a-england Briarwood, Burne-Jones Dream

When I debuted the a-england Burne-Jones Dream collection (reviewed here), there was one lacquer yet to be shown – Briarwood, but I can honestly say that in this case, the best was definitely saved for last. Describing this shade is almost impossible, as it seems to pulsate with a life all its own – much like the fabled rose bushes that guarded Sleeping Beauty and the castle’s inhabitants. At once warm & cool, vibrant & muted, edgy & elegant, this vampy hue is like none other seen before by this brand … and completes the collection just so perfectly.

a-england ♦ Briarwood (Burne-Jones Dream)

a-england Briarwood – a burgundy port wine base colour, filled with ultra-fine prismatic particles that reflect every facet of light, in a formula that literally defines perfection: completely opaque at 1 coat, self-levelling, and with just the right density of flow that it applies exactly where placed, without any pooling or running. In full sunlight, the holographic flashes are truly hypnotic and depending on the angle, may appear either at the cuticle line, the nail tips, or along the sides. Shaded light brings out another deeper, more mysterious allure to this beauty, as well as adding a unique almost “clouded-over” effect to its overall tone. Shiny at the finish, top coat enhances every single nuance to the nth degree. Coats applied: 2 (although one is actually plenty) and all swatches are with a-england’s ‘The Knight’ base coat and ‘The Shield’ top coat (both previously reviewed here).

a-england ♦ Briarwood

a-england ♦ Briarwood (in shaded light)

a-england ♦ Briarwood (with flash)

a-england ♦ Burne-Jones Dream

Last word: The five shades of a-england’s ‘Burne-Jones Dream’ collection are nothing short of spectacular, but ‘Briarwood’ is in a word: MAGICAL. Creating a unique colour in the world of nail lacquers is no easy feat, and yet somehow Adina Bodana – the brand’s creative genius & founder – has managed to do exactly that. The fact that ‘Briarwood’ also boasts a stellar formula and application, is just icing on the cake, in my opinion, and if you pick up nothing else from this collection (as IF), you absolutely NEED this shade. I’d run to order it, if I were you … fair warning!

Find more information on a-england via twitter & facebook – all products are available for purchase through the brand’s website, where you can also find a complete list of international stockists.