How to use OPI Black Shatter Nailpolish February 2, 2011
Posted by graciegrapes in Beauty.trackback
Katy Perry Collection by OPI
A couple of weeks ago OPI released their Katy Perry Collection which included 5 “colors”; the most interesting of the set is Black Shatter! Black shatter is different in that it is more of a topcoat of sorts, the directions with the nail polish states:
“Apply one coat of Black Shatter over any completely dry Katy shade for an irresistable “shattered” look.”
As the polish dries it separates on the nail creating a broken look over your initial color. What you get is a customized look without having to go pay for nail art/manicure. Plus, due to the effect you don’t have to worry about being overly neat or perfect with your application. However there are some tricks getting the ideal look.
#1: Think contrasting colors.
This one would seem to be a no brainer, but I figured it was worth mentioning. Since the polish is black is won’t show up well over darker colors. Bright colors result in the most noticeable effect.
#2: Use a clear polish before applying Black Shatter.
This one a figured out through trial and error. With my left hand I applied the black shatter directly on top of my base color, and I noticed that the base color did not come through as vibrant. The base color was dulled out and upon closer inspection appears to have been “eaten away”. So with my right hand I decided to apply a top coat over my base coat, and the results were MUCH better. Black shatter not only “shattered” cleaner, but the base color showed through much brighter.
Left Hand
Right Hand
I also noticed that on my left hand, without a clear coat between the base and black shatter, after applying a finishing top coat it still appears rather dull in comparison to my right hand. And that brings me to my final tip.
#3: Use a top coat to finish.
Black shatter by itself does not have a shiny finish, it’s pretty matte. The matte finish is more evident with you don’t apply a clear coat over your base color. In my opinion the overall look is better, and more “professional” looking with a top coat to finish. I have also read that some people have experienced the black flaking off without a topcoat to seal it.
Finished product
Close Up
For those looking for something special to do with there nails without having to visit the nail salon I’d definitely suggest picking up a bottle of Black Shatter. I got my bottle at Ulta, but I’m sure it can probably picked up anywhere that the OPI brand is sold. Also, the polish is part of the main OPI brand; I can’t say that it’s available at sephora, since sephora sells a line by OPI which is specific to Sephora.
[...] applied a clear coat prior to applying the crackle glaze; due to my previous experience with OPI’s Black Shatter (click for my tips on use). China Glaze "Broken Hearted" over OPI "The One That Got [...]
can you use the shatter on any OPI nailpolish, or just katy perrys
It can be used with any nail polish
You can use it on any. I have a China glaze base with the OPI Shatter
Can you put it on any nail polish or just opi?
I JUST bought the Shatter and I tried it on immediately and it didn’t work. I have Chanel nail polish on with OPI Envy topcoat. Any reasons why it shouldn’t work? I’m going to go home and try it with OPI and no top coat, or maybe a different topcoat. I don’t know how the Envy reacts with the Shatter but I hope it works some way or another :\
I was gonna say that it won’t work on a plain nail, but you said that you did have polish on. Perhaps you applied too much; I have noticed that the thicker you apply it the less cracks form, but I don’t think I’ve had it not crack at all….
Was the top coat lacquer? the shatter only works on lacquer nail polish. i have tried with non lacquer and it cracks a little bit like one or not at all
If your base coat is still any form of wet, the crackle will not work.
what nail polish did you use under the black shatter?
Can you use black shatter on any nail polish or just OPI???
Dunno i was wanting to know that as well, anyone else know the anwser??
Can you use black shatter on any nail polish or just OPI??
U have to use any Lacquer nall polish but u should use O.P.I cause they have the most Lacquers and since shatter is OPI it will work best
My black shatter polish has become very thick. Any suggestions on how to thin it?????????
You can pour a little of nail polish remover.. Its okay. Your nail polish and nail polish remover both have acetone. The remover wont do damage to the color.
-Future Professional
You can purchase a nail polish thinner. Don’t use nail polish remover, as this will damage it and lighten the colour
i gto one and it doesent work at all!
what did i do wrong?!?!?
i got a bottle of the bright blue and it does little to nothing. my friend got the same color and hers is a little better but not much. we both used it over an opi lacquer :/ any suggestions?
Amy, where did you purchase the blue shatter nail polish from? My cousin bought hers from Ebay and i think it was a fake. I have seen it on other people and it looks perfect – they bought it from a major shopping centre.
i got the same colour…try painting hot pink under it. it shatters really well and the colours look awesome together
i just bought the black shatter today, and i’ve used an essie nail polish (fishnet stockings) as the base color and it works just fine. just make sure that the base color is dry before putting on the shatter.
You have to wait until the LACQUER nail polish you use as a base coat color is completely dry… I’m still not all that impressed with the product, however. I think it leaves too much black showing (and not enough of the contrasting color) even when it’s done and works correctly.
I love shatter. I have four colors. And off brands too. I do tons of trial and error. I’ve learned that a thin coat over even polish shatters best:) also if you blow on it to make it dry faster. You get thiner shatters ^_^
Your top coat trick before the shatter nail polish worked WONDERS! Thank you for suggesting it!
everytime i use mine it just doesnt shatter at all am i doing something wrong??