I have one company that says 21free .. lol at this point it's kinda of a joke. The nail polish is good and the price is ok , but cut the crap with the 21free.
I would love to see you do a breakdown of how and why and what is involved in these various levels of non-toxic claims, and what are the perceived risks involved in each of the big five. Time for Lab-Coat Kelli! 😂 Seriously though, I think it's an important subject to be raised and given a bit of a deep dive treatment on your channel. Would be appreciated!
Thank you for your honesty! I love how you point out the positive aspects of the collection, but also don’t shy away from the issues like the 17-free branding and the formula. Multiple things can be true at the same time, including pros and cons. The 17-free branding reminds me of fear mongering with food and skin care. Like, “If you can’t pronounce it, you shouldn’t consume it or put it in your body.” There are lots of things we cannot pronounce or say incorrectly, but, also, EVERYTHING has a chemical makeup! Now, yes, we should avoid ingredients that are known to be dangerous, but we cannot extrapolate those to everything without credible research/evidence because it’s just not reasonable! As far as the polish goes, maybe it’s just me, but I could tell by your swatches that the formula wasn’t self leveling, especially mid nail and up near the nail line. I have one or two polishes from Ella+Mila and I don’t recall any formula issues, but the wear time was suuuuper limited and chipping happened sometimes same day of application, even with a “good” top coat. The color was gorgeous, lots of compliments, but quality MATTERS!
Before I started watching your videos, whenever something was off when i was painting my nails I assumed I was doing something wrong. So glad I found you since you taught me how to evaluate a nail polish as I am working with it.
Honestly this is a common thought process for people when they're painting their nails! I'm just glad I can help because there's nothing more satisfying than finding a good quality brand that makes nail painting feel like an easy (and fun) self-care moment.
YES Please do a video on the polish “3-free, 5-free, w/e-free” system, please. If it’s starting to get marketed as something else, we need to know the basic definition so we can protect ourselves from the manipulations of the capitalist system
I've started adding a few drops of OPI lacquer thinner to brand new polishes that are not self leveling to thin them out and let them flow easier. Usually it means you have to do one more coat than usual but it's worth it for polishes that are great colors but lousy formulas. I do it a lot with cheap drugstore brands.
I use the Beauty Secrets brand from Sally Beauty to do the same thing! Can really improve the formula or save a polish that dried out a bit in the bottle because I didn't tighten the cap enough. Also great for top and base coats as you get further down into the bottle and they've thickened a bit too much.
I tried Ella & Mila last year and ended up donating every single one of them. Did not like the formulas. I think companies like Mooncat, Orly, KB Shimmer and Starrily have spoiled me for exceptional formulas. I'll be passing on these though I love seeing the colors. Thank you for another fabulous video.
Yeah some of these indie brands that have amazing formulas are the same price so at that point it's really not worth spending money on a mediocre formula!!
I’m sorry the formula wasn’t better for you, for that price I’m really surprised! But I always appreciate your honestly! Also the makeup/outfit/hair combo is such a look!! 💕
Oh gosh thank you!! 🥰 Yeah I think I'd be a LOT more forgiving of the formula if it was $8, but this is the same price range as OPI and Orly (if not higher) so I definitely expect more!
I'd love to see a video comparing the so called 'healthier' or' natural' brands and lines like Sally Hansen good kind pure, Essie Love, OPI nature strong, China Glaze eco glaze, Ella & Mila, Pacifica plant magic, Nailtopia, etc. Both for the health claims and for normal things like color range, price, durability.
Hi Kelly, your honesty is so appreciated. Thank you for doing a great video - like always! I do like the color Rosy Quartz as I'm always looking for a pink chrome color. I've never tried this brand. The formula and price are not a positive though, and I don't mind spending some cash on polish, 😂Have a great weekend!
They are very pretty colors and I can see what you mean about self-leveling. I wouldn’t pay that kind of money, for non-self leveling colors. It’s just not worth it. I do appreciate your honesty, as always.
If a formula is difficult for you, its going to be a hard pass for me. I appreciate and love your honesty, anything Ive bought on your recommendation I've absolutely loved.❤ 200+ bottles of nail polish later 😂💸 I love that you test and swatch these so we can make informed decisions. Also id love a video about the 'free' claims nail polish companys do.
Ohh yay that makes me so happy to hear!! 💅 I like how the community seems to have similar taste in colors too 🤣 and yesss will def do a video on all the frees haha
Thank you for searching this collection! I have never used this brand and without you I would have purchased it because the colors are beautiful. Formula is very important. I don't want polishing my nails to be an effort. I love doing it! So I like it to be fun and relaxing. I will not be purchasing anything today no matter what they are free of, snort!!! 😂💜
I shared the same experience with this formula. It also chipped asap even with my good top coat and stained my nails like crazy. The only shades I liked were the chunky glitter in clear base formulas because I love sparkly toppers.
