Linear Holo Nail Polish Comparison

silver linear holo comparison

TKB Magic Holographic, Starlight & Sparkles Starlight, Glitter Gal liner holo topcoat (plus OPI for size comparison)

Today, I have a comparison of three different linear holographic polishes for you; TKB Magic Holographic mixer, a Spectraflair topcoat made by the indie polish maker Starlight & Sparkles, and a commercial polish; a Glitter Gal holo topcoat labeled GGNP707H (probably very similar to this Glitter Gal silver holo at Ninja polish). These are all silver linear holos that can be used as topcoats or worn alone (though if I’m going for a silver holo look, I prefer to layer them over a silver foil).

When I first swatched the TKB Magic Holographic mixer, it wasn’t very holo at all.  Then, I read that when Spectraflair polishes have too much Spectraflair in them, they aren’t very holo – it needs to be diluted enough for the holo-ness to work. For those that aren’t familar, Spectraflair is a linear holo pigment. So, I have two swatches of the TKB Magic Holographic mixer; one at full strength, and one diluted with suspension base (I think it’s about 50/50 Magic Holographic and suspension base, though I don’t recall exactly – sorry!)

Swatches!

silver linear holo topcoat comparison

TKB Magic Holographic, Starlight & Sparkles Spectraflair topcoat,
Glitter Gal holo topcoat (with flash)

silver linear holo polish comparison, swatches

Same order – sunlight

As you can see, I inadvertently swatched them in order of how strong the holo effect is. The the undiluted TKB Magic Holographic is very dense and opaque, but not very holo. The diluted TKB is more holo, the Starlight and Sparkles Spectraflair topcoat is even more holo, and the Glitter Gal is the most holo.  The Starlight is most suited for use as a topcoat, since it is the most sheer.
The TKB is $3.25 for .5oz, but since it’s best diluted, you really get about 1oz of polish once it’s prepared.  The Starlight & Sparkles polish is currently out of stock due to Spectraflair unavailability earlier this year, but the Etsy page says Issa, the owner / polish maker expects to have it back in stock by the end of the year.  My bottle was $5.50 for 5ml, and it was also sold in 15ml bottles, though I’m not sure of the price. The Glitter Gal polish (9ml) was $14 at -->Llarowe -->, but this similar one is $11.50 at Ninja Polish.