MoonCat, a brand Review: The Good, and the REALLY bad first impression

I post on Instagram daily / wowlinry
My review of MoonCat as a brand and talking about my first time experience (It was bad lol)
Moon Cats website : www.mooncat.com/
Polishes Reviewed
All MoonCat
Dragon Scales
Stumped
Flight Of The Monarchs
Demeter's Harvest
Apple Of My Eye
Velociraptor
Lava Lamp
Earth To Gaia
Apple Of My Eye
Mermaid Bait
Mercury's Tears
When Hell Freezes Over
Supervillain
Triceratops
Millennia
What Mani's I'm wearing in the video
Right : HoloTaco's Wireless mode
Left : Kikyo Nail art (not posted yet)
00:00 Intro
00:45 First Order
01:51 wonky brush email
02:25 Website
04:20 Packaging
05:30 Cap
06:43 Supervillain and Dragon Scales
07:36 Mercury's Tears
09:16 Lava Lamp (I get a little too mad)
13:07 Second Order
14:06 When Hell Freezes Over
15:13 Earth To Gaia
15:40 Mermaid Bait
16:15 Apple Of My Eye
16:50 Demeter's Harvest
18:46 Third Order
18:55 Millennia
19:27 Tinny rant on Matte polishes
19:50 Velociraptor
20:31 Triceratops
20:52 Flight Of The Monarchs
21:53 Stumped
22:39 Closing Thoughts

[@juleslynn476]

This is why I won't buy a polish unless I see someone swatch them. Kelli Marrissa has one of the best swatch channels!

[@WoWLinry]

Kelli's set up is a dream. I envy her tech.

[@sheilasamuels1066]

So does Caitlin. They are my favorites for color presentation.

[@WoWLinry]

@@sheilasamuels1066 Caitlin has such lovely swatches!

[@Diametricallyopposed00]

Also, wanted to note: IMO, a 3 coater doesn’t mean it’s a poor quality polish. Sometimes the base is less opaque to allow the shimmer pigment to show. If you had an opaque base, it obscures the other pigments. You need multiple coats to get the depth and show off the shimmer. Overall, I understand your frustration about the photos, I agree they are misleading in some instances.

[@WoWLinry]

Apologies if it came off that a 3 coater was a negative, I didn't mean for it to come off that way. In no way to I feel that MoonCat has poor quality polishes just some photos lol

[@amandastillman8352]

Finally someone says the obvious on matte finish polishes! Just include the matte top coat with the collection.

[@WoWLinry]

It just confuses me. It's a fun finish but I'm going to topcoat it any way! 🤣

[@Phae0610]

I just bought a matte Mooncat polish. I almost didn’t buy it because I didn’t want to have to buy a matte topcoat but the description said a topcoat isn’t necessary. This is my first time trying Mooncat. I’m a little nervous!

[@sheilasamuels1066]

I am elderly on Social Security. If I pay $14 or $16 dollars for a polish it is my choice because there are less expensive polished. I have severe arthritis in my hands but find the cap very easy to use, the facets prevent slips. It is one of my favorite brands.

[@WoWLinry]

I'm so glad to hear that you have an easier time holding onto the cap! I was worried that because I had issues, that people who had difficulty gripping might find it even harder. Thank you for sharing!

[@JillLalande]

Me too! I'm 57 with severe arthritis and I love the lids. They're easy to grip and hold. Mooncat and Chanel are all that I use. Easy to hold and long lasting.

[@PolishedMess]

For $14-$16 a bottle, I completely understand your anger about those polishes. Their aesthetic is cool. Their polishes can be very pretty and unique. But I've been hesitant because of the price. I rather spend my money with smaller brands. Love your energy.

[@WoWLinry]

Thank you! I don't mind the $14-$16 a bottle I just want a clear representation of what I'm buying lol

[@rei_cirith]

Did you contact them about your Mercury's Tears? They did send an email out a couple of months back about a defective batch and offered replacements to everyone. They also posted it in a few places asking everyone to share the news in case they missed anyone. I received a new bottle no questions asked and it was so much better than (like the product pictures) my original bottle. Personally I had a hell of a time applying MC's polishes before their recent change in their brushes. They were just THICK in the wrong direction... like srsly, how do you apply polish with a bush? The newer brushes has made it a LOT easier to apply evenly such that despite layers being thinner, the coverage is better.

[@marykat158]

Mooncat did admit that there were batches of Mercury's Tears that didnt come out right, if you contact customer service they will probably replace it! Ive seen lots of ladies on the facebook page that have posted about getting a dud as well. I also ordered lava lamp and was disappointed when i got it. I went off the product photo and didn't read the description either 😅 its a very pretty color but im not a huge fan of jellies. I remember i posted about my disappointment on the facebook page and everyone was just like 'yeah what did you expect its a jelly' completely disregarding the fact that the product photo looks 100% opague. That was a little frustrating but i guess its to be expected from a fan page 🤷‍♀️

[@WoWLinry]

Well I hope I just got a bad batch of mercury's tears then because that photo is pretty far off 🤣. I Feel like a lot of fan pages think when you criticize some thing your hating on it but that's not the case. We just want to improve something and make it better.

