When it comes to big companies, the desire to release new things and make themselves a household name can cause some repeats in color. It happens. A dear darling friend asked me if Violet Vibes from the new Electric Nights collection was a victim of one of these repeats, since it reminded her so strongly of Flying Dragon. Since I already had both of them, I decided to investigate.
left: flying dragon right: violet vibes |
In the Bottle
They look really similar. Flying Dragon has blue and purple micro-glitter, and a slightly darker base. Violet Vibes is a little brighter and slightly more luminous. But they are damned close.
On the Nail
Once you get these two on the nail, any question of dupage (yeah I made up a word) flies right out the window. Violet Vibes is slightly matte when dry...it has an almost waxed finish. In addition to the interesting finish, VV has a jelly-like squishiness that is just delightful. I am quite fond of it...even if it was a bit floody. Flying Dragon, on the other hand, is miserable without top coat. It is ultra-matte, and my bottle in particular was quite gritty (admittedly it is an older bottle). It is also a noticeable amount darker and more flat appearing. If top coat didn't exist, I would throw Flying Dragon out the window.
index and ring: violet vibes middle and pinky: flying dragon |
index and ring: violet vibes middle and pinky: flying dragon |
macro w/o topcoat |
macro w/o topcoat |
Once you add top coat, both polishes light right up. But the differences are still glaringly obvious. I definitely think there is room in every collection for both polishes. Now enjoy some extra pictures...because who doesn't love a little polish porn every now and again?
index and ring: violet vibes middle and pinky: flying dragon |
index and ring: violet vibes middle and pinky: flying dragon |
in the sun index and ring: violet vibes middle and pinky: flying dragon |
in the sun index and ring: violet vibes middle and pinky: flying dragon |
You need both. Unless you don't like purple...
macro bottle shot of violet vibes |
macro bottle shot of flying dragon |
So you know my verdict, how about yours? Do you think the differences are great enough that you want both? I definitely wouldn't destash either one of these if I were looking to streamline my violet collection. They are sort-of similar, but not very.
And in case you need more convincing...here is how the colors react to UV light. Neon Flying dragon does almost nothing...whereas Violet Vibes is a lovely pale lavender in the blacklight.
I appreciate your very thorough comments on both polishes, awesome post!
ReplyDeleteYay! A friend asked me, and I figured there might be more people curious. It does make me wonder how many meon violets china glaze has.
DeleteI love Flying Dragon in the bottle. On my nails, not so much. It is gritty and strange to apply.
ReplyDeleteYes. Once it's on & slathered in top coat I love it again...but there's a whole long time where I question my decision-making choices.
ReplyDelete