For my first manicure of 2016, I decided to share with you the nail polish I wore to ring in the New Year: KBShimmer Blue Topaz from the Birthstone Collection! (I ended up wearing it for a few days straight.)

KBShimmer Blue Topaz represents the December birthstone, and that’s partially why I chose it as my New Year’s Eve manicure. The other reason was that I associate blue with “New Year.” Also, the saying ‘something old, something new, and something blue’ popped into my mind.

In the bottle, KBShimmer Blue Topaz is magnificent, and I was curious to see how it would translate onto the nails. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed! It’s so glitzy on the nails – a true celebratory polish!

In person, it dazzles like the Stars on Ice show, but it posed quite the challenge to photograph because it’s very reflective. This is one of those polishes that looks a hundred times even more brilliant in person!

KBShimmer Blue Topaz Pictures

KBShimmer Blue Topaz Swatches

All swatches have:

• OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener – Maintenance version (Used as a base coat)
• 2 coats of KBShimmer Blue Topaz
• Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Artificial Light Photos

Natural Light Photos

Claims: TRUSTED

• Icy blue (Yes)
• Metallic flakes (Yes)
• Hint of holographic dust (Yes)
• Shines indoors and outdoors (Yes)

Key Notes

• Name: KBShimmer Blue Topaz
• Collection: KBShimmer Birthstone Collection
• Colours Available in the Collection: Garnet, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Black Pearl, Ruby, Peridot, Sapphire, Pink Tourmaline, Citrine & Blue Topaz
• Amount: 15 mL (0.5 fl. oz.)
• Retail Price: $11 CAD
• Disclosure: This was provided as a press sample by Harlow & Co.
• Where to Buy: KBShimmer’s website & Harlow & Co.

KBShimmer Blue Topaz Review

Colour

Blue Topaz by KBShimmer is an icy blue that has enough blue that it won’t get mistaken for silver. Although, when the light hits your nails, there’s a flash of silver, and it’s this element that helps make the manicure almost interactive!

Although you could wear any polish regardless of the season, I associate this colour with the winter because it has a chilly vibe. How appropriate, since Blue Topaz is December’s birthstone.

Finish

Wow, there’s so much complexity to Blue Topaz by KBShimmer! At the heart, the finish is an intense metallic flakey, but on top is a delicate dusting of holographic micro-glitter.

The flakes help create that silver flash I mentioned earlier, and the rainbow holographic bits add a fun and subtle touch of ‘fairy dust.’

The surface of the nail feels very smooth and not sharp or gritty because the flakes lay flat.

Application & Formula

I was excited to see that the formula, despite being a smorgasbord of sparkle, went on smoothly and easily. It wasn’t thick, and I didn’t have to work hard to get it to apply evenly. Also, it was exceptionally pigmented with a single coat, although I followed through with a second coat.

Since the polish is full of so much dazzling sparkle, even when you apply a shiny top coat, it doesn’t enhance it. Even solo, it’s a star!

Pros Icy blue with silver flash Metallic flakes Holographic micro-glitter Incredibly sparkly, even without a shiny top coat Nails feel smooth Applies easily Very pigmented

Cons If you don’t shop online, KBShimmer nail polishes can be tricky to get your hands on

Final Verdict: 10/10

Since I painted the first nail, I was smitten by KBShimmer Blue Topaz from the Birthstone Collection! It is such a showstopper and conversation starter, and if you’re celebrating your birthday or any other special occasion, this is a really fun one to wear!

What’s your birthstone? Do you like the colour of your birthstone? If you could switch your birthstone to another, which would it be?