Downton Abbey Nail Polishes Review

   

"You'll find there's never a dull moment in this house."

On each item in the Downton Abbey Collection can be found a quote from the series, and these nail polish colours are far from dull. Instead of a brash  British Empire red, white and blue, these are more modern with a mixture of dark, bright and light so should have a broader appeal.

                The Downton Abbey nail polish set includes three 13ml bottles.The nail polishes are 5 free (free from DBP, Camphor, Parabens, Toulene and Formaldehyde) and therefore can be classed as less toxic. Although these polishes aren't marketed as 5 free, the ingredient lists none of these toxic ingredients. I don't know why the marketing team didn't use this as part of their strategy. With the success of Downton Abbey perhaps they thought they didn't need to, as the programme has such a massive loyal fan base. Additionally on the back of each bottle and on the cardboard packaging is the bunny logo which means the product is cruelty free. 

The consistency of the formula is good, not too runny, applies smoothly. The smell isn't overpoweringly strong. The packaging of the square glass bottle with a simple gold monogram  makes it look quite classy. The brush is quite long and easy to use. The drying time was average. Mink was less prone to chips while Empire red chipped more easily. Generally fairly long lasting as nail polishes go considering I was typing on the computer for most of the week and trying to remember to wear washing up gloves for dish washing lasting for about 4-5days. I would recommend wearing a base coat underneath to protect nails from discolouration and dryness. Mink and Empire Red have a super shiny finish I only added a top coat (Butter London P.D.Quick Topcoat) to extend the wear of the nail polish
My favourite polish is Mink.

The colour Mink is described as grey but it's actually matte purple aubergine colour with a shiny finish. A cool toned purple. This is opaque in two coats, although one thick coat can produce a Victoria Plum purple colour too.
 Applied: Saturday                     First Chip: Monday                   Removed on: Friday

photo two coats of Mink no topcoat


Empire Red looks dark in the bottle but its actually very bright. One coat looks almost neon pink, two coats produces a bright red. Its a cool toned pinky-red rather than a warmer post box red. It applied a little streaky the first coat. It needs two coats for the colour to be opaque. Chips easily at the tips without a top coat and just as easily with a topcoat on.
Applied: Friday                      First Chip: Saturday                       Removed on: Friday

 photo two coats of Empire Red no topcoat

Satin Pink is a frosted pale pink. It is opaque in one thick coat.
I was hoping it could be a base for a French manicure but i think i'd like something a little more darker. Although the colour is nice for a smart nude pink manicure.
Appled: Friday                    First Chip Sunday                             Removed; Wednesday 

Photo: two coats of Satin Pink no topcoat

Available at Marks and Spencers £9.50