I knew when the inspiration was announced for November that I wanted to honor those characters who helped encourage and inspire me, and the author who created them.  My first Tamora Pierce book was Wild Magic.  It’s the only thing I’ve ever ordered from a school book fair, but I knew I needed that book once I read the description.  I was a devoted animal lover, and for twelve years, the only thing I ever wanted to be (other than a superhero) was a veterinarian.  I started reading it as soon as my order came in and the librarian handed it to me – reading as I walked to class, barely able to pull myself out of it to pay attention in classes for the rest of the school day.  I finished it that day, and started reading it again the next day.  I identified so much with Daine, but I also loved the other women in the book – Cloud, Onua, Alanna, Thayet, Buri, and more.  I checked out Tamora Pierce’s books from the local library again and again, until I owned the Lioness and Wild Magic books myself.  Her books were a huge part of my life in middle school and high school.  They introduced me to the idea that I didn’t have to compromise on aspects of myself to be strong – like Alanna learned that she could be feminine and be a fighter, and that neither diminished the other.  Her characters helped teach me that a person can be a hero and a badass in so many different ways – in chainmail and wielding a sword, in an expensive dress and armed with wit and manners, with quiet politeness and determined commitment to justice.  Those books helped shape the person I am now, and her books still influence, inspire, and encourage readers today.

I can’t capture everything those books meant to me in a polish, but I wanted to make something that conveys some portion of that feeling of inspiration, of the magic those books were for me.  Something that hopefully reminds people when they wear it that heroism and badassery come in many different forms, and are expressed in many different ways.

Starlight Polish There Are Many Ways to be a Hero

There Are Many Ways to be a Hero is described as a unicorn pee top coat (OG UP pigment, not aurora pigment) with holographic pigment and microflakes, and clear holographic glitter. The shimmer in this topper shifts from red to gold to green, and flashes vivid red and bright green at the extremes of its color range. The holographic elements add brilliant flashes of color without obscuring the base polish.

These swatches show one coat over a black base. Flawless even application, and just look at that incredible shift!

These swatches show one coat over a purple base. Flawless even application. Gorgeous strong shimmer and holo without taking anything away from the base color. You definitely do not want to miss this one! It is stunning and unique and gracing your tips with this beauty will totally show how badass you are! 

There Are Many Ways to be a Hero will only be available through The Polish Pickup Friday, November 2nd at 11am EST through Monday, November 5th at 11:59pm EST. It will retail for $15.00 and will be capped at 300 bottles.

Shipping is a flat rate of $3 for anywhere in the US and $5 for anywhere in Canada no matter how many polishes you buy. For more information on The Polish Pickup check out their website, I also recommend joining their Facebook Group here to submit your theme ideas, vote for your favorite theme and purchase your favorites!

For more information on Starlight Polish check out the links below.