Rockin' Rose Gold

There was a period when I was obsessed with finding the perfect rose gold polish. I decided Orly Rage was the shade to hunt for after trying out a range of unsatisfactory metallic/foil substitutes that didn't have any rose gold in them (Revlon Crème Brûlée, Chi Chi Go Go Girl, Ulta3 Envy). But even Rage fell short of my expectations. I still found it too frosty and more bronze than rose gold. Why was it impossible to find a polish that resembled rose gold? I decided it was an impossible task and let it go. But as I was casually browsing the shops the other day, I stumbled across a polish that reminded me of my abandoned quest: Sportsgirl Rose Gold. Not the most imaginative name, but at least it's no secret what they were aiming for.

Two coats of Orly Rage with three coats of Sportsgirl Rose Gold. That's what I'm talking 'bout. I never thought I'd stumble across a polish that was so intensely, blindingly rose gold. It's anything but subtle. The rose gold is very pronounced and almost borders on copper. It's probably a touch too orange rather than paler and more pink, but I find it more fitting with how loud and dazzling the polish is overall.

Rose Gold is basically densely packed, small hexagonal glitter in a clear base. I think a foil polish like Orly Rage is necessary as a base for a much more even, complete look than if the glitter were layered on its own. Rage in comparison is cooler, more subdued and not as copper in colour, which makes it the ideal backdrop for the glitzier, darker and more orange Rose Gold. This dries a little coarser than other glitters, especially the tips of the nails, so I filed mine down slightly for a smoother edge. Blinged up nails might not be appropriate for all occasions, but are consistently my go-to choice for a party, going out or weekend look.

Glitter and Hype

I attended the Spa & Beauty Expo as a guest of my friend and took advantage of the trade-only event as best as I could (i.e. spent way too much money). I bought 3 OPIs (Dulce De Leche, Pirouette My Whistle, Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It), 3 Button London nail polishes (Tart With A Heart, No More Waity, Katie, The Black Knight), Orly Rage, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè, Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation (#118) and NYX blush in Taupe. A few of these products are much hyped but difficult to get a hold of (the foundation and Embryolisse in particular), so though they were much more than what I'd usually spend, I willingly handed my credit card over like the chump I am.

l-r: NYX blush in Taupe, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè, MUFE HD Foundation in 118

I have on my thumbnail OPI Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It (over Ulta3 Brandy Wine), index finger is Button London Tart With A Heart, middle finger is Butter London No More Waity, Katie, fourth finger has on Butter London The Black Knight, and pinky is OPI Pirouette My Whistle over OPI Dulce De Leche.

I'll do individual reviews on some of these products separately, but here are some first impressions. I still think OPI is the best nail polish brand. I couldn't decide on which Butter London shades to get and in retrospect, maybe I shouldn't have selected three glitters. It's difficult to fish out the heart-shaped glitter in Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It, but it's an adorable polish regardless. NYX Taupe thankfully isn't too ashy and clashing on my yellow-toned skin (but whether I can pull off contouring still remains to be seen). The Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè seems to owe its popularity more to the fact it acts like a makeup primer, rather than being a superior moisturiser. Even though I think I chose a relatively light shade in the Make Up For Ever HD foundation, for some reason it still seems quite dark and yellow. Coverage also seems to be a little higher than what I normally go for. I'm looking forward to trying it out properly and giving a more detailed review.

All the Rage

Orly Rage. I've been trying to find a bottle for months after seeing swatches and being convinced I needed it in my life. I tried to find a dupe or something very similar, from Chi Chi Go Go Girl to Ulta3 Envy, but they've all ended up too brown and/or frosty. I couldn't seem to find a rose gold foil polish, no matter where I looked. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled across the teeniest bottle of Rage at some random chemist one Friday afternoon. It was pure coincidence that I even stepped foot into that store. They didn't sell a full bottle, but 5.3mL was better than nothing, so I quickly took it to the counter.

The colour is noticeably more of a rose gold than the usual taupe/old gold/bronze foil polishes out there, but to be perfectly honest, the rose gold quality wasn't as pronounced as I'd hoped. Yes, there is definitely a bit of a pink tone, but overall the polish to my eyes is still very bronzy. Having said that, when I compared Rage side-by-side to Go Go Girl and Envy, the two didn't even come close. Next to Rage, Envy appeared more like a pale gold and Go Go Girl a frosty pewter. I like that the finish of Rage isn't overwhelmingly silvery like so many foil polishes. I'm now considering experimenting with mixing my own nail polish, perhaps a light pink metallic or a copper with Envy. If I can't find the perfect rose gold, I may just have to make it.