Update 1/05/20... Dead links have been repaired or removed so I'm sure all these stores still exist. I have not gone through the individual stores to check content.
My inclination is to delete this particular page but a few of those stores do have decent products. Consider your other options as well- all the other mica and pigment suppliers.
Confused by particle sizes and want to know exactly what size you're buying? Read Glitter Size Explanation for a conversion chart & a visual example.Want to know what bleeds out of those I own? Read my entry, Bleeding Glitter List.
For use in nail polish, it’s not necessary that the materials be cosmetic grade, pigments and glitters intended for crafts and the automotive industry can also be used- except in the automotive industry, glitter is called "metal flakes". Here you'll find all those suppliers, currently in alphabetical order. I have included available shipping information and whether the company accepts PayPal for payment. All stores unless otherwise noted are located in the U.S.A.
Since they are for the automotive industry, the majority of these companies sell colors in larger quantities like 2 or 4 ounces which is a lot simply for nail polish. They don't sell samples, with the exception of Alsa with their sample deck. The cost of the pigments/flakes is also higher for some of these companies but not all, there are some more reasonably priced options too.
Despite the name, I believe metal flakes are generally automotive grade polyester, although some have an aluminum core (as do some other glitters). Because they are made to be solvent resistant, they tend to be more colorfast but because they are cut from polyester film like those other glitters, they have an exposed edge which leaves them subject to bleeding too.
* I make no disclaimer about the safety or effectiveness of these in polish because I'm not a chemist but thus far, my fingernails are still attached. I would handle these with the same precautions you would other pigments, use common sense. For someone that has more experience than I, please refer to our fellow blogger, Kitties26 and her blog, More Nail Polish. She has used automotive pigments successfully in holographic and duochrome frankens.
You probably don't need 1 ounce of any pigment unless you plan on either selling nail polish or also using it to make other cosmetics. This has been a hobby of mine for nearly 8 years and, as a conservative estimate, I've made 2000 bottles but I have yet to use an entire ounce of any pigment. When I started, I felt the need to buy the ounce because I wanted plenty to "play around with" but I suspect that 10 or 15 grams would have been sufficient for most colors.
* I make no disclaimer about the safety or effectiveness of these in polish because I'm not a chemist but thus far, my fingernails are still attached. I would handle these with the same precautions you would other pigments, use common sense. For someone that has more experience than I, please refer to our fellow blogger, Kitties26 and her blog, More Nail Polish. She has used automotive pigments successfully in holographic and duochrome frankens.
You probably don't need 1 ounce of any pigment unless you plan on either selling nail polish or also using it to make other cosmetics. This has been a hobby of mine for nearly 8 years and, as a conservative estimate, I've made 2000 bottles but I have yet to use an entire ounce of any pigment. When I started, I felt the need to buy the ounce because I wanted plenty to "play around with" but I suspect that 10 or 15 grams would have been sufficient for most colors.
The Automotive Suppliers
There are several U.S.
eBay Store: NOS OMC Mercury J/E Marine & More, username 73ssnova01ks
Payment: PayPal
Payment: PayPal
Store Location: Georgia
Shipping Method: USPS
Other Info: This is the only seller that sells samples.
Payment: PayPal
Store Location: Georgia
Shipping Method: USPS
Other Info: n/a
eBay Store: Kustom Paint Supply, username KustomPaintSupply
Payment: PayPal
Payment: PayPal
Store Location: California
Shipping Method: USPS
Other Info: n/a
eBay Store: San Jose Speed & Chrome, username GambinoKustoms
Payment: PayPal
Store Location: California
Shipping Method: standard shipping, probably USPS. No international shipping
Other Info:
Payment: PayPal
Store Location: California
Shipping Method: UPS Ground
Other Info: n/a
Payment: known
Store Location: California
Shipping Method: UPS or FedEx Ground
Other Info: n/a
Payment: Paypal
Store Location: Mississippi
Shipping Method: unknown
Cosmic Pearls
Didspade Metal Flake Co.
Payment: PayPal
Store Location:
Shipping Method:
Other Info:
Didspade Metal Flake Co.
Payment: PayPal
Store Location: Arizona
Shipping Method:
Other Info:
Payment: Paypal
Store Location: Wisconsin
Shipping Method: USPS or UPS
Other Info: n/a
Payment: Credit card
Store Location: Colorado
Shipping Method: U.S.A.
Other Info: I cannot estimate the price per gram because they measure in fluid ounces.
Payment: Credit card
Store Location: Kentucky
Shipping Method: UPS (Minimum UPS order $50.00)
Other Info: n/a
Stores Outside the USA
Payment: Paypal & others
Store Location: UK
Shipping Method: unknown
You're very welcome and thank you.
ReplyDeleteNot really sure if this is news to you, I just found your blog, but TCB Global sells their flakes on eBay. Buy it now with free s/h makes small quantities less expensive than ordering through their website. 1/2 oz ocean aqua $5.95, for example.
ReplyDeleteHave a look at pearlspigments on ebay ( http://stores.ebay.co.uk/innovotek?_trksid=p2047675.l2563 ) , they ship worldwide and are the cheapest I've found. they guys are really good and the quality has been outstanding.
ReplyDeletehttp://stores.ebay.co.uk/innovotek?_trksid=p2047675.l2563 these guys are really cheap and offer shipping worldwide, great quality too!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, this has to be one of (IF NOT THE BEST) the most detailed listings. I love it. I have shared it, bookmarked it, and thank you. (now :) )
ReplyDeleteP.S I started using www.wickedpearls.com 's pearls and they have worked good. Have you used them? They donate 10% of the purchase towards charity is what it states on their website. Night be a good company to add.
Keep up the great work M.K. <3
No, I've never come across them in my searches. I'll get around to adding them eventually but there isn't much selection. The cause is good, though. Thanks for letting me know.
Delete