Butter London Chapter 4: ‘Victoriana’ (swatches & review)

Chapter 4

Originally released as part of Butter London’s Fall 2010 Collection, ‘Victoriana’ is a study in contrasts; a muted teal hue made vibrant with the addition of shimmer, combined with a historically inspired name but housed in an modernly urban casing…not bad for one small bottle of nail polish! Now part of the company’s core group of colours, this is one of those shades that can not only transition easily between seasons, but will suit a workplace setting just as easily as it will a night out clubbing. 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).

Taking ‘Victoriana’ out for a stroll in the sun, lightened the base shade to a pale teal hue, while the delicate silver micro-shimmer not only became the focus, but served to add a gossamer-like silver veil over the nail.

A closeup view reveals exactly how densely packed the micro-shimmer is, yet the particles are still fine enough that it does not overwhelm the beauty of the base shade.

An angled view taken in full sun, shows off the silvery aura given off by the shimmer and seems to bathe the nails in a gentle glow.

Seen in indirect lighting (indoors), depicts the most accurate version of ‘Victoriana’, looking rather cool-toned and sporting an almost stone-washed blue hue with a dusky green undertone running through its base colour, which adds an interesting dimension.

Shaded light gives this shade a warmer semblance, revealing more of its blue nature and tamping down the glimmering sparkle of the shimmer.

A final view taken with flash, lends even more brilliance to the silvery micro-shimmer, giving it a subtle fairy-light effect….hypnotic!

Final thoughts: Butter London has it all going on; an eclectically range of colours, interestingly provocative names, and an amazing formula. At a quick glance, ‘Victoriana’ appears rather ordinary, but pick up the bottle and you are captivated by the almost undefinable hue, and the masses of silver micro-shimmer swirling throughout. I applied three very thin coats, but two thicker ones will perform equally well, as this formula has a great balance of thin & thick. Self-levelling and leaving behind absolutely zero brush strokes, the finish dried to a more pearlized sheen, which, although pretty on its own, is taken to new glossy heights by the addition of a top coat. ‘Victoriana’ is a wonderful way to embrace a timeless look, while staying on top of trendy chic-ness!

Something about this Victorian-era poster (below), with Madame modelling a full-length dusty blue corset, as her skirt lays sensuously pooled at her feet, reminded me of Butter London’s ‘Victoriana’, and how it seems to accurately depict that period: the conflict between being prim & proper but that holds hidden a sexy inner core….I love it!