I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a big follower of trends – not because I’m too cool for them, but because sadly, I’m just not that trendy LOL!  I often favor classic and simple over original and eye-catching – though from time to time I’ll branch out and try something new and exciting.  This week, I was able to check out for the very first time, a trend that blew up in the nail polish world this past year – crackle polish. China Glaze has come up with several adaptations to the crackle phenomenon, and this time around it’s meshing with another popular nail technology, glitter!  The China Glaze Crackle Glitters feature four shimmering shades:

- Glam-More: a bold fuchsia

- Luminous Lavender: a luscious light purple

- Gleam Me Up: a bright sky blue

- Jade-d: a radiant bright chartreuse green

As it’s my first run-in with crackle polish, I made sure to understand how to use them properly.  A lighter coat creates a fine crackle, and a thicker coat will offer a deep shatter effect.  Apparently, you can brush it sideways or at an angle to also create different looks.  I suspect the technology has improved since the first slew of these polishes as it really wasn’t that challenging – the main point is to be sure that the coat(s) of whatever base polish you use is fully dry before applying any of the crackle polish, or the effect won’t come out as well.  I found out the hard way, and the crackle pulled apart my base coat as well and left bald spots (as evidenced by my pinkie).

I began my experimentation using OPI’s I Brake for Manicures, a deep dark eggplant, as the base shade.  I think black would’ve look best, but shamefully I don’t own one (something I must remedy IMMEDIATELY).  After a little trial and error, here’s the results (first picture, natural light; second picture, with flash):

Top to bottom: Glam-More, Luminous Lavender, Gleam Me Up, Jade-d 

My first go around didn’t fully produce the results I wanted – Luminous Lavender is the sheerest of the bunch, and as such, the crackle effect was nearly negligible.  As well, I wasn’t pleased with how Glam-More, my favorite of the four, turned out.  Re-done, here’s my second try (first picture, natural light; second picture, with flash):

MUCH better!!  (Note that I didn’t use top coat in any of these shots)  With the ‘effects’ properly showcased, I was able to analyze just how I felt about the crackle trend.  Sorry to say, it’s still not my cup of tea – I guess my anal nature likes things to be a bit more precise, and the crackle effect just looks haphazard and messy to me.  But, if I were feeling particularly ‘adventurous’ shall we say, I’d certainly give Glam-More and Gleam Me Up another shot – the color of these two shades is simply luminous and would look absolutely stunning against a true black base.  Partially because of it’s sheerness, and also because of it’s pale tone, Luminous Lavender left me cold – and Jade-d, while quite funky, just isn’t my bag either.

For those of you who DO love a good crackle to spice up your manicure, China Glaze’s Crackle Glitters will be available at salons and beauty supply stores nationwide in May.  As always, China Glaze polishes are free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde!

What do you think about crackle polishes?  Do they rock your world, or can you take ‘em or leave ‘em?  Any of these pique your interest?

*These products were provided for my unbiased consideration by the PR company/brand.