Can you believe it? This is my first order from Sparkle & Shine! If you are not familiar with this collaboration, the makers of Royla Lee and Nailed It! Hawaii team up with a guest maker to release three polishes every other month, based on a common theme. I have always kept an eye on their releases in the past but either was not totally into the theme of the box or into the polishes themselves. It is a shame because I can be really picky when it comes to polishes being inspired by a set theme, like Polish Pickup. But, when a polish hits the inspiration nail on the head, I dive in. April’s Sparkle & Shine Box felt like that.
The polish that really pulled me into this month’s box was Royla Lee’s offering, “Doxies and Donuts.” Taylor of Royla Lee has hit two of my favorite things in the world in this polish name: dachshunds and donuts! (My doxie is currently curled up on my lap as I write this post). If the name was not enough for me to grab my credit card, the shifty red-orange shimmer bomb was. It looks perfect for the fall, too, which is my favorite season. Taylor is out for my wallet, and I might as well just give it to her.
However, Nailed It’s offering, “Matcha Made In Heaven” was another easy ‘yes’ from me! When I think of Nailed It, I think of the most dynamic flakey polishes and the most ethereal shimmers; yes, Tia of Nailed It can make anything and everything. It’s true! Tia was also aiming for my wallet with a matcha-inspired shifty shimmer.
April’s guest maker was Cuticula – another absolute powerhouse in the indie polish world. Like Nailed It, I feel like Cuticula’s strength is in their flakey concoctions. So, when I saw that Cuticula’s offering “I Cannoli Think Of You” had these absolutely gorgeous and shifty flakes, it was a must for me right away. I even messaged Amanda to ask what those flakes were because I think I need a “Cannoli” in every base color!
To me, this box felt extremely cohesive. They’re all a bit different, yet if I made a skittle with each polish, they would all look like they came from the same idea – and that is why I ordered! It also helps that they were based on sweet treats… I am indeed weak to sugar. Good theme, meet good polishes. I am thrilled that I ordered and I give this box a 10/10.
Let’s get in to the swatch reviews!
I Cannoli Think Of You
by Cuticula
DESCRIPTION: A periwinkle crelly with a background of orange/gold shifting shimmer and pink/orange/gold/green shifting ultra-chrome flakes.
MANICURE DETAILS: Three coats with a glossy top coat.
Application Recommendations
COATS: 2-3 coats is perfect.
BASE COATS: Your normal base coat is perfect! No staining or nail line visible.
TOP COATS: Your normal glossy top coat is perfect! The flakes lie very flat, so no need for glitter smoother.
TIME: Dries quick.
EXTRA NOTES: I’m not sure how this polish evokes cannolis… but, I don’t care. It’s so beautiful. That periwinkle base is lovely for the spring. And, I just can’t get enough of these flakes! There are like tiny rainbows on the nail. If you’re interested in more of these flakes, too, Go With The Snow and Creepin It Real have the same flakes.
Matcha Made In Heaven
by Nailed It! Hawaii
DESCRIPTION: A muted green base with sage undertones and a bright pink to orange to gold shifting shimmer.
MANICURE DETAILS: Three coats with a glossy top coat.
Application Recommendations
COATS: 3 coats for maximum color payoff and opacity, though you may still see your nail line.
BASE COATS: If any nail line bothers you, I’d recommend a blurring base coat or a nude creme underneath. Otherwise, no staining!
TOP COATS: Your normal glossy top coat is perfect!
TIME: Dries quick.
EXTRA NOTES: This is the perfect strawberry matcha manicure! As a certified green lover, this happy lacquer is a must. The shimmer is also very shifty that I don’t think I captured very well in my photos; you’ll have to trust me. This is just a perfect delicate shimmer for the spring or summer. I think I will wear it next time I get an iced matcha latte.
Doxies & Donuts
by Royla Lee
DESCRIPTION: A soft brown base with mauve undertones filled with pinkish-red to gold to green shifting shimmer.
MANICURE DETAILS: Three coats with a glossy top coat.
Application Recommendations
COATS: I would recommend 3 coats for maximum color payoff and opacity.
BASE COATS: Your normal base coat is perfect! No staining or nail line visible.
TOP COATS: Your normal glossy top coat is perfect!
TIME: Dries quick.
EXTRA NOTES: This polish is 100% rose gold in direct lighting, like in the sun, so pairing it with rose gold jewelry would be super flattering. I think you’ll get the best color shifts in more dynamic or opposing lighting. When you do see the color shifts, you’ll see why I thought it was a multichrome at first! “Doxies & Donuts” is pure autumn goodness.
Did you order the April 2026 Sparkle & Shine box, too? Which one was your favorite?