Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Mirror of Galadriel was released by New Mexico-based indie polish maker Literary Lacquers as part of the Magic and Mysteries collection in March of this year. This polish was inspired by the divining mirror of Galadriel of Lothlórien from JRR Tolkien's epic high fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings. It has a silver linear holographic base bearing creator Amy's signature ratio of small holographic hex glitters and microglitters in silver. Beyond the sheer sparkling beauty and glorious prismatic effects of this combination of holographic elements, the addition of the glitter mix provides a dimensional aspect to the polish that it would not otherwise possess, and prevents the silver holo base from appearing overly metallic and reflective, as silver linear holos are wont to do. Thus it is much more of a tapestry on the nail; the pale silver has a brushed sense to it and is veiled by a lacy network of brilliant prismatic sparks. In direct sun, a delineated holographic flare with a central flame of pale blue-violet edged in a thin band of rainbow colors blooms beneath that veil. Wonderful!

Application was fantastic. The consistency of Mirror of Galadriel is thicker than some but still fluid and eminently paintable, with a smooth texture that glides over the nail like velvet. Self-leveling properties are excellent. As with most of Amy's creations, there is a degree of built-in translucence to the formula and coverage is buildable, with wearable coverage in two coats and complete opacity in three. Cleanup is surprisingly easy for a glitter-filled polish. Mirror of Galadriel dries naturally in good time to a mostly smooth, slightly flat finish with only a hint of discernible texture from the glitters that is easily smoothed by topcoat. 

Photos show three coats of Mirror of Galadriel over treatment and basecoat with a topcoat of Seche Vite.

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

Literary Lacquers Mirror of Galadriel

You might think that with all of the holographic goodness that is packed into it, this polish would come off as heavy on the bling, and in certain circumstances it does put on quite a show. But at other times, especially in dim lighting, there is a delicacy and lightness to it that is almost angelic. The silvery base has a milky radiance that seems to float at the tips of your fingers like spun glass. I think it's a brilliant homage to the Lady of Lórien and her magical mirror. 


love,
Liz