LIGHTS OUT

Last week, we went crazy for Make Up For Ever's new ready-to-rage powder.

This week, our phosphorescent cravings are once again met, thanks to a sudden influx of glow-in-the-dark nail polishes.  So naturally, we rounded up the top contenders for an ultimate glow-off.

Here's what happened:

After applying a different glow-in-dark polish to each of nail, we eagerly power-walked to the bathroom, shut of the lights, and saw.... NOTHING!

Turns out, we had forgotten the number one rule of phosphorescence: In order to activate, materials have to first be held under a bright light. [Editor's note: Actually, Liza and I didn't forget this, but we had to tell Ali, who claimed, "None of this polish is working!" --FK]

So after holding my hand inches away from the neon pink "NYLON" light for a couple minutes, I returned to the bathroom. The result? Success! Though boasting slightly different effects, each of the products fulfilled their glowing promise.

Here's what we learned:

1. Shake polish before using (so the magic glowy stuff mixes with the polish).

2. For best results, apply 3-4 coats.

3. Don't forget to hold your polish under a bright light for several minutes, so it can activate!

OPI Zom-body to Love (about $6)

As the lacquer-obsessed already know, this is definitely not OPI's first glow-in-the-dark shade. In fact, for the past few years, the brand's consistently released a special edition Halloween product.

Urban Outfitters Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Nail Polish Set ($14)

Including three glow-in-the-dark colors (plus one silver crackle polish), the set looks appears a mix between something you'd find in Sailor Moon's makeup bag or Pink Floyd's album cover. But regardless of the trippy packaging, the three polishes definitely fulfill their black-light promise.

China Glaze Ghoulish Glow (about $6)

Unlike the other two, this polish best works as a top coat if you really want to see it glow.  But when paired with an opaque polish underneath, it's definitely a top contender.