Tuesday, 10 January 2012

Nail inc. Trafalgar Square Magnetic Polish - Review

Since seeing these new magnetic polishes advertised I'd been desperate to try one out, and put the Trafalgar Square shade - described as a 'metallic chrome' on the Nails inc site - on my Christmas list. I went for this as I don't really have any other silver shades, but the teal (Whitehall) and  purple (Houses of Parliament) are also calling to me! My nails haven't been in the best shape this winter and have been breaking quite a bit, so whilst Santa did come through for me, I still had a frustrating wait trying to get them to a suitable length to make a manicure worth while. They're not at their best even now, but you'll get the idea.




I removed the outer cap, which has the magnet set into the top, applied a base coat, and then a thin coat of the polish to all ten nails as per the instructions. I waited only a couple of minutes - it seemed pretty much touch dry by then, which is fast - and then applied a thicker second coat to one nail. At this point you are ready to create the swooshy effect using the magnet. There is a small plastic lip at one side of the lid, and it's here you position the edge of your cuticle so that the length of the nail is over the magnet. I held it in place for 15 seconds and an airbrushed looking chevron design had appeared. Ta-dah!

You then repeat the process with each nail in turn, and I finished off with a glossy topcoat to seal it. You do have to be careful not to touch the magnet, or the polish will smear and the effect won't work. I did do this a couple of times on my right hand - I'm used to painting with my left hand now, manoeuvring the magnet was different matter - but another coat of polish and another go at the magnet seemed to do the trick, it's fairly forgiving. Despite sounding rather gimmicky (anyone remember coloured hair mascara?) the 'science bit' - iron particles in the polish which are drawn up towards the magnetic charge - really does work. I'm really pleased with the look and it's been commented on already this morning.



As to the price - well, it's not a budget polish. Nails inc is never the cheapest, but it's one of my favourites for the shades and ease of application. When used with a basecoat and topcoat, they also last very well. The magnetic polishes are £13 from their website (free delivery) and from Amazon, although if you're prepared to do battle on Ebay you will be able to find them cheaper. There are budget brands offering their own versions, although I have heard  mixed reviews of these. Besides, as I already have base and topcoats, I was able to get a airbrushed look for a fraction of the price of going to a salon.

I love it. What do you think?

Lakota x

Not a sponsored post. All views are my own.

31 comments:

  1. I've heard of this before and I definitely want to try it! It looks very cool. Ebay here I come. x

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  2. Where have I been(!)..I hadn't heard of magnetic polish. I love the effect that it gives..very different. I will have to check out the shades that they do now..thanks for sharing :)

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  3. I had never heard of this either - I must try to keep up!
    It looks fab, very glamorous.
    Nice rings too! xxxx

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  4. Your nails look fantastic - what a brilliant finish! I like the look of the purple one - thank you for sharing!

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  5. Thanks for the explanation- I had seen magnetic polish advertised and innocently thought it made your NAILS magnetic. I couldn't see how I would manage dressmaking without all the pins leaping out of the fabric and attaching themselves to my fingers!!

    I don't usually wear nail polish on my fingers, just my toes - but this week am sporting Wonderwoman Spirit Of Truth deep blue nails,[ a gift from my daughter]


    and well done pon photographing one hand presumably holding camera with the other- I can never manage that!!

    blessings x

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  6. Awesome, Lakota! I saw the Fashionista ones a few months back on Youtube and I thought it was cool but I forgot about them until this post!

    I didn't know Nails.inc were doing their own ones! I think Nails.inc are one of the best nail polish brands around so if I were to get a magnetic polish then I'd probably go with them! The purple one sounds interesting! xxx

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  7. I haven't heard of this polish but I absolutely dig it! Your nails look banging! I also have to say that I own a ring almost identical to the one on your index finger. It's a favorite of mine as I picked it up in Peru from a street vendor, where did you get yours :)

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  8. oooh fancy! I really need to get on and sort my nails out, my excuse has always been I'm an art student, although I graduated 3.5 years ago :S xx

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  9. Ooooh I've tried the No7 one but not Nails Inc. this looks good. Thanks for sharing

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  10. This sounds fun... bet I'll screw a few nails up getting too near the magnet.

    Have your boys been asking you to do their toes? That'd be a bit strange for P.E. lessons...

    Sounds like they should sponsor you - everyone likes! x

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  11. I got the exact same polish for Christmas and am loving how easy it is to 'do'. Am very keen on the purple one now as well ...

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  12. Your nails look great - I think I might have to try this out myself xxx

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  13. What a fabulous look, now I just need to get some strength into my nails lol and have actually just found a good product to try,I love this look.

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  14. I haven't heard of this polish, it's very different. I think it looks good, no my style though. I have had the same issue with my nails this winter too :/

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  15. Very pretty! I've been on the fence about these magnetic polishes, but your pics are making me want to go for it!
    XXX
    Suzanne

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  16. I love your nails! I want to try this magnetic polish, it look fun.

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  17. How interesting- who would have thought of something like that!! Sounds a great idea but I can't be bothered with my fingernails!

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  18. I have never heard of this before, the finish is interesting. I did try the crackle polish yesterday and I am so pleased with the finish!

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  19. I really like the look and Nails Inc polishes usually have some fabulous sticking power too!

    Jem xXx

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  20. that is so cool! MAgnetic nail polish...haha...wonder hat it attracts

    mongs
    mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

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  21. Your nails look great.I have never heard of the magnetic but it looks like something I would love.I love doing nail art type things.I will have to look out for it.

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  22. Oh that is a neat effect. I've seen the polish in stores but have yet to see them in action. Thanks for the review. I'll definitely be getting a shade or two!

    <3 Jackie @ Let's Go Thrifting!
    http://LetsGoThrifting.blogspot.com

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  23. Oh My Gosh! magnetic nail polish?!! aren't we in the future! hehe you have such gorgeous nails, Lakota! i love the swooshing effect of the polish too, if i stared at it long enoug, it feels like it moves hehe but yes it's pricey to me though i'm so tempted to try it!

    xx susan

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  24. I love the finished effect on your nails, it's definitely worth the extra little bit of effort/cost for a special occasion or treat.
    I fail at nail polish, I own about 3 and rarely ever paint my nails only on holiday. And yes those hair mascara days are quite vivid in my memory xxx

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  25. It looks great, but I've been temporarily mesmerised by your silver twisted ball ring. It's gorgeous! Where did you find that piece of silver treasure? Thank you for your new year wishes on my blog. I hope 2012 is a corker for you, lovely lady. Em xxxx

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  26. Wow! That looks amazing. Mind you, it sounds a bit of a palaver to do. I can be so cack-handed, I'd get it everywhere, no doubt!
    Z xx

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  27. I've heard of these but haven't gone for it yet as I thought 'what if it doesn't work at the price?'. I might try now I've seen this review. Thanks.

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  28. You did a great job they look gorgeous. lovely shades. dee x

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  29. Cool nail polish! =)

    pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com

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  30. Lovely shade! I don't generally go for metallics, but this one looks great! Thanks for sharing :)

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  31. Your nails look awesome!
    Oooo I like to try the purple one myself.

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