Franken Basics Part 1: Bases

It's pretty obvious that Indie brands have completely blown up over the past year or so in popularity. It even seems that mainstream brands are starting to copy trends that were first started by Indie polish makers (here's lookin' at you ChG Whirled Away, Get Carried Away, and It's a Trap-eze!). So it's no wonder that people are more interested than ever in trying to create their own masterpieces.

That being said, contrary to Pinterest, while it can be as easy as just dumping old pressed eye shadow into clear nail polish, not surprisingly enough, it can get WAY more complicated than that. So I've decided to compile a list of basic know how's and facts that is important for every polish maker.

First up, we have bases. Bases are exactly as they sound, the base formula for a nail polish in which things will be added to make the final product. Personally, I get my base from TKB Trading and they are fantastic in explaining which base is used for what. However, I have also seen them sold at NAILITE, Brambleberry, and even on Etsy (please note that I have not ordered from any vendor other than TKB Trading and cannot comment or vouch on their quality or customer service). I have also bought pre-mixed jelly and matte bases. What alot of  people don't realize is, not every base is suitable for every kind of nail polish. There are certain bases that are more appropriate for glitters, some that are more appropriate for pigments, etc.

So without further ado, I bring you franken base comparisons:

Ok dear friends, for reference purposes, from left to right I am comparing Sally Hansen Powerful Acrylic Gel, TKB Glamour Base (which per TKB, is best for glitters), and TKB Luster Base (per TKB best for pigments but can be used in a pinch for glitters). Note that the Sally Hansen is crystal clear, the Glamour Base is clear but a little cloudier than the Sally Hansen, and the Luster Base is a milkier almost yellow color

Here are the bases on the nail, Pointer to Ring finger, Sally Hansen Powerful Acrylic Nail Gel, Glamour Base, and Luster Base. Even though the colors are different, they aren't noticeable on the nail (check out the sweet towel background! Ha!).

Here we have comparison of glitter with L to R, Sally Hansen, Glamour Base, and Luster Base. The top picture is immediately after shaking, 1 hour after shaking, and 4 hours after shaking. You can see that the Sally Hansen pretty much failed for suspension purposes (which is fine since they make no promises about suspension use)  but the Glamour and Luster bases held up pretty well. 

Next up we have comparison of the 3 bases with TKB pigment added again immediately after shaking, 1 hour later, and 4 hours later. Sally Hansen is on the L and while it does look a tad different, still totally useable. Glamour and Luster look pretty much identical. EDIT: after a few days, the pigment has definitely separated from the Sally Hansen clear polish.

And finally, here is my base warning! Avoid turning a fabulous franken

Into a franken fail

by choosing the right base! That thing was effing terrible after awhile.

Until next time ladies, stay classy and creative!