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Np2 is pretty nifty (featuring Solar)

Np2

Solar

Np2 is a relatively new addition to the nail polish community. It's easily identified by its stacked containers (a big PITA for those anal collectors who like everything the same size, but clever to the rest of us).

The tower is actually two separate pieces that sort of click together like a toy. The top houses a clear, multi-functional top/base coat. It's glossy and quick-dry as a top coat, supposed to be great as a base coat for adhesion. The color coat includes "unique" polymers that render the product flexible and durable and UV blocks to keep the color true. Both base/top coat and color coat are said to be quite long-wear. The formulas are both Big 3-Free.

Cost - $22.50 US

The Nina tried Solar...

Color: A Cardinal red cream; red on the orange side, but barely. Surprisingly flattering on The Ninja's cool, pale skin. She liked it a lot! The bottom picture is the most color-true; the others read a bit more orange than in real life.

Application: Smooth! The base and color went on quite nicely. The base coat was easy to use, as was the color coat, which was almost 100% opaque in one coat. Two coats were used to maximize the color, though, in these swatches. The down side was the top coat, which bubbled slightly and also took a long time to dry. "Quick dry" is a bit of a fib, at least in The Ninja's tests.

Packaging: Since the top/base snaps of of the color bottle, it wasn't cumbersome to use. The bottles were both comfortable, too, though the brushes were fairly loosey-goosey so those who like stiff brushes won't be too happy with that. The Ninja was a bit worried the part where the bottles hook together would be weak or, frankly, cheap. It's not. She can't imagine a situation where she could crack or break it.

Wear: Like iron. The Ninja tired of the polish 4 1/2 days after application an when she removed Solar there was only minimal tip wear. Kudos!

Final thoughts: The Ninja would buy these again, but is a little put-off that they can only be purchased in sets (color + top/base).   It strikes her that she will have a lot more top/base than she will ever need...

Other notable shades in the Np2 line: Unknown, because the pictures on the site are such that it's very hard to see what color you're going to get. :(

Np2

Np² Nail Perfection is the Future of Beautiful Nails

Innovative Nail Company launches with introduction of 32 colors

The Ninja had not heard of "Np²" until a mail was delivered to the old Inbox. (The Inbox has been busy lately!) This Np² is apparently a top coat (super-fast-style) and colored base coat, like so:

Of course, the polish is said to be of "superior quality", having "remarkable radiant color and amazing durability".  Clearly the gimmick is the stacked-up bottle. The bottles, with their two-part packaging, are meant to snap apart so they can be mixed-and-matched.

The top coat has an "outstanding express top coat formulated with a nail hardener and nourishing treatment", and the colors are meant to reflect current, seasonal trends.

About the nail color itself:

This technology is based on a unique combination of resin and high molecular weight polymers designed to help improve the flexibility, durability, wear and gloss properties of nail enamel.

The first coat of lacquer instantly bonds to the nails & the second coat fuses with the first to create a flexible web of color that resists brittleness and chipping.

• Superior extended wear
• Patented formula
• Initial high gloss and gloss retention
• Chip resistant
• Tough & durable yet flexible finish
• Water and detergent resistant
• UV protection for color fidelity
• Formulated without Toluene, Formaldehyde & DBP (BIG 3 FREE)

All properties and specifications of the formula are maintained from batch to batch by strict quality controls guidelines from incoming raw materials through final batch production.

About the top coat:

This product was developed to possess the adhesion and nail protection characteristics of a base coat and the glossy, protective finish of a top coat. It has very good wear, easy application and a fast drying finish.

As a base coat, this product provides excellent adhesion to the nail. This allows for improved inter-coat adhesion between the nail and the nail enamel which leads to improved nail enamel wear.

As a top coat, this product provides a glossy finish and tough surface to help maintain a long lasting and chip resistant manicure. Fast drying action for quick and glossy results.

As a clear, this product will provide a smooth and glossy finish to the natural nail, making the nail appear healthy & simply well manicured.

• Formulated without Toluene, Formaldehyde, and DBP
• Helps prolong the wear of the nail enamel
• Easy application

See the Fall colors here.

Check out their cool "virtual manicure" here!

Have you tried Np²? The Ninja wants to know!