Hey Sarah -- Do you plan to do a roundup of the non-major brand "green" nail polishes one finds at co-ops, Whole Foods, green nail salons, etc.? I'd be v. curious as to how they compare to the major brands --

I am delighted to see reviews of products that are readily available.  Most of the "green" products are not so easily found.  I use the Sally Hansen products and find if I put a coat of the fast-drying top coat on, the whole process is much quicker.  (I have NO patience with drying time.)  I don't know about the ingredients in the top coat.  Perhaps they are full of terrible things.  I never thought about it before, but am glad to see it brought up.  Thanks.

Long ago, nail "polishing" was accomplished much the same way silver was polished, with a sweet-smelling, non-toxic polishing compound, a buffer, and a little elbow grease. The result was (or is, for some of us) little or no color but beautifully shiny nails and avoidance of all these nasty chemical issues.

What about animal testing?  I know that Proctor and Gamble (makers of cover girl) test their products on animals, but what about the other brands?

stick with one coat of clear polish - drying time about 4 minutes - do it while watching Steven Colbert - or read a book while they dry - or use the drying time as an excuse to make your significant other deal with the kids.

Chips are barely noticeable even to yourself and you could even skip the polish remover - when it fades away, apply another coat - anything wrong with that?

cheers!

The article neglected to discuss how to dispose of partially used bottles of nail polish -- both the chemical-laden types and the new ones mentioned. Much more important than how they apply and look is how they are disposed of. No matter how "safely" you dispose of them or any other human-made toxin, they end up in the earth and subsequently affect living beings.

I like the natural nail idea.
Here's one idea from Natural Beauty at Home by Janice Cox:

Natural Nail Polish

    1 Tbsp olive oil
    ½ Tbsp powdered white clay

    Mix together into a smooth cream. If too thick, add more oil. Massage a small amount into nails and cuticles. Wipe off excess and buff lightly for a soft glow.

In the past four months, after returning from a stint in Europe, I have become much more aware of the products I use and the affect they have on the environment. While attempting to slowly but surely make my life more green, I came across the issue of my love of manicures and pedicures.

It is not as much about the final product as it is the relaxation and social interaction of going with a couple girls for a day of pampering. I realize going for a greener lifestyle should all but kick this habit, but I am wondering if there is any salons out there that are focused on Green products or greener ways of servicing. The Natural Nail Polish posted by estark is wonderful knowledge and I would love to see other such products.

have you checked out No Miss nail polish?  

this info is straight from their website. NEW AND IMPROVED INGREDIENTS:
Nitrocellulose-a fiber used for viscosity. Ethylacetate, N. Butyl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol-solvents used to dissolve Nitrocellulose. also may contain: Mica, made from sand, cosmetic titanium dioxide, (white),cosmetic iron oxide blue, (indian paint pot grey/blue), iron oxides, earth born colors made from rocks, zinc oxide, from the earth, used to promote drying and to deflect harmful UV rays from the sun.

Does NOT Contain: Formaldehyde * Toluene * Dibutyl-Pthalate or Camphor.
Cosmetic Colors, come from earth.
Drug & Cosmetic, ingestible colors.

Contains UV inhibitors to protect your nails from the sun. Over 150 colors, including glitters, and fall shades. Can apply one or two coats. Colors available without D&C dyes

another good company is Honeybee.

Ingredients
water, water-miscible acrylic, polyurethane formers and thickeners, non-ionic soaps. May contain: ultramarine blue, carmine, mica, iron oxides, and/or titanium dioxide

What makes this product different from traditional polish
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.

instead of supporting "traditional" companies like CoverGirl and Loreal, lets support companies that are really trying to make a difference with all of their products.