Always appreciate an honest review! The colour story is lovely but formula is a must for that price range. And yes, you should def do a video on the 3 vs 5 vs 10 vs 17(!) free lololol 💀😂
I looked on their website when I saw this brand on FB. Liked a lot of the colors. A lot of the reviews pointed out that the polish didn't last long. What are your thoughts Kelli. Sure Glad you did this review❤ thanks
I still haven't tried this brand but also always thought it was Ella & Mia and still to this day forget and call it that. 🤭This is such a gorgeous collection, I'm sad to hear that it's not self-levelling and the formula is not the greatest....thank you as always for your honest review! 🥰
Thanks for the honesty, the colors are right up my alley but In definitely not good with not self leveling formulas (and I have a few) nevermind when I was starting out. Thanks for looking out for your audience! 🧡
I love Ella and Mila. I don't know if you have done other swatches with them, other than the one you mentioned in the video, but maybe try some others in random. I love the base and to coat. And I don't have A LOT of their colors probably 5. Sorry I have around 50 polishes. I also do not have problems with leveling. So this is the first I'm hearing. Just try another 2-3 before you write them off. 💚
Nice video. I love most of these colors. I have been doing my own dip powder nails for years. Is this regular nail polish? Does it chip? Does it take long to dry? Those are the things I'd like to know before deciding whether it's worth it to purchase. Thank you.
I also thought the brand was called Ella & Mia at first 😂 I tried this brand recently & I was not impressed I didn’t like the formula & it basically started just completely coming off my nails within a day or two. It reminded me of cheap nail polish I used as a little kid. 🤷♀️
Pretty colors. What ingredient in polish makes it self level? I use Dazzle Dry exclusively and it is not self leveling, I wish it was...the top coat is self leveling and do you think that offering a self leveling topcoat is 'good enough' to make the polishes more user friendly?
I've never tried their polishes but I do use their soy based remover because I don't like using acetone if I can avoid it, except for cleanup of course. The remover does take a little longer but my skin feels so hydrated afterwards! 💖
I came across thier polishes a few years back and I had the same problem with leveling. I bought two at a store (don't remember where) and, although the colors were beautiful, I was sorely disappointed with the formula. It felt like the polishes were already taking on that congealed tackiness that polishes get when they're old or expired. It's was a bummer. I just threw them out and never tried the brand again. Have you bought and Emily De Molly polishes? I've seen them around and many are stunning. It might be a good new brand to try if you haven't.
I have a few Ella and Mila polishes and they are okay. but as I got more into nail polish I stopped using them because I felt the quality wasn’t as good as other brands I have. I do notice the smell of the polish isn’t *quite* as strong as other brands I have.
1:24 I would love a video breaking down the tin free/17 free/anything free. I find it fascinating and would like to learn about what ingredients they are referring to.
I like Ella & Mila, i have few colors from this brand, never really has any issues. This is a beautiful collection, i may have to add few to my collection. I also like Olive and June, fhey have really beautiful colors.
Great review thank you Kelli, I've seen reviews of this brand but not available in the UK Colours are pretty though, but don't think they warrant such a high price point as you say, maybe in time they may improve the formula, until the next review, thanks again ❤xxx
I love Rose Quartz and Call Me Jade. The pink looks like an OPI polish Platinum Lame as my standard. I saw a couple of wonky brushes while you were searching.
I love Ella and Mila cause they're cruelty free and vegan however I have come across other brands who have better self leveling formulas. I do have some of their polishes.
I'd love to see a video on the 3 free/5 free etc. I would like to understand the differences more, 17 free seems excessive. What is the difference in formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin? I have a Salon Perfect that includes formaldehyde resin that I'm kind of hesitant to use.
Unless you have an allergy, it SHOULD be fine - according to the FDA, formaldehyde bonds with the keratin in your nails to harden them (which is why it's commonly used in nail strengtheners) and it can be an irritant, but formaldehyde resin is just used to harden the nail polish itself (not your actual nail). It's still considered a "contact allergen", meaning it could potentially irritate your skin if you use it often, but if it's just one polish in your collection I don't think it should cause any issues. Of course you don't want to ingest it or anything, so avoid biting your nails when you're wearing it!
Yay! I'm not alone. Lol I called them ella & Mia too. 😂 Then I took a closer look at the bottle and said oooh Mila. Lol The color story is gorgeous, but like you I'm not a big fan. The blue and purple shimmer shades are pretty. I own the quick dry top coat, and I'm not a big fan of that. It has gotten so thick in the bottle, and that's even with using thinner. I'll stick with my glisten and glow top coat. 😊 Great swatching, though. Thanks for being honest. I still love your hair color!! Lol It looks great on you. 😁
I've never worried about how "free" a nail polish is. Give me the cheap dollar store polish that has probably still all the old chemicals and i'm still good😂 the higher that number gets the more riddiculous it becomes for me. Because a) is this anything but thickened colored water at that point? and b) like you said they're including stuff tgat wasn't in there to begin with just so they can crank up that number. I don't go to a cofeeshop and ask for a coffee without cheese in it😂
At this point are there any nail polish brands that DO use things like toluene or formaldehyde? It would be interesting to know which brands use those potentially harmful ingredients or that DO or DID test on animals.
