Anything "Duochrome" or "Chameleon" can also be found using the tag "Color Shifting"

Updates & Notices

Warning: This blog and some info within is out of date. The date of any updates are usually noted at the top of each page/entry. As of 1/08/20, all pages have had dead links removed/repaired as well as 2010 entries and 2011 Jan-July.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Nail Polish Organizing

I find it interesting when I see how other bloggers store or display their polish collections and those that are able to display theirs often arrange them by color, like my sister although she sticks with OPI and China Glaze.

I live in a smaller apartment and all available wall space is already being used so mine are stored in Sterilite shoebox drawers, purchased as necessary from my local Dollar General. As floor space is also at a premium, they are stacked fairly high, 9 to a column.

The first column is all store bought polish, all keepers, those I won't franken with, except the top drawer where I store bases and topcoats. The second column is also store bought polish, two more drawers for "keepers",  and the rest of drawers are for the duplicates bought for that reason. The final column are my own creations except for the top and bottom drawers which hold my empty bottles and those that need to be cleaned before reusing.

Even with each drawer neatly labelled by brand or line I still often misplace bottles and overlook the same one over and over because all I see looking into the drawer are caps which would be fine if polish names were on top but mine are not. Then I hit upon an idea and spent a few days marking the tops with the polish in the bottle. Obviously you can't use the brush to paint the cap so I painted my finger instead and did it that way.

And now when I pull out one of those drawers, most of the time I find what I am looking for.

-MK

Friday, December 27, 2013

TKB's Shimmer Pops vs. the Original Pops

I have several new posts coming but since there is very little blog coverage about how the newer Shimmer Pops from TKB Trading compare to their original Pops! collection, I decided I would start with that.

I haven't posted in months because frankening simply wasn't that interesting to me any more; it just didn't seem like there was a color direction I could go that I hadn't already played with and maxed out. Part of the reason for that was that I owned all the pigments from TKB Trading, The Conservatorie and Coastal Scents I found even remotely appealing and my other option, mixing new color recipes, is more frustrating than enjoyable. 

Out of extreme boredom one afternoon, I did finally make some "small batch" recipes, just enough to make a bottle of polish or two, without using any of the Pops! Collections because it was discontinued and my own supply limited. No pun intended but most of them seemed to lack "pop", not enough sharpness or vibrancy in the color so I decided to add the Shimmer Pops samples to my TKB Trading Christmas-present-order when I couldn't find any comparisons online.

When I did my comparison, I took two sets of photos, one in daylight and the second under my Ott light. Several of these may be blurry because my camera likes to give me the shaking camera symbol any time I don't use a tripod but you'll get the idea.

These pictures are the pigments in natural daylight.

The order here is: Lemon Drop Pop!, Shimmer Lemon Pop, Tangerine Pop!, Shimmer Tangerine Pop, Raspberry Pop!, Shimmer Raspberry Pop, Strawberry Pop!, Apple Green Pop!, Shimmer Apple Pop, Blueberry Pop!, Shimmer BlueBerry Pop, Grape Pop! and Shimmer Grape Pop.

Lemon Drop Pop!, Shimmer Lemon Pop, Tangerine Pop!, Shimmer Tangerine Pop

Tangerine Pop!, Shimmer Tangerine Pop, Raspberry Pop!, Shimmer Raspberry Pop, Strawberry Pop!

Apple Green Pop!, Shimmer Apple Pop, Blueberry Pop!, Shimmer BlueBerry Pop

Blueberry Pop!, Shimmer BlueBerry Pop, Grape Pop! and Shimmer Grape Pop

This next set of photos will have been taken under my Ott light which I believe is supposed to simulate natural daylight.

The order here is: Lemon Drop Pop!, Shimmer Lemon Pop, Tangerine Pop!, Shimmer Tangerine Pop, Raspberry Pop!, Shimmer Raspberry Pop, Strawberry Pop!, Apple Green Pop!, Shimmer Apple Pop, Blueberry Pop!, Shimmer BlueBerry Pop, Grape Pop! and Shimmer Grape Pop.

Lemon Drop Pop!, Shimmer Lemon Pop, Tangerine Pop!, Shimmer Tangerine Pop, Raspberry Pop!, Shimmer Raspberry Pop, Strawberry Pop!

Raspberry Pop!, Shimmer Raspberry Pop, Strawberry Pop!, Apple Green Pop!, Shimmer Apple Pop

Apple Green Pop!, Shimmer Apple Pop, Blueberry Pop!, Shimmer BlueBerry Pop

Blueberry Pop!, Shimmer BlueBerry Pop, Grape Pop! and Shimmer Grape Pop


That concludes the picture tour and I hope everyone finds it helpful. I should add that TKB Trading does not say that these are intended to be a replacement for the Pops! and also, the Shimmer Pops are marked as "ready to wear" while I don't believe the Pops! were.

