Mani, pedi, orange, soy

Natural nails don’t have to be naked nails.

Kim D’Amato, owner of the Priti Organic Spa in New York, has created a line of nontoxic polishes -- and better yet, an oil-based polish remover that contains no acetone. The products are also free of toluene and formaldehyde, both carcinogens, as well as dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

And, D’Amato says, the polishes are fast-drying, chip-resistant and nonyellowing.

We put them to the test with a pedicure (in Red Parrot Tulip, one of a wide spectrum of hues). The polish was very glossy and long-lasting. (Priti’s two-in-one base and top-coat helped extend its life.) After three weeks of mostly nonchipped wear, the soy remover did its duty, but slowly and with some effort. Compared with conventional removers, it took about twice as much and three times as long to remove polish from 10 toes, not counting the soapy rinse required to wash away the lingering oil. But that subtle whiff of orange oil made the whole thing a lot more pleasant.

--

-- Valli Herman

Priti nail polish, $12.50, and soy remover, $22.50 for 4 ounces, are available at www.pritiorganicspa.com, Marie Mason Apothecary in the Brentwood Country Mart, the Beauty Box in West Hollywood, Beauty & Wisdom in Santa Monica and the mobile GreenBliss EcoSpa.