Whoa, I finally got OPI Black Shatter to look, well, like advertised.
I’ve been itching to try this mani ever since I’ve gotten Black Shatter, if only to see if I can pull off the cool-looking, if slightly juvenile “skittles” manicure. Skittles meaning using different (usually bright) colours on each finger. I’ve tried variations on it before (my favourite being the gradation manicure – shall post one of those another day), but have been too scared to actually rock the look. The hope with Black Shatter was to make the look more edgy and “disguise” some of the bright colour while keeping visual interest. Well, we’ll see about that…
First, skittles! Cute, right? Should have probably used a more pastel yellow but alas, I do not own one (can’t help but think American Apparel Butter would be a perfect substitute!). Let’s go through the colours:
- Thumb: OPI Lucky Lucky Lavender
- Index: American Apparel Manila
- Middle: Revlon Top Speed Jaded
- Ring: Orly Gumdrop
- Pinky: Revlon Gum Drop (yes, I used two polishes named gum drop. It was a coincidence, I swear! Also the pinky one happens to be scented. Sickly sweet…don’t think I could do a full mani with it, barf)
Time to shatter it up!
Looks like the juvenile skittles got introduced to some recreational drugs and are now looking significantly more edgy! Definitely something that I could wear without feeling self-conscious. Though I got plenty of weird looks from people today anyway (one girl especially who stared at my nails the whole time I was washing my hands in the restroom). Regardless, Shatter takes out the saccharine quality from the bright pastel colours and makes the whole look more wearable. Awesome!
Oh also, compare this to how the shatter looked over the GOSH Holographic polish I wrote about a few days ago. See how the shatters actually look fully formed rather than…weird tree branches? I don’t know if before I used layers that were too thin, didn’t let Holographic dry enough, or just the weird nature of holographic polishes in general. Just know that if you own OPI Black Shatter, here are some helpful tips:
- Let the base colour dry completely.
- If you want the shatters to be far apart, apply a thicker layer.
- Be sure to apply a shiny top coat to protect the shatter layer, as well as smooth out the wonky brush strokes.
:) Have fun!
Without a doubt, I’m trying this. It takes the ‘childishness’ out of the skittle nails, yet still keeps it fun:) Really really cool!
wow that looks awesome!! I would try it but I’d never be able to pull that off haha 8) my style is not the least bit edgy
That is so super cool Geeg! I hope we get to see this “as advertised” version of black shatter over another glittery polish. The thicker coat definitely worked better!
I’m going to have to start thinking of new and different ways to say “I love this blog” in the comments section.
I love this!! Too bad I don’t own too many colours yet – I’m definitely going to have fun playing with my new shatters though! :)
Not to worry, the nail polish obsession grows quickly :) You’ll soon amass enough to do a skittle manicure, haha! I actually wish I was back to the days of not owning tons and tons of nail polish…nah, just kidding ;)
I don’t know if you can get this in Canada, but my favorite of the “crackle” style top coats is the Avon Mosaic Effects. Avon is great polish in general but I adore their mosaic effects, and it sounds like it has less problems than yours does. Alas, it doesn’t come in a color other than black, so I’ve been debating picking up the Sally Hanson versions in a few different colors.