Testing: LCN's Crocofever

Move over, crackle polish, there’s a new topcoat on our tips, and it has the luxe look of crocodile leather. I was never crazy about the shattered polish trend, but now, thanks to a sneak peek at Germany-based cosmetics company LCN’s newest polish line, my fingertips are looking like a shiny patent Birkin bag.

Base coats, from left: LCN In Focus, LCN First Date, Borghese Palermo Plum, Sephora by OPI Metro Chic, Sephora by OPI Don't Feed the Hand Models. (Photo by Anne Vickman.)

The polish works just like a crackle topcoat. I did a test run first, using five different base shades to see which one I liked best, and finally settled on LCN’s “In Focus,” a matte gold. After applying two coats, I waited four minutes before brushing on a medium coat of Croco Top in Ruby Forever so that the base would be dry, but still a little tacky. Not another four minutes went by before my nails bloomed into a reptilian pattern — one that felt decidedly classier than the jagged shards achieved with crackle topcoats.

Hitting the croc pot: the final manicure. (Photo by Anne Vickman.)

I’m a big fan of using the topcoat over a dark shade, like brown or deep purple, which winds up creating a monotone look and hint of texture. What do you think, Bostonistas? Will you be trying out the Crocofever?

$9.90 per 8 ml bottle, available online at LCN.