Nail polish has not been an option for me for quite a few years now. It wasn’t until alone time during quarantine that I started missing being able to paint my nails. This week I’m continuing my quest to find the best nail polish for my sensitive nose. This one comes all the way from France. Introducing Nailmatic!

They have two nail polish ranges, but I’ll be focusing on the Aqua Nail range. They describe them as odourless, water-based with a 5 day wear time.

The bottles are tiny, something to keep in mind if you apply nail polish constantly. I’m more than half way through some of my Carlo Rista polishes already. I can imagine these running out much quicker. In Australia, they are quite expensive due to the conversion from pounds. They retail for $19.95 AUD for 8ml/0.27fl oz, but have a sneaky peak at Catch.com.au. They’re currently selling some shades for $9.95 AUD.

Firstly, these aren’t completely odourless. As always, I will include the disclaimer that I am very sensitive to smell and sometimes I’m moreso if I’ve been overexposed. However, I don’t experience headaches and my eczema doesn’t flare up, so that means I can still use them. I definitely use these less than Carlo Rista and I try to apply it with a fan blowing.

The polishes dry quickest, and surpisingly quickly when you use thin coats. I also really like that the brush is slightly curved at the end. It makes it easier to neatly paint the curve around my cuticles.

Ingredients

Aqua (water), ethylhexyl acrylate/styrene copolymer, acrylates copolymer, ammonium acrylates/methylstyrene/styrene copolymer, trimethyl hydroxypentyl isobutyrate, propanediol, phenoxyethanol, pentylene glycol, ppg-2 methyl ether, bentonite, peg-40 castor oil, ppg-30 butyl ether, propylene glycol, peg-150/decyl alcohol/smdi copolymer, xanthan gum, ethylhexylglycerin, ammonium acrylates copolymer, hydrolyzed corn protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, aminomethyl propanol, silica dimethyl silylate, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, caprylyl glycol, tocopherol, ci 77891 (titanium dioxide), ci 77491, ci 77492 (iron oxides)

I applied these knowing I didn’t have a way to remove them, mostly as a test. With one base layer applied, 2 coats of colour and another top coat applied, they can be chipped off without damaging your nails too badly. It doesn’t peel off but they do form a shell. I didn’t purchase the remover because it contains lavender. I tested this once on my fingernails to test the longevity, but I use a peel off base coat now to save them. This polish definitely dries them out.

Base & Top Coat

The Base and Top Coat has the strongest odour, though it’s most noticeable if you sniff your fingers. It’s still by far the most tolerable nail polish that I’ve used. It’s safe to touch in under 5 minutes and ‘set’ after a few hours. I used this over Personail nail wraps and by the second day they’re still shiny and intact but you can see quite a few scratches in it. I suppose not the best for flawless long lasting nails. Again, this is the trade off which I’m willing to make because of the fumes. It’s quite milky but don’t worry it dries completely clear.

The ingredients for the Base and Top coat differ to the coloured polishes, so I have included them below:

Aqua (water), styrene/acrylates/ammonium methacrylate copolymer, ethylhexyl acrylate/styrene copolymer, propylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, ammonium acrylates/methylstyrene/styrene copolymer, phenoxyethanol, ammonium acrylates copolymer, caprylyl glycol, sodium laureth-12 sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, ppg-30 butyl ether, ppg-2 methyl ether, propylene glycol, peg-150/decyl alcohol/smdi copolymer, ethylhe-xylglycerin, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, silica dimethyl silylate, tocopherol.

Swatches

Anzu, Haley, Hazel & Björk

Anzu

Sheer Beige

Anzu is perfect as a sheer wash of soft pink that makes your nails look healthy and glossy. You can apply this really lightly and it’s barely noticeable or layer for a translucent effect.

Haley

Nude Beige

Haley is a light, but not too stark nude beige. It is completely opaque in two coats, which it needs otherwise it’s a little streaky. It’s not too pink or too flat. I find it really flattering on my skin tone.

Hazel

Grey Shimmer

I really like this light grey tone. The shimmer is very fine, and gives it a slight silver sheen. I don’t mind this effect as it’s not too frosty. This can apply a little streaky, so two thin coats will eliminate that.

Björk

Dove Grey

Bjork can be opaque in one coat and is a lovely darkened grey with purple undertones. I found that applying it with a little more polish left on the brush will help eliminate streaks. Otherwise it’ll need at least 2 coats to completely cover any bare spots.

Final Word

If I can use any type of nail polish without experiencing the fumes, the headaches and sensitivities from traditional nail polish then it’s definitely for me. The trade off being that it won’t be as long wearing. On my toes, I don’t mind chipping it off because it doesn’t damage them too much. On my hands, I definitely prefer to use a peel off base coat, which affects the longevity. I can’t comment on how effective their polish remover is because it is scented.

So unfortunately, I’m not the best when it comes to saving my nail polish. I have had my long nails ever since I was young, so now they’re pretty much just extensions of my fingers that I use daily. It doesn’t take much for me to chip these. Opening the display screen for my DSLR camera, breaking through plastic wrap or opening cupboards. The scent slightly more noticeable than I’d like, but still usable. I really like all the colours I picked so now there are a few more I’d like to purchase. The only issue for me, as an Australian is that they are hard to buy unless stocked by the few stores here.

Official Website