Honestly I can't think of one off the top of my head that isn't at the very least 2-3 free! I know some Sally Hansen have formaldehyde resin and I believe Seche has toluene
I won’t purchase these for that price, but Heart of the Ocean is close to a weakness just because Titanic is one of my favorites. I wonder if any other brands have a deep blue jelly like that.
Would love to see a 3 or 5 free vs 17 free and why there's claims of ingredients being harmful. The only ones I know are touletine and formaldehyde (Have one Sally with it 😮)
I only have buildable glitter toppers of theirs, and they are really fun and a party on the nails! But it's not as important for chunky glitter formulas to self level.
I think it would be helpful for you to explain the 3 free, 5 free, any number free. I’ve followed this since formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin was included in nail polish. 17 free is meaningless to me and I appreciate you pointing out they included ingredients that aren’t included in nail polish in their 17 list.
Not only that but at least one of the ingredients they say they don't use is actually in the polish. They say its phthalates free. Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid formed in the presence of an abundance of alcohol (with the type of alcohol giving a different ester). Their nail polish ingredient list contains phthalic acid and, as one of the highest volumes in terms of % make up (earlier in list means more of it) is isopropyl alcohol. So whilst they don't add a phthalate directly, they *do* add the two component parts of it meaning that there will be at the very least trace amounts of phthalate in their polish. I'm guessing that they assume the vast majority of their potential customers didn't study chemistry to the same degree that I did. lol
Thanks for this video!! I also have not had good experience with this brand. Have you ever used Nailtopia? They have released 3 sets of Disney themed colors and wanted to ask if you might review these?
I have used Nailtopia, and like it. Good formula, opacity, and wear. particularly like their polish remover, works really well and doesn't dry out my nails
Another thing I noticed is that so many of the brushes weren’t even. I totally get that not all nail polish brushes are even and there are a few that get by, but it looked like 3 of these brushes in a single collection were slightly too long in the same spot. Not sure if that has an effect on the application for you!
There are Indie brands out there that sell cremes for $8 and even crellies for $8 that self-level beautifully. No need to pay more for an inferior finish.
They are pretty colors, but agree with your opinion on the formula....not self-leveling at all, and can be goopy in some, thin in some, resulting in odd coverage. I also found they dont wear well and often start chipping as early as the day of manicure :-(
I’ve tried this brand, they have beautiful colors but I’m just not really a fan. The polish just doesn’t have enough staying power for how rough I am on my hands. And I usually leave polish on for just about 3 days. I am pretty rough on my hands in their defense🤷🏼♀️🙁
@@KelliMarissa between dogs and my garden I’m a big hand washer too! Can’t stand to have dirty hands or gunk under my nails! Why I keep them so short this time of yr. garden dirt! 😂
Ella and Mila fan here! I have a lot of their polishes, including two from this collection: Pink Sapphire and Blue Diamond Dream. They are both gorgeous! Define “self-leveling”; I have not had any issues applying any Ella and Mila colors.
Self-leveling is when you brush the polish on and when you notice some parts are lumpy/thicker than others and the polish smooths itself out by itself. No need to be careful in application because it rights itself. Idk, I've used tons of different polishes and of those she swatched only three/four smoothed out.
I have about 10 of their polishes and find they’re either a hit or miss. Some formulas chip really easily for me (like Samba) and others are more sturdy. They had specific colors I liked so I gave them a try but it seems that whatever they’re “free” from could be what makes other polishes less fragile.
+kellimarissa *Vegan means vegetable-based.* ella+milaⓇ Nail Colors have eight subranges; ye're testing the Birthday subrange, except for "Pearl Drops" from the Nail Care subrange.
These nail polishes are not vegetable based - in nail polish terms, "vegan" refers to polishes that are made without animal ingredients (ie carmine, which is a red pigment made of insects!)
Honestly, I liked your video, Kelli, just cause I love your videos, but I stopped watching after the announcement of 17 free. I'm not going to buy a product where the manufacturer is deceptive. Thank you for your honest presentation!
I saw the almost laugh at 17 free. What's next, invisible nail polish? It's just getting ridiculous. I appreciate a company listing allergens that their product is free of. That's nice, but come on.😂 Anyway I have tried this brand and just never went back to it. I had the same issue you did. If I have to work with a polish to get it on my nails, the payoff had better be magnificent. Otherwise I can find that color and finish in another brand that will be easier to work with. I have no problem using drug store brands. I get my favorite topcoat from a drug store brand. Sally Hansen. But I'll pass on these because I'm lazy I suppose. I love the review. And I'd love a video on the "free" in nail polish.
It annoys me when companies just advertise their polishes as anything more than 5-free since it's not like I'm expecting plutonium in my nail polish??? Playing a fear-mongering card on consumers who likely don't know any better/don't care enough to look into the chemistry of stuff is just dishonest imo and, if anything, it makes me less likely to buy from a company.
