Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elbrus 2 was released in May 2014 by Minnesota-based indie polish maker Elevation Polish as part of the Summits Part 2 collection. Creator Lulu describes it as a "plum purple with shifting shimmer, silver/white shimmer." The base color here is a dark, somewhat muted variation of purple along the lines of Byzantium, a dense, dusky, sophisticated shade. It is enlivened by abundant infinitesimal microflake shimmers in red, blue, magenta and silver. The red, blue and magenta shimmers are visible as tiny sparks of color as light travels over them, while the silver shimmers have a more subtle effect, adding to the dusty quality of the color and giving the look a transparent, understated silvery sheen. The colorshifting effects of the shimmers becomes apparent under different viewing circumstances and kinds of light, ranging from a lively flash in bright red to a blue glow -- very cool!

Application was quite agreeable. The consistency of Elbrus 2 is fluid and dense with a medium-to-thicker viscosity to which I added a small amount of polish thinner. Thinned, it had a smooth glide over the nail with a little bit of pull it. Self-leveling properties are very good, as is pigmentation. Two medium coats will deliver wearable opacity, but there's a degree of translucence to the formula that requires an especially even hand to avoid sheer patches when viewed in direct light. Cleanup is easy. Elbrus 2 dries naturally in good time to a smooth, shiny finish. Topcoat accentuates the presence of the microflake shimmers.

Photos show two coats of Elbrus 2 over treatment and basecoat with a topcoat of Seche Vite.

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

Elevation Polish Elbrus 2

This polish is named for Mount Elbrus, a dormant, double-domed volcano located in the Caucasus Mountains in Southern Russa near the border with Georgia. It is the highest mountain in Russia and in Europe and the tenth most prominent peak in the world, with a permanent icecap that feeds 22 glaciers, which in turn give rise to three major Russian rivers.

Mount Elbrus, Russia, elevation 18,510ft/5642m

Elbrus 2 is a contemplative sort of polish that hides its light under a bushel a little bit, I think. If you're in the mood for its complexity and subtle sophistication, it will reveal itself as a graceful, elegant and flattering shade. I especially appreciate the twinkling shimmers that play up the nature of the color and add a stealthy bit of fun to the polish's somewhat reserved character.

love,
Liz