[@char_fenton]

@@WoWLinry they totally will send a new one! i ordered mine around the same time, and still took forever to send an email bc i thought 'ah whatever, surely mine is fine, and i just didn't like it. and i don't want to be annoying' well i tried taking pictures of it to match the swatch ones then and i could not replicate. i sheepishly sent an email asking if they needed pictures to prove it, but they probably knew they'd sent the mercury's tears email to my address so it was fine. they sent me a new bottle with an order i'd already placed bc since i'm international, i didn't want to pay a huge shipping fee and customs for a "free" replacement. they claim no changes after placing an order, so i wasn't going to be upset if they let it go, but they did send it. the differences are almost indescribable in words, but there it is--the new one looks like the pictures. shines way pinker, shiftier, less 'particle-y', and has a brighter blue base. give your inbox a search bc your swatch and bottle look exactly like my bad one.

[@WoWLinry]

@@char_fenton That is amazing! The one thing I always hear people boasting about is MoonCat's costumer service thats how you get people to come back to your brand time and time again

[@doctorateinmadison]

The cap issue is so real, I have a connective tissue disorder that affects my hands quite badly and there is no way I'd spend $16usd for something that I can't even open. When it comes to opacity + the ergonomics HoloTaco has my money for sure!

[@WoWLinry]

I think the cap looks pretty and that about it. its a learning curve to use and hard to open lol. HoloTaco has taken a lot of my money over the years lol

[@MrAishoka]

Came here to say this - I have arthritis and struggle with a lot of caps, but this is the first one that actually hurt my hands lol. I love ILNP's rubberised caps!

[@NicoleLovesNails]

I haven't finished watching yet but I just wanted to say how fun you are to watch!

[@WoWLinry]

That means so much coming from you thank you!!!😭

[@Melissa-zh3zl]

I was looking at Mooncat recently and decided to skip because: 1. The free shipping price is very calculated - it’s priced just so that you’ll barely not get close to it and then have to add in another expensive bottle or a useless sticker (and the non free shipping is $7 which is a half bottle of polish, no way I’m paying that) 2. The unrealistic images. I saw the other day that customer Instagram images aren’t there anymore, which combined with the inaccurate swatch images leaves a really bad taste in my mouth and seems like they’re very willingly engaging in false advertising. 3. The polish I was most interested in sold out 4. The price is absurdly expensive. At least you can find discount codes or stockists with discount codes for a lot of other indies, but not with Mooncat

[@WoWLinry]

The photos kill me I understand wanting the best looking photos but if your selling something you have to show me what it will look like "most of the time" not the best times. I enjoy my MoonCats I think they are doing some interesting polishes. But I feel like they could be doing better.

[@rei_cirith]

Free shipping threshold is $50 or $60 for most retailers that still offer free shipping, in which case you'd have to order an additional item anyway. On the rare occasion I see free shipping for $40 or $45, the polishes also aren't priced to add up conveniently to that. Doesn't really seem like that's a fair criticism.

[@ericajohnson3114]

I really like this video. It was the most honest video I have seen on any nail polish brand especially Mooncat! Never change!

[@WoWLinry]

Thank you so much!

[@tiniboo]

I wanted to check out some reviews while Mooncat has a sale going on and this review helped so much! Its always good to check out how the swatches actually look and I've heard how Mooncat can be finicky when it comes to their photos. Also I love your little Frumpkin plush in the back!

[@WoWLinry]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! btw you're the first person to notice Frumpkin!

[@ForeverLacquered]

I don’t have a problem with the fairy dust thing, but I can absolutely see how it would be distracting for so many people! Their touched up photos are the worst part, I agree. If a polish takes 4 coats, tell me up front. And retouching colors or magnetic effects is not OK! We all rely on swatch photos to make purchases!

[@belvedere6368]

I feel like nail length makes a huge difference because I usually keep my nails relatively short-mid length and I haven't found an issue with the jellies like Lava Lamp and my results usually look like the picture. That being said, considering the website shows nails that are longer they should show what it's going to realistically look like on long nails. If someone isn't familiar with what a jelly polish is, just reading the description might not be helpful.

[@isnethgalindo3267]

The lava lamp swatch with the 5 coats and the clown emoji had me 😂 I love Mooncat but you’re right about the website photos being misleading. It’s like they photograph the nails with intense lighting and then alter them for the colors to appear more bright, vibrant, and shimmery.

[@bridgetgidget72]

I have troubles with my grip and I prefer mooncat’s brush handle! I loved it from the first use. TIPS: the tip of the handle is not symmetrical and so therefore easy to always pick it up in the same direction (for the flat side of the brush). Also, the flat sides allow you to easily lay your handle on the table (without it rolling away) when doing nail art or adding polish thinner. I recently used a PPU polish with the typical short round handle, and I really struggled with the tiny thing lol!

