Butter London Patent Shine Nail Polish Review: 5 Shades Swatched & Compared

This review dives deep into five captivating shades from Butter London's Patent Shine Nail Polish line: Candy Floss, London Fog, Tata, Royal Appointment, and Bang-On. Each color is meticulously swatched and compared, offering a comprehensive look at application, opacity, longevity, and overall performance. We explore the nuances of each shade, from the charming baby blue of Candy Floss to the rich teal of Bang-On, highlighting both their strengths and any minor drawbacks. Expect detailed observations on brush size consistency and the need for multiple coats, along with expert tips to maximize the stunning shine and long-lasting wear of these polishes.Prepare to be inspired by a diverse palette of colors, perfect for every occasion. From subtle everyday neutrals like Tata and London Fog to bolder statement shades like Bang-On and Royal Appointment, this review provides a thorough assessment to help you choose the perfect Butter London Patent Shine shade for your next manicure. Discover whether the lauded shine lives up to the hype and if the potential for staining in darker shades warrants extra precautions. We've got you covered with honest observations and practical advice for achieving flawless results.

Pros And Cons

butter LONDON Patent Shine Nail Polish
  • Long-lasting
  • Extra shine
  • Light colors may require multiple coats for full opacity
  • Some brushes may be wider than others, making application difficult
  • Certain shades may stain nails.

Read more: 10 Must-Have China Glaze Nail Polish Shades

Candy Floss: A Delicate Baby Blue

Candy Floss is a charming baby blue shade, a personal favorite among the five reviewed. Initial application showed some patchiness, requiring three coats for full opacity. This is not uncommon for lighter shades, however.

Close-up of Candy Floss nail polish bottle and swatch on the nail.
Close-up of Candy Floss nail polish bottle and swatch on the nail.

The formula, while needing multiple coats, eventually delivers a beautiful, even color payoff. The final result is quite lovely, especially after applying a top coat to enhance shine.

Nail showing the first coat of Candy Floss – slightly patchy.
Nail showing the first coat of Candy Floss – slightly patchy.

Despite needing three coats, the end result is worth the effort. The color is stunning and long-lasting. I happily wore this shade for a week and it stayed chip-free.

Nail after three coats of Candy Floss, demonstrating full opacity and shine.
Nail after three coats of Candy Floss, demonstrating full opacity and shine.

London Fog: A Subtle Grey Cream

London Fog presents as a light to medium grey cream. The wide brush, while generally appreciated for even application, was slightly wider on this particular bottle, making precise application challenging.

London Fog nail polish bottle.
London Fog nail polish bottle.

Two coats provided sufficient opacity. Careful application is key to prevent pulling the color and creating patchy areas. It's a beautiful, understated grey shade that’s perfect for everyday wear.

First coat of London Fog applied.
First coat of London Fog applied.

Despite the brush issue (likely a defect), London Fog offers a desirable, subtle grey shade. The two-coat application, once mastered, delivers an impressive finish.

London Fog after two coats, showcasing opacity and smooth finish.
London Fog after two coats, showcasing opacity and smooth finish.

Tata: A Cool-Toned Taupe

Tata is described as a cool-toned taupe; a very versatile neutral shade that's easily incorporated into everyday looks. The first coat appears lighter than expected, though the inherent shine is noticeable.

Tata nail polish bottle.
Tata nail polish bottle.

Two coats were sufficient for optimal opacity and color depth. This shade's shine was particularly impressive, even with only a single coat.

First coat of Tata, showcasing the initial light color.
First coat of Tata, showcasing the initial light color.

Tata provides a beautifully subtle, wearable shade that blends well with various styles. The shine factor is undeniably a highlight.

Tata after two coats, demonstrating improved opacity.
Tata after two coats, demonstrating improved opacity.

Royal Appointment: A Warm Neutral Brown

Initially anticipated to be a deeper marsala tone, Royal Appointment reveals a warm, neutral brown. The wide brush, again, facilitated even coverage despite sometimes impacting cuticle neatness.

Royal Appointment nail polish bottle
Royal Appointment nail polish bottle

Two coats achieve full opacity, revealing a rich brown hue. This shade adds a touch of warmth and sophistication to the manicure.

First coat of Royal Appointment.
First coat of Royal Appointment.

Royal Appointment showcases a versatile brown that adds depth and richness. It's a welcome surprise, proving that expectations don't always align with reality (in a good way).

Royal Appointment after two coats, revealing the rich brown color.
Royal Appointment after two coats, revealing the rich brown color.

Bang-On: A Deep Teal Delight

Bang-On, a deep teal shade, is a standout choice for teal lovers. While this color is stunning, it exhibits a tendency to stain, a common characteristic of darker shades.

Bang-On nail polish bottle.
Bang-On nail polish bottle.

Two coats produce a fully opaque, vibrant teal. To mitigate staining, a good base coat (peel-off recommended) is advised.

First coat of Bang-On.
First coat of Bang-On.

Despite the potential staining, the rich color payoff of Bang-On makes it worthwhile. Remember a good base coat will help to mitigate any staining around the cuticles.

Bang-On nail after two coats and a top coat.
Bang-On nail after two coats and a top coat.

Overall Conclusion

Butter London Patent Shine polishes offer a range of beautiful shades with impressive shine. While some shades needed three coats for complete opacity, the end results were generally stunning.

All five nail polishes with top coat applied.
All five nail polishes with top coat applied.

The brushes, while typically wide and helpful, varied slightly in size, affecting application precision in some instances. Stain-prone shades highlight the importance of base coats.

Overall, this collection provides high-quality, long-lasting polishes with impressive shine. The shades are versatile, from delicate pastels to rich darks. While some minor application quirks exist, the final results justify the small inconveniences.