2020 has been my first year dabbling around in the fun (and maybe somewhat addicting) world of subscription boxes. And to be perfectly honest, I started doing it because I was feeling sorry for myself. I don't think I have to tell you that 2020 was a shit year. So one day I just decided I wanted to treat myself every month without the hassle of deciding what I would do or get - a surprise!
I started with the Pura Vida Monthly Club, because I like that they donate to so many different causes and because I like the bracelets too, obviously. I'm also a Pura Vida brand ambassador (uhm...use code NATALIEA20 for 20% off your order). I did this for a few months, then realized an arm can only wear so many bracelets. Now I just buy the sets I truly want. Next I moved on to Ipsy, which was a lot of fun. I even upgraded to the Plus subscription (the best tier and best bang for your buck IMO, because it was the most customizable). But now I have a large basket of products I'm still working my way through, and an AWESOME assortment of face masks. So I eventually cancelled Ipsy, too.
Then one day, the most obvious thought popped into my head. There are very few things in life that I've been consistently obsessed with for the majority of my existence: cheese, books and - drum roll - nail polish. Why didn't I think of it before? So I started my search for the best nail polish subscription service. Surprisingly, there's not a whole lot to choose from (in the US, anyway). But that's ok, because I found exactly the one I wanted - Orly Color Pass! It's a quarterly box where they send you their upcoming seasonal collection (a set of six full size polishes) plus a couple other nail related goodies. The price of the box is 50% off what you would pay to buy the set in store, and considering you get the extra stuff too, it's a pretty great deal I think! Before signing up I was already a big fan of Orly. They have a great formula, and what's not to love about a 18ml bottle?!
Anyway, sorry for my very long winded explanation of my journey through subscription boxes and how we got here today. My first Orly box recently arrived and I'm excited to show it off! This is the winter collection, called Metropolis (they say it's inspired by The Great Gatsby - NOT the movie Metropolis, sure). Here's a closer look.
On my thumb is In The Moonlight, a blue toned black glitter. If you like black nails but want a step up from a plain black creme then this is it! For being so glitter packed, it applied incredibly smoothly and evenly (same goes for all the glitters in this collection). For me it was opaque in three coats. Sometimes three coats can feel excessive, but for a full coverage glitter I don't mind. If you have short nails and don't have to worry about a visible nail line then you could probably get away with two coats.
My pointer finger is Infinite Allure, a charcoal metallic. I'm not normally into charcoal shades (if we're going dark then let's GO DARK you know?) but again I am in love with this formula. I used two coats and it looked great. Metallic polishes can be tricky sometimes, if you don't apply them carefully enough then they can come out streaky and messy looking. But Orly said "Streaks? We DON'T KNOW HER."
My middle finger is wearing Nouveau Riche, another dope ass metallic. Like I just said, their metallic formula is on point. Technically this is kiiiiiind of a duochrome, it shifts from light green to dark green. But IMO it just makes it look extra shiny. If I had to judge it as a duochrome polish I would have to say the color shift isn't intense enough. But as a metallic polish I think it's great. There really aren't as many green polishes on the market, so I love adding a nice one to my collection. Opaque in two coats!
On my ring finger is my favorite of the bunch, Inexhaustible Charm, a rose gold glitter. I love how the glitter flakes are different shapes and sizes, and that they're subtly two different shades. Yes, there are other rose gold glitters out there, but I feel like that makes this one unique. And it's so shiny! I wore three coats for full coverage. However I think it would also look nice with one coat over black or a wine red maybe?
My pinky is wearing Opulent Obsession, a deeeeeeeep, deep red. What do we call that? I like it! Again the formula is great so there really isn't much to complain about. I'm wearing two coats!
The final polish I'm not actually wearing...it's a six polish collection and I only have five fingers and couldn't figure out how to incorporate it hahah. But it's called Untouchable Decadence and is a very classic gold glitter. I'm sure you can guess what it looks like. I did play around with it on a swatch stick to get a feel for it, and no shocker the formula is still great. Again, three coats will get you full coverage (can we talk about how consistent these all are?) but the base is clear so you could also use this as a topper!
It also came with the Orly Argan Oil Cuticle Drops. You can never have enough nail oil. I'm kind of on a nail oil pen kick recently, but even so I must say this one is really nice. It's moisturizing without being too oily feeling, it absorbs quickly, and it smells like...lemons, maybe? Using it feels luxurious. It's definitely not purse friendly, but I think it will be my new home go-to.
Finally, it came with these cute little Orly 45th anniversary pins! Nail polish themed merch is hard to come by, so these are a fun little collectors item if you're into nail polish and/or pin collecting!
So I think it's safe to say that I'm really happy with my new Orly Color Pass subscription. And because I subscribed so late in the season, I only have to wait a couple more weeks for my next box! I can't wait to see what's inside :)
