Our Story
“So much of beauty has required women to sit still and compromise in order to meet whatever image was put before them. The images of beautiful women in my head are of them laughing, playing, digging, exploring, dancing, holding hands, holding things…they are in motion and living their lives.”
Why Buff Exists
For as long as we can remember, the beauty industry has told women that bare nails aren't enough. Our question: what does “enough” even mean? And who decided on that definition? Buff is a new beauty ideal, from the wrists and ankles down.
Buff was created to provide another option. One that doesn’t compromise style for the sake of ease. We believe real beauty is vitality; an aliveness that is seen in us moving, doing, and living full lives. Buff is about revealing, nurturing, and falling back in love with what is there, with no need to cover it up at all.
What is Skincare For Your Nails?
Nailcare has always centered around an end game of covering the nail. Our end is a bare nail. That means improving your actual nails: the cuticle, the shape, the color, and the shine. And we believe in treating your nails with as much care as you treat your skin and hair. We made a skincare routine for your nails, hands, and feet that you can take on the go and fit into your in-between moments.
What we’ve learned about nailcare
We’ve learned a lot about what nails actually need. We've chased the answer through conversations with keratin PhDs, the hands of veteran pedicurists, and our own daily routines. What we've found is simpler than the industry wants you to believe: Hydration is at the center of everything, and consistency is more impactful than a once-a-month salon moment. Learn more from our Nailcare 101 guide.
Our product design philosophy
When we think about design, quality isn’t a feature—it’s the standard. With that as the baseline, we approached the look with the goal of bringing real joy. We want using the products to be as much of a delight as spotting them—in the shower, on your bathroom counter, at your desk. We hope you feel the love and consideration and experience what we’ve set out to create: top quality to use with a design that feels like an accessory or other object of desire.
FAQs
Is nail polish bad for you?
We recognize that none of us live in a perfectly clean bubble. We're not here to tell you that ditching polish is the answer to everything. What we are here to do is give you a beautiful alternative that only takes a few small shifts in your routine, and creates strong, healthy, and radiant nails.
Do you hate nail polish?
We're not anti polish, gel, or acrylics—we're pro giving women another option. One that's polish, press-on, gel, and acrylic-free. And that still gets you to a done, beautiful nail.
Why does Buff exist?
It felt like the right time to create something new—a way to make your nails, hands, and feet beautiful without any polish at all.
Why no hand cream, hand wash, or other products?
We started by making the nail skincare products that didn't exist yet. We're absolutely thinking about hand cream, foot cream, wash, and more—but we'll only add them when we find something that's a genuine value add, not just more product.
Will you ever carry polish?
No. We believe nails are beautiful without polish. The naked manicure doesn't require polish or remover. That said, we're always thinking about style-forward products for your nails, hands, and feet.
How do I break up with polish?
It's easier than you think:
- Remove your nail polish.
- Apply Resurface, the chemical exfoliant step to help you clear build up on and around your nails (including dead skin).
- Shape and smooth nails with the Great Plane Nail File.
- Smooth surface texture and shine your nails with The Shine Sheets Nail Buffing Pads.
- Apply Restore Strengthening Serum to your nails to replenish and condition with strengthening ingredients.
- Seal in moisture with Revive Finishing Gel Oil. Use whenever you want the shiny look.
Then go bare—for a week, a season, or forever.
Going polish-free on my feet feels scary. What if I have a last-minute trip?
We’ve intentionally made tools and products for your feet so you can feel sandal-ready at a moment’s notice. No scrambling or embarrassment. Just confidence.
The answer is simple: exfoliate, mask, hydrate, shine.
What is "Skincare For Your Nails"?
It's exactly what it sounds like: treating your nails and the skin around them the same way you'd treat the rest of your body. Clean, hydrated, cared for. See our Nailcare 101 guide for the full picture.
Can I use Buff products for a salon or at-home manicure with polish or gel?
Yes—our products work great as part of any nail routine, with or without polish.
What is your return policy?
We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unused, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
You can find our full return policy here.
“I’m inspired by women living their full lives. So much of beauty has required women to sit still and compromise in order to meet whatever image was put before them. The images in my head are of women laughing, playing, digging, exploring, dancing and holding things. Always moving. That motion is at the core of what beauty means to me, and it’s why I created Buff: a company with products and gestures that celebrate bare nails, fit into our lives, and help us feel uncompromisingly beautiful.”
