Chanel Malice Le Vernis Nail Lacquer ($26.00 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is a deep, dark red with ruby red shimmer. Guerlain Lou-Ling is similar in the base color, but it doesn’t have the same ruby shimmer. MAC Gadabout Girl is darker, no shimmer. MAC Vintage Vamp is browner and has no shimmer. Deborah Lippmann Single Ladies has a similar base color but is a cream. China Glaze Velvet Bow also is similar to the base color but doesn’t have any shimmer. Illamasqua Scarab is redder, warmer.

Malice is a stunner in person. It’s so rich and dark, but it doesn’t lose its color to black–it’s definitely a burgundy-red with a little wine-tint to it. Then there’s the ruby shimmer that catches light so well.  Chanel nailed this polish; the consistency was a dream to work with, as it flowed across the nail without pooling, streaky, or bubbling.  It wasn’t too thick or too thin, and it was fully opaque after two coats (one is almost enough).  It even had a slightly glossy shine to it naturally, though I’d still recommend a top coat to get the most out of this polish.  I typically get a week of wear with minor tip wear but no chipping with Chanel’s formula.

Chanel Malice Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Chanel Malice Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Chanel Malice Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Chanel Malice Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Chanel Malice Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Chanel Malice Le Vernis Nail Lacquer