[@mkg2124]

This definitely reaffirms my decision to wait for the sale and to not buy any Mooncat polishes before watching multiple swatch videos of them online.

[@lovely.and.lacquered]

I totally agree with you about their pictures being totally off compared to what the polishes look like in real life - I stopped buying Mooncat because of that! I've been disappointed almost every time, so I'd rather spend my money with a different brand where I know what I'm going to get. Like you said, it's totally a widely known thing throughout the community to not trust their pictures, but it's also a little crazy to me...why do we (as a community) accept that lol

[@WoWLinry]

True I feel like they are getting way better. but It’s time to go back and fix those old photos. I’m here for artsy photos of nail polish but when I’m buying, I need to know what it will look like lol.

[@ripwitch9833]

I definitely agree with your Lava Lamp/site swatch pics rant. I had the same experience with A Midsummer's Dream and now I watch third party swatch videos for Mooncat polishes (and like you, I'm just now purchasing more nail polish from them after a year). Based on their Instagram swatches, it looks like it's due to some of their swatchers using either a opaque pink base or fake pink nails (some say it's their primer which I don't really believe that, but I don't have their primer).

[@michaela3910]

Ok so i know this is 2 months old and i generally agree with all your opinions but I have to say that I got midnight rider from their midnight rodeo collection and my god is it beautiful. Quick became one of my favorite polishes I own.

[@WoWLinry]

It looks like an extremely pretty blurple!

[@baileywilliams5507]

I’m a fan of Mooncat, so I’ll put it out there now. I’ve been into the indie/boutique polish for about 5 years now, and Mooncat (fka LLP) continues to be one of my favorite brands. Their team is so amazing when it comes to customer support and listening to their customers. They also come out with very innovative ideas for finishes and collections. I get why some folks get frustrated with the photos, but I also understand why the creator posts pics of the most optimal beauty shots. I would too if I worked so hard. They have done a phenomenal job posting a wide range of swatches for every new polish with different hand models with different skin tones, as well as lighting. I think it’s easy for someone to demand that they “just be better” when they’re not running the business 😅. Progress does take time. Expecting immediate perfection of any company, especially a small business is unrealistic. I’ve never seen a company who listens to criticism and truly cares about feedback and making improvements like the Mooncat team. As for the number of coats… the polishes that require more coats are generally a complex or innovative formula. I wouldn’t suggest some of them for beginners, but I don’t mind a finicky formula if the finish is unique but that’s just me. If you’ve been painting your nails for a while, you’ll be okay. You can always watch a swatch review if you’re concerned about the formula. The bottle handle is actually really ergonomic for me. I have tendinitis in my wrists and the angular design helps me grip it. I personally find it a lot more comfortable to hold than a perfectly round one. Easier to find the flat edge too. Everyone has different preferences. Lastly - I have lava lamp. It was always my understanding that the hand models use the Mooncat **primer base coat, which is slightly pigmented to help hide some of the nail line, so that would be my suggestion if you are trying to go for the same result.

[@JazzyJay184]

I’m reconsidering continuing to support this brand. I just spent $113 on their sale, accidentally inputted the incorrect shipping address using Apple Pay, and I was told by customer service they’re unable to change the shipping address even though my order is unfulfilled! Definitely a very bad taste in my mouth

[@WoWLinry]

I am so sorry that happened to you! (I'm not making an excuse for them) I think it has to do with shoppify because HoloTaco warns several times that your address has to be correct cuz they can't change it when they get a high volume of orders. I would try reaching out again once the package is "delivered" I've heard time and time again their customer service is really good. I'm sure they will make it right. It is still an extremely frustrating experience.

[@amandastillman8352]

This is a fantastic video and I truly appreciate how you shared your experience with Mooncat as a brand. I haven’t purchased and have been hesitant to give them a try for some the reasons you gave. 1) The bottle cap is pretty but seems to hinder the best application possible. I am admittedly not the best at painting my nails (clean-up brushes are amazing tools!) and I worry that there would be a learning curve not worth the price of purchase to get over the hump. 2) I too find it unacceptable for a brand to knowingly post unrealistic photos on their site and social media. I understand user differences but a customer’s end result should be similar to what is advertised. 3) I am stunned that there were 4 or 5 coat polishes. The only brand that can get away with consistent 3 coasters is ILNP as their price point for fun polish is now slightly less than Essie creams. I am glad you have had positive experiences with the brand and their polishes. For me, I think the polishes look stunning but may still just look for the time being.

[@WoWLinry]

Thank you so much! I was super shock just how much the cap affected my application its 100% a learning curve lol. The photo's just kill me its not hard to change them!

