On paper, and even just looking at the combination via the bottles, this sounds like it would be a complimentary pair. However, now that I’m looking at it on my nails, I’m not so sure I completely hit the mark. The lilac shade is a bit greyed out and somehow looks dull against the navy holo (that’s right, I said HOLO 
). Or it could be my eyes and this horrid fluorescent lighting I’m in right now at work. Who knows?
Anyway, what you want to know is what shades I’m talking about! Well let me just tell you then. On my tips I’m wearing a-england’s ‘Tristam’ – a gem of a polish, a dusty navy blue holo. In regular lighting, the holo is not readily apparent – it looks more like fine silverish shimmer, although at some angles you can see the rainbow effect slightly. It’s been cloudy the past couple days but as soon as the sun comes out I’ll update with pics to show the holo effect.
*Updated with holo shots!*
The polish applied OK – just OK to me, because there was a bit of patchiness in the first application. As well, the formula is a touch thicker than I would have liked, but it leveled itself out after two coats, so neither issue was really a problem in the end.
On my toes, I’m wearing RBL’s Insouciant; this is only the second time I’ve worn this shade since debuting it to you back in March. While I found it looked nice in swatches, in person it washed me out due to the greyish, cool nature of the polish. It looks considerably better on me now that I’m tanned, but at the same time, it doesn’t make me think of Summer at all. So hence the limited number of wears.
Details:
For both tips and toes, one coat of butter London’s Nail Foundation, followed by two coats of polish, and a top coat of Seche Vite.
Size & Price:
a-england polishes – 0.44 oz, approx. $14 CDN (£9.00GBP) *plus shipping
RBL polishes – 0.4 oz, $18 US/CDN *plus shipping (free with $100US/$200CDN)
Where to Buy:
a-england polish can be purchased at http://www.a-england.co.uk. Rescue Beauty Lounge polish can be purchased at http://www.rescuebeauty.com.
Despite the small issues with the a-england polish, I’m still really pleased with the shade. I also picked up ‘Lady of the Lake’ so I’ll have to swatch that for you soon. Even if you’re not a fan of holos, I think both shades are a great find. As for Insouciant, I’m not sure how I feel about it. I probably should put it up for swap, as I’ve barely worn it and I’m not likely to, but it’s my first and only (so far) RBL polish, so we’ll see. Maybe once I pick up a few more – Piu Mosso from the Fall collection looks amazing! – then I’ll be able to part with it easier.
Do you have any polishes you hang on to even though you know you shouldn’t? Do you tend to be less likely to give up shades [from brands] that are popular just because, or are you able to let go when you know it just doesn’t suit you?
Does anyone else feel like July didn’t even happen? I can’t believe it’s almost over! I’m going to be taking night classes come Fall, so I have to make August count!
Thanks for reading!
#1 by Eugenia on July 26, 2011 - 8:17 pm
I don’t know, Toya……the RBL looks so elegant and understated on you. I love the reverse effect too (ie: dark on tips, light on toes)….makes for an unexpectedly cool look. I know what you mean about Tristam being a tad thicker than some other lacquers, but the formula is really a superior grade, in my humble opinion! I was a bit on the fence about about how Insouciant looked on me, but you’ve made me want to give it another shot….now that I’m sporting a tan of my own! I really love these combo posts of yours! Can’t wait for your wedding look to be posted!
#2 by Latoya on July 29, 2011 - 8:08 pm
You always have such nice things to say Eugenia
Thank you! I think you should give Insouciant another try with your tan, I actually ended up quite liking it on my toes, a lot more than on my fingers. If I recall, a couple of beauty-savvy ladies told me to try that trick a while back 
It worked! And I agree about Tristam, despite it’s thicker formula it really is pretty great. I don’t even care that you can’t see the holo that much, it’s just a great polish all around! You were one of the gals who inspired me to try the a-england polishes out, actually, after seeing some swatched on your blog. You guys don’t know how much you influence me lol
#3 by Liz (Beauty Reductionista) on July 26, 2011 - 9:59 pm
What a coincidence! I’m also testing out some a-england polishes and wearing Guinevere on my fingers which looks similar to Insouciant! I think lavender/navy is a GREAT combo. Now I wish I had picked Tristam… it’s stunning. The other two a-england I have are Arthur and Morgan Le Fay.
#4 by Latoya on July 29, 2011 - 8:06 pm
Awesome! *Great minds* and all that
Thank you for loving the combo, I put a lot of stock in your opinions, Liz! I’m looking forward to seeing your own reviews of the a-england polishes, I really like the idea behind the brand and the smaller collection! I think Arthur particularly will look fab on you 