Review: Zoya Matte Velvet 2015 collection!

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Hello!

When I was a little girl, I had deep love for pretty velvet holiday dresses. The ones made entirely of velvet, but also even the ones that just had velvet trims. Even just velvet ribbons. I never got to have one of my own, but in the stores I'd run my hand over the velvet, watching the nap turn back and forth until my mother made me stop. I still love doing it to this very day.

Maybe that's the reason why I love matte polishes so much, and it's certainly part of the reason why I love Zoya's Matte Velvet 2015 collection. The finishes remind me of that plush velvet, in stunning holiday jewel tones.


Let's jump right in with what I consider to be the most important holiday color of all, red! Here is Zoya Amal, a cherry Christmas red with a silver shimmer:

Zoya Amal

Zoya Amal

Zoya Amal

This is two coats of Amal, with full coverage; the formula was excellent and application was easy-peasy. I love the versatility of this red; bright instead of vampy, it's a great look when you want something cheery and seasonal. My favorite mattes are the ones that have a little bit of sparkle in them that makes them extra special; the silver in this is like the sprinkle of tinsel you put on to finish your gorgeous tree. If Mrs. Santa wears matte polish, it's this one.


One reason I adore matte polishes so much, especially the ones with shimmer, is they're basically a two-fer: add topcoat, and you have an second look. Here's Amal with a coat of Seche Vite:

Zoya Amal with topcoat

Zoya Amal with topcoat

I love how the silver flecks pop when you add topcoat, like holiday lights reflected in a glistening sidewalk. So pretty.


Next up is Zoya Aspen, a white matte with gold shimmer flecks:

Zoya Aspen

Zoya Aspen with topcoat

This is two coats of Aspen, with full coverage. The formula on this one was a little thick, and I had some patchiness when I was applying. It evened out in the end; I'd suggest quick, thin layers with this one, especially because I found it took longer to dry than the others did, too (probably because th formula was thicker).  I love this look--it's like having freshly fallen snow glimmering on your fingertips. Beautiful on its own, and excellent for all sorts of winter nail art.


And of course to pair with the awesome Christmas red we have a perfect green with Zoya Honor:

Zoya Honor

Zoya Honor

Zoya Honor with topcoat

This is two coats of Honor; formula was good and application was smooth. *Sigh* this green...this green is Christmas trees and winter wreaths and pine scent.With the topcoat, it looks like it's lit from within, So rich and bright and happy.


Next is Zoya Iris, a red-purple matte with teenie red flecks of awesome:

Zoya Iris

Zoya Iris

Zoya Iris with topcoat

This is sort of 2.5 coats, because I struggled a little with application on this. The formula wasn't quite as thick as Aspen's, but it was thicker than the others, and I got some visible lines that I needed to smooth out. But it came out well and I love this color--I can't get enough of how those red flakes light up and shine out from under the topcoat.


Next we have Zoya Sue, a soft champagne-gold matte with white-silver fleckies:

Zoya Sue

Zoya Sue

Zoya Sue

Zoya Sue with topcoat

Zoya Sue with topcoat

Zoya Sue with topcoat

This is three coats of Sue, and as you can see, there is a hint of visible nail line still. Keep in mind I have some staining, my nail line tends to show through a little more than most; however, this is a thin polish to be sure, noticeably thinner than the others in the collection. Application was not a problem, it went on smooth as silk. I'm not normally a fan of polishes that require three coats, but since matte polishes dry so much faster, this wasn't too big a deal for me.

And that color--so soft, so serene, so ethereal. It's like angel wings on your fingertips--and there's almost a lacey feel to it. For me, this works as a possibly the most magical  neutral ever, both with topcoat and without, and it's the sort of color that's going to be almost universally flattering.

And to end, we have Zoya Yves, a stunning royal blue matte with lighter blue flecks:

Zoya Yves

Zoya Yves

Zoya Yves with topcoat

Zoya Yves with topcoat

Zoya Yves with topcoat

This is two coats; good formula, good application. And O.M.G. That blue! Without topcoat, it's rich, saturated blue that would work well for a denim look because of the texture; with topcoat, when the flecks light up, it's like a cloudless sky on a still winter's night. This is the perfect base for all of your nativity manicures, right here.

One warning with this one--be absolutely sure to wear basecoat (I sometimes don't with mattes), because this one will stain if you don't. But one coat should protect you just fine.

So what do I think overall? I'm over the moon about this collection--it has all of the colors I want for my winter wardrobe and my holiday nail art, with the versatility of using them either as mattes or as shiny polishes. And these are the sort of mattes I like--they have that touch of magic sprinkled in so you get a special look no matter which way you wear them. I may not have ever gotten my pretty velvet dress, but these are so much better. :)

You can find the collection on Zoya's website, and any stores where Zoya polishes are sold; they are also available on Amazon both as a full collection, and in single colors.

Happy polishing!!
M.