I used Julep's Kylie from my May It Girl Maven Box. Kylie is a purple magnetic polish with silver shimmer. The polish came with a magnet that I used to make the wavy design pattern.
As you can see, my first attempt at magnetic polishes did not turn out so well. I followed instructions by applying one thin coat and allowing it to dry. Then, doing one nail at a time, I applied a second thicker coat of polish, and immediately held the magnet over the nail for about 30 seconds. The magnetic wave image did not clearly materialize for me. I tried vertical wavy lines over my index and ring fingers, and then rotating the magnet, I tried horizontal wavy lines over my middle and pinky fingers.
I am not sure where I went wrong. Maybe Julep's magnet is weaker, so it's harder to get clear lines. Maybe I wasn't fast enough in getting the magnet to the nail after that second coat, though I would need super-human speed to be much faster. I was also sick on that day, so it's possible my hands were unsteady as I was holding the magnet and the magnetic particles got all jumbled. Or it could have been the wonky brush that has plagued me with all my Julep polishes this month. On that note, I did contact Julep and they let me know that they are aware of all the brush problems and will be sending me replacement brushes shortly.
On the plus side, Kylie is a really pretty shade. Without using the magnet, it's a pinkish purple with a lot of silver shimmer. Using the magnet concentrates all that silver shimmer into the magnetic lines, so that you are left with just the lovely purple base for the predominate color. The formula is a nice and even consistency, and it applies without any clumping or running.
What do you guys think? Yay or nay for magnetic polishes? Do you have any tips on how to get nice clear lines for magnetic polishes?
Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for a chance to win the entire Zoya Surf Collection containing 6 brand new bottles of polish! <3
I've had trouble with magnetic polishes too, although not this brand. I have to hold it very very close to the nail and longer than the time it says to. It's a pretty shade!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips! I will try to see if I can hold it closer and for a bit longer next time. :-)
Delete~ Yun
I like how they look on other bloggers, especially the olive-green colors. But I know I don't have the patience for them. I like the color of this one too.
ReplyDeleteI like the color on this one too, so if I can't get it to work as a magnetic polish, I can always just wear it regularly. :-)
Delete~ Yun
As Polish and Charms say, you need to hold the magnet really close. You might want to try another brand, or rather it's magnet, choose one with a "saddle" the fits right over your cuticle, that allows you to bring it really close and hold it steady.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips, especially about finding a magnet with a "saddle". I'll be on the lookout. :-)
Delete~ Yun
Ohhh Yun! I'm sure it's not due to a lack of skills at all, some magnets just suck. You could try some other brand, I've seen that Flormar magnets are quite good, and cheap! Do you have a Flormar store nearby? If not, I could send you a couple of bottles from Spain :) Just let me know!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the vote of confidence! :D I don't think we have a Flormar store nearby, but I'll look around at some other polish magnets. You are sweet to offer to send me some, but let me see what I can find first. If I get desperate, I may take you up on your offer. <3
Delete~ Yun
Oooooooooooooooookay :) No need to get desperate, I hope!
DeleteThanks, I hope so too. :-)
Delete~ Yun
oh! i thought it's a lip gloss!
ReplyDeletehaha the Julep bottles do resemble lip glosses, which Julep also makes. It's a little confusing when they are side-by-side. :D
Delete~ Yun
i had a horrible time my first time too! :( better luck next time, this is a really pretty purple though
ReplyDeleteGood to know I'm not the only one. :P
Delete~ Yun
It's a beautiful shade even if the magnet doesn't work properly! I still haven't tried any magnetic polishes!
ReplyDeleteI really like the color too, so it's all right if the magnetic part of it doesn't work out. :-)
Delete~ Yun
The color is still pretty. I had a hard time too.
ReplyDeleteI like the color, so I can always use it as a regular polish. :-)
Delete~ Yun
I am not a magnet fan-but this color is pretty on its own!
ReplyDeleteI think the color is pretty too, so I'm happy even if the magnetic part of it doesn't work out. :-)
Delete~ Yun
I've read alot of people couldn't get the magnet effect to work either...mine worked fine even tho faint, it was still visable. But the color is pretty so it looks nice with or without the magnet. -=D
ReplyDeleteI saw your swatches... yours turned out so nice! I'll have to practice more. Or just wear it without the magnetic lines. :-)
Delete~ Yun
oops, I missed this post somehow!!
ReplyDeleteI am not yet sure what I think of the magnet. I like the patterns and all but its kinda... too much work
Anyway - this color really suits you even without the magnetic effect and I think it's very unique.
I might keep it in my wish list just for the color, unless I find any other dup ;-)
Yes, too much work is a good point. Thanks, I like the color too, so I'm not too sad if I can't get the magnetic part to work out. :D
Delete~ Yun
Good to know I'm not the only one who has trouble with magnetic polishes. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the nomination! That's very kind of you. It's always an honor to be included in the midst of such lovely blogs. <3
~ Yun
Lovely color. I don't trust Julep, so I'd be inclined to blame them. Lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like the color! I think I'm just going to use it as a regular polish so I don't have to fuss with the magnetic part. :-)
Delete~ Yun