About
Elderberry (No. 407) is one of four, new runway shades released for the Burberry autumn/winter 2014 'The Bloomsbury Girls' collection. I purchased three of them (see here). The fourth is Dark Bottle Green (No. 423).
Packaging
Gorgeous packaging as usual from Burberry Beauty - it's consistent with the rest of the makeup line. The cap is plastic with the gunmetal-like finish and has the iconic Burberry check all around it. Click HERE for photo of the applicator brush and bottle cap, etc.
The applicator brush is wide and flat for easy and quick application with fewer strokes. I did have difficulty applying on my little finger where it has a much narrower nail and a curved edge, so this large, square-edged brush isn't the best if you have such nail shape and size.
Colour & Finish
A deliciously rich, deep elderberry or byzantium shade with a cream, glossy finish. Here's what it looks like in two coats on my medium, olive, ~NC30 skin tone (photographed indoors using a strobe).
Comparison Swatches
I found a couple of excellent dupes for Elderberry in Laura Mercier's Noir Glacé and OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark. The latter two are just a smidgen darker than Elderberry and are more opaque and even in two coats.
Formula & Application
The dry time is relatively fast, but unfortunately - similar to Burberry Teal Blue (reviewed here), the formula is of Elderberry is a touch too thick for me and doesn't level out as quickly as I'd like before it starts to set. Complete coverage is obtained in 2-3 coats.
Goodness in the Formula
"The formula contains strengthening and moisturising elements, including anti-oxidant pro-vitamin B5 and myrrh extract, to help protect and care for nails and prevent breakages."
Longevity
Different shades and finishes may vary longevity, but I've had the Burberry nail polish in 'Ash Rose' (No. 103) last for two whole weeks on me with only minor tip wear! The longest lasting nail polish I've experienced so far (and beats Chanel nail polishes). :)
RRP & Size
AU$29 for 8ml / 0.27 fl oz
Availability
Available now at Burberry Beauty counters in select David Jones stores in Australia.
Verdict
A very beautiful, rich shade for autumn/winter. I'm not usually one for vampy shades, but Elderberry is dark enough that it is almost black, so it looks more modern, and leans more purple/violet than red so it flatters yellow/olive skin tones. But, as much as I love the shade, it is indeed another "dupable" colour whose formula could be better, especially for a high-end brand like Burberry. Laura Mercier's Noir Glacé and OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark are better and more affordable alternatives.
Hope this was helpful. :)
Thanks for stopping by! ^_^ xo
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BURBERRY NAIL POLISH IN 'INK BLUE' (No. 425)
BURBERRY NAIL POLISH IN 'TEAL BLUE' (No. 427)
BURBERRY COMPLETE EYE PALETTE IN NUDE BLUSH NO.12
BURBERRY NAIL POLISH IN 'INK BLUE' (No. 425)
BURBERRY NAIL POLISH IN 'TEAL BLUE' (No. 427)
BURBERRY COMPLETE EYE PALETTE IN NUDE BLUSH NO.12