Agreed, I am wary of any company that is more than 10 free. That's why I'm glad to see brands like Orly moving away from that sort of language - but then the fear mondering works because people are hesitant to buy them without that label!
Is there any brand that isn't 3 or 5 free? Otherwise it might be a bit redundant to name the number of chemicals. You could opt for only mentioning when a brand isn't 3 or 5 free, which would be relevant.
Hmm, I can't think of a brand offhand that isn't - but funny enough, I actually stopped mentioning it for OPI since they're only 3-free (which at this point feels standard), but some viewers got concerned that because I didn't mention it, they must contain harmful ingredients. Truly the whole "free" thing is a bit of fear mongering haha
Gaaahhhh! Your Heart of Gold swatch had a single strand of lint clinging to the end of your nail. I want to pluck it off. I NEED to pluck it off, lol. That said, gorgeous colors here, but if you can't self-level, you ain't it.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
The '17 free' made me laugh, are they including things like anthrax and cyanide at this point 😂
Honestly I usually cap it at 10-free in my head lol, anything beyond that, I'm pretty sure isn't usually in nail polish 🙈🙈
@@beverlytipton9037that's the point
😂😂🤣🤣
I have one company that says 21free .. lol at this point it's kinda of a joke. The nail polish is good and the price is ok , but cut the crap with the 21free.
😂😂😂😂
I would love to see you do a breakdown of how and why and what is involved in these various levels of non-toxic claims, and what are the perceived risks involved in each of the big five. Time for Lab-Coat Kelli! 😂 Seriously though, I think it's an important subject to be raised and given a bit of a deep dive treatment on your channel. Would be appreciated!
I think this is a great idea
I'll get started with researching! 🤓🧪
@@KelliMarissaI’m super interested too!
I would also love a deep dive on this
Ditto! I’d love to see you get down to brass tacks about toxicity in nail polishes.
Thank you for your honesty! I love how you point out the positive aspects of the collection, but also don’t shy away from the issues like the 17-free branding and the formula. Multiple things can be true at the same time, including pros and cons.
The 17-free branding reminds me of fear mongering with food and skin care. Like, “If you can’t pronounce it, you shouldn’t consume it or put it in your body.” There are lots of things we cannot pronounce or say incorrectly, but, also, EVERYTHING has a chemical makeup! Now, yes, we should avoid ingredients that are known to be dangerous, but we cannot extrapolate those to everything without credible research/evidence because it’s just not reasonable!
As far as the polish goes, maybe it’s just me, but I could tell by your swatches that the formula wasn’t self leveling, especially mid nail and up near the nail line. I have one or two polishes from Ella+Mila and I don’t recall any formula issues, but the wear time was suuuuper limited and chipping happened sometimes same day of application, even with a “good” top coat. The color was gorgeous, lots of compliments, but quality MATTERS!
Before I started watching your videos, whenever something was off when i was painting my nails I assumed I was doing something wrong. So glad I found you since you taught me how to evaluate a nail polish as I am working with it.
Honestly this is a common thought process for people when they're painting their nails! I'm just glad I can help because there's nothing more satisfying than finding a good quality brand that makes nail painting feel like an easy (and fun) self-care moment.
YES Please do a video on the polish “3-free, 5-free, w/e-free” system, please. If it’s starting to get marketed as something else, we need to know the basic definition so we can protect ourselves from the manipulations of the capitalist system
I've started adding a few drops of OPI lacquer thinner to brand new polishes that are not self leveling to thin them out and let them flow easier. Usually it means you have to do one more coat than usual but it's worth it for polishes that are great colors but lousy formulas. I do it a lot with cheap drugstore brands.
Thank you for the advice, I'll have to try this trick.
That's a great tip, thanks for sharing!
I use the Beauty Secrets brand from Sally Beauty to do the same thing! Can really improve the formula or save a polish that dried out a bit in the bottle because I didn't tighten the cap enough. Also great for top and base coats as you get further down into the bottle and they've thickened a bit too much.
Next they're going to reassure us that the elephant in the logo is cage-free and grass-fed. 😂
😂😂
🤣🤣🤣
😭😂
I sure hope he is
I tried Ella & Mila last year and ended up donating every single one of them. Did not like the formulas. I think companies like Mooncat, Orly, KB Shimmer and Starrily have spoiled me for exceptional formulas. I'll be passing on these though I love seeing the colors. Thank you for another fabulous video.
Yeah some of these indie brands that have amazing formulas are the same price so at that point it's really not worth spending money on a mediocre formula!!
I’m sorry the formula wasn’t better for you, for that price I’m really surprised! But I always appreciate your honestly! Also the makeup/outfit/hair combo is such a look!! 💕
Oh gosh thank you!! 🥰 Yeah I think I'd be a LOT more forgiving of the formula if it was $8, but this is the same price range as OPI and Orly (if not higher) so I definitely expect more!
I'd love to see a video comparing the so called 'healthier' or' natural' brands and lines like Sally Hansen good kind pure, Essie Love, OPI nature strong, China Glaze eco glaze, Ella & Mila, Pacifica plant magic, Nailtopia, etc. Both for the health claims and for normal things like color range, price, durability.
