Manucurist

TBS: What sparked the idea to focus on vegan and environmentally friendly nail polishes, and how did it become a reality?

CS: Recognising the damage caused by gels, acrylics and other traditional manicure techniques, I was inspired to create a healthy alternative and revolutionise the nail industry offerings. Thus, Manucurist set a path towards cleaner, more responsible beauty, with a focus on plant-based ingredients, non-toxic formulas, and more eco-responsible packaging. Making this vision a reality involved extensive research and development, ultimately leading to the creation of our unique and award-winning, vegan formulas​​! 

TBS: Your commitment to community and positive impact is amazing… tell us more!

CS: We focus on producing our polishes and skincare products in France, prioritising local suppliers and short supply chains. We collaborate with ESAT, a French organisation aiding workers with disabilities, and integrating responsible social practices into our business model​​. 

Next, our products are formulated completely vegan and cruelty-free with external, third-party verification by The Vegan Society and Peta, which helps to provide transparency . 

Additionally, we are conscious of our packaging waste, as we are aware that the beauty industry is deemed one of the biggest contributors to single-use plastic. We have gotten rid of secondary packaging where possible, use FSC certified craft packaging for all our paper packaging, and feature recycled and recyclable aluminium packaging for our hand cream and soap ranges. 

We believe that transparency is the best way to educate and build trust with our clients, this is why all recycling, ingredient and sustainability information is available directly on our website. 

TBS: Which Manucurist item would you recommend as a gift?

CS: I recommend our multiuse rose balm, which features 99% natural ingredients and 100% recycled and recyclable aluminium packaging. Then for a bold, yet sustainable manicure, we of course recommend our Green Flash™ LED gel polish – its unique, award-winning formula features up to 84% plant-based ingredients derived from corn, wheat, manioc, cotton, and sugarcane. Unlike traditional gels, it contains no harmful chemicals, demonstrates a commitment to health and environmental standards, and can be removed in a minute without acetone.

TBS: Can you share one of your WOW moments for the brand?

CS: A significant moment that propelled Manucurist forward was the launch of our innovative Green Flash™ polish in 2019. This product was a game changer, being the first LED gel-polish alternative on the market, revolutionising manicure routines with its eco-friendly formula and easy, damage-free, and acetone-free removal process​​.

TBS: Everyone needs a break. What does an ideal day off look like for you?

CS: An ideal day off for me involves spending time with my children, especially in a tropical setting like the south of France or the beaches of Morocco. I enjoy running or walking in nature, which helps me de-stress and find inspiration. Movement is key in my routine, providing a break from the daily demands of running a business and fostering a space for creativity and reflection​​.

TBS: How do you acknowledge and celebrate milestones?

CS: We celebrate milestones at Manucurist by sharing our achievements with the community and acknowledging the team's hard work. It's important to recognise the efforts that contribute to our success, ensuring that each milestone is a shared celebration that motivates us to continue innovating and striving for excellence​​.

TBS: The future of beauty is always evolving. Where do you see the industry heading?

CS: I see the beauty industry heading towards more personalised, sustainable, technology-driven and health-conscious products. Manucurist plans to influence these changes by continuing to innovate with our plant-based formulas and by focusing on individualised beauty and nail health solutions. 

We aim to set new standards in nail care that others in the industry might follow​​.

TBS: What is one of the most touching or unexpected pieces of feedback you've received from a customer?

CS: One touching piece of feedback was from a customer who appreciated that our Green Flash™ polish could be used safely during her pregnancy. She was grateful for a product that allowed her to enjoy beauty treatments without compromising her health or the health of her unborn child. This feedback highlights the impact of our commitment to product safety and health standards​​.

TBS: During tough times, what keeps you driven and focused on your vision?

During tough times, my drive and focus are maintained by the belief in our mission to offer cleaner, safer beauty products. The support from our community and the positive impact we have on our customers' lives provide a constant source of motivation​​.

TBS: If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self at the start of this journey?

CS: To to stay true to your convictions and be prepared for challenges. I'd emphasise the importance of persistence and innovation, especially in a field slow to change. 

Above all, trust in the vision of creating a more ethical, sustainable beauty industry, even when it seems daunting. Your passion will be your guide and resilience your greatest asset!

TBS: What attracted you to work with us at The Beauty Standard?

CS: What attracted me to The Beauty Standard was your commitment to elevating beauty industry standards, which aligns perfectly with our ethos at Manucurist. 

What I value most about this partnership is the opportunity it provides to reach a wider audience who values clean and ethical beauty products as much as we do. It’s a collaboration that amplifies our impact and helps us share our message of sustainable beauty practices more broadly.

TBS: What is the most memorable gift you’ve received?

CS: A memorable gift I've received that holds a special place in my heart is a small, handcrafted wooden box from my mother. It was given to me when I first took over Manucurist. Inside, she placed a note expressing her pride and hope for the brand's future under my guidance. This gift is a constant reminder of the support and love that have bolstered me throughout this journey, and it inspires me to maintain our family legacy in the beauty industry.

Find Manucurist's Huile Verte in our be_well box and their pale rose nail varnish in our be_unique box.