created a couple of dents and smudges in the lacquer, the top coat actually totally buffed them out. Finally, my favorite part of this polish is that it removes just like regular polish. I don’t have time to sand or soak my nails, and love that you can get weeks of color just like a gel, without the hassle and harmful ingredients.
STAR INGREDIENTS
The Nail Prep Primer is a blend of calcium, vitamin B5 and hydrolyzed protein, so you’re not only cleansing but creating a stronger, nourished nail.
WHAT WE TRIED
We used the four-step system mentioned above and tried lacquer in the springy lilac hue called Faith— but just wait until you see how many amazing colors there are!
Snag your system at www.dazzledry.com. The four-step system includes Nail Prep, Base Coat, Top Coat, and Revive (it restores the perfect consistency to polishes that have started to evaporate) and retails for $62 — though at the time of publishing, it’s on sale! Individual lacquers are sold separately for $18 each.