Formula issues aside, these colors are irresistible 😍
I'd definitely watch an "ingredient free" deep dive video!
You are not the only one!! I called them Ella & Mia for months! 😂😂
That L is just invisible to me LOL! Glad I'm not alone!
I was still saying it until I started the video. This is when I realized I've been wrong for years lol
I definitely thought it was Ella and Mia until I watched this video
I love your honest reviews!
Thank you so much 🩷🩷🩷
Hi Kelly, your honesty is so appreciated. Thank you for doing a great video - like always! I do like the color Rosy Quartz as I'm always looking for a pink chrome color. I've never tried this brand. The formula and price are not a positive though, and I don't mind spending some cash on polish, 😂Have a great weekend!
They are very pretty colors and I can see what you mean about self-leveling. I wouldn’t pay that kind of money, for non-self leveling colors. It’s just not worth it. I do appreciate your honesty, as always.
Yeah it's a shame because they really are gorgeous!
If a formula is difficult for you, its going to be a hard pass for me. I appreciate and love your honesty, anything Ive bought on your recommendation I've absolutely loved.❤ 200+ bottles of nail polish later 😂💸 I love that you test and swatch these so we can make informed decisions.
Also id love a video about the 'free' claims nail polish companys do.
Ohh yay that makes me so happy to hear!! 💅 I like how the community seems to have similar taste in colors too 🤣 and yesss will def do a video on all the frees haha
Oooo love 😍 the rose quartz one! And blue diamond dream foil!❤ And amethyst twist!❤
They really made some pretty colors!
Would love a video about the different nail polish ingredients and in what way they are potentially harmful! Thank you for sharing 💖💅
Of course!! 🩷🩷
Thank you for searching this collection! I have never used this brand and without you I would have purchased it because the colors are beautiful. Formula is very important. I don't want polishing my nails to be an effort. I love doing it! So I like it to be fun and relaxing. I will not be purchasing anything today no matter what they are free of, snort!!! 😂💜
Yesss exactly! Nail painting should be a relaxing self-care hobby, not a pain haha!
@@KelliMarissa 😂😂
I use their base and top coat, because it's just what i got when i was starting out...i think they work ok? I also love Orly, INLP, and Holo Taco 🌮 😍
I shared the same experience with this formula. It also chipped asap even with my good top coat and stained my nails like crazy. The only shades I liked were the chunky glitter in clear base formulas because I love sparkly toppers.
Their finishes are fun but it doesn't sound worth the effort for the most part haha!
I second the glitter toppers, they have fun colors and they layer up well!
I really enjoy Ella & Mila's nail polish remover. It's soy based and not stinky. Aside from that, I haven't actually tried their polishes 😅
I have heard good things about their nail care products! I'll have to give it a try!
Interesting they're a drugstore brand, I've never seen them! That jade color is so pretty and lovely! Thanks for swatching!
In my area Target carries them.😊
@@sheilasamuels1066 Thanks for the info!!
Glad you enjoyed the review!! 💜
Always appreciate an honest review! The colour story is lovely but formula is a must for that price range. And yes, you should def do a video on the 3 vs 5 vs 10 vs 17(!) free lololol 💀😂
I looked on their website when I saw this brand on FB. Liked a lot of the colors. A lot of the reviews pointed out that the polish didn't last long. What are your thoughts Kelli. Sure Glad you did this review❤ thanks
I still haven't tried this brand but also always thought it was Ella & Mia and still to this day forget and call it that. 🤭This is such a gorgeous collection, I'm sad to hear that it's not self-levelling and the formula is not the greatest....thank you as always for your honest review! 🥰
Would love to hear more about the “free” from ingredients and what it truly means. ❤
Thanks for the honesty, the colors are right up my alley but In definitely not good with not self leveling formulas (and I have a few) nevermind when I was starting out. Thanks for looking out for your audience! 🧡
Of course!! 🩷🩷 I do tend to review brands I already love but I'll always give my honest opinion esp when something isn't working for me!
A video on the 3-free, 5-free etc would be great. Maybe you can pair it with great examples of those brands?
That's a good idea!!
I love Ella and Mila. I don't know if you have done other swatches with them, other than the one you mentioned in the video, but maybe try some others in random. I love the base and to coat. And I don't have A LOT of their colors probably 5. Sorry I have around 50 polishes. I also do not have problems with leveling. So this is the first I'm hearing. Just try another 2-3 before you write them off. 💚
Nice video. I love most of these colors. I have been doing my own dip powder nails for years. Is this regular nail polish? Does it chip? Does it take long to dry? Those are the things I'd like to know before deciding whether it's worth it to purchase. Thank you.
I also thought the brand was called Ella & Mia at first 😂 I tried this brand recently & I was not impressed I didn’t like the formula & it basically started just completely coming off my nails within a day or two. It reminded me of cheap nail polish I used as a little kid. 🤷♀️
Yeah it's definitely not the quality I'd expect for $12.50 per bottle!
