Zoya Matte Velvet Re-release

Press Samples

Matte is back!
Zoya decided to re-release their two, three piece collections from fall and winter of 2009 as one, big, happy family of 6 matte polishes! There is also a new matte topcoat and a red matte lipstick out there. In a way, Zoya is going all-in when it comes to matte (right on the heels of the Ultra PixieDusts). Due to this matte obsession, I have included a "perfect pairing" of PixieDust to embellish or to wear as an accent nail with these lovelies. Enjoy!

Posh is a "medium cool-toned wine red with metallic red shimmer and a velvety MATTEVELVET finish." This rich red is truly glamorous. This is what I think of when I hear of velvet, a soft red. This was two buttery, smooth coats.
Perfect Pairing: Zoya Arianna

Harlow, a "rich, saturated rose plum packed with sparkling metallic shimmer in a velvety MATTEVELVET finish," was probably the most anticipated re-release. This pinky hue had the chunkiest shimmer of the bunch but was still opaque in 2 coats. She must be related to Zoya Mason, they are both a cool, saturated rosy plum!
Perfect Pairing: Zoya Noir

Savita is described as a "bold, vibrant medium purple with strong red and gold shimmer with a velvet MATTEVELVET finish." This is such a royal hue. The color and shimmer remind me of Zoya Carter...I think they may be sisters:) Again, two easy coats.
Perfect Pairing: Zoya Carter

Veruschka is "a deep evergreen garnished with strong metallic shimmer in a velvety MATTEVELVET finish." This is gorgeous. I am not someone who wears green on my fingers often, but I would love to wear this every day! It seems to glow like emerald sea-glass on your tips (2 coats).
Perfect Pairing: Zoya Chita

Dovima is described as a "smoky charcoal-black with strong silver shimmer and a velvety MATTEVELVET finish." I have a soft spot for not-quite-black shades. This is perfection in two buttery coats.
Perfect Pairing: Zoya Dahlia

Loredana, a "medium gunmetal grey, packed with silvery shimmer and a velvety MATTEVELVET finish," was the only one that needed three coats. This polish had the wateriest consistency but still stunned after applied and dried. Something about this one reminded me of graphite, maybe it was the chunkier shimmer.
Perfect Pairing: Zoya London


The Verdict:
I am in love, "matte-ly" in love. I adore watching this polish dry to its velvety, matte finish. The shimmer is what makes this polish, without it these would be quite bland and one-dimensional. All of these beauties applied easily and flawlessly. Please note the following:
MATTEVELVET nail color by Zoya is not intended to be worn with a base coat, top coat or speed dryer of any kind. Due to the unique matte formulation, color is not as long-wearing as traditional nail color. A completely clean, dry nail surface yields the best results for matte nail color wear.
If you MUST wear a basecoat, most ridge-filling basecoats are matte so they will not alter the finish of this polish. Also if you have an uneven nail surface the matte polish might accentuate the flaws. My favorites (if I HAD to choose) were Posh, Dovima, and Veruschka. Also, love the frosted bottles. Well done, Zoya!

MatteVelvet polishes are available at zoya.com and at select retailers for $9 each.