TKB's Shimmer Pops are sold as a 6g each sample set for $8.10, a one ounce set for $25.00. They can also be purchased as individual pigments. They are $1.50 for a 6g sample or $4.95 an ounce.

-MK

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

December 2013 Site Updates

Believe it or not, I do come around here once in a while although I quickly become bored when I do. Just the same, I've made some effort to update prices, having gotten done every entry with the $$$ tag but haven't gotten to the pages yet.

Some dead links have been removed or updated where applicable. That's still a work in progress. Today, 12/12/13, I worked all day and fixed links on all but a few entries. Pages will be next.

I found some new suppliers for suspension base (new to me anyway) and listed those on the Suspension Base Suppliers page. I'm amazed at how many there seems to be now.

I've trolled the internet for one of my favorite things- duochrome pigments- and listed the suppliers I found on the Automotive Suppliers page, a couple others on Color Shifting Pigments (Part 3) and (Part 2)

I also fixed my Franken Book, going back to the original version which seems to function just fine as long as I don't update it.

During my absence, I've also made countless color recipes but since most of them are more impressive in dry form and less so in polish, I haven't decided whether I should post them. I must say I find it a bit more difficult without using any of TKB Trading's discontinued Pops pigments.

Speaking of TKB Trading, for my Christmas present from hubby, one of the things I ordered from them was a sample set of the Shimmer Pops, their "ready to wear" pigments so I'll then be able to visually compare them to the Pops and show them to you. Along with that, I also ordered some of their Luminette bottles so I'll have those to show you as well.

I've also discovered I'm no longer notified via email about comments made so I've missed out and not replied on quite a few- my apologies to those of you that left one.

Until you hear from me again, everyone have a happy and safe holiday season -MK

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Cooler Heads Prevail

By now it's no secret I was- am- pissed off and insulted because I tried to do a nice thing and enlighten people about the legality of selling SpectraFlair polishes, which, for the record, I'm sorry I ever mentioned. I was so hurt enough I pulled the content off my blog and no, I didn't consider how that would effect anyone but me.

I work very hard on my blog to provide accurate information, resources and research, share ideas learned from trial and error and I take pride in that. I do not believe in misinformation or in "spreading propaganda without basis". When I don't know something, I don't lie and say I do, I pass along what I do know. There are many women I am sure who have been frankening longer than I and who have learned far more than I but I do my research and I know what I am talking about. So yes, someone thinking they not only need to educate me but insult me as well... naughty, naughty. There are other nicer ways to relay knowledge.  

My husband's opinion is that I "punished the masses to punish a few" and isn't very happy with me. He, along with several other people who said something about it, have a point and I'm not afraid to admit I am wrong for making the rash decision to pull everything because it did effect my readers. Frankly, I didn't think anyone would care but apparently some did. My goal was not to upset anyone else but I did, my husband included, and I really cannot stand disharmony. 

I'm impulsive sometimes but not stupid. I didn't delete the content of my blog, I reverted everything to drafts while I decided what I really wanted to do. Instead of leaving things here the way they are, my husband convinced me to revamp the appearance which I am perfectly capable of doing so that's what I am going to do. Content will re-appear when I'm done.  -MK

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

SpectraFlair Polish Sales

I left the original entry below but I'm updating this because I've been given reason to say something in my own defense. Before I wrote this entry, I messaged several sellers on eBay of SpectraFlair-made polish and passed along the same quote (shown below) from TKB Trading. I did not imply a threat nor directly threaten any of these people in any way, I informed them of all the info below. I was TRYING to be helpful when I did this; maybe they were unaware and maybe I'd save someone from getting in trouble somehow later on with eBay themselves or the FDA or who knows. The responses I got were mixed but one in particular accused me of not doing my research, being poorly informed and "spreading propaganda" for quoting TKB who, in this person's opinion, would lie because they are selling a competing product. This is a very convenient stance for this person to take when they are making money off of it. And if they didn't believe me, they didn't have to be a jerk about it. Apparently they have no idea who I am, I am hardly unknown- I am not known for being poorly researched.

The section I put in red above I would like to, and should, clarify. The phrase I used about spreading propaganda was in one persons response while the rest of that sentence was a combination of other responses. I used that phrase in particular because it was articulate and stuck out in my head, a good summation of the general attitude I'd gotten. That person though, was not insulting like the others and was not the one who accused me of being poorly researched and informed, nor were they the one to say TKB would lie because of their own product.