[@sheilasamuels1066]

I love ve Mooncat. I am 81, have severe arthritis in my hands and find it easy to grip. Tip. For some other polishes I use tourniquet that I asked for when blood was drawn as an aide to open other polish bottles easily. It adds hold and bulk to the caps.

[@WoWLinry]

@@sheilasamuels1066 It's so good to hear that you have an easy time gripping the cap!

[@cheyennexonails]

I am a big Mooncat fan, and I have many polished that I like from them BUT I watched this video yesterday and I am still thinking about it. I love many of my first polishes I bought from them. In my 4th order I decided to place a bigger order because I loved their polishes and I wanted to stock up while they were on sale. I order 10 polishes and I was wowed with less than half of them. I also just got an add for Mooncat this morning for Curiosity Prey. It reminded me that the polish looks nothing like the photos. I wonder if there is a spreadsheet somewhere that lists which Mooncat polishes does or does not look like the product photos... but that sounds kinda malicious... but at the same time I don't want to pay for something that doesn't match my expectations based on their photos.

[@WoWLinry]

It's just such a shame because MoonCat has beautiful polishes theres no need to edit photos. It just creates this weird dichotomy where you want to love them but you don't want to trust them. I hope we start to see better photos from them.

[@anaerobic]

Their next sale is happening in a few hours and I'm struggling with this as well. I've ordered once, I bought Curiosity's Prey and it is STUNNING (3 coats to match) and I also bought Access Denied which I'm fairly disappointed with. The photo looks gorgeous, of course, but instead of being a striking deep green shimmer polish, it's actually a black jelly with green shimmer that's not always visible. It's pretty when I can see it, but even being a green and black polish lover, it doesn't do much for me and I don't feel like wearing it. Not to mention it pulls itself up, I can NEVER get it smooth, and it NEVER dries.

[@WoWLinry]

@@anaerobic That is the unfortunate thing with MoonCat. you really have to research the polishes you want before hand.

[@Clemonade23BX]

Luv to see a real review like this one, I hate when I feel like influencers are afraid of not getting PR if they say anything bad so they only say positive things. I had a somewhat similar experience with mooncat at first. I just wasn’t particularly blown away with anything in my first order other than their aesthetic and attention to detail with the packaging. I only made a second purchase with them for a limited release shade that reminded me of a polish I broke. I feel like that lava lamp collection didn’t do well and they made an effort to listen to customer feedback. When they released the dinosaur themed matte collection, i could see that they were doing better with accurate swatches and I was impressed with the less conventional color story. It felt like they were trying too hard with the rebrand at first, but they just needed time to settle into what they wanted the brand to be.

[@radayar]

I got my first bottle mooncat polish a week ago and I confirm I expected more. It was the most expensive nail polish I’ve ordered and the plastic cap is so cheap on touch >_>

[@chinamason6294]

I tried live love polish and i wasnt super impressed. Once they rebranded i didnt think it was a polish i wanted to spend money on. They are overpriced and have a lot of drugstore colors

[@WoWLinry]

That's why I own zero cremes from MoonCat I just can't justify $13 for a creme lol

[@6852660]

Thank you for your candid and sometimes negative review. Honesty is really important to me when watching nail polish content creators. But that aside, I actually own some LLP polishes but no MC polishes. I have not purchased any MC polishes because the rebrand doesn't really speak to me. But the change that came with the rebrand that bothered me most was the new caps. My hands lack strength and mobility due to repetitive strain from my job. LLP had these caps with ridges that made gripping them and opening the bottles much easier. I hate caps with a weird shape (which can hurt to grip) and I hate smooth caps. MC has both. I also don't like the matte coating on some brands' caps (e.g. HT, ILNP), so that is not a good alternative for me. I loved LLPs caps. They also had a lid which you had to remove to access the cap. The lid was unnecessary and honestly kind of wasteful, but the actual caps were awesome. I wish more brands would make caps like that! Also, on a side note, LLP was way more expensive than MC. A 10 mL bottle was $19 average - even more in CAD (I live in Canada)!

[@6852660]

That's $19 USD, so each polish was well over $20 CAD.

[@WoWLinry]

Moxie Nail Varnish has a similar cap to LLP but they do run on the price side

[@usflin]

I'm surprised you placed a second order after your first experience! Lucky for us though, because now we can watch you swatch them. 😁

[@WoWLinry]

The love for this brand the community has and a blue polish with a turquoise flakie pulled me back in. I've been satisfied with all my orders after the first one lol

[@Xycuro]

I definitely agree with your concerns and criticisms on the brand. I feel like for the bottle, if they want to keep the crystal bottle cap, they could make it bigger, kinda like a protector cap that is removable while the actual handle is underneath and it's a rubber handle (similar to how Bow Polish makes their caps). I've also ordered Lava Lamp in the past and I didn't have an issue with how sheer it was because I watched a swatch review of it and I just did thicker coats to get it somewhat opaque (I have long nails as well) but I 100% agree with the misleading photos and you're justified in your frustration, especially when they should clarify in the first paragraph that it's a jelly. Other brands with sheer polishes like Holo Taco and Cirque Colors have shown their photos on how sheer their polishes are and how they can build up. What I've also noticed recently is that I can't find the review photos that Mooncat had before where customers/nail swatchers would show off their nails with the polishes. Mercury's Tears and I think Con Artist had a lot of photos from customers that look nothing like the display photos, so it's just very odd to see how they don't show those images anymore when I go check the website again. Love your review on the brand and how passionate you are with it!

