Experimenting with different colours and finishes is half the fun of being a nail blogger. If you never try, then you won’t know what flatters or doesn’t work for you!
Today, I’m reviewing a-england Sparks Divine, a golden nail polish. But before I begin, I need to point out something very important.
There are two versions of a-england Sparks Divine:
- First version: No holo
- Second version: With holo
The one I’m reviewing is the second version that will replace the first.
If you view this polish in direct sunlight, you’ll see the holographic nature better. However, when I wore this and photographed it, Mr. Sun wasn’t cooperating. Still, you can see how it looks in bright artificial light and in natural daylight.
a-england Sparks Divine Pictures
Artificial Light
Natural Light
Artificial Light
Natural Light
a-england Spark Divine Swatches
All swatches have:
- OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener – Maintenance version (Used as a base coat)
- 2 coats of a-england Sparks Divine
- Rica Glossy Glam Top Coat
Artificial Light Photos
Natural Light Photos
Claims: TRUSTED
- Antique gold (Yes)
- Shimmery holo (Yes)
Key Notes
- Name: a-england Sparks Divine (subtle holographic version)
- Collection: a-england Heavenly Quotes Collection
- Colours Available in the Collection: Sparks Divine, Whispering Waves, Hurt No Living Thing, Love Is Enough, And the Moonbeams…, She Walks in Beauty, Beauty Never Fails & The Blessed Damozel
- Amount: 11 mL (0.39 fl. oz.)
- Retail Price: £9 / $14.50 CAD
- Disclosure: This was provided as a press sample by Nail Polish Canada.
- Where to Buy: a-england website & Nail Polish Canada
a-england Sparks Divine Review
Colour
Sparks Divine by a-england is a light antique gold with tan sensibilities. It’s several shades darker than my skin tone, but, when it’s not shimmering, it could pass as a nude nail.
The interesting thing about this polish is that it could pass as a conservative-workplace-appropriate nail polish, but when you get out into the sun, the shimmer is a fun surprise.
Although it’s uncommon to use a holographic nail polish as a palate cleanser, this one stepped up to the plate for that very purpose for me!
Finish
It has a subtle holographic shimmer that’s only evident in direct bright sunlight. When wearing it indoors, you won’t see a rainbow form on your nails (which is typical of holos). Instead, you’ll see demure shimmer, which is why I think it’s still suitable for very conservative work settings.
The surface is extremely smooth and shiny. No rough bits or chunks whatsoever.
Application & Formula
I have high expectations for every a-england nail polish that I wear because the brand is consistent with their excellent formulations. This one’s no exception.
Sparks Divine by a-england has a great consistency that’s easy to apply. It goes on evenly and smoothly. Also, I only needed to use two coats to completely cover my nail line.
Ingredients & Animal-Friendliness
This polish doesn’t contain Formaldehyde, Toluene, or DBP. It’s also cruelty-free.
Pros
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Cons
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Final Verdict: 6/10
a-england Sparks Divine wins high scores for the pigmentation and top-notch formula. The only reason why I gave it a low Final Verdict score is because I feel like my skin tone doesn’t do it any justice. It would look spectacular on someone who has a richer skin tone than me.
What’s your favourite a-england nail polish? Do you prefer strong holos or subtle ones? What nail-polish brand do you rely on for consistent formulas?
This is such a pretty color. I don’t have any polishes by this brand, but I think it might be time to change that. Thanks for sharing it with us. I think it looks good on you!
Definitely a brand to try!! So great!
Hey Arathael!
The two of us will convince Melissa to try a-england! 🙂 It’s one of the most consistent nail-polish brands I’ve tried. Big thumbs up!
Hey Melissa!
The great thing about a-england is their consistently excellent formula and pigmentation. So far, I’ve never come across a dud, which is pretty amazing!
This is such a gorgeous color on you, Mary! It makes a great color for so many skin tones and is work appropriate, too, while still being fun. I would love to try this line out one day. Thanks for you informative review.
Hey Jessica!
Thanks for checking out my review and leaving a sweet and encouraging comment! 🙂 I feel like my skin tone doesn’t quite do this colour any justice, but for those with richer skin tones than me would rock the heck out of it!
Yes, I highly recommend a-england nail polish. Every single colour I have by this brand has an incredible formula!
Love AEngland polishes and this one I’m definetly adding to my “to buy” list. I have 3 polishes from this brand so far (one that I haven’t tried yet) and so far I’ve been nothing but happy with them. I love strong holos but sometimes a nice subtle one is just as lovely.
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Hey Sasha!
It’s amazing how consistent this brand is. I only have a few polishes by them, but none of them have been misses – all hits! Not many nail-polish companies can nail a flawless formula like a-england.
This was really different for me because I haven’t experienced much with the subtler holos. I appreciate how this could be someone else’s ‘entry point’ into the wonderful world of crazy holos. 😉