Professional looking results without the time, expense, effort or skill..., 21 Jan. 2011

OPI are about to release a 'shatter coat' [for about £10] alongside their Katy Perry colour collection, so so-called 'Crackle Polishes' are set to be big beauty news this year. Luckily for us Barry M already have a 'Crackle Polish' of their own on the market and it is cheaper, easier to find and is the same product as it's double-the-price contender.

Barry M INSTANT NAIL EFFECTS is a black polish* that is applied over another colour: As it dries it cracks into a unique pattern, that is similar to a leopard print.

Not only does it give an easy, professional pattern every time, but it is also hard wearing and helps my polish last longer without using another top coat over it**. I think this is due to the formula being slightly thicker then most nail polishes [but non-gloopy], so it forms a thick protective layer over your base colour.

* It is labelled as a Nail Paint - the same as Barry M's other polishes - so I wasn't sure what to call it, but the...

This review is from: Barry M Instant Nail Effects Black Magic 10 ml (Personal Care)

Instant Effects, 22 Jan. 2011

This nail varnish is brilliant. Firstly you put on a layer of normal nail varnish, wait for it to dry and then paint one single coat of instant effects over the top. The nail varnish then cracks and creates an effect similar to that on the lid.Between the cracks you will see the original colour you put on.It is easy to use and it doesn't matter if you don't put it on perfectly. It looks like something you would get done at a salon, its brilliant.

This review is from: Barry M Instant Nail Effects Black Magic 10 ml (Personal Care)

Fantastic Quality at High Street Price, 2 Jun. 2011

I bought this nail varnish on offer from a well-known high street store. I mostly got it because it was cheap, and I wanted to know if I would like the effect before I shelled out the money on a more expensive "salon" brand.

I have to say I am utterly blown away by this. I took into account some of the tips I had read about application but honestly, in my opinion it was very easy to apply (especially considering the brush, which is a traditional thinner type rather than the more modern wide brushes you see nowadays). I paired it with a Rimmel coral-coloured base colour and the Barry M 3-in-1 clear as a top coat and it is showing absolutely no signs of budging off my nails after three days. I have long natural nails and type a lot for a living so my nails are getting a very realistic amount of wear. Also it is so much fun to apply, it dries so quickly and you can see the cracks appearing before your eyes - especially if you blow on it. :D

So some tips for...

This review is from: Barry M Instant Nail Effects Black Magic 10 ml (Personal Care)