Discover the Trendsetting Shades and Formulas Behind this Cutting-Edge Brand

Smith & Cult exploded onto the nail scene with their eye-catching colors and innovative formulas that quickly developed a cult-like following. Their polishes push the boundaries of conventional shades with unique duochromes, shimmers, and glitters inspired by music, art, and fashion.

If you’re looking to upgrade your nail lacquer collection, Smith & Cult is a brand you need on your radar. This buying guide will cover everything you need to know, from the bestselling colors and finishes to application tips and ingredient information. Get ready to take your manicure to the next level!

The Smith & Cult Color Palette

One of the biggest appeals of Smith & Cult is the diverse range of shades, allowing you to add artful pops of color to your nails. Their collections are grouped into descriptive categories that speak to the vibe of each polish:

• The Classics – Sophisticated neutrals and reds perfect for the office or elegant occasions.
• The Dark Side – Moody hues like black, navy, and oxblood to channel your inner goth.
• The Pastels – Soft powdery pinks, corals, and lavenders for feminine spring-ready looks.
• The Bolds – Vibrant brights and neon mattes make a statement.
• The Shimmers – Metallics, duo-chromes, and glitter polishes to add light-catching dimension.
• The Nudes – Fleshy and muted neutrals for polished, natural nails.

Bestselling Smith & Cult lacquers:

• 1972 – Rich blue-based red
• Tenderheart – Romantic petal pink nude
• Black Magic – Jet black with blue undertone
• Darjeeling Darling – Muted sage green
• Pillow Pie – Warm taupe with subtle shimmer

The color options strike a perfect balance between wearable shades for everyday glam and experimental hues for editorial looks.

Where to Buy Smith & Cult Nail Polish

Smith & Cult retails exclusively at the following locations:

• Nordstrom – The largest selection of Smith & Cult can be found at Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com.
• Revolve – Popular online fashion retailer carrying a curated collection of Smith & Cult shades.
• Amazon – Select colors and sets available on Amazon.com.
• Douglas – European beauty store stocking the brand in-store and online.
• Space NK – Upscale UK beauty boutique offering Smith & Cult polishes.

Smith & Cult is currently not available at big box stores like Sephora or department stores like Macy’s. Purchasing directly from authorized sellers ensures you receive authentic product.

Pricing for Smith & Cult

Expect to pay between $18-$20 per full-size bottle. The lacquers are considered prestige, with quality on par with Chanel or Dior polishes.

Bundles and value sets:

• 5-piece Nail Polish Vault Kit – $85
• The Complete Nail Polish Library – $344 (all 36 original colors)
• Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Set – $25 (limited edition value)

The price reflects the brand’s high-end, runway-inspired formulas and unique shade range. While not drugstore cheap, one bottle provides numerous stylish manicures.

Reviews of Smith & Cult Nail Polish

The feedback for these polishes is overwhelmingly positive, with most reviews mentioning:

• Long wear time of up to 7 days without chipping
• Eye-catching shade selection
• Smooth, opaque application
• Wide, easy-grip brush
• Quick-drying formula
• Ideal thickness – not too thick or thin

Critical reviews indicate some shades apply streaky on the first coat. But the consensus is Smith & Cult polishes are superior quality with noticeably better performance compared to cheaper brands. The vivid pigmentation and durable wear make the investment worthwhile for most.

Wear Time for Smith & Cult

Thanks to the brand’s proprietary lacquer solution, these polishes deliver extended wear of 5-7 days without chipping or fading. The quick-dry formula adheres strongly to the nail for polish that outlasts daily activities.

Adding a clear top coat like Smith & Cult’s Killing Me Softly can further prolong the manicure. However, the Smith & Cult shades show impressive durability even worn alone. Light tip wear may occur by day 5-6 but the polish avoids major chips and peeling.

Those accustomed to drugstore polish that chips within 2-3 days are amazed by the lasting power of Smith & Cult. For travel or special events, the extended wear time avoids the need for touch-ups or reapplication.

Cruelty-Free Status

Smith & Cult confirmed they do not test on animals, indicating their status as a cruelty-free nail polish brand. They demonstrate an ethical commitment to avoiding animal testing where possible.

