The Vegan Snorkeler

Monday, July 15, 2013

Water Based Nail Polish

Summer at the beach is just not the same without a cute pedicure. Nail polish by far has been the most toxic cosmetic I've used in years, so when I heard about water based alternatives to solvent based polish, I had to give them a try. A great place to start the search is with Pretty Painted Nails, a blog devoted to water based nail polish. Heidi goes into great detail in her reviews, including a wear test with daily photos for almost every brand of water based polish there is. I especially liked her non-toxic nail art with summer sea colors.

Aided with Heidi's reviews, I chose to try Keeki Pure and Simple first. I've tried a total of three brands, and Keeki is hands-down my favorite brand of water based nail polish. Their polishes are the more affordable options in the water based polish world, and in my experience Keeki's polishes perform as well or better than traditional solvent based nail polish, especially on my toes.

The use of water based polish requires a special remover. You have to work at removing this polish more than you would with traditional lacquer and acetone remover. Keeki's remover smells a bit like coconut and is not nearly as harsh as acetone removers. This essentials pack from Keeki includes remover, base coat, and top coat. You'll want the whole set to get the best results with the Keeki color of your choice. So far, my favorite Keeki colors are Raspberry Sorbet, a hot pink, and Blue Slushie, a bright shimmery blue. I look forward to trying out some of their brown shades, ranging from the black Midnight Snack to the sheer Glazed Donut in the fall.

Admittedly, I am not going to find the replica of Nars Night Flight or the duplicate of Chanel Black Pearl in the water based nail world, but I can still have fun with bright pinks and basic blues while caring for my nails. I have found that water based polishes work pretty much the same as their more toxic counterparts, but they are easier on my nails. My nails feel stronger and healthier when I stick to water based polish.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

An update...two years later

It's hard to believe I haven't posted anything on this site for over two years. It really doesn't seem that long! I am running up a storm, training for my second 5K. I've traveled to Southeast Asia! Scuba diving in Thailand was pure underwater magic. I am still usually starting my day with a vegan protein smoothie. I've been busy, busy, busy. I am making a commitment to post on this site more often. I look forward to reading your blogs and comments on a regular basis again.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

A Peak into an Eagle's Nest

I recently discovered this amazing website that lets you take a very close look into a bald eagle's nest. Seconds before I wrote this, I saw the mother eagle feed her two little baby eagles (one and two days old). It was awesome! The camera is set up in a neighboring tree. It is a live, 24 hour feed. There is one egg left to hatch. Check it out here: Duke Farms Eagle Cam. The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey is working with Duke Farms to make sure the birds do not get disturbed by the camera. So cool! Check it out!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Great Vegan Haircare Product Line, Jane Carter Solution

A little while back, I was sent a travel kit filled with some of Jane Carter Solution's greatest hits. Since I haven't been traveling lately, this kit has been sitting patiently on my bathroom shelf. Spring cleaning this weekend led me to rediscover the amazing contents of this kit. Travel or not, I decided it was time to try some of these vegan and natural products.

I have color treated hair that I'm semi obsessed with keeping shiny. These products totally fit the bill. After washing with Moisture Nourishing Shampoo, I conditioned with Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner and Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner. I was really impressed with the fresh, natural and clean scent of these products. The smell isn't overpowering, it's really pretty without being perfume-y (which I love!).

These products left my hair soft and ready for the damaging heat of the blow dryer. After blow drying, I usually like to add something to tame frizz and fight fly-aways. Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine works fantastically for this with these natural ingredients: Shea butter, Kokum butter, Illippe butter, Mango butter, Vitamins A, D, & E, pear and grapefruit essential oils. You can also add a few drops of Hair Nourishing Serum to Nourish & Shine for extra hair strengthening. The ingredients for Hair Nourishing Serum? Perfectly vegan and natural: Pure essential oils of lemon, ylang ylang, grapefruit, tangerine, rosemary, geranium vitamins A,D,E.

I'm loving the result! My hair is soft, silky, and shiny. I can't stop smelling my hair...the scent is fantastic! It doesn't feel waxy or heavy like other natural products. I'm so excited that this product line is vegan and natural. Take a look at this statement from Jane Carter Solution:

Our products do not contain any petro chemicals, alcohols, parabens or silicones. We use certified organic essential oils to fragrance our products. Our products contain no animal by products nor do they contain any ingredients that have been tested on animals. We use plant derived ingredients and natural oils and butters. Our products are vegan safe and kid friendly, they are also kind to the planet and great for your skin.

I can't believe I waited to try these products out! I'll be looking for full size versions of these products when I run out of the travel sizes. You can find Jane Carter Solution products in Whole Foods and Target or through their website.