Shades Of Phoenix Vintage Horror Halloween Duo - Swatches & Review

Halloween is fast approaching, and while Halloween isn't a big deal here in Australia (my daughter on the other hand has different ideas about this - we are having a small Halloween party for her) I thought it would be fun to do a week of Halloween polishes and nail art this week.  Why this week?  Mainly because I figure it gives people a chance to see some of the Halloween polishes/plates that have been released this year and maybe give some nail art ideas ready for Halloween.  I may extend more Halloween things into next week as well, but we will see. 

To kick off my Halloween week I have Shades Of Phoenix's Vintage Horror Halloween Duo to share with you.  It's been a while since I have purchased any new shades from Shades Of Phoenix, but as soon as I saw this duo I knew that it had to come and live with me.  And I am so happy that it has.

Pictures taken in direct sunlight and light box

1313 is described as a deep purple jelly polish with shimmer and a slight red to green duochrome added to the mix.  I couldn't really see the colour shift in this one but the polish sure is pretty.  I think it's perfect for the cooler months.  I found that the polish tended to drag if you used multiple brush strokes on the first coat so the less brush strokes you can do, the better it will be.  I used two coats overall for my swatch although I probably should have done three as I did notice some slight patchiness when in direct sunlight.

Picture taken in light box

Picture taken in light box

Picture taken in direct sunlight

Picture taken in direct sunlight

Picture taken in direct sunlight

Underwater Stalker is described as a green/blue/teal jelly base filled with holographic glitters in purple, silver and orange.  The formula is easy to work with, but I found the base to be a little bit too sheer and the glitters to fine and sparse for my personal taste.  I used three coats for my swatch but I can see still see a visible nail line.  Next time I would definitely wear a base colour underneath.

Picture taken in light box

Picture taken in light box

Picture taken in direct sunlight

Overall, I quite like this duo.  I really like that it doesn't scream Halloween which means it can be worn at any time throughout the year.  1313 is definitely my favorite from this duo.

The Vintage Horror Halloween Duo is still available from Shades Of Phoenix but it is limited edition, so you better get in quick before it sells out.

What's Indie Box March 2015: Disney Princesses - Swatches & Review

Today I am excited to share with you swatches and review of March's What's Indie Box.  I have had these polishes sitting on my polish stand for ages but out of respect for those who still hadn't received them I held off swatching them (which of course meant that the sun disappeared when I had a chance to swatch them until now).

For those of you who may not know, What's Indie Box is an Australian based monthly subscription box which features five Australian indie brands.  Each month the box contains an exclusive polish from Peita's Polish, Glam Polish, Lilypad Lacquer and then two guest indie brands (March's guest brands were Shades Of Phoenix and Gloss N Sparkle).  Each month the theme also changes.  March's polishes were all inspired by Disney Princesses which naturally meant I had to order the box for my Disney Princess obsessed daughter.

Glam Polish Ariel

Ariel is obviously inspired Ariel - The Little Mermaid.  She is the perfect colour of Ariel's mermaid tail and has a nice glittery and holo effect that I expect of from a Princess.  When I asked Liv who she thought it was she originally said Princess Jasmine which I guess is right because they are similar colours.  Formula wise it is great.  It's easy to use and only needs two coats for full coverage.

Picture taken in lightbox

Picture taken in direct sunlight

Gloss N Sparkle Minutes Before Midnight

Minutes Before Midnight is inspired by Cinderella.  I absolutely love this one.  I think it is the perfect polish to represent this Princess.  It's a beautiful light blue with a subtle holo glow to it.  Even Liv knew exactly who it was so definite win there.  Formula wise it goes on a little sheer but builds up in three coats.

Picture take in lightbox

Picture taken in direct sunlight

Lilypad Lacquer Free Spirit

Free Spirit is inspired by Pocahontas.  I think this is a good interpretation of her. A nice nude tone with gold flakes and fine blue glitters.  Liv didn't know who it was inspired by but then she doesn't really know who Pocahontas actually is.  The formula is fantastic.  It's nearly a one coater.  I used two for my swatch.

Picture taken in lightbox

Picture taken in direct sunlight

Picture taken in lightbox

Peita' Polish Once Upon A Dream

Once Upon A Dream is inpired by Aurora (Sleeping Beauty).  Liv guessed immediately who this polish was inspired and absolutely loved the little bow that came with the polish.  The polish is filled with different pinks and gold micro glitters.  I am a huge fan of Peita's micro glitter toppers.  They are so versatile and easy to use.  I used two coats over OPI Pink Friday.  

Picture taken in lightbox

Picture taken in direct sunlight

Shades Of Phoenix Tangled Knots

Tangle Knots is inspired by Rapunzel.  I was a little thrown by how dark this polish is.  I haven't actually seen the movie Tangled yet so I assume that it is a bit of a darker movie which would explain that darkness of the polish.  The polish itself is gorgeous.  It has a dark purple jelly base and is filled with fine gold glitter, mixed coloured hexes and shards of glitter.  The formula is great and is opaque in two coats.

Picture taken outside in shade

Picture taken in direct sunlight

I did enjoy this box.  The formulas were great to work with and the colours were good.  I don't tend to buy the What's Indie Boxes because I like knowing what polishes I am getting and for the price I am not sure it is always worth the gamble.  But that is just me.  If you love surprises than this is a great box.

The What's Indie Box is available each month from Peita's Polish.  To keep up to date when the boxes are available and what each month's theme is be sure to follow their facebook page.