I've done my damn research and plenty of it, I'm aware other companies, Sally Hansen included, have used SpectraFlair. I've done more research on more franken polish related topics than almost anyone I know and I am insulted by the response(s) I received. It is very sad commentary that being kind, being helpful, is not always recognized. 

The original entry:
It amazes me the number of individuals that do not seem to be aware that it is illegal to sell any polish made from SpectraFlair and for those selling the powder itself, as there are a few, you cannot be encouraging customers to use it as ANY cosmetic additive. Aside from the fact that JDSU tightened their own regulations after us frankeners went nuts for the pigment, our US government- the FDA in particular- does not approve this for cosmetics. I did NOT say there couldn't be exceptions to that although I don't know what they would be.

If you already own SpectraFlair as a powder as I do, or a polish, what you do with that for your own personal use is your business but it cannot be sold in any way, shape or form cosmetically.

If you choose not to believe me, read the quote from TKB Trading on their listing of Magic Holographic mail polish.

Magic Holographic is a pre-colored nail polish made from cosmetic grade ingredients. This is an important fact because it means that formulating with Magic Holographic allows you to confidently sell your holographic nail polish.  Other options, such as Spectraflair, are industrial pigments not approved for use in cosmetics by the US government.  Selling a nail polish made from Spectraflair would be deemed illegal by the FDA.

-MK

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Pigment Sale Update 5/5/13

Please refer to my page "Pigment Sale (on-going)" for updated prices and quantity available.

Update 05/14/13: I screwed up and made a mistake so I need to revise the amount of pigments available for sale.  While packing the Pops for a couple orders, it became obvious my supply is at least 5 grams shorter than I accounted for; I'd estimated for 20 grams for each pigment while what I really have is closer to 15 grams total. While I am fulfilling those orders that have already been paid for and willingly give part of my personal supply to make good on those, I'm going to have to lower the amounts available. This is a better option than being unable to fulfill orders and disappointing someone, which I greatly do not want to do. The adjusted amounts are shown below.
I have the prices listed for 5 grams and 10 grams, however the same person could buy all of it, price-wise it is still the same per gram. After those 15 grams are sold, there is no more available.

Do your research on my blog though: I've covered nearly every pigment on this list and you should take the time to read about it. 

I'm telling you up front that these pigments are not pre-packaged and ready to ship, I pack them once I'm paid. I'm also waiting on a shipment of envelopes from the USPS currently which should be here any day now. Orders will ship out ASAP after the envelopes arrive. 

Payment will be accepted by Paypal only and is expected within three days which I think is pretty flexible. Items will be shipped via the U.S. Postal Service in a bubble mailer with insurance and the insurance is not optional; should the package be lost, I can't file a claim without it. Shipping will cost $5.95, Priority Mail Flat Rate within the U.S. Insurance is approximately $2.00. International rates, I have zero idea.

Interested parties can email me at sj.1996@yahoo.com with your selections and I'll contact you with an estimate. You do need to tell me what country you're in. Please put "Pigment Sale" in the subject line. A prompt response to any of my emails and prompt payment is greatly appreciated. -MK

Quantities are limited. First come, first served
Duochromes in red            White Interference in blue
TKB = TKB Trading    CS = Coastal Scents      
TC =The Conservatorie     TCP = TCP Global

