I Have a Project for You (Update 10/6/11)

Links checked 12/12/13

Updated 10/4/11 & 10/6/11
If you're new to this entry, don't forget to check out the reader comments because there's a lot of helpful information there! Thank you, ladies.

While it is sometimes disconcerting to realize I’m speaking to 70 something followers, this time I'm going to use that to my advantage. I have a project for you ladies but don’t worry, it’s a pretty easy one.

I like to shop, I like bargains and I like doing research but this time I’ve hit a road bump and perhaps you can help.

Nubar 2010 (the anniversary edition) is just one example of a fine “flakie” nail polish but the Nfu Oh brand is a much better example because it seems the selection is broader. I’ve been asked before and was unable to answer what these flakes are or where they could be bought and the ingredient list on the back of a bottle of Nubar 2010 doesn’t answer that either unless “mica” is what they are supposed to be.

I own one store bought polish that would qualify for a flakie polish though not as nice as Nfu Oh and that’s a polish from Studio M called Covered in Diamonds, picked up at Meijers several months ago.

On the back, the only possible ingredient that could be the flake is polyethylene terephthalate which means its polyester, PET plastic or, if you prefer, the same thing most of our glitter is made of.

So here’s your end of the project while I continue digging for information.

For those of you that own a flakie polish, check your ingredients and tell me if there is one that differs from a regular polish.

For those of you that have bought flakes for frankening that did or did not work, let me know.

Update 10/4/11
Ladies, I appreciate the info you have given me to work with, please continue to do so. I kept digging on the internet yesterday until I wanted to scream but was no closer to finding the answer or the supplier. I have emailed Nubar regarding the flakes in the 2010 anniversary edition as well as Nfu Oh about their flake polishes but I don't think I expect a response. It's probably a company trade secret knowing my luck. If they do answer, I'll let everyone know.

In addition to Nubar and Nfu Oh, I emailed Rainbow Turtle, one of the companies on my Glitter Supplier list. Somewhere on the website it was suggested that the flakes/glitters would work in nail polishes. My question and their answer posted below.

Q: In my experience a lot of glitters bleed when submersed in nail polish for long periods of time yet you suggest that your company's can be used this way. How do you know it won't bleed under those circumstances?

A: Hello, I actually do not know if they will bleed when submersed. I just know that we have many people that use it when doing their clients nails but I am not sure how they are applying it. We have others that use it in lotions however I still do not know if some of the colors or all of them would bleed. I would suggest always testing before making any final decisions. Thank you for asking, Rainbow 

Update 10/6/11
There has been no answer (yet) from Nubar and Nfu Oh regarding their flakes but I emailed Art Glitter the other day about the flakes they sell and received the following response.

Q: Would you know if the glitter flakes you sell are solvent resistant enough to be submerged long term in nail polish without bleeding? Thanks for your time.
A: Hi, I’m guessing you are referring to our Dazzler line of Flakes? They are polyester and should not bleed in nail polish. I’m afraid each color is different and we have found that a few of the darker opaque glitter colors will fade a little. However since the flakes are all transparent, they have a pretty good chance of not bleeding. I’m sorry I don’t have a definite answer for you, we have not been able to test our over 600 colors in this situation. Please take a look at a tutorial a nail artist did for us, it may be helpful:
http://www.artglitter.com/NailsByKae.html. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Thank you for your interest in our fine art glitter products.

While researching I also realized that Fabulous Street, online seller of Nfu Oh polishes ($12.00 each) also sells Nfu Oh brand glitters, flakes and other nail art related products. Kerstin, below, mentioned this first but it escaped my attention.  While I don't know if these are the same flakes used in the actual polishes it might be worth buying some to try out so I purchased two flakes from the "Rainbow Series", Opal Glitter White and Opal Glitter Dark Green for $3.50 each. I have no idea what the weight or size of the jar is but if the flakes work, the price will be irrelevant.

What I learn I pass on to the next person because it all ends up on this blog. -MK

Hit the Duochrome Flakes tag for related entries.