We often scrutinise our diets and eating habits every time a new fad is released; the paleo diet, the liver cleansing diet, the bullet proof diet… It’s hard to stay up with what’s good and what’s not so good in the food game, but seldom do we stop to look at our beauty products. Conscious of the chemicals women come into contact with on a daily basis within their own beauty regime, Amy Pierce founded Paint Nail Lacquer, a nail polish brand which abides by the ‘Five Free Formula’.
Completely free of five known toxic ingredients, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde resin and camphor, Pail Nail Lacquer is known for its long list of conscious beauty features and contains only the highest quality ingredients. It’s also 100 per cent Australian made, vegan friendly, and animal cruelty free.
Amy Pierce, designer and founder of Pail Nail Lacquer, shares her secrets…
What do you do?
I am the founder of Paint Nail Lacquer, an emerging vegan and cruelty free brand in the beauty scene.
You have a background in design. What was the turning point that started your Paint Nail Lacquer journey?
I have a trained eye to see colours that translate from the interior to the fashion and beauty world and I’ve always loved nail polish. I found myself looking for specific shades to match colours that were on trend, and when I struggled to find a colour to match this vision, I would look to the Dulux Paint Fandeck. I started to research how I could develop my own label to create the colours there were missing in the market.
How important is being vegan and cruelty free to you?
Very important! I think there’s a growing awareness in society for ethical choices and standards, and a lot of people share the belief that animal cruelty is unacceptable in any form. I wanted to release a label that I’m proud of and that I can comfortably stand behind. The ‘Five Free Formula’ was also a strong drive behind my label, because it’s completely void of five known toxic ingredients.
How are your polishes made?
My nail polishes are manufactured in Australia complying with the ‘Five Free Formula’, void of formaldehyde, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), toluene, formaldehyde resin and camphor. My inspiration behind the branding was to create a minimal, clean yet classic look with a strong design emphasis.
What inspires you colour ranges?
I am inspired by colours that are on trend. Through interior design, I’m able to gain additional perspective outside of the beauty and fashion world.
How do you choose your colour names?
I specifically choose two-word names that describe the colour while having a little fun. I want people to be able to visualise what the colour might look like without actually seeing it.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Collaborations are definitively important to Paint Nail Lacquer and my future vision. I would like to collaborate with like minded people who have a similar approach to ethical products that are locally made but also fashion forward.
Describe the Paint Nail Lacquer customer?
The Paint Nail Lacquer customer has an eye for design and fashion. They’re up to date with the latest beauty products, they’re unique and individual, and they stay true to themselves by supporting locally-made, ethical labels.
What does the future of Paint Nail Lacquer look like?
Each season, Paint Nail Lacquer will release new colours to keep up with the ever-changing trends, and it is soon to be available in boutique stores and beauty salons around Australia.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs on starting their own business?
If you have an idea, just start somewhere rather than sitting on it. Speak to as many like-minded people in the industry to gain as much knowledge as possible and utilize the varying forms of social media.
Shop the Paint Nail Lacquer range online at www.paintnaillacquer.com.au.
The Fashion Advocate x
