Chapter 1
Originally released as part of Butter London’s Spring/Summer 2011 Collection, ‘Lady Muck’ is that perfect balance between an edgy yet delicately feminine hue. An ethereal grey-blue shade, there is just the right amount of gentle pearly shimmer in it, to give it such interesting depth and take this lacquer into the realm of the extraordinary. All swatches are with Seche Base Ridge Filling Base Coat, three very thin coats of lacquer and a-england’s ‘The Shield’ top coat (reviewed here).
To get the full benefit of ‘Lady Muck’s’ full range of pearlized glimmer, it must be viewed in full sunlight. While the base colour may appear as a pale but dusty blue, it is the ultra fine silver shimmer that seems draped along the entire nail, which draws the eye in.
With a closeup shot, you can definitely pick out the individual flecks of shimmer, that serve to add a lovely silvery glistening effect, like raindrops caught on a pane of glass.
In this angled sunlight view, the base shade has now deepened enough to bring out its inner grey leanings, yet I love the artfully subtle contrast of this colour with the highlighted shimmer….such a stunner!
When viewed in indirect lighting, ‘Lady Muck’ appears a little flat and definitely more of a grey shade, and yet there’s something so very modern about its appearance, looking so cool-toned and ladylike.
Seen in shaded light, this varnish takes on a much warmer-toned semblance, while showing off the perfect melding of both the blue & grey colours in its base, all overlaid by the delicate silver spray of the micro shimmer.
A final shot taken with flash, reveals ‘Lady Muck’ in its entirety: the fairy-like washed out hue of the base shade, as well as the gleaming pearly shimmer swimming in its depths & dancing upon the surface of the nail.
Final thoughts: I love everything about ‘Lady Muck’, from the faded hue, to the gentle shimmer, and even the name makes me smile. The formula was outstanding, and while I personally prefer to apply three very thin coats, you can basically achieve the same effect with two thicker coats. I was surprised with the amount of natural shine even before the addition of top coat, but to really bring out the shimmer, I highly recommend applying a top coat. The Butter London bottles are well shaped for the hand as well, with a rectangular cap that pops off to reveal a narrower ribbed inner cap, and the brush was just the right length and combination of flexibility/rigidity to allow a wonderful ease of application. Another bonus is how self-levelling this varnish is, leaving a wonderfully smooth surface behind. While the term “lady muck” may refer to a woman who believes ordinary things are beneath her notice, I have every confidence that Butter London’s ‘Lady Muck’ will entice and impress even the snobbiest of hearts!
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