[@WoWLinry]

It really does seem like you HAVE to watch a swatch and review before going onto their website. I didn't notice that they removed customer photos. I really dislike that. They are some of the most helpful photos to have on a website. I really love the brand but some of their practices aren't very consumer friendly. Thank you!

[@MoodysMood-lt6wh]

Appreciate the honest review. Thank you.

[@tracyhoverson8294]

My first time watching your channel! Love your energy and can’t wait to see more. I’m new to mooncat, so far so good 😊

[@WoWLinry]

Thank you so much! MoonCat is a great brand I just had a bad first time experience lol

[@umber8904]

i love your energy in this, and also your nails are so pretty!

[@umber8904]

also the sass in your editing text is hilarious, i love it

[@WoWLinry]

Thank you so much!

[@SickestToys]

Lately all the new orders I have bought my wife she has been experiencing issues with drying time

[@WoWLinry]

I've heard a lot of people have issues with the formulation.

[@faithprimm209]

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR EARTH TO GAIA TO LOOK GREEN?! it's baby sky blue on me and I cried

[@renegadetherapist5664]

As for brushes, I have had a couple of Sally Hansen wonky brushes, and they were also great and sent me a coupon for a whole free polish. I also love the little stars on the cursor! But I am the total opposite of attention issues, I wouldn't notice a bomb going off LOL But I can see how it might annoy someone. Pieces of plastic on our nails.......so true LOL I had no idea about their photos, will have to see swatches before buying, I don't have any of their brand yet, and came here for your review, which was very in-depth and helpful. thanks, subscribed now!

[@Happylilmonkey2]

Ahh so validating!! I have multiple Mooncat polishes and have encountered all the points you mentioned. The colors don’t look the same as they do on the site. And I just won’t reach for polishes that take 4 coats on my short nails 😒 I feel kinda gaslit online bc I feel like others sing their praises but they are so not worth the cost!

[@WoWLinry]

I'm sorry you had a negative experience. I love artsy photos of nail polish but when your selling a product, the photos have to look like what the costumer will experience.

[@bizzygal7026]

Yes, trust issues. that's what I have with mooncat. Will still buy from them, just more choosy

[@christyn6679]

One coat of dark horse and one coat of stumped is so beautiful. My favorite combo from mooncat

[@WoWLinry]

Omg that sounds like a perfect fall mani!!! such a good idea!

[@baileyt640]

Hey, fellow Florida nail polish girlie! 👋 I feel so bad about Lava Lamp, because I had a similar experience with their polish Strangeberry (same formula, same collection), but the surprise jelly ended up making me love the polish even more. I didn't have to do five coats to get a decent color payoff though, so I can def. understand your frustration 😣

[@WoWLinry]

Hello fellow swamp person! hows your alligator doing?I love jellys! I just want to know that I'm buying one lol. I just hope MoonCat goes back and changes the photos to be more accurate.

[@katearnold9829]

I've not been tempted until their PowerPuff Girls collection came out. I'm not a fan of the series, but those colors!!! But yeah, I'm scared to spend THIS MUCH on nail polish and then have it not turn out.

[@fortheloveofLDS]

I'm glad the algorithm sent me your way! I'm also turned off by the *rawr xD* vibes of the website and the whole general rebrand, like you said "I was also 14 at one time" lol. For some reason I'm also bothered by the pose they use for their hero shot, that hand with spread open fingers filmed from a weird overhead angle. Petty things, but I don't feel any loyalty to the brand and so far haven't felt compelled to make a purchase. Great video!

[@WoWLinry]

Thank you! The thing that bothers me about the hero shot is I have no idea just HOW their doing it lol. I tried to replicate it for my photos and there's just no way lol

[@courtjunk7]

I like Mooncat, but their polishes were better when they were Live Love Polish. Imo they had better colors, more interesting collections, and the polishes were more opaque. I have to say tho, I love Lava Lamp. It’s one of my favorite polishes, BUT I knew going into it that it was a jelly polish. I always keep an eye on them but I never feel myself getting excited about their releases.

[@WoWLinry]

Lava Lamp is a beautiful jelly I just wish is was more apparent on the website. I don't find my self getting super hyped for a mooncat collection but one or two polishes a collection catch my eye.

