Butter London: Autumn/Winter 2012 – Colours from the Catwalk Collection (swatches & review)
Butter London’s fall/winter 2012 collection will make you stop and stare. I’m not kidding. These 5 dazzling hues in the brand’s signature flawless formula take their inspiration from the myriad colours shown on the fall runways, and are distilled down to their bare essences – managing to not only capture an autumnal flavour, but taking it up a notch … or 10!
Every single one of Butter London’s new fall/winter 2012 shades bears sparkle in one form or another, some definitely more overt than others, but all applying in an effortless manner – one of the brand’s hallmarks. I’m so pleased to see full-on holographic properties finally making an appearance in the lineup, and the two glitter lacquers have surprises of their own, both in the finish and the final colour. Note that while all shades can certainly be worn with 2 coats for full coverage, I applied 3 coats for most, as I find specific hues photograph more accurately that way.
‘Dodgy Barnett’ (*possibly meaning a “bad hairdo”) is a somewhat sheer-leaning dove grey/silver hue that is loaded with prismatic dust throughout, truly coming to vivid life the instant sun hits it. A stellar formula, this lays down in a completely self-levelling way with no visible brush strokes and a surprisingly high gloss shine at the finish. On shorter nails, 2 coats are more than enough, giving a daintier overall look to the finish, although longer nails may need an extra coat for a deeper opacity. There also appears to be some subtle sky blue & lilac undertones in the base that add an interesting depth to this hue – very unique indeed. Note that there is NO top coat in the following swatches. Coats applied: 3
in sunlight
indoors
with flash
‘Trustafarian’ (meaning: “a youth with no money worries, who subscribes to a hippie lifestyle”) is described as a “holographic sage green”, but I found this excellently flowing formula to be so much more complex than that. More of a hybrid golden/pewter/lime green hue, this is filled with warm-toned prismatic dust that seems to capture & then reflect light right back at you. As with ‘Dodgy Barnett’, 2 coats gives full coverage on short nails, although longer nails will required 3 for a fuller opacity. The self-levelling and brushstroke-free application leaves behind a superior glossy shine at the finish, surprising for a “holographic” lacquer. The mod way of wearing neutral, note that no top coat was added to the following swatches – none needed! Coats applied: 3
in sunlight
indoors
with flash
‘Shag’ (meaning: “a colloquial term for the act of coitus”) is a deeply burnished burgundy/copper metallic shade, filled with ground scintillating shimmer. A simply amazing formula, the first coat showed some rose-gold undertones and applied in a flawless manner, self-levellingly smooth and leaving zero brush strokes behind. The epitome of a perfect fall colour, this russet stunner bears such a complex shimmer, that it almost seems to pulsate with an inner glow. While its natural shine is awesome, I added top coat for the following swatches to enhance every autumnal nuance. LOVE! Coats applied: 2
in sunlight
indoors
with flash
‘Gobsmacked’ (meaning: “utterly astounded”) left me feeling exactly as the name implies: stunned! Looking exactly like crushed diamonds embedded in concrete, this bears pulverized teal and silver glitter in its base, although the formula is quite the enigma; the coats apply somewhat sheerly, but then mysteriously turn rather opaque as they dry. As this shade winds down to a semi-matte finish, interestingly enough the glitter remains quite prominent and does not get swallowed up in either the finish or the colour. Slightly gritty to the touch, adding top coat not only smooths everything out and inexplicably lightens the colour by a few degrees, but totally amps up the final look. BONUS: no staining & surprisingly easy removal. Coats applied: 2
in sunlight
in sunlight, top coat added
indoors
indoors, top coat added
with flash
with flash, top coat added
‘Lovely Jubbly’ (2 definitions, but I prefer the one which means: “something good about to happen”) bears a clear base utterly filled with purple, magenta, red, blue, silver & gold ultra-fine glitter suspended throughout. Cool-toned and super brilliant, this applies easily and reaches full opacity at 3 coats, but 2 coats gives good coverage as well. Alternately, you can always layer this over any other single-hued base colour for less applied glitter. As this dries quickly down to a semi-matte finish and with a slightly gritty feel, a layer or 2 of top coat not only provides an ultra-smooth surface, but enhances the overall look, making your nails appear to have been dipped in crushed gems. Note that some elbow grease is required for removal, but nothing overly excessive. Coats applied: 3
