Normally I wouldn't post a product without trying it myself first---BUT! I'm having trouble actually finding this hot new item, hence the urgency in this weeks trend report. Our friends over at O.P.I Nail Lacquer have teamed up with pop princess Katy Perry, to name a few new colors and launch their newest trend in nail art : Black Shatter Nail Lacquer. The trick to this rockin new coat? When applied over any dry nail color, it splits and separates, resulting in a crackled/shattered paint look.
The Katy Perry colors are pretty cool and cued from her latest album, Teenage Dream. Listed from left to right (above) Last Friday Night, Not Like the Movies, The One That Got Away, Teenage Dream. The most noteworthy and aptly paired with Black Shatter is Not Like the Movies. It's a smooth gunmetal shade with an iridescent cast of purple or green depending on the light. I'm a little disappointed they didn't come up with a cool color for her single, Firework. But seeing how O.P.I released an entire line of encrusted, show stopping shades for the movie, Burlesque, I'm sure glitter was the last thing on their minds. Visit the O.P.I website to create your own hand and model any color in their library.
CONSENSUS
Personally, I'm all over it. It's a fun way to showcase crazy colors you might not wear everyday and it adds an edgy touch of black to your look. I've been told the product can dry out quickly so it's important to keep the wand twisted tight. Also, the thinner the coat - the more detailed the crackle effect will look. Like big chunks? Than lather it on! Again I wouldn't normally recommend a product that I haven't road tested BUT! We're talking about O.P.I here people. You will not find a better nail lacquer on the face of this planet. I've worked in salons, I've tried them all. Truly, the only high quality nail polish to trust is O.P.I. It retails anywhere from $7.50 - $10 bucks, depending on the outlet.
A beauty fortune : I predict this product will be fairly BIG. Perhaps mostly amongst Twilight reading tweens and Rihanna...and me! But give it about a month or two and you're sure to see Revlon or Sally Hansen jumping on the Shatter bandwagon. Fooled be not! Comrades in Beauty! O.P.I is the only way to go.
*Trade Secret : If you have a friend or family member currently working in the hair industry, hit them up! Licensed Cosmetologists get products like shampoo, waxing items, nail care etc. at cost from stores like Cosmo Prof or Maly's. At cost, meaning sold under the recommended retail price. So they might be able to score you a bottle of O.P.I for $5 bucks...if you provide the cash and maybe take their hot ass to lunch!
One important note : Black Shatter does have a matte finish, so its important to follow it up with a superb top coat. I always use, Gena's Healthy Hoof Hi-Gloss Protectant. Its a high quality top coat that will make your Mani last and last! Dishes, puppies, kids, hard core Diva Arm Waving...you name it! It's the Energizer Bunny of Top Coats and worth every penny. Its costs anywhere from $3-5 bucks. Find it at Sally's Beauty Supply or sometimes CVS might carry it. After a generous application, I've experienced that its chip proof for at least 5-7 days. This does not include chipping via neurosis.....you know who you are!
