As you've almost certainly experienced, the first thing that hits you when you open a bottle of nail polish is that awful smell. This is due to the chemicals nail polish is made from -- namely phtalates, solvents and formaldehydes, along with a few fragrances, synthetic preservatives and dyes. For many people, this can cause an allergic reaction.

Chances are, you won't find a nail polish that doesn't use these chemicals. However, there are some alternatives that aren't quite so toxic -- like those offered by Honeybee Gardens and Natural Solutions.

That said, they apparently aren't very effective, and might still trigger a reaction in those with more severe allergies. So, Linda McCloud of BeyondAllergy.com offers some simple tips for great-looking nails without polish.

1. Keep your fingernails clean.
2. Soak them frequently in a bowl of warm water and gentle soap.
3. File them weekly.
4. Use a nail buffer to keep them ridge free and shinier.
5. For extra white and shine, use a half of a lemon as a buffer.