For my final chapter of this little series, I present Butter London’s ‘Branwen’s Feather’, a gothically deep purple shade imbued with mystery, and filled with myriad flecks of silver, red, and even some blue micro-glitter. I admit to being as attracted to the name, as I was the colour, but no matter what, I knew that this varnish was definitely coming home with me. All swatches are with Seche Base Ridge Filling Base Coat, very thin coats of lacquer and a-england’s ‘The Shield’ top coat (reviewed here). I also wish to thank Kellie once more, for allowing me the opportunity to first showcase this review on her blog…love & hugs!
A view taken in full sunlight reveals all of ‘Branwen’s Feather’ brooding glory; a dark prune-brown base shade, broken up by the intricate micro-glitter that’s dispersed throughout and skimming the surface of the nail.
Seen up close, is when you truly appreciate all the varying hues that make up this polish; by clicking to enlarge the above photo, you will see the many subtle layers that the micro-glitter adds to the overall appearance.
The most accurate depiction of this varnish’s true colour, can clearly be seen in this angled view: the deep base with its jewel-like intensity and the fiery glints of shimmer which add such visual interest.
Indirect lighting serves to bring out this shade’s darker and much cooler-hued nature, with the deep purple base now bordering on the black and the flecks of micro-glitter taking on a less prominent role.
Shaded light still keeps a shroud of darkness over ‘Branwen’s Feather’, yet the colour appears to have morphed into more of a prune hue, threaded throughout with deep purple veining, and taking on a much warmer semblance as well.
Ahhhh….a final shot taken with flash, and everything this shade promised in the bottle, has come to fruition! Seriously though, you can’t help but be mesmerized by its darkly sensual allure.
Final thoughts: While this series has come to a close, let me state that this is definitely NOT the end of my love affair with Butter London varnishes! There are still many shades out there I’ve yet to try, and if my experience with these has taught me anything, is that I will not be disappointed with any new shades that come my way. The formula on ‘Branwen’s Feather’ was of an excellent consistency, flowing easily and smoothly across the nail, and while not as glossy as some of the crème Butter London shades, it was easily remedied by a layer of top coat. Dry time was rather quick as well, and I loved the fact that removal was easily accomplished, with no staining left behind on the nail bed. Bridging punk rock appeal with urban sophistication, ‘Branwen’s Feather’ is the modern woman’s darkling shade of choice!
Just saying the name of this lacquer, ‘Branwen’s Feather’, my mind is surrounded by the image of raven plumage, the ebony feathers gleaming with subtle tones of purple and blue, magically shifting intensity with the light, much like the eery image below.
*Raven wing image credit here
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