I love your shirt! That green one is gorgeous
Thank you so much!! And yes, that green is def my fave of the set!
I love the color of Amethyst Kiss and Pink Sapphire!
They really are pretty!!
Love your jewel-toned blouse!
I love their polishes. ❤
I wish their formula worked better for me!
@@KelliMarissaI completely agree with you about the formula and I also wish they were more of a drug store price 👍
tysm for these videos!!
Yay hope you enjoy!!! 🥰🥰
Pretty colors. What ingredient in polish makes it self level? I use Dazzle Dry exclusively and it is not self leveling, I wish it was...the top coat is self leveling and do you think that offering a self leveling topcoat is 'good enough' to make the polishes more user friendly?
I’d love a video on the chemicals in nail polish. By the way love your top.
I've never tried their polishes but I do use their soy based remover because I don't like using acetone if I can avoid it, except for cleanup of course. The remover does take a little longer but my skin feels so hydrated afterwards! 💖
Ooh I'll have to try it!!
Will you be reviewing the new Holo Taco releases?
I came across thier polishes a few years back and I had the same problem with leveling. I bought two at a store (don't remember where) and, although the colors were beautiful, I was sorely disappointed with the formula. It felt like the polishes were already taking on that congealed tackiness that polishes get when they're old or expired. It's was a bummer. I just threw them out and never tried the brand again. Have you bought and Emily De Molly polishes? I've seen them around and many are stunning. It might be a good new brand to try if you haven't.
I have a few Ella and Mila polishes and they are okay. but as I got more into nail polish I stopped using them because I felt the quality wasn’t as good as other brands I have. I do notice the smell of the polish isn’t *quite* as strong as other brands I have.
I'd love a video on how "free of stuff" actually works. Pretty please!!! =D
1:24 I would love a video breaking down the tin free/17 free/anything free. I find it fascinating and would like to learn about what ingredients they are referring to.
I like Ella & Mila, i have few colors from this brand, never really has any issues. This is a beautiful collection, i may have to add few to my collection. I also like Olive and June, fhey have really beautiful colors.
I'm personally not a fan of either brand! Are they owned by the same company?
@@KelliMarissa They are own by different people. I'm a fan of some of the colors but others brands are my fan favorite.
I have MCAS which means I’m allergic to almost everything and anything and I don’t have to use 17 free.
Yeah at this point it kind of feels like a gimmick 🥴
Great review thank you Kelli, I've seen reviews of this brand but not available in the UK
Colours are pretty though, but don't think they warrant such a high price point as you say, maybe in time they may improve the formula, until the next review, thanks again ❤xxx
Haha I can finally say this - I truly don't think you're missing out by not having access to this brand!
@@KelliMarissa 🤣🤣🤣
I love Rose Quartz and Call Me Jade. The pink looks like an OPI polish Platinum Lame as my standard. I saw a couple of wonky brushes while you were searching.
Swatcing
Yeah a couple of them were a bit wonky! Not a huge fan of the brush in general tbh!
Heart of Gold reminds me of OPI Goldeneye from wayyyy back when, but WOW over black it's insane!
I do love how different it looks over black!!
I love Ella and Mila cause they're cruelty free and vegan however I have come across other brands who have better self leveling formulas. I do have some of their polishes.
I'd love to see a video on the 3 free/5 free etc. I would like to understand the differences more, 17 free seems excessive. What is the difference in formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin? I have a Salon Perfect that includes formaldehyde resin that I'm kind of hesitant to use.
Unless you have an allergy, it SHOULD be fine - according to the FDA, formaldehyde bonds with the keratin in your nails to harden them (which is why it's commonly used in nail strengtheners) and it can be an irritant, but formaldehyde resin is just used to harden the nail polish itself (not your actual nail). It's still considered a "contact allergen", meaning it could potentially irritate your skin if you use it often, but if it's just one polish in your collection I don't think it should cause any issues. Of course you don't want to ingest it or anything, so avoid biting your nails when you're wearing it!
I just bought EM’s smoothing base on recommendation from Reddt since I haven’t found one I like yet. I hope it works
Omg I need your shirt! Love it!
Ahh thank you! It's a dress actually but it's pretty short so I wear it as a shirt haha - it's from Kohl's!
Yay! I'm not alone. Lol I called them ella & Mia too. 😂 Then I took a closer look at the bottle and said oooh Mila. Lol The color story is gorgeous, but like you I'm not a big fan. The blue and purple shimmer shades are pretty. I own the quick dry top coat, and I'm not a big fan of that. It has gotten so thick in the bottle, and that's even with using thinner. I'll stick with my glisten and glow top coat. 😊 Great swatching, though. Thanks for being honest. I still love your hair color!! Lol It looks great on you. 😁
I've never worried about how "free" a nail polish is. Give me the cheap dollar store polish that has probably still all the old chemicals and i'm still good😂 the higher that number gets the more riddiculous it becomes for me. Because a) is this anything but thickened colored water at that point? and b) like you said they're including stuff tgat wasn't in there to begin with just so they can crank up that number. I don't go to a cofeeshop and ask for a coffee without cheese in it😂
I'm allergic to all of the glow in the dark polish I've ever tried, IDK if any of those come in however many free
At this point are there any nail polish brands that DO use things like toluene or formaldehyde? It would be interesting to know which brands use those potentially harmful ingredients or that DO or DID test on animals.
