Dior Darling (653) Vernis Nail Enamel ($24.00 for 0.33 fl. oz.) is a medium-dark pink cream with cool, blue undertones. It was opaque after two coats, and the consistency wasn’t too thick or too thin. The formula applied evenly without pooling along the edges or streaking. It dried down to a naturally shiny finish, though a top coat would give it extra glossiness. Formula X A+ (P, $10.50) is a touch darker. Cult Nails Morning Glory (P, $12.00) is matte. MAC Toco Toucan (LE, $16.00) is bluer-based. MAC Girl About Town (LE, $16.00) is also bluer-based. L’Oreal Members Only (P) is very similar. See comparison swatches

Trafalgar (657) Vernis Nail Enamel ($24.00 for 0.33 fl. oz.) is a medium-dark orange-red with a cream finish. It was intensely pigmented and fully opaque after two coats. The formula was easy to work with, and I didn’t have any issues with it streaking, bubbling, or pooling along the edges. The consistency was slightly thinner than average but worked well. NARS Tomorrow’s Red (LE, $19.00) is similar. MAC Kid Orange (P, $16.00) is a touch lighter. MAC Ablaze (LE, $16.00) is similar. Guerlain Nahema (P, $23.00) is lighter. Chanel Holiday (LE, $27.00) is more orange. Rescue Beauty Lounge Poppy (LE, $20.00) has pearl. China Glaze Life Preserver (LE, $7.50) is similar. Essie Meet Me at Sunset (LE, $8.00) is also similar. See comparison swatches.

Both shades applied well to the nail, and I didn’t have any issues with achieving smooth, even, rich color. If you want to invest in excellent basic shades, you couldn’t go wrong here. On the other hand, if you prefer to purchase more unique shades at this price point, then these two are easily skipped–there are numerous dupes and similar shades on the market. I normally get seven days of wear with very minor tip wear with Dior’s formula. The brush is wider, slightly domed, so if you have narrower nail beds, it may feel too wide. Whenever I use it, I find it to be very easy to use, and the only nail that I have to watch a bit more is my pinky, but it still fits well there.

Dior Darling (653) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Darling (653) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Darling (653) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Darling (653) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Darling (653) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Darling (653) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Darling (653) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Darling (653) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Trafalgar (657) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Trafalgar (657) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Trafalgar (657) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Trafalgar (657) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Trafalgar (657) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Trafalgar (657) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Trafalgar (657) Vernis Nail Enamel

Dior Trafalgar (657) Vernis Nail Enamel