Link to swatch
Pigment Name
Co.
price per 5 grams
price per 10 rams

Apple Green Pop!
TKB
$.74
$1.45
Sold Out
Blueberry Pop!
TKB
$.74
$1.45
Sold Out
Tangerine Pop!
TKB
$.74
$1.45
Sold Out
Lemon Drop Pop!
TKB
$.74
$1.45
Sold Out
Raspberry Pop!
TKB
$.74
$1.45
Sold Out
Strawberry Pop!
TKB
$.74
$1.45
Sold Out
Grape Pop!
TKB
$.74
$1.45
Sold Out
Forged Gold
TKB
$1.51
$2.99
15 grams available
Crucible Red
TKB
$1.51
$2.99
15 grams available
Crucible Gold
TKB
$1.51
$2.99
15 grams available
Crucible Khaki
TKB
$1.51
$2.99
10 grams available
Aisha Gold
TKB
$2.33
$4.64
Sold Out
Crescent Crimson
TKB
$2.33
$4.64
Sold Out
Indu Rose
TKB
$2.33
$4.64
Sold Out
Lavender Luz
TKB
$2.33
$4.64
Sold Out
Luna Blue  
TKB
$2.33
$4.64
Sold Out
Aqua Sparks
TKB
$1.67
$3.32
5 grams available
Copper Sparks
TKB
$1.67
$3.32
5 grams available
Green Sparks
TKB
$1.67
$3.32
5 grams available
Red Sparks
TKB
$1.67
$3.32
5 grams available
Purple Sparks
TKB
$1.67
$3.32
5 grams available
Gold Sparks
TKB
$1.67
$3.32
5 grams available
Blue Sparks
TKB
$1.67
$3.32
5 grams available
Noble Silver Sparks!
TKB
$1.67
$3.32
5 grams available
Travel to Mercury  
TKB
$2.39
$4.75
Sold Out
Travel to Mars  
TKB
$2.39
$4.75
Sold Out
Travel to Earth  
TKB
$2.39
$4.75
Sold Out
Travel to Venus  
TKB
$2.39
$4.75
Sold Out
Travel to Neptune  
TKB
$2.39
$4.75
Sold Out
Travel to Jupiter  
TKB
$2.39
$4.75
Sold Out
Travel to Pluto  
TKB
$2.39
$4.75
Sold Out
Hilite Blue
TKB
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Hilite Green 
TKB
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Hilite Copper 
TKB
$.90
$1.78
15 grams available
Hilite Gold 
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Hilite Violet 
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Hilite Orange 
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Hilite Red 
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Shanika Sun  
TKB
$2.33
$4.64
Sold Out
Marinda Star  
TKB
$2.33
$4.64
Sold Out
Cherika Moon  
TKB
$2.33
$4.64
Sold Out
Emerald
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Passion Orange
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Gemstone Ruby
TKB
$.90
$1.78
15 grams available
True Yellow
TKB
$.90
$1.78
10 grams available
True Blue
TKB
$.90
$1.78
10 grams available
True Green
TKB
$.90
$1.78
10 grams available
Sagittaire
TKB
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Colorona Blue
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Ocean Green
TKB
$.90
$1.78
15 grams available
Polished Silver
TKB
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Colorona Dark Blue
TKB
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Green Apple
TKB
$.79
$1.56
10 grams available
Indian Blue
TKB
$.79
$1.56
10 grams available
Pearl White
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Scarlett O’Hara
TKB
$.90
$1.78
10 grams available
Queen Kathryn
TKB
$.90
$1.78
15 grams available
Deep Russet
TKB
$.90
$1.78
15 grams available
Australian Amber
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Copper Penny
TKB
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Sparkle Bronze
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Foliage
TKB
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Umber
TKB
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Lovely Leo
TKB
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Aztec Gold
TKB
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Radiant Gold
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Deep Green
TKB
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Cyprus Green
TKB
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Coral Reef Blue
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Blue Steel
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Deep Blue
TKB
$.90
$1.78
15 grams available
Sparkle Blue
TKB
$.90
$1.78
5 grams available
Patagonian Purple
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Bishops Violet
TKB
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Brilliant Gold
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Pennsylvania Green
TKB
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Shamrock Green
TKB
$.90
$1.78
10 grams available
Pisces Blue
TKB
$.79
$1.56
10 grams available
Aster Hue
TKB
$1.01
$2.00
10 grams available
Grape Parfait
TKB
$1.01
$2.00
10 grams available
Red Basics
TKB
$.79
$1.56
10 grams available
Sparkle Rose
TKB
$1.01
$2.00
10 grams available
Aquarius
TKB
$.90
$1.78
15 grams available
Midnight Blue
TKB
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Periwinkle Blue
TKB
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Black Mica
TKB
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Metallic Rustic Gold
CS
$.96
$1.89
10 grams available
Duocrome BG
CS
$1.12
$2.22
5 grams available
Mauve Quartz
CS
$1.29
$2.55
15 grams available
Orchid Shimmer
CS
$1.23
$2.44
10 grams available
Paradise Sea Green
CS
$1.12
$2.22
10 grams available
Sparkle Blue
CS
$1.12
$2.22
10 grams available
Duocrome Red Orange
CS
$1.34
$2.66
15 grams available
Cellini Red Intense
CS
$1.12
$2.22
15 grams available
Gemstone Emerald
CS
$1.18
$2.33
15 grams available
Gemstone Topaz
CS
$1.18
$2.33
15 grams available
Hot Side Pink
CS
$1.23
$2.44
15 grams available
Sage Blue
CS
$1.45
$2.88
15 grams available
Summit Turquoise
CS
$1.45
$2.88
5 grams available
Sunset
CS
$1.45
$2.88
5 grams available
Duocrome Sparkle
CS
$1.45
$2.88
5 grams available
Pearlescent Sparkling Pure Gold
CS
$1.12
$2.22
5 grams available
Aruban Coral Pearl
CS
$.96
$1.89
15 grams available
Blackstar Red
CS
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Blue-Red Chrome
CS
$1.01
$2.00
10 grams available
Blue Claret Pearl
CS
$.90
$1.78
15 grams available
Blushing Pink
CS
$.90
$1.78
15 grams available
Cerise Flambe
CS
$.96
$1.89
15 grams available
Chrome Carmine
CS
$1.01
$2.00
10 grams available
Duocrome Iridescent Green Gold
CS
$1.01
$2.00
10 grams available
Emerald Isle
CS
$1.12
$2.22
15 grams available
Gold Rush
CS
$.90
$1.78
10 grams available
Majestic Green
CS
$1.12
$2.22
5 grams available
Antique Red
CS
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Paradise Star Gold
CS
$.79
$1.56
10 grams available
Tangerine Pearl
CS
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Metallic Copper
CS
$1.78
$3.54
15 grams available
Goldstone
CS
$.90
$1.78
15 grams available
24 Karat Gold
CS
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Copper
CS
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Paradise Shimmer Tan
CS
$.79
$1.56
10 grams available
Metallic Sapphire Pearl
CS
$1.01
$2.00
10 grams available
Metallic Olivia
CS
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Metallic Pixie Purple
CS
$1.12
$2.22
15 grams available
Sparkle Gold
CS
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Metallic Pearl Bronze
CS
$.96
$1.89
15 grams available
Metallic Pearl Honey Tan
CS
$.96
$1.89
15 grams available
Paradise Rose Sky
CS
$.96
$1.89
15 grams available
Antique Gold
CS
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Metallic Pearl Red Raisin 
CS
$.96
$1.89
15 grams available
Pearlescent Fire
CS
$.96
$1.89
15 grams available
Sienna Fine Pearl
CS
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
Ultra Shimmer Mica
CS
$.96
$1.89
15 grams available
Crystal Ice Mica
CS
$.79
$1.56
15 grams available
Antique Silver
CS
$.74
$1.45
15 grams available
Blackstar Blue
CS
$1.12
$2.22
15 grams available
Blackstar Green
CS
$1.01
$2.00
15 grams available
SuperNova Blue 
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
SuperNova Red 
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
SuperNova Green 
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Frosty Gold Luster 
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Frosty Glitter Green 
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Frosty Glitter Blue 
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Starlight Ruby
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Merlot Gold
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Starlight Green
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Red Clay Satin
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Pink (Green) Interference
TC
$.68
$1.34
5 grams available
Watermelon
TC
$.68
$1.34
15 grams available
Lovely/Magic Pink
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Ruby Red
TC
$.57
$1.12
5 grams available
Peach Sunset (Fenda Orange)
TC
$.57
$1.12
5 grams available
Golden Green Mica
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Magic Violet Mica
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Pansy
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Indigo
TC
$.68