Honestly I can't think of one off the top of my head that isn't at the very least 2-3 free! I know some Sally Hansen have formaldehyde resin and I believe Seche has toluene
I won’t purchase these for that price, but Heart of the Ocean is close to a weakness just because Titanic is one of my favorites. I wonder if any other brands have a deep blue jelly like that.
Samsies ❤
Picture Polish “Deep” is a gorgeous dark blue with silver holo flakies!
Zoya's Dream is the closest that I own. Close enough that I wouldn't buy this Ella & Mila.
Thank you! Beautiful colors but I have things that are sort of close so I will probably pass.
Honestly you're making the right choice haha 😅
Would love to see a 3 or 5 free vs 17 free and why there's claims of ingredients being harmful. The only ones I know are touletine and formaldehyde (Have one Sally with it 😮)
I'll def make a video about it!!
I only have buildable glitter toppers of theirs, and they are really fun and a party on the nails! But it's not as important for chunky glitter formulas to self level.
Eh nothing special or interesting for me here but I love your shirt. Where is it from?
Thank you! It's a dress actually, from Kohls (jr's department, I got it last year but it was on clearance!)
I think it would be helpful for you to explain the 3 free, 5 free, any number free. I’ve followed this since formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin was included in nail polish. 17 free is meaningless to me and I appreciate you pointing out they included ingredients that aren’t included in nail polish in their 17 list.
Not only that but at least one of the ingredients they say they don't use is actually in the polish. They say its phthalates free. Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid formed in the presence of an abundance of alcohol (with the type of alcohol giving a different ester). Their nail polish ingredient list contains phthalic acid and, as one of the highest volumes in terms of % make up (earlier in list means more of it) is isopropyl alcohol. So whilst they don't add a phthalate directly, they *do* add the two component parts of it meaning that there will be at the very least trace amounts of phthalate in their polish.
I'm guessing that they assume the vast majority of their potential customers didn't study chemistry to the same degree that I did. lol
The color story is really pretty. Bummer about some of the leveling problems.
Agreed 😕
Thanks for this video!! I also have not had good experience with this brand. Have you ever used Nailtopia? They have released 3 sets of Disney themed colors and wanted to ask if you might review these?
I haven't tried that one before but I'll check it out next time I'm in Ulta!!
I have used Nailtopia, and like it. Good formula, opacity, and wear. particularly like their polish remover, works really well and doesn't dry out my nails
Thanks for your info!!
Another thing I noticed is that so many of the brushes weren’t even. I totally get that not all nail polish brushes are even and there are a few that get by, but it looked like 3 of these brushes in a single collection were slightly too long in the same spot. Not sure if that has an effect on the application for you!
There are Indie brands out there that sell cremes for $8 and even crellies for $8 that self-level beautifully. No need to pay more for an inferior finish.
Yeah exactly, not worth it!
These are beautiful
The colors really are lovely!
bummer! the blue is really pretty but i can't deal with struggle bus polishes. also the 17 free thing is wild😅
Haha yeah honestly it's a shame because the colors are gorgeous!!
They are pretty colors, but agree with your opinion on the formula....not self-leveling at all, and can be goopy in some, thin in some, resulting in odd coverage. I also found they dont wear well and often start chipping as early as the day of manicure :-(
Beautiful colors BUT that's crazy that they're the same price as OPI? 😮😮😮
Yeah I think they should definitely have a lower price point, I'd be more forgiving of the formula if they were $8!
Ooh I love pink sapphire.
It seems like it would be great for stamping!
I tried glass slippers from them and didn't like the formula. Took forever to dry even with my regular quick dry top coats
Yeah definitely not the best formula 🙈🙈
Beautiful polishes ❤Walmart and cvs,Walgreens
That's amazing!
I'm glad you enjoyed!
@@KelliMarissa Thanks! Me too!
The jade shade looks just like a polish I just got from Pacifica (Green Goddess)
Ooh I still haven't tried Pacifica!
@@KelliMarissait was my first one from them. I’m not sure about it yet. I got it on sale, but I’m not sure if I would pay full price for it.
I’ve tried this brand, they have beautiful colors but I’m just not really a fan. The polish just doesn’t have enough staying power for how rough I am on my hands. And I usually leave polish on for just about 3 days. I am pretty rough on my hands in their defense🤷🏼♀️🙁
Yeah I am the same way tbh! I need a durable brand to keep up with all my hand washing haha!
@@KelliMarissa between dogs and my garden I’m a big hand washer too! Can’t stand to have dirty hands or gunk under my nails! Why I keep them so short this time of yr. garden dirt! 😂
I also thought it was Ella and Mia. Thought you were saying it wrong until I saw the bottle haha
I'm glad this seems to be everyone's experience LOL Mandela effect maybe?!
