ILNP Mega (X)

Mega (X) was released by boutique polish maker I Love Nail Polish (ILNP) as part of the Summer 2015 collection. This is the fourth iteration of ILNP's Mega silver holo series, the previous versions being the original Mega, Mega (L) for "linear" and Mega (S) for "scattered." Mega (X) -- the X is for xtreme, contains "an array of oversized holographic pigments," producing a powerfully prismatic scattered holographic display that is visible to some degree in almost all circumstances and is altogether jaw-dropping in the sun.

Actually, the effects are both scattered and linear. The scattered designation is due to the large particle size of the holographic pigment, where each particle has a visible, significant presence in the look of the polish. The scattered look is best captured with the sun shining straight down onto the surface, which generates a lush sparkling blanket of rainbow colors as if the polish were encrusted with tiny diamonds. Positioning the surface at varying angles to the sun produces a blazing linear display with the particles all working together to create the flame-shaped prismatic flare we all know and love. The holo pigment in this polish is of exceptional quality, and the colors produced are crisp and vibrant -- much more so than my photos show.

Application was delicious. In the listing for this polish, creator Barbra indicates that Mega (X) has a creme type base and it certainly applies that way. The consistency is fluid, dense and buttery smooth, with a silky elastic-feeling slip over the nail and absolutely outstanding self-leveling properties. My ridges disappeared with the first coat! I was so happy -- nothing ruins the organic, living geometry of a holographic display quicker than nail ridges creating surface facets from beneath the polish. As the holographic particles are large and provide 100% of the coverage, opacity is buildable. The first coat is quite sheer but thanks to the reflectivity of the particles you can easily get away with wearable coverage in two coats. I used three to completely obscure any visibility of my nails. Cleanup is easy and straightforward; the holographic particles do not stick like shimmers do. Mega (X) dries naturally in very good time to a smooth, shiny finish. Topcoat does not diminish the holographic effects in any way.

Photos show three coats of Mega (X) over treatment and basecoat with a topcoat of Seche Vite. 

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

ILNP Mega (X)

My camera muted the holographic effects in all but the most dynamic shots, but you can see how large the pigment particle size is. These particles don't require sunlight to respond prismatically, either. Right now I'm sitting in my dim office with only incandescent lamp light and my nails are sparkling like crazy. I'm a big fan of the sparkle produced by these large-sized particles, it's so conspicuous and enunciated. I also love the sandy visual texture and milky radiance of the polish when it's not in holographic mode.

If you would like to see how Mega (X) compares with the original Mega, Mega (L) and Mega (S), jessFACE90 has a comparison of all four on her YouTube review of ILNP's Summer 2015 collection, here. 

So how to chose a Mega? If you like your holos smooth and metallic, go for the original Mega or Mega (L) -- these two are the most similar of the series in my opinion. If you like the combination of larger sparkle with a flashing metallic underlay, go for Mega (S). For the chunkiest sparkle and no metallic flash at all, go for Mega (X). And if you're a silver holo aficionado, this is all academic because you've already got the whole set in your stash!

love,
Liz