However, the parent company who manufactures the polish is not Leaping Bunny certified. So Smith & Cult avoids the official cruelty-free and vegan label claims. But consumers can purchase feeling confident no new animal testing occurred during production.

Ingredients Inside Smith & Cult

The proprietary 12-free formula omits the following harsh chemicals:

• Formaldehyde
• Formaldehyde resin
• Camphor
• Xylene
• Ethyl tosylamide
• Triphenyl phosphate
• Toluene
• Parabens
• Gluten
• Phthalates
• Sulfates
• Acetone

Instead, the polish contains safer ingredients like:

• Nitrocellulose
• Adipic acid neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer
• Acetyl tributyl citrate
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Stearalkonium bentonite
• Styrene/acrylates copolymer
• Benzophenone-1
• Silica

The focus on a cleaner formula sets Smith & Cult apart from more toxic conventional polishes. Those with allergy sensitivities may find Smith & Cult more compatible with their skin.

Application Tips for Smith & Cult

For flawless at-home manicures with Smith & Cult lacquers, follow these best practices:

• Prep nails – Shape nails and push back cuticles before polish application. Swipe nails with nail polish remover or alcohol to remove excess oil.
• Use base coat – Apply a thin layer of base coat like Smith & Cult’s Over and Under to help polish adhere. Let dry.
• Shake well – The bottle should be shaken vigorously for 30 seconds before applying to mix pigment.
• Thin coats – Paint on one thin, even coat and let dry fully before adding more layers. Thick globs can extend drying time and lead to streaks.
• 2-3 coats ideal – Most Smith & Cult shades reach desired opacity after 2-3 coats. Allow 2-3 minutes of drying time between layers.
• Cap the tip – Seal the free edge of your nails with polish to prevent premature tip wear.
• Finish with top coat – Lock in shine and protection with 1-2 layers of quick dry top coat.
• Wrap tips – Wrap polish slightly under the tip while coats are still wet to reinforce strength.

Proper polish application allows Smith & Cult shades to look flawlessly smooth and vivid on the nails.

Quick-Dry Formula

All Smith & Cult polishes deliver noticeably fast drying, requiring only 2-3 minutes between coats. The proprietary lacquer includes drying agents to expedite the curing process.

The quick-set formula is a game changer for achieving clean, streak-free application. In a pinch, you can get away with only 1-2 minutes of dry time.

However, patience pays off for optimal application. Waiting the full 2-3 minutes prevents bubbling or dragging. The rapid dry time makes these polishes ideal for on-the-go touch ups.

Limited Edition Collections

Smith & Cult regularly debuts special edition polish collections inspired by current fashion and pop culture trends.

Examples of past limited editions include:

• Punk Roche – Metallic punk shades with edgy names like Anarchy and Riot.
• Velveteen Stranger – Jewel-toned velvet mattes in shades like Blue Blood.
• Darling, Dearest – Soft pastels for spring with fun shade titles like Bunny Breath.
• David Bowie Tribute – Duochrome glitters themed after the music icon’s iconic alter egos.
• Kings & Thieves – Regal reds, golds and emeralds fit for royalty.

Limited collections are released on average every 4-6 months and sell out quickly. Signing up for brand emails provides updates on new launches. The unique collaborations display the creative artistry of the brand.

How Smith & Cult Compares to Other Brands

Smith & Cult occupies a unique niche between higher end luxury polish and more affordable options. Here’s how it stacks up:

• More pigmented than Essie or OPI
• Wider shade selection than Dior or Chanel
• More affordable than Tom Ford or Gucci
• Cleaner formula than Sally Hansen or Revlon
• More stylish packaging than Zoya or China Glaze

The performance and quality aim to rival luxury offerings at a more accessible price point. Overall, Smith & Cult provides premium polish with trend-driven flair you won’t find from legacy brands.

Sensitivity Considerations

Those with nail or skin sensitivities may tolerate Smith & Cult better than typical polish because of the clean 12-free formula. The brand removes many common irritating ingredients.

However, individual results may vary. Test any new polish on a small skin patch first. Very sensitive individuals may still react to trace ingredients. But overall Smith & Cult rates as a better choice for users with allergies compared to mainstream polish loaded with toxins.

