Women have been keeping on top of nail polish trends for years. From the boldest colors to the most intricate designs, there is an endless number of ways women can show off their fingernails. The latest trend is one that’s not only becoming popular with everyday women but celebrities as well. Katy Perry in particular is one fashion diva that’s showcasing what is now commonly known as shatter nail polish.

Shatter nail polish, sometimes referred to as crackle polish, actually is not a new trend. In fact, this type of nail polish style first appeared on the scene back in the 1980s. Of course we all know that history does tend to repeat itself, especially in fashion and the appearance of shatter nail polish today is no exception to the rule. While most people would think this special effect the polish gives off can only be achieved by making an appointment at the local nail salon, the truth is that the magic itself is contained in one regular bottle of polish that can be purchased at any drugstore or beauty supply store.

So where did this type of polish get its name from? Once applied, the finished results look like the nail polish is cracked or shattered, with varying chunks of cracks that zigzag across the nail’s surface. What makes the polish appear this way is due to the fact that the chemicals contained in the bottle are actually incompatible and when applied to the nails, this creates the cracking effect. The final results can be tweaked depending on how thick the coat of nail polish is. The more shatter nail polish is applied, the more cracks there will be and vice versa.

As simple as the product may seem, there is a proper way to apply this polish to get the best results. For the shatter effect to show, a base color must be applied first. It is up to the person to decide which base color polish to use but in general, opting for a contrasting color is recommended. After the base color has been applied, make sure it dries completely then add a clear polish, which helps the shatter nail polish effect come through more vibrantly. Once the clear polish is totally dry, apply the first coat of shatter nail polish. Remember, the thicker you layer the polish, the more cracks will appear. The final step is to finish with a layer of top coat. Because shatter polish dries matte, the top coat gives the nails that extra oomph to really boost the crackle appearance. Additionally, the top coat will prevent chipping and seal the design in longer.

As mentioned earlier, the popularity of this nail trend makes it easy to find shatter polish both offline as well as online. Fans of the singer Katy Perry will love her special line of nail polish, which also includes the shatter style. Tennis player Serena Williams also has her own line of polish that features the trend. With some practice and experimenting, anyone can pull of this unique look like a pro without stepping foot into a nail salon.

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