PB Approved: Luxurious, Long Last & Clean Lacquer With Safer Ingredients By Mischo Beauty
We swipe right on this one swipe nail lacquer: Mischo Beauty
MISCHO BEAUTY
If necessity is the mother of invention, then Kitiya Mischo King is the mother of luxe, non-toxic nail lacquer. Her need drove her to find a way to maintain exquisite-polished nails without exposing herself or her unborn child to dangerous chemicals and toxins. Well equipped with a degree in chemistry and cosmetology, King single (beautifully manicured) handedly raised the bar, and her persistence has filed the nail industry down to the right shape for all of us.
In 2013 King created Mischo Beauty, a Black-owned beauty brand, to revolutionize the nail lacquer industry, which was littered with toxins, synthetic chemicals, and endocrine disruptors. The “toxic trio,” in particular, includes Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP). Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that has been linked to nasal and lung cancer, Toluene has been linked to birth defects and nervous system complications, and DBP has also been linked with reproductive issues. Both Toluene and DBP have been banned in Europe. While others have been busily applying these chemicals weekly to their nails, Kitiya Mischo King has been developing a formulation that she calls “10 FREE” meaning that it does not contain these ten dangerous ingredients: Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, Triphenyl Phosphate, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and parabens. Instead of just pointing the finger at a problem, her eye is toward correcting it by laying a base coat for a shinier, healthier, and safer industry. Unfortunately, many times the products with safer ingredients do not perform as well as the standard formula, so making sure to produce a superior product was the topcoat on Kitiya’s dream of a luxurious, long lasting, clean lacquer.
THE TRIAL
As a self-declared nail polish connoisseur, I wasn’t sure how I would review nail polish given that I have used so many brands over the past 15 years and have not really found one to be overly superior to any other. I have come to expect a somewhat low standard of toxic ingredients, poor color payoff that needs two to three coats, chipping within a few days to a week, and fragile nails post application. Many polishes promise coverage in one coat, but I have come to know that is like trying to find a unicorn in a field of horses. In testing Mischo Beauty products, my eyes have been opened wide. I think I’ve found the unicorn!
The nail lacquer bottles are topped with a reflective gold sphere that is reminiscent of antique art deco perfume bottles that are as decorative as they are functional. No need to hide these charming little bottles away in a drawer or case. They look cute sitting out on a shelf or lined up on a vintage mirrored tray (you know you’ve been waiting for an excuse to buy one.) The circular top also makes it a breeze to apply the lacquer, giving you a better grip and making it easier to turn your hand during application. It also helps to avoid the dreaded moment when a cap is too thin, so your newly wet nails accidentally strike each other and ruin your fresh coat.
In applying the lacquer, I first noted that the consistency was great. It did not run into the creases where my nails meet my fingers or drip down onto my cuticles. I am still looking for that perfect wider nail brush that would be rounded at the tip in the shape of my own cuticle to make it easier to get the perfect line. We can’t have it all, but Mischo Beauty comes pretty close. With one coat, I was shocked to find that I did not need another. The color payoff was the best I’ve ever experienced. There was no streaking, no clumping, and no running. I normally associate such an even coat with it being too thick so I thought it would definitely be ruined overnight or start to chip within a day or two. I was wrong, and the coat has not chipped at all after nearly a week. My mother, who is notorious for ruining every manicure almost instantly, provides the true wear test. Her nails often chip as soon as she starts washing dishes or cleaning the house, but her Mischo Beauty coat has yet to chip.
Maybe it was pessimistic, but then I thought that this lacquer would be difficult to remove, however, it came off easily with our usual nail polish remover. Speaking of remover, Mischo beauty is currently developing a natural soy-based nail polish remover so that we can apply a clean product and clean up with one as well. Mischo Beauty is now my standard for reviewing nail polish brands. I will now accept nothing less than incredible color payoff, long wear, non-toxic ingredients, and luxe packaging.
SPRING PICKS AND STYLING TIPS
As we enter the Spring season, Mischo Beauty’s richly hued nail lacquers add the perfect freshness to any Spring look (even if you’re just wearing your typical monochrome loungewear set). We have curated a list of four Spring picks along with styling tips for the season.
Nail Elixir Cuticle Oil, $23; mischobeauty.com
According to MindBodyGreen, this cuticle oil was voted the best nail strengthener for weak, brittle nails. The oil is made up of coconut, jojoba, and grapeseed oils, a plentiful list of nontoxic ingredients that are vegan friendly, cruelty free, and gluten free. This is the perfect product for your quarantine self-care routine to feel fresh, soft, and smooth by keeping nails looking healthy.
Diana, $20; mischobeauty.com
This bold red makes a statement that is elegant, chic, and vibrant. Red is a signal of confidence and passion, so wear this hue with an all black sleek outfit and a bright red heel to mark your presence in every room.
Undaunted, $20; mischobeauty.com
Undaunted means not to be discouraged by difficulty, so despite a difficult year, this hue is perfect to bring you into Spring with all of its new beginnings. The color evokes images of clear skies, fresh breezes, and light fluffy clouds as you wear your most airy dress and brush away your problems with one stroke.
Worthy, $20; mischobeauty.com
The name of this lacquer is “Worthy,” and it is certainly worthy of the 2020 Allure Beauty Expert Award. This peachy rose color signifies youth and playfulness. It can be worn with a pink monochromatic loungewear set, a gold-hued sandal, or better yet, peeking out from under the sand.
Let’s all raise our healthy freshly manicured hands in applause for Mischo Beauty.
Article by Tessa Swantek, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Destina Marotta, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
