sheswai lacquer – an eco-chic solution for nails
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The we heart this Green Monday review of the breakout brand
photos: Gianna for we heart this
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the easiest, quickest and least expensive way to stay current in the world of fashion can be achieved with the stroke of a brush. A nail polish brush, that is. So allow me to introduce you to a new line of nail lacquer that is not only beautiful and playful, but stylish and green at the same time.
Sheswai Lacquer just might win my award for cutest nail polish bottle ever. Do you see the adorable graphics? And that beautiful wooden handle is a great example of their eco-chic style and is made from “sustainably harvested wood, grown on family owned tree farms”.
As if that weren’t enough Green Monday goodness, Sheswai’s non-toxic formula is big three-free (made without Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde and Toluene). Additionally, a portion of all Sheswai sales are donated to “organizations that help educate, and sustain our beautiful planet”. A company that gives back to people while working to protect the environments is always a plus in my book.
But perhaps the coolest thing about this new line is its founder, Debbie Leavitt. Talk about a dream-career! After several years of working as a manicurist in some of the top salons and spas in Los Angeles, Ms. Leavitt moved on to international fashion campaigns, magazine editorials, film, television, and red carpet events. And not just any ol’ magazine editorials: try Jennifer Hudson’s famous “Got Milk” ad, Lindsey Lohan’s chartreuse nails for Harper’s Bazaar Indonesia, Kate Moss for Donna Karan, Jennifer Lopez for Elle and the list goes on.
So it makes complete sense that someone with this experience, background, and eye for nail color would want to create her own line of lacquers. And my, what lovely lacquers they are! For Sheswai’s introductory collection, Ms. Leavitt “got back to basics” and created 7 colors to “suit any location…or dress.” There are sheers, brights and darks in this collection and the shade I received for review, Totally ($16) is a sophisticated fuchsia crème. In my opinion, it is a rich, deep combination of wine, plum, berry and purple. It’s a stunner.
The formula of Totally is a breeze to apply. It’s smooth, it glides on the nails easily (not too thick, not too thin) and I can achieve almost 100% opacity with just one coat. And two coats is just perfect. I was able to get about four days of wear from this polish before I started to see tip-wear, which is great considering that I’m very rough on my nails.
As for the brush, I think I’m so used to those huge, flat brushes that everyone seems to be using these days that I forgot how lovely a small, round, traditional brush can be. And that is exactly what Sheswai has.
The price tag is a bit steep, but not outrageous. Considering the green formula, eco-chic packaging, charitable donations, great shades and quality formula, I think it is worth the price. I wonder if the review team will agree with me? Don’t forget to check in the comments to hear their thoughts on shades like Honeyfox (a true bright red ), So Cute (a soft peachy coral ), and Perfecto (a natural light beige). I think Sheswai Lacquer is definitely a brand to watch and I cannot wait to see their next collection.
we heartsters, testers and honeyfoxes, do you agree Sheswai Lacquers are just perfecto?
Check out the entire line at Sheswai Lacquer!
Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.
Wow, cool! So hippie, bo-ho chic! I think that purple is a great fall color too! How much are they and where can they be found??
Nail polish is my obsession. I’d change my polish every night if I could. These sound great; I’ve said it before but I really love as company that is bold enough to go, “here. We’ve got these great products in very wearable shades, and that’s all you need.”
I’m not gonna lie, I do love lots different color options. (I’m sporting an electric green mani right now…) But there are just some colors that you keep coming back to, and it looks like sheswai has them all!
Great review, G!
Not only does this line sound great, but the bottle itself is so pretty, I’d love to see it just sitting on my dresser! I can’t wait to check out Sheswai. Great post, @nouveaucheap!
I love these do not have Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)! As a busy girl on the go, how can I resist colors that go with any occasion!
Nail polish isn’t my thing but I LOVE the wooden handle on that bottle!!
I sometimes get freaked out about all the chemicals in nail polish, so this is a great, eco-alternative to no polish! Love the cool bottle too!
Not only is that the perfect fall color, the bottle is so beautiful, it’s almost a shame to use it!
First of all, love the pictures @nouveaucheap – purty flower!
I tested Perfecto – which is perfect for me. I love light beige/pink/white nails. It gives such a clean, polished look AND hides chips better than bright or dark shades. This shade is a sheer beige with a yellow/gold undertone. Two coats give a milky sheen of barely their color, that nicely highlights and flatters nails and hands. I gave myself an at home manicure – so easy with a shade this forgivable – and got almost an entire week – 6 days- before I felt I needed to start anew – a great track record for me, most of my self-manis last a day or two – I’m not gifted in that department!