Glossy vs. Matte Finish

The majority of Smith & Cult polish finishes with an ultra glossy, light-reflecting shine. This amplifies the depth and dimension of the shades.

However, certain collections offer intentional matte finishes. Examples include:

• Paper Chase – Pearlescent white matte
• Darjeeling Darling – Muted sage green matte
• Versailles – Baby pink nude matte

The velvety matte textures offer a more muted, modern effect. But the brand skews heavily toward radiant, wet-look finishes.

Using Gel Top Coats

The durable Smith & Cult formula pairs perfectly with gel top coats like Gelish, VINYLUX or Dazzle Dry for longer wear.

After applying two base color coats:

1. Cure each coat under an LED or UV gel lamp according to gel top coat instructions.
2. Finish with 1-2 layers of gel top coat, curing between applications.

The gel top coat forms a protective shield over polish that resists chips and scratches for 10-14 days. Gel also blocks UV rays to prevent fading and discoloration.

Why Smith & Cult Stands Out

Several key factors make Smith & Cult a stand-out, must-try nail polish brand:

• On-trend shades not found elsewhere
• Durable 5-7 day wear time
• Ultra quick-drying formula
• High pigment resulting in opaque coverage
• Proprietary 12-free polish base
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Sleek, artistic packaging
• Runway-inspired collaborations

The brand captures the intersection of fashion and beauty with avant-garde polish that performs. Quality construction shows in the flawless application, extended wear, and vivid results.

Vegan Options

All Smith & Cult polishes are completely vegan as they exclude animal-derived ingredients. The brand states:

“Smith & Cult does not use animal ingredients or by-products in any of our nail lacquers or cosmetics. We are 100% vegan.”

This makes the polish ideal for those following plant-based lifestyles. No carmine, beeswax, or other animal ingredients are present.

Chipping Concerns

The durable formula resists excessive tip wear or peeling for 5-7 days of perfect polish. Light tip wear may occur after 5 days of wear.

However, full chips or missing chunks of polish are rare with Smith & Cult when applied correctly. Proper prep and base coat helps the lacquer adhere strongly to the natural nail.

If chipping occurs prematurely, examine your prep method or consider adding gel top coat for ultimate protection.

Removal Process

To safely dissolve Smith & Cult polish, use pure acetone nail polish remover. Avoid removers with additives.

Soak a cotton pad with acetone and hold it over each finger for 30-60 seconds before wiping away polish. Repeat if needed for full removal. The formula should lift cleanly without too much effort.

Follow up with a nourishing cuticle oil or cream to condition nails and skin. Never pick or peel polish, as this can damage the nail bed.

Bundles & Sets

Smart shoppers can save money purchasing Smith & Cult polishes in sets. Options include:

• Nail Polish Vault Kit (5 polishes) – $85
• The Complete Library (all 36 original shades) – $344
• Customizable Duo Sets – $36 (Pick 2 polishes)
• Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Kit (4 mini polishes + top coat) – $25

Sets allow you to try multiple lacquers while maximizing value. The bundles also make great gifts for the beauty lover in your life.

Free of Harmful Chemicals

All Smith & Cult polishes are meticulously formulated to exclude:

• Formaldehyde
• Camphor
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Sulfates
• Xylene
• Ethyl tosylamide
• Triphenyl phosphate
• Gluten
• Animal ingredients

The 12-free polish base avoids many harsh ingredients that provoke skin reactions or hormonal issues. While no nail formula is 100% non-toxic, Smith & Cult rates far cleaner than drugstore polishes.

Final Takeaways on Smith & Cult Nail Polish

For fashionable shades that perform, Smith & Cult nails the brief. Their trailblazing colors, incredible wear time, and trend-focused aesthetic justify the investment. Whatever your style, you’re guaranteed to find shades that speak to you.

And you can feel good about the vegan, cruelty-free formula omitting a laundry list of hazardous ingredients. While the pricing hits the higher end of polish, the results rival that of true luxury brands for less.

So next time you crave a cutting-edge manicure that pushes boundaries, reach for Smith & Cult. Let these scene-stealing polishes unleash your inner nail artist. Your fingertips will thank you!