I've wanted a Crackle or Shatter topcoat ever since I knew they existed. I know some out there say this is out of style, but I've never been one to give much of a crap about what's in or out. I bought my first one a couple weeks ago (OPI- Gold Shatter) and while I love the color, I wasn't completely satisfied with the results. After trying a thin coat and a thick coat, I found it really didn't give the effect I expected or was looking for. I feel like it may have something to do with the shimmer/glitter. I may end up posting a swatch of this at a later date so you can see what I'm talking about. But anyway... I took to YouTube yet again to look for other people's swatches and reviews to hopefully discover the best black crackle polish available.
I do believe I found it.
Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat in Ink Splatter
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Clearly Quick
After watching video after video and review after review, I decided upon this one. Aside from doing a test nail on the evening of purchase, today was the first time I used this polish. I absolutely love it. It has a really great crackle effect with wide cracks as well as small ones. Also, it cracks horizontally as well as vertically and this is definitely what I was looking for.
For my manicure today, I decided to do a "rainbow". I wanted to have nice bright colors as a base to go underneath my crackle topcoat.
Left to right:
Ogre The Top Blue-OPI
Mint Sorbet-Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear
Lightening-Sally Hansen Insta-Dri
Tropical Temptation-Revlon
Femme Fatale-Wet N' Wild
(All are cream polishes.)
Two coats of each polish over a clear base coat.
**One thing I've heard about crackle topcoats is that you have to wait until your base color is extremely dry before you apply it. I have a few suggestions on what to do with your time while you wait for your polish to dry.
1. Wear a hole into the linoleum on your kitchen floor from pacing in circles.
2. Flap your arms/wiggle your hands like you're a cute little birdie.
3. If you're a smoker like me, you could smoke a cigarette. (Even better, get on the internet and read 17 articles on how to quit smoking because it's gross.)
4. Do all of the above simultaneously until your boyfriend thinks you're a nutjob.
I chose to do all of the above (minus reading articles on how to quit smoking) until my base polish was no longer tacky to the touch. I was way super duper excited to apply my crackle topcoat over these colors!! I couldn't wait to see how awesome it was going to look.
Finished product with clear topcoat.
This is definitely the look I was going for! I absolutely love this manicure. It reminds me of the colored jeans from the 80's that I loved when I was a kid.
Obviously, I am very very VERY satisfied with the Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat. I believe it is a must buy for anyone looking for a great black crackle.
**On a side note, I think the base colors I used would make a great water marble. If I do use these, I'll definitely post pictures.
Note: It's only this year I've started giving myself manicures at least a couple times a week. I'm by far no professional and my polish is still a bit rough around the edges, but I like doing it a whole lot. I'm sure my skills will improve eventually, but as far as right now goes? Please don't judge me, haha!
Thanks! :)
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