HONEYBEE GARDENS

Waterbased Nail Enamels - Safer Nail Polishes

Special Features:

• Non-toxic: no toluene, xylene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate

• No FD&C colors; only natural mineral pigments

• Water-based, not solvent-based like traditional polish

• Odor-free! No more nasty fumes

• Long lasting and provides great coverage at a great price

• Beautiful trendy colors to match our ColorBalm Naturals Lipstick

• Nothing else like it on the market - totally unique

What Makes this Product Different

You already know it's water-based, it's odor-free and has no formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalates or FD& C colors. But let's take that a step further. Without getting too technical, let's explore the fundamental differences between solvent-based and water-based systems. Solvent- based polishes are simple solutions of nitrocellulose resins in strong solvents. Nitrocellulose is used because it forms a very hard film easily as the solvents evaporate from the base. These harsh, bad-smelling solvents, are then also used to remove the polish by dissolving the film. By contrast, water-based polish uses an emulsion resin in the form of billions of very small particles suspended in water. As the water evaporates, the particles touch each other and form a hard film which is no longer soluble in water. At first, it may seem that these systems are similar, the only difference being the carrier base. But they are in fact as different as night and day. One cures by reversible solvent evaporation, the other by creating a tightly knit film. One is easily dissolved, the other not so easily. Several states are beginning to regulate VOCs (volatile organic compounds) emitted by nail polishes and nail polish removers. WaterColors Nail Enamel has very low VOCs.

Product Appearance

You'll notice the Clear Base/ Top Coat polish actually appears milky white in the bottle. The milkiness disappears upon drying to form a clear coat. Sometimes minor settling occurs in some colors, and you may notice a light ring of color at the top of the bottle, or some sparkle floating to the bottom. We have shaker beads inside, so a light shake of the polish easily re-disperses the pigment.
 

Nail preparation
Solvent-based polishes can strip healthy nails of naturally produced oils. Since our polish does not contain these solvents, the oils remain on the nail. Wash and dry hands thoroughly before applying polish. Those with very dry skin may wish to apply a cuticle oil to nails first before applying polish to help hydrate the nail. Make sure the oil is absorbed into the nail before polishing.

Dry time
Dries to a tack-free state nearly as fast as regular polish. Two thin coats will dry faster than one thick. Cold hands, low temperatures and high humidity can prolong drying time. Water resistant in about 15 minutes. Able to withstand other chemicals (shampooing, doing dishes) after about an hour. For best results, polish nails at the end of the day so they have overnight to cure properly.

Product exceptions
You may find this product is a bit more difficult to remove from toe nails, because toe nails are naturally more dry and have less natural oils.

Scratch resistance
Unlike solvent-based polishes which reach their maximum hardness in about 40 minutes, WaterColors Nail Enamel must be given time to create a tough film. About 75% of the hardness is achieved very quickly, but it needs 4-6 hours to achieve maximum hardness. The more time you give it to cure properly, the longer it will wear. You may choose to apply it at night when the day's activities are done. However, because the film is quite thin, worn areas at the tips or scratches can be easily touched up to create a freshly-applied appearance.

Additional Tips on Using this Product:

• Start with clean DRY nails; apply one or two coats and let dry completely. May take a bit longer than conventional nail polish. Sets in about 5 minutes.

• Don't leave on for more than a week or it may be harder to remove due to water evaporation. For some, one coat is well enough. I've had customers say that they prefer to use the nail polish remover because it's hard to remove even before a week. Some have used alcohol and even everclear with success.  Everclear is most likely better than alcohol to be honest. That is what customers have said.

• Some customers have told us they apply the nail enamel at night before going to bed, so it has the whole evening to really set up properly and last longer.

• It may be a good idea to apply a clear coat before applying the really dark reds. Because they use only rich natural pigments, some color could be left behind on the nail, creating a slight pinkish hue. Simply wash with soap and water, and the hue will fade in a few hours. But a clear coat may help to avoid this all together. However, if it makes it hard to take off in the end, then maybe trying it without would be better.

• Touch ups are easy with WaterColors. Because of the water-based formula, touch-ups blend right in without leaving that additional coat line.

• A top coat of clear may make the polish last longer for some. Our customers say that it lasts so well however, that it can be more difficult to get off at times. So not everyone needs a top coat.

• Now use loose mineral powders to create your own special shade! See Honeybee Gardens new Loose Mineral Shades on our Eye shadow page

Shades Available:

Clear Watercolors Nail Enamel
This shade is transparent. Color additives mentioned above would not be needed. Sensitive customers would probably want to start with this one.  This is shiny.  Mix Honeybee Gardens Loose Color Minerals into this product to design your own special shade - or take sparkles or some other fun decal!


Fairy Dust Watercolors Nail Enamel
This is a light frosty pink. It's beautiful. It's a summer time, anytime pink that has a lot of shimmer. It matches the Honeybee lipstick shade.
 
    
Valentine Watercolors Nail Enamel
This matte medium soft true pink matches our Honeybee valentine lipstick shade! This is shiny. Sometimes people see a bit of raspberry once it's dry.

Shiny Penny Watercolors Nail Enamel
This color is that of a brand new penny; sparkly copper. It matches its counterpart, Honeybee lipstick shade, shiny penny.


   
Serenity Watercolors Nail Enamel
A sheer matte nude color.  Honeybee Gardens Celestrial or Cherokee Lipstick would be a good match with this polish.


Destiny Watercolors Nail Enamel
A pink peachy mocha shade.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

There are no sample sizes available for this section.  We do however make swatch cards that have the color dried to it with a description so you can see it first hand.  These are not for applying, only viewing the shades.  Please read our policies under Customer Service Desk as not all items are returnable.  Every person's skin is unique, and as with all cosmetics we recommend that a person apply a small amount of the product to the inner wrist for 1-2 days before applying elsewhere to ensure comfort and compatibility.  We encourage everyone to read the ingredient labels carefully to avoid allergens.