[@jillthomson3038]

I purchased my first & only bottle of nail polish from Mooncat called house of hades. I applied it the way I apply all my nail polishes..base coat, polish & then top coat. My nails only made it 1 week & were chipping! I’ve not had that happen w/any other nail polish brand! Very disappointed.😠

[@kimberleeulrich2905]

I love Mooncat; however, the first time I used Mercury’s Tears I couldn’t get the shift. I always do skittles but the fingernail I had MT on was stick staight from being stoved, the next time it was on a curved nail and it looked just like the photos with all the beautiful colors. I used Lava Lamp with Best Bud and wanted a more sheer jelly look. I looked at their site and do see nail lines on all the photos but one. I’m looking on my phone, not sure if that makes a difference. The site states “more opaque look” so not sure it’s going to be fully opaque. Maybe a green polish underneath might help. I would have used the getting even primer so maybe that’s why I didn’t notice the nail line with it being pink. Best wishes

[@amberisrad]

i personally have been loving mooncat! except one polish was a bit gloopy. the pink with blue shimmer. midsummers dream i think. i can add thinner to it. but other than that, love! i dont mind 3 coaters

[@TheGrossDemon]

The first polish i ever ordered from Ilnp was Salem, I got it because the green to purple shift was everything ive ever wanted in a nail polish. But when i got it it was just green, a pretty green, but im not a green polish linda person. It turned me off from brand and I left a netural review expressing that the polish was nice but not as pictured. The brand reached out to me and offered to replace it because I wasnt happy with the color, ive been a huge fan of the polishes Ive gotten and the brand since. I still fantasize about that color tho, and still try to add other layers to give that green that purple shift. Sorry to keep ranting about ilnp polishes on your other brands videos lol. Ive always wanted to try moon cat but im cheap and dont like risking buying polishes I dont know ill love, so its fun to live vicariously through these videos and see how the color moves in the light.

[@WoWLinry]

Thats fantastic that they reached out to you! good customer service is always a HUGE deal. Mooncat is definitely a jump in price point. I still only buy them on sale lol

[@maritta2504]

I always thought the way Mooncat is branded is very try hard... Like wanna be edgy and "cool". I have never had any bad experiences with their polishes yet, but they are also very expensive.... And also sold out frequently at the page I usually shop 😂 (I live in Europe, so I mostly rely on stockists), so I don't have that many. I don't have problems with the cap though.

[@Radical_Onion]

Thank you for this - I had been interested in Mooncat but this was so good to know!

[@WoWLinry]

Glad you found it useful! I think Mooncat is an excellent brand, just need to watch swatchers first lol

[@ejgarcia4774]

Okay I loved this video! I wanted to try Mooncat but haven’t. Real question is what brand is your top brand for these glitters, one to two coat layers, or those stunning polishes I want but after this video I want to look for another brand besides MoonCat.

[@WoWLinry]

HoloTaco is my go to for glitters but they are only like $1-$2 cheaper than MoonCat. ILNP is a fantastic brand at a great price!

[@ccaatthheerriinnee]

Some of Mooncat’s nail models start with the light pink primer, which may help hide the nail line. I always assume the website swatches have minimum 3 coats. But if you follow people that get their pr, you can see what the polish looks like in 1, 2, 3 coats, etc.

[@csong9940]

My first Mooncat order was 3 magnetic polishes and I was disappointed that I couldn’t get my nails to look like the photos. I didn’t place a second order until almost a year later.

[@WoWLinry]

Its just so unfortunate because they have beautiful polishes. there's no reason to alter the photos

[@AnastasiaBeaverhausonn]

Put lava lamp over white or black.

[@deepryde]

thank you so much for this review! I've been so tempted by mooncat but the price is too much for UK import, the concern over the pics vs reality has put my yearning to rest haha 😅🙈 4/5 coats is not okay unless its meant to be super dooper sheer to fully actual opacity💀

[@poweredbybubbles]

I feel like you should get a refund on that Mercury's tears because I just got Mercury's tears and it looks exactly like the photos, exactly. The one you have looks so much more blue it looks very different.

[@artcika]

I don't mind the cap, i dunno why they don't bother me. Also your Mercury's Tears looks like a completely different polish to me, I would have contacted the customer support, mine looks a lot more like the photos, not exactly but the glow is there. Although I have to say their product photos are deceiving, at least a vast majority of them, most are fine though. The sheerness issue is real though, most polishes are at least 3 coats, matte and solids are 2 though. I wore their mattes and they lasted me a week without the top coat, so i dunno...Their magnetics are also a lot better than Holo Taco's at leat in my experience. Their shipping is fast, I get mine in less than a week and I'm in EU. So yeah they're hit or miss.

[@WoWLinry]

Another person pointed out I probably got a bad batch for Mercury’s tears I really hope that’s the case because that photo is way off lol. I think holotaco focused really hard on making the unmagnetized finish look just as good as the magnetized. but that left the magnetized line looking very weak. I think MoonCat’s magnetics are good I just didn’t like the color I picked lol.

