Cult Nails Casual Elegance Nail Lacquer ($15.00 for 0.30 fl. oz.) is described as a “lilac creme.” It’s a cool-toned, bluish-lavender with a cream finish. It was nearly opaque in a single coat, though I applied two to be sure. The consistency was slightly thicker, but it applied evenly, didn’t pool along the edges, and didn’t bubble. MAC Bleu Velvet (LE, $16.00) is more muted, almost gray-ish. Essie Rock the Boat (P, $8.00) is lighter, less purple. See comparison swatches.

Cult Nails Intriguing Nail Lacquer ($15.00 for 0.30 fl. oz.) is described as a “periwinkle with gray tones and some holographic shimmer.” It’s a faded, medium, gray-tinged blue with very fine white shimmer. The shimmer appeared holographic in the bottle, but I couldn’t see it on the nail at all, no matter whether I was outdoors or indoors. The consistency wasn’t too thick or too thin, and it was opaque after two coats. Chanel Sky Line (LE, $27.00) is metallic, lighter. Zoya Skylar (P, $9.00) is darker, more shimmery. See comparison swatches.

Cult Nails Winter’s Light Nail Lacquer ($15.00 for 0.30 fl. oz.) is described as a “top coat with fine grain glitter.” It has a fuchsia-magenta jelly base with purple micro-glitter. In the initial release I read for this collection, it was recommended as a layering shade but could also be worn alone. On my index and middle fingers, I used three coats, and on my ring and pinky, I used two coats. I also showed one layer over black. The consistency is a little thick, and this one seemed to take longer to dry down. Once dry, it has a more matte finish that had some shine, but it was bumpy, so you’ll want to use two layers of top coat or a thicker top coat to smooth it out. Anna Sui Minnie Mouse Midnight Purple (200) (LE, $16.00) is cooler-toned, less glittery, more pigmented. See comparison swatches.

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Cult Nails Casual Elegance Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Casual Elegance Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Casual Elegance Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Casual Elegance Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Casual Elegance Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Casual Elegance Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Casual Elegance Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Intriguing Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Intriguing Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Intriguing Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Intriguing Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Intriguing Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Intriguing Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Intriguing Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Winter’s Light Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Winter’s Light Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Winter’s Light Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Winter’s Light Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Winter’s Light Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Winter’s Light Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Winter’s Light Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Winter’s Light Nail Lacquer

Cult Nails Winter’s Light Nail Lacquer