in sunlight
in sunlight, top coat added
indoors
indoors, top coat added
with flash
with flash, top coat added
Final thoughts: Sometimes you hear about a brand’s cult following, and wonder if it isn’t due mainly to hype; I can honestly state for the record that this is so NOT the case with Butter London. One of the first to go cruelty and toxin-free, not only has the formula ever suffered as a result, but they continue to release truly unique and outstanding varnishes. My favourite of the 5 here is hands down ‘Shag’ (love than name too, lol!) as I have a weakness for richly jewelled hues, and while I’m usually not a glitter fan, I couldn’t help but be impressed with the 2 included here – ‘Gobsmacked’ for its powerfully gothic allure, and ‘Lovely Jubbly’ (I swear I hear Austin Powers every time I write that) for it disco-ish frenzied feel. While these may not be your typical fall/winter hues, they nonetheless evoke the cooler temperatures that wait – with some added bling to warm you up in the meantime!
Feel free to check out Butter London’s website for more information on their full lineup of products, as well as follow them on facebook/twitter to be kept updated on all their latest news.
*Disclaimer: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
Wow, great swatches…your nails are beautiful! I think I need Trustafarian, Dodgy Barnett and Shag, drooling over these shades. My first Butter London purchase!
Thanks, Susan! Your first Butter Londons, you say? Well, you’re in for a real treat — they’re fabulous! Enjoy!
Love Gobsmacked! For summer, Macbeth is my favorite go to! I think this fall, Gobsmacked and La Moss will be my winners! Thanks for the wonderful showcasing.
You’re welcome, Karen – glad you liked them! Gobsmacked it hypnotic, isn’t it?! Love your fall colour choices too!
wow. I will be needed all of these in my life. Beautiful swatches and curse you for adding more polishes to my ever growing with list my dear Eugenia!
LOL! A curse and a compliment in the same phrase….very original & inventive, my friend!
Naturally, I can see all of these working on you and now I can’t wait to see YOUR swatches of them…they will blow everything else out of the water!
Your swatches make me want Dodgy Barnett and Trustafarian! so awesome!
Thanks, Phyrra! They’re both gorgeous, gorgeous shades…you’ll love them!
Breathing another sigh of relief that I can give these a pass. Shag is my fave of the lot but I’m not a big fan of holos and don’t love them enough to shell out BL prices. Well, that’s what I say now, but who knows when the cold autumn winds may sway me to the dark side as it so often occurs… LOL. Nice review, Eugenia!
Thanks, Liz! “Swaying over to the dark side”….hahahaha! It’s so easy to get turned in that direction, isn’t it?! Let me know what you think when you lay eyes on these babies!
I saw these super early, almost two weeks ago in an Ulta that I’d never been to before, and nearly lost my head with how awesome the collection looked. I walked away without buying any though because I wanted to see some swatches, and it’s a good thing I did, because Nordstrom is having a buy two get one sale on Butter London this weekend, PLUS I just got a $20 Nordstrom reward certificate in the mail today. Seems like the powers that be really want me to buy some Butter London! From this collection I really love Lovely Jubbly and Dodgy Barnett and maybe Gobsmacked, although I thought it might be rather similar to China Glaze Tinsel Town? Not dupes or anything, just cousins. But yeah, I definitely think an order is in my near future
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Hope you were able to pick up some of these beauties this past weekend, especially since Nordstrom’s was having that awesome sale and you had that certificate! Let me know what you finally wound up with!
I have only two butter London shades, but I adore both – the hue (OMG SNOG! Just soo good), and the formula, which is impeccable. I’ve been thinking often about getting some more but haven’t gotten around to it for whatever reason. This AM I got up and though “Hmm, wonder if there are swatches yet of the Fall collection” – and of course, you came through for me my dear, what timing!!!!