As for the brush, I like the classic shape = it was a breeze to work with – three swipes per nail. Add in the eco factors, the totally adorbs bottle and the charitable donation, I’d be willing to pay the $16 price for another bottle. 5 stars for me.
@kate2004rock – They’re $16 a bottle and for now only online at the Sheswai site – you can click a link to them in the above post!
Thanks for all the kind words about my review, ladies!
I really love “Totally” because, well, what’s not to love? The color is absolutely on-trend (even prettier in person), the formula is flawless, the bottle is gorgeous, it’s eco-friendly and the company gives back to charity. It’s win-win-win! A solid five stars from me.
Wow the bottle really is gorgeous! The one in the picture looks a lot like revlon’s plum seduction that i just bought last night! Def have to out these on the list to check out
16?!? I’ll pass due to the price tag, but the bottle is super cute (just not $16 cute)
I really want to try these polishes!!!! :)
Love the idea of an alternative to those nasty ingredients! Everything we put on our bodies is absorbed (think of that!) I found a natural polish remover that could be a good choice as well: Suncoat Natural Polish Remover. I haven’t tried it yet, so if anyone does, please comment!
Gianna, I love your photos! The color you’re modelling looks gorgeous. I’m not sure I’m ready to shell out $16 for nail polish though… I’m more of a Wet n Wild polish sort of gal! :P
I never paid that much attention to the chemicals I put on my nails until someone I know expressed concern over her child wearing polish for this reason. I forwarded this link to her…
The color here is pretty awesome, too!
@nouveaucheap – ooh Gianna, Totally looks really great on you! I love eco friendly cosmetics. The bottle is definitely cute and unique! I LOVE the wooden handle. It looks great against those colors. Thank you for the great review!
Love the color and the bottle is gorgeous. I agree this seems pricey, but sure would look good sitting on my vanity!
I got to try Honeyfox, and I have to say, I’m kinda in love. It’s a true red, no sparkle, no borderline color description; just bright, pure creamy red. I’ve been so obsessed with holo-foils and chunky glitter lately that I’ve forgotten how pretty clean, shiny color can be. And that’s exactly what this is.
It really does look great with one coat. I applied 2 out of habit, but I don’t think I will on future applications. And with a top coat, I got a full 4 days without a chip. Makes you wonder what the purpose of those big 3 are anyway?
I agree with @nouveaucheap, good consistency too!
I too love the traditional brush. I am not a fan of the flat wide brushes. And the wooden handle, beautiful.
Yes, $16 is on the high end, but that’s what you are getting; high end. Just for comparison, Lippmann is $18 a bottle, NARS is $16. It’s a splurge for sure, but I think you’ll find they’re worth it (especially if making green choices is important to you). And hey, 1 coat coverage will make the bottle last longer!
This is an 5 stars from me. Can’t wait to try more!
If the polish lasts that long and doesn’t have all the harmful chemicals I think it is worth the pricetag. I’m looking forward to trying it out — I’m starting to get really into nail polish ever since my love affair with Sally Hansen’s All In One Manicure line!
Oh I adore the bottle! And while I wouldn’t spend that much money on polish everyday, I think a little treat here and there is worth it, especially one that is sans harsh chemicals.
This bottle is just the bees knees! I love the looks of it. So jealous that I didn’t get to test this brand. The color looks divine as well. So bright and creamy! Great review. I must get my hands on this nail polish.
@Gianna, you’re right, everyone does seem to be using flatter and wider brushes which I actually prefer but they are harder to use when you’re painting the tiny toes of children. As I mentioned before, my daughters like to partake in the mani-pedi routine with Mommy so tiny brushes would be very beneficial. :-) The colors in the photographs are beautiful.
I tested out “So Cute,” and the name says it all!
I first noticed the wooden handle, as many others have. It was surprisingly light, but had a nice organic feeling in my hands. The bristles are beautiful, no matter how much I use this polish they never stick out at weird angles or drag the polish.
So Cute is the perfect interview nail polish. It gives a great “my nails but better” look, totally chic! One coat is perfect, not too opaque but not too light, and two coats gives a perfectly opaque, true to the bottle color.
I love knowing that my polishes are big three free, and knowing that this company is founded on beliefs that I can support I’m tempted to be wooed by the $16 price tag. For an occasional splurge, I’m totally down with the price! Four Stars overall.