[@Diametricallyopposed00]

Did you reach out to customer service? They might make it right, I’d send them an email if you haven’t already. I had an issue with Cirque a few weeks ago, and they refunded my money. I was happy with the way they handled it.

[@WoWLinry]

I did not. I have heard their return policy is excellent tho. My anxiety just didn't feel like the $14 was worth the hassle lol.

[@rei_cirith]

@@WoWLinryThey don't really make you send it back or anything, they just send you a new bottle. Honestly if you love blue shimmer, it might be worth it because the fixed Mercury's Tears is *chef's kiss*

[@WoWLinry]

@@rei_cirith Thank you so much for letting me know! I'll contact them then because I LOVE blue polishes lol

[@alissaho]

Live love polish was much better IMHO, dragon scales in the jam session formula only needed 2 coats. They discontinued tempo and blue note before I knew it. They had excellent glitters and the website was warm and welcoming.

[@alissaho]

Also, the caps were easy to hold

[@WoWLinry]

I am surprised with the amount of people saying live love polish was better. I'm starting to understand why those old bottles are in such demand

[@jenniecoburn-valley3963]

Love your authentic vibe!

[@WoWLinry]

Thank you!

[@TheGrossDemon]

Considering im laying here with my hands spralled out in hopes of falling asleep and not waking up with sheet marks in my nails due to using a regular top coat and not quick dry, i feel personally attacked!!!😂😂😂

[@cardangel23]

I could just type "same" and be done with it, but I will add that I hate their caps more than you! I have arthritis in my hands and also have similar issues as you having to flip the cap around, so I made an overcap with clay to switch between each MC bottle as needed. I also missed out on a now discontinued color I wanted while waiting for another color to come back into stock, so I'm a little bit bitter. LOL Your comment about being 14 once made me cackle! I love your energy and your honesty! New sub!

[@WoWLinry]

seems like a lot of people (at least here) dislike the caps I like how they look but man they can be a struggle bus lol. aw man missing a discontinued shade can really take the wind out of your sails. Thank you so much!

[@marypeterson9515]

i love your passion! lol! subscribed. :)

[@pleasestopscreaming]

This is why i only own ONE Mooncat (House of Hades). Since their launch their swatch pics were either distant and grainy or didn't look like what the polish did IRL. I don't trust em!

[@kitkat8021]

I was convinced I was doing something wrong. I got Millenia which is a magnetic and Emo For Life and they’re so disappointing…the black one is the emo and it’s so goopy and thick and they bubbled? And the magnetic doesn’t even do the magnetic thing…I got a deep purple one, I can’t remember the name but it’s not true to the picture and the color is not accurate

[@sprinkletwinklestar]

Like the video. I felt the same way about the jelly/sheer formulas until I tried making my own polish. Shimmers/flakies get drowned if there's too much pigment. Knowing that, I'm not going to lie, I still get annoyed when I have to do more than 3 coats 😂

[@ashleymainmakes]

I didnt order from them until they addressed the photo issue and people online were swatching them. I also agree the caps are annoying, you need to screw them on just right to get them to be even on the display, which is a small nit pick, but like you say for like $15... That being said, I am into shimmers and warm colors and they just hit. They also seem to wear really well on me. That flight of the monarchs man... its so beautiful 🥹 I just put an order in today for my wishlisted ones and the green nightmare before christmas one. Hopefully, they are great!

[@WoWLinry]

That Nightmare Before Christmas collection was well done, you can tell the design team behind it had a true passion for the IP. Flight of the Monarchs is a 10/10 polish when the sun light hits it 🤤 sooo pretty

[@jeanettemarkley7299]

I avoid boutique brands except for ILNP because of it's reasonable prices and great customer service.

[@ThatSoundsBoring]

Same here. Mooncat and Holo Taco, in particular, rub me the wrong way due to their marketing. They present themselves as something unique and never seen before quality when they come from the same manufacturer and have constant issues with formulas and misleading promo. And the prices are higher than small indies who actually mix their own polish. If I’m buying something that’s not hand mixed by an actual small business, I’m getting a mainstream like Essie, who actually do have their own unique formula and a reasonable price point.

[@holographically]

NEED. MORE. CORN FACES.

[@brandinb7304]

I get your frustration with that green one that won't go opaque --have you tried layering it over a cream with a corresponding color for better coverage?

[@WoWLinry]

I have, I tried over HoloTaco's Sea Foam Home and Essie's It's High Time. I just don't have a perfect creme dupe for Lava Lamp maybe that should be my next nail polish hunt lol

[@KhaleesiSelena]

I own 6 nail polishes from live love polish and I feel like my experience was just like your first experience. Like why 3 coats if we are paying so much for their nail polish and why don’t these look like the pictures 😐

[@pumpkinspiced]

Their creams only take 2 coats to be opaque. But the specialty glitter/shimmer/flakie polishes need to have a more transparent base to allow the glitter/flakes to shine through.

