NerdLacquer Cuprum

The word cuprum is the latin name for copper, a metallic chemical element with the symbol Cu and the atomic number 29 in the periodic table of elements. I remember this from high school chemistry, which I loved. Copper is one of a group of elements containing other precious and well known metals: gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum, titanium, rhodium and palladium as well as iron and nickel.

For our current purposes, Cuprum is also a polish by the much loved indie polish maker NerdLacquer, released as part of a series called Alchemy. The Alchemy series was dual-purpose designed as stand alone lacquers that could also easily be layered as toppers. Actually, ALL NerdLacquers were designed this way, but the Alchemy series in particular seem to be envisioned as "mystical toppers."

NerdLacquer describes Cuprum as "a pure antique copper -- multiple sizes of bright copper glitter in a slightly blackened base for maximum impact." I want to say that there's also red microglitter in the mix, but my eyes may be fooling me. It is a somewhat sheer polish with a transparent charcoal tinted base containing medium and small hex glitters and microglitters in varying tones of copper, giving it the appearance of the real thing, hammered, with random droplets of water clinging to it, and a path, yes, a little path running right through the middle... uh, ni! I mean NOT. Sorry. (ni!)

Because the glitters are sparser here than they are in a polish like The Ring, more coats are required for complete opacity. It might be fun to layer gradient-style over a medium blue or green, but would mostly likely be drowned out if you tried to match it to a similarly colored base polish like OPI's A Woman's Prague-ative (swatched by The Crumpet here). I eventually decided to go flat out with Cuprum all by itself for hammered copper penny nails.

I was hesitant to use so much of the little mini I was gifted by the awesome Thithi of ::pretty::tough::nails on one manicure. But I believe that there will be more Cuprum available, even if it's a little more difficult to come by than most polishes, and I find that when I try to hoard something precious there develops an associated feeling of guilt about using it at all. I'm against guilt. It's a poor use of personal resources and has a nasty habit of self-perpetuation. I've experienced the same kind of tussle with conflicting feelings about certain perfumes, between wanting to use them as freely and as often as I would like and wanting to save them for the most special occasions. But you know what? You gotta pick your battles. As far as personal adornment is concerned, I say RIGHT NOW is special!

Three coats of Cuprum, two thin and the last a medium-thick, provided complete coverage. This polish dries naturally to a slightly textured but smooth and silky surface and I added a topcoat of Seche Vite for extra shine.

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer is a Chi approved brand...

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

NerdLacquer Cuprum

The visual richness added to a metallic polish by composing it as NerdLacquer has done, using glitters, cannot be overvalued. It has an organic sensuousness that is deliciously dimensional. Unfortunately, it is not something a photograph can capture well. When you see light ripple over the surface of this polish in person, you can almost believe that your nails are cased in copper, like rich artifacts from an archaeological dig now carefully polished and out for display.

I'm so glad I got the chance to experience Cuprum this way, even it it turns out to be only once. Such a splendid polish, if I ever get the chance to purchase a full size bottle you better believe I will!

love,
Aunt Liz