I think all of these shades are quite nice, though for myself I think I’d only go for the first two, and perhaps Shag – though in my experience I never seem to like those shades on my skin as much as I do on others. Can you tell me, how does Trustafarian compare to a-England’s Princess Sabra???
Hahaha! Great minds think alike, am I right Toya?! As to the comparison you asked for, I immediately thought of the same thing as well, but I didn’t have time to swatch the 2 to compare and being away now, obviously I can’t. However, if memory serves, ‘Trustafarian’ is like ‘Princess Sabra’s’ slightly paler sister and with less obvious gold in the base – but again, I’ll need to have both on to be absolutely sure. Still, to be honest, there’s enough differences between the two to warrant having both, that’s for sure!
Thanks Eugenia! I think for me their close enough to only own one – I’m sort of lame that way
I’m still giving Shag some thought though!
I don’t think you’re lame at all….just discriminating, and that’s just fine by me! As to ‘Shag’, I can totally see you rocking this shade – sure hope you get a chance to see it in person!
Loving Gobsmacked. I think this Winter might be ime for my first Butter Londons…
Gobsmacked is GORGEOUS — both in the bottle and on the nails! A perfect & totally unique choice for your first Butter London, to be sure!
Looking at promo photos I thought Lovely Jubbly looked like Black Knight minus the black. After seeing your swatches, it’s actually very much like Sally Hansen Rockstar Pink. I may be so bold to call it a dupe.
I initially thought the same thing about ‘Lovely Jubbly’ when I saw the early promo shots too; holding the bottle in my hand, I realized that I couldn’t be more wrong (phew!) I don’t have the Sally Hansen you mentioned, nor have I seen it so I couldn’t say, but if it’s that similar & you already own the SH, then your wallet’s safe!
I just started following your blog in the last few weeks and I’m more and more impressed with your wonderful posts and photographs. I’ve yet to buy a Butter London polish but I think you just changed my mind.
Welcome Marcia and thanks so much for your words of praise…I appreciate it! If you haven’t tried this brand yet, you’re in for a treat; starting with the provocative names (love all that British slang!) to the fab formula, I’m sure there’s something here for you!
WOW!!! This collection is more than I can handle! They are each so beautiful! The holos are fab but I also love Shag- those burnt-type shades always do me in for Fall! I can’t wait to get my hands on some (most…ok I want them all but will try to hold back)
Lol….Maribeth, you and I and the word “restraint” is not in our vocabulary, is it?! All I can say is that Butter London has done it again — that, and I can totally see you with these shades, not to mention the awesome layering combos that only YOU can come up with!
These beauties remind me of the DS polishes, don’t they? I think Dodgy Barnett reminds me of my now infamous (at least in my thoughts) DS topcoat.
I do love them, have you tried All Hail The Queen, as it’s now called? They made me think of that polish too. Lovely Jubbly looks like a party in a bottle. Very interesting. I’ve got to take a look. But I was thinking of going on a polish field trip this weekend if I get a chance. So I may not get a chance to pass by Nordstrom or Ulta. Ahh the choices a girl has to make.
I only have 4 of the DS polishes, but I can honestly say that they really are nothing alike, not in texture, colours or application/formula. I don’t have All Hail the Queen, though I’ve often thought of adding it to my collection — perhaps now I will! A polish trip…sounds like an adventure; maybe one day we’ll get a chance to go on one together, my friend!
I love your swatches as always
This collection seems really pretty! I like them all!
Awwww….thank you so very much! It’s a real eye-catcher of a collection…very easy to fall in love with them all!
Holy cannoli! BL made holos! Those are gorgeous, though your swatches of Shag make me want it for the first time since swatches and promos have debuted. Such an amazing collection.
Thanks, Larie! ‘Shag’ is really, really gorgeous – fully rich & lustrous, and will probably compliment every skin tone there is. And now I want to eat a cannoli…!!
Trustafarian will be mine. OH YES. I’m kind of feeling satured on glitters, but I can always deal with more holos.
