How to use reusable nail wipes?
Reusable nail wipes? Yes, that's right! You might have known that you can use reusable wipes for babies or for removing makeup, but it's also perfectly possible to use them to remove nail polish!
But why use a reusable makeup remover wipe?
When aiming for a zero-waste bathroom, it's quite common to think of solid shampoo, bamboo toothbrushes, or even an oriculi, but to overlook disposable nail wipes. This is often because people aren't sure how to replace disposable cotton pads and, at first glance, are quite skeptical about the effectiveness of reusable cotton pads.
However, cotton cultivation is one of the most polluting and water-intensive in the world. Its ecological impact is colossal: 3% of global cultivated areas, 25% of insecticides used worldwide, and approximately 10,000 liters to produce 1 kg of cotton, according to We Dress Fair.
So, are you even more motivated to try this zero-waste trend?
You can also opt for reusable makeup remover pads to replace traditional cotton pads for other uses. You can use a reusable wipe for baby changes, removing makeup, rinsing your face, applying lotion or floral water, or even disinfecting a boo-boo. One piece of advice, however, for reusable baby wipes: opt for large reusable cotton pads, which are much more practical.
Aside from their ecological benefits, reusable wipes also allow for significant savings. Think of all the times you had to throw away cotton to remove your polish, buy more, fill your trash can, waste money unnecessarily, buy more and more, and all of this, simply for nail polish removal!
But let's get back to the heart of our subject, because with this article, we hope to prove to you that using a reusable cotton pad to remove nail polish is just as easy as with a single-use cotton pad.
Now, let's move on to our zero-waste solution: what about reusable nail polish remover wipes then? Well, that's what we're going to find out!
Choosing your reusable wipes wisely
In fact, you'll find that switching to this eco-friendly alternative doesn't change your beauty routine much.
When you remove your nail polish, although it is advisable to leave the cotton pad on the surface for a few minutes before rubbing, you will always have to make a few back-and-forth motions with your fabric - whether with disposable or non-disposable makeup remover pads. However, this friction also occurs on the contour of your nail, i.e., on the skin, and can therefore quickly irritate it.
If you have particularly delicate skin, it's best to opt for cotton pads with a slightly thicker surface. This is what we offer at Clever Beauty. Our #REDOUTABLES nail polish remover pads, sold in packs of 4 (they are a reusable wipe kit), are made of cotton, manufactured in France in an ESAT near Marseille by workers with disabilities. These nail polish wipes have a surface thick enough to remove nail polish as easily as possible.
How many reusable cotton pads should you get?
Well, it all depends on how often you polish your nails. If it's fairly occasional, there's no need to have more than four reusable wipes. If, on the other hand, you wear nail polish very often (once or several times a week), you need to have enough to rotate between each wash.
Made your choice? Then, let's get practical: reusable cotton pads, instructions for use!
Removing nail polish with a zero-waste remover pad
Now, how do you remove nail polish?
In practice, use your wipe as you would a traditional cotton pad:
- Apply a few drops of nail polish remover to your wipe (a health-friendly nail polish remover if possible);
- Lightly press your wipe on the polished nail for about ten seconds (this allows the remover to effectively dissolve the polish);
- Remove the wipe, sliding it off, and gently rub the areas where the polish is more stubborn until it disappears;
- Repeat the process for each of your nails and wash your hands with a little soap to remove any product residue.
A word about nail polish remover: during and after each use, remember to close the bottle tightly. This way, you prevent the active ingredients from evaporating, and it will make your nail polish removal much more effective.
Washing durable wipes
And then, what happens after you use them?
For hygiene reasons, it is advisable to wash your wipes after each use. You can wash them by hand or in a washing machine in a laundry bag (essential, otherwise you risk losing them, like your socks!), ideally with water at 40°C. There's no need to go up to 60°C; quite the opposite, as the temperature could damage them more quickly. Also, forget about fabric softener, but you can certainly use a little white vinegar from time to time.
In addition to that, no need for a dryer; a clothesline is sufficient, as reusable wipes dry very quickly!
You may sometimes notice that the cotton fabric takes on the color of the nail polish. Don't worry, the wipes are designed to remove nail polish. It is therefore completely normal for them to retain traces of previous polish, but your reusable cotton pad will remain just as effective as it was on its first day!
However, if you want as few stains as possible on your makeup remover pads, here's a tip: don't let your cotton pad dry. Indeed, if you do, the nail polish remover evaporates and the polish dries, making it much more difficult, if not impossible, to remove. So, as soon as you've finished using them, plunge them directly into a bowl of boiling water (no more than 40°C, remember), this will help to loosen the nail polish. Then, rub with soap, let dry, and then put them in the washing machine!
And if you want to go even further to reduce your waste, know that you can also move towards a zero-waste manicure. Indeed, we also offer zero-waste nail polishes whose packaging is a bit special. These anti-waste polishes have a glass bottle and a cap that allows the brush to reach the bottom of the container. Thanks to this system, it allows for 20% more product compared to most other conventional polishes. That's not all! Also, take a look at our article dedicated to zero-waste makeup. You will find other ideas to help you achieve your zero-waste goal for the bathroom.
In short, removing nail polish the zero-waste way has never been easier! And it even makes a great gift idea, whether for a zero-waste Christmas or a birthday.
On your side, have you switched to this alternative for removing your nail polish? If so, what do you think? Do you recommend it?
