Abstract: Nail enamel compositions containing a monoester containing at least one alkyl ether group; or an ester of benzoic acid, or a diester formed by the reaction of a dicarboxylic acid where the two carboxylic acid groups are separated by a straight or branched chain alkyl group or an aryl group, and an aliphatic or aromatic alcohol and said diester further comprising at least one alkyl ether group; or a triester formed by the reaction of aromatic tricarboxylic acid and an aliphatic or aromatic alcohol, or by the reaction of a polyol having primary hydroxyl groups with an aliphatic carboxylic acid; and a method for reducing the hardness of one or more film forming polymers in a nail enamel composition, and/or improving nail enamel wear comprising adding such compounds to the nail enamel composition.