Chapter 3
Begun by two enterprising women, Sasha Muir and Nonie Creme, Butter London was one of the first brands to recognize that a healthier varnish for the nails needed to be created, and thus Butter London was born. Dating as early as 2009, ‘Fash Pack’ quickly became one of their iconic shades – a putty, mushroom/taupe hue that contradicted the more conventional colours on the market. What makes this polish stand out above so many imitators that followed, is the addition of golden micro-glitter, that lends this shade a paradoxically cool-warm vibe, making it wearable by every skin tone across the spectrum. All swatches are with Seche Natural Ridge Filling Base Coat, three very thin coats of lacquer and a-england’s ‘The Shield’ top coat (reviewed here).
One would be hard pressed to spot the hidden shimmer of ‘Fash Pack’ when it’s viewed in full sunlight, although you may catch it glinting slyly as you move your hands, lending this shade a deeper dimension of colour.
By clicking to enlarge this closeup shot, you can make out the subtly glimmering golden highlights, yet the shimmer never overpowers the base shade – it only adds to the uniqueness of tone.
In this angled view, bathed in the sun’s golden rays, the true depth of the base shade is clearly defined and the shimmer acts as a wonderful accent point, seeming to float along the surface of the nail.
A shot taken in indirect lighting produces a startling effect; note how cool toned ‘Fash Pack’ now appears, leaning slightly more to the grey side and looking ever so luscious….much like a decadent café latté, and just as yummy!
Shaded light brings this shade right back to a more warmer level, looking more like the creamiest melted milk chocolate artfully draped along the nail. First coffee, then chocolate……now I’m thirsty & hungry!
A final view taken with flash, and behold! All the hidden delicate sparkle comes into full prominence, lending ‘Fash Pack’ a wonderful depth of tone and serving to enhance the nutty/taupe base colour.
Final thoughts: I had been wanting this lacquer from the instant I first heard of this brand, but it always seemed to be sold out and out of reach. I wasted no time in snatching it up the instant I spotted it, because in my opinion, this is THE shade of this colour group, that began the whole putty/taupe/mouse-brown trend. The formula was superb, flowing so incredibly well, levelling out with ease and leaving absolutely no brush strokes behind. While my preferred application for swatching purposes is three very thin coats, the same effect is easily achieved with two thicker coats. I loved the natural glossiness of this hue (even before I applied a top coat) and I continue to be impressed with the versatile brush it comes with. The term “fash pack” refers to a group of women who consider themselves über-fashionistas, and I have no doubt that by sporting Butter London’s ‘Fash Pack’, one will fit in….while continuing to stand out!
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