Which brands are salon brands?
OPI, Essie, Orly, those are the ones that come to mind for me! Available in mainstream stores and most often what salons use for their services 😅
Ella and Mila fan here! I have a lot of their polishes, including two from this collection: Pink Sapphire and Blue Diamond Dream. They are both gorgeous! Define “self-leveling”; I have not had any issues applying any Ella and Mila colors.
I like them too!
Self-leveling is when you brush the polish on and when you notice some parts are lumpy/thicker than others and the polish smooths itself out by itself. No need to be careful in application because it rights itself. Idk, I've used tons of different polishes and of those she swatched only three/four smoothed out.
@@anahnnemus5187 Thank you for the explanation!
I'm glad you've had a better experience with them! They really are beautiful polishes. :)
Heart of the ocean is beautiful
It really is pretty!
KB shimmer I got a crush on blue ($11) and ILNP downpour ($10) are similar.
I got something from them and it took forever to dry
I have about 10 of their polishes and find they’re either a hit or miss. Some formulas chip really easily for me (like Samba) and others are more sturdy. They had specific colors I liked so I gave them a try but it seems that whatever they’re “free” from could be what makes other polishes less fragile.
Gotta get call me jade 💚
Nothing beats a pretty green!!
+kellimarissa *Vegan means vegetable-based.* ella+milaⓇ Nail Colors have eight subranges; ye're testing the Birthday subrange, except for "Pearl Drops" from the Nail Care subrange.
These nail polishes are not vegetable based - in nail polish terms, "vegan" refers to polishes that are made without animal ingredients (ie carmine, which is a red pigment made of insects!)
I like Call Me Jade 😄 it reminds me of my cat’s eye colour and her name is Jade 😛
They colors are beautiful, if only they had a better formula orca lower price point.
Agreed!!
Dam polish has pretty colors out today. You have to pre-order the new ones. 😊
Ooh fun I'll take a look!
Honestly, I liked your video, Kelli, just cause I love your videos, but I stopped watching after the announcement of 17 free. I'm not going to buy a product where the manufacturer is deceptive. Thank you for your honest presentation!
I actually liked Ella and Mila. They dried fast and lasted 5 days without chipping.
I'm glad youve had a good experience with them! I've heard great things, I guess they just don't work for me sadly!
I think this brand is pricey for their finishes and formula, I did love this "heart of the ocean" color but Im not sure I would buy it
They have them at target and yeah, $10.50
But not this collection
Target and CVS both carry this brand, but only a very limited selection, and never the new collections.
Yeah it looks like this collection isnt available anywhere else unfortunately!!
@@KelliMarissa I accidentally mixed up this brand w olive and June - was surprised at review lol.
I saw the almost laugh at 17 free. What's next, invisible nail polish? It's just getting ridiculous. I appreciate a company listing allergens that their product is free of. That's nice, but come on.😂 Anyway I have tried this brand and just never went back to it. I had the same issue you did. If I have to work with a polish to get it on my nails, the payoff had better be magnificent. Otherwise I can find that color and finish in another brand that will be easier to work with. I have no problem using drug store brands. I get my favorite topcoat from a drug store brand. Sally Hansen. But I'll pass on these because I'm lazy I suppose. I love the review. And I'd love a video on the "free" in nail polish.
It annoys me when companies just advertise their polishes as anything more than 5-free since it's not like I'm expecting plutonium in my nail polish??? Playing a fear-mongering card on consumers who likely don't know any better/don't care enough to look into the chemistry of stuff is just dishonest imo and, if anything, it makes me less likely to buy from a company.
Agreed, I am wary of any company that is more than 10 free. That's why I'm glad to see brands like Orly moving away from that sort of language - but then the fear mondering works because people are hesitant to buy them without that label!
PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON “17 free” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 seriously i want to know the 3-5
Is there any brand that isn't 3 or 5 free? Otherwise it might be a bit redundant to name the number of chemicals. You could opt for only mentioning when a brand isn't 3 or 5 free, which would be relevant.
Hmm, I can't think of a brand offhand that isn't - but funny enough, I actually stopped mentioning it for OPI since they're only 3-free (which at this point feels standard), but some viewers got concerned that because I didn't mention it, they must contain harmful ingredients. Truly the whole "free" thing is a bit of fear mongering haha
These polishes are randomly very difficult to use and I am very nail polish /swatch savvy.
Yeah definitely frustrating to work with!!
Gaaahhhh! Your Heart of Gold swatch had a single strand of lint clinging to the end of your nail. I want to pluck it off. I NEED to pluck it off, lol.
That said, gorgeous colors here, but if you can't self-level, you ain't it.
I'm sorry haha! I didn't even notice 🙈😅
@@KelliMarissa correction: it was actually Rosy Quartz. TAUNTING ME.
I wish this polish wore better- the colors are gorgeous.
Same :(