15 grams available
Sparkling Violet
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Bubblegum Pink
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Opal Violet Pearl 
TC
$.68
$1.34
15 grams available
Opal Copper/Copper Pearl 
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Primrose
TC
$.57
$1.12
5 grams available
Hot Pink
TC
$.68
$1.34
5 grams available
Midori Blue
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Violet
TC
$.57
$1.12
5 grams available
Shimmer Green
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
Shamrock Green
TC
$.68
$1.34
5 grams available
Luster Blue
TC
$.57
$1.12
15 grams available
CSP Red to Gold 
TCP
$6.29
$12.89
5 grams available
CSP Purple to Green 
TCP
$6.29
$12.89
5 grams available
CSP Blue to Red 
TCP
$6.29
$12.89
5 grams available
CSP Green to Orange 
TCP
$6.29
$12.89
5 grams available
CSP Gold to Blue 
TCP
$6.29
$12.89
5 grams available

DCP75 Emerald Green
TCP
$4.70
$9.37
5 grams available

DCP76 Ruby Red         
TCP
$4.70
$9.37
5 grams available

DCP77 Deep Purple/Red 
TCP
$4.70
$9.37
5 grams available

DCP78 Aqua/Blue 
TCP
$4.70
$9.37
5 grams available
FP112 Fine Scarabis/Green  
TCP
$3.16
$6.29
5 grams available
SP113 Blue/Green
TCP
$2.77
$5.52
5 grams available
SP117 Red to Green
TCP
$3.16
$6.29
5 grams available
SP118 Green to Blue to Violet
TCP
$3.16
$6.29
5 grams available
SP120 Red to Violet
TCP
$3.16
$6.29
5 grams available