[@HarleyQuinn-mn6wb]

How many companies use hand models with fake nails I think they show different what are ur thoughts ? I use nail polish for natural nails in my opinion that is their market less acrylic nails and more of the natural nail 😊

[@WoWLinry]

I think most companies uses a variety of natural and acrylic nails. I follow many swatchers on Instagram and the only difference I really notice is staining (yellow nails are a way of liiiiife) I do think companys should flag the photos because now I'm curious lol

[@carmajo2500]

Really ❤ loving your videos 😊

[@WoWLinry]

Thank you so much!

[@monksmom1]

I will watch 20 people swatch and search image after image before I buy....finally bought from Mooncat, bought 6, loved 5. Still looking for Malicious.....

[@WoWLinry]

Good luck on your search! that polish looks very pretty. ILNP Hex might be able to fill that void it's far more red leaning then green tho

[@monksmom1]

@@WoWLinry I will check it out, thank you! I saw topper that also looked similar over black so I may have to settle for that....! Your videos are very infirmative!!

[@ynotjen6542]

Nah I pass on mooncat.. the ads annoy me, and the price range is too high with all the indy brands out there, not to mention the $5 sales Orly does.. If I'm buying luxury brands polish it'll never be mooncat. Great review on your part. I keep trying to like them but🤷‍♀️

[@WoWLinry]

Moon Cat totally has that sticker shock especially if your use to indie! I think the polishes are nice but I know I'm mostly paying for the brand/bottle

[@danamarie0424]

I haven’t bought from Mooncat or Holo Taco. I was gifted a holo taco & it was soooo thick that I’m not interested. The mooncat prices are a little too much for me

[@WoWLinry]

If it’s a glitter from HoloTaco they tend to thicken up fast! I find they are worth the work of adding thinner but I understand if others don’t. It took me forever to finally order from moon cat because of the price 💸💸💸

[@BelleStreetBoyz]

This was super helpful! Thank you!

[@WoWLinry]

Glad It could help!

[@ashleyj0]

I was let down by Con Artist. The photos show a shimmering deep red. It was a sheer af pink. It was a long time before I ordered again.

[@WoWLinry]

I'm sorry to hear that. I have heard their customer service is really good, so maybe they can help resolve the issue. Its crazy how hit or miss their photos are.

[@ashleyj0]

@@WoWLinry well.. i just didn't purchase for a long time. Lol.. until I saw live swatches on youtube. The most recent purchases I've been extremely happy with. So I'm glad I gave them a second chance. They recently said Tectonic Shift won an award.. I don't doubt that for one second, I bought that polish & it is STUNNING!! As well as a bunch more I've recently bought. I have a whole new opinion of them now.

[@WoWLinry]

@@ashleyj0 Tectonic Shift has been tempting me for a while lol I might just have to bite the bullet then next time I order from them.

[@KaliKali-hv9bt]

So glad you did this video!!! I almost wanted to buy them❤❤❤❤subbed

[@WoWLinry]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@evelinaz1548]

omg yes okay especially at Mooncat's prices... ugh. the whole photo swatches thing is whack and I hate when brands do this. Cirque Colors is another avid offender of this and as much as I love cirque's formulas, I always have to do oodles of research and looking for swatch photos just to make one purchase so I feel like at this point if it isn't given to me accurately by the brand right there ESPECIALLY for some of these prices, I just will not buy. i will also say Mooncat hasn't really impressed me too much as so SO many other indies do very similar colors for not as much tomfoolery and cost as Mooncat and for whatever reason something about them just rubs me the wrong way lol I cannot explain it. Maybe one day if I get gifted a Mooncat polish and I like the formula enough, I'll buy more but as of now I'm good.

[@WoWLinry]

Photo accuracy just kills me I want to buy nail polish not research I should be able to make a purchasing decision based off of photos alone no reading no googling bam done lol.

[@alienbabyofficial]

The things I learned

[@nikkumsnails]

I actually see quite a few nail lines on several of the images for Lava Lamp. Price per mL is about in line with many indie polish brands.

[@latinaboricua6987]

Good review. Thanks.

[@Snazzy_L]

I replaced the caps on mine. They make me nutters. 😂

[@WoWLinry]

I heard a lot of people do that 🤣

[@tamlin420]

But..... Lava lamp says jelly in the description....? I feel like you see a little bit of nail line in the pictures on the website, and when watching youtube reviewers swatch it it looks very similar to the website pics. You might be overreacting just a tiny bit. :)

[@artistli8036]

LMAO I was one of those people who liked your corn faces on Reddit 🙈

[@WoWLinry]

Thank you! lol those little corn faces are so cursed. I love that the nail polish people have a sense of humor.

[@kogascool]

Thank you for your honesty. I want to buy mooncat but there price is definitively intimidating.

[@WoWLinry]

The price is definitely a hurdle. A lot of research goes into my MoonCat purchases now lol