Gorgeous swatches, as usual! I have so much nail envy when I look at your nail polish pictures.
Lol….thanks, Maggie! I’ve always maintained that I’m so totally not a glitter kind of person either, and yet…..
Trustafarian will look amazing against your skin tone and for what it’s worth, I’m totally envious of all your makeup skills – not to mention your “boudoir”, vast array of brushes, products, etc, etc……!!
I want all of them! Holographic, glitter, sparkle and the word Gobsmacked is a collection that is made for me!
Hahahaha! That’s your new name then: Lady Olivia Gobsmacked!! Would love to see these on you, my friend!
Wow Big Sis this whole collection is amazing!! I think I need all of them! I love their polishes-they’ve never really disappointed!
That’s what I’ve always felt too, Lil Sis! My first ever was ‘British Racing Green’ and I still think it’s one of the best shades in that colour group that I’ve ever seen!
Butter London have done it again.. your swatches are amazing, and I already know i will be purchasing back ups of Lovely Jubbly.. it deserves an award – just for the name, its a crazy bonus that it is a super awesome glitter too.. i think i may have fallen in love! thanks for the swatches
x
Thanks so much, Renku, for your kind words! Glad you liked it and even though it’s a glitter with all that that involves, I still think it deserves an award for being so brilliant!
Really love Dodgy Barnett and … maybe Lovely Jubbly – will have to check if these are in town when I go mooching around the shops tomorrow. Lovely swatches. Love the butter london brand.
Lovely jubbly
x
Hahaha! Lovely Jubbly indeed, Victoria! I couldn’t agree with you more about this brand!
Oooh these are special
They are indeed, Nicole! Super special, I might add!
These are awesome! This very well may be the collection that causes me to buy my first Butter London’s.
Glad you liked them, Katelyn! Hopefully some (or all!) of these will find their way home with you!
All of these are gorgeous!!! Trustafarian and Lovely Jubbly are my favorites though! I may have to splurge a little and treat myself to those. Or, depending on when they’re released, I could get them for my birthday…
Birthday polish treats are always extra sweet, that’s for sure! These lacquers have already started making some appearances here and there, although technically they’re slated for release in late August/early Septemeber!
These are very pretty but I’m going to agree with Beachgal on Butter london, my main issue was the wear, or complete lack thereof! Luckily there are great glitters and fabulous holo’s available from other brands at less than half the cost, so something for everyone!
Thanks for a great post, enjoy your holiday!
Thanks, Linda! I’ve been a little lax in my posting — blame it on the holiday laziness I’m indulging in! Sorry to hear that your experiences with the brand haven’t been that good; still, sometimes it’s worth giving something a second chance!
Super pretty – I really like Trustafarian (me and my holos!) and might have to bite the bullet and buy that one, even at the NZ$30 price tag. Thanks for your swatches and write up!
You’re very welcome and may I say “YIKES” at the price you have to pay? Still, if it’s holos that work for you, then I’d say this one’s well worth it!
I don’t need Shag since I have a # of coppery/bronze foils already. I hesitate ever now to buy anything glitter from Butter London after having got at least 6 bottles that are a sticky/syrup mess to try to apply. I also have had some shimmers that looked great in photos and in bottle only to find they were thin and I had better formulas in similar shades from OPI/China Glaze. I can ooh and aahh at photos – but basically am steering clear of this brand now. I think I have a few creams that the formula is good on but those shades were not at all unique and not sure why I bought them other than I was in a major need to expand into a ton of brands. Nice photos – good details – like you do them in various lighting as that can for me really make or break a polish. If it’s only going to show it’s goods in bright sun/flash conditions and look dank the rest of the time, then I have plenty of those.
I’m surprised to hear that you’ve had such issues with your Butter London shades; I’ve yet to come across anything like that myself, but reading your experience, I can totally sympathize with the way you feel – I don’t like feeling like I wasted money, either. Glad you enjoy the way I display my swatches; I’ve always felt that it’s so hard to judge a shade when it’s shown in just one set of lighting conditions … hence the choices I offer!