Today, I’m reviewing three shades from Essie’s Too Taboo collection, which features six shades of neon. All three I tried dry down to a semi-matte/satin finish–it doesn’t have a really flat, chalky matte finish, but it isn’t shiny or glossy. It reminds me a bit of pleather or vinyl in its dry down, and if you prefer a glossier finish, just add your favorite top coat. These wore without chipping for seven days, but there was slightly more tip wear than average for me. The formula was thin, slightly watery, and two of the shades were harder to work with.

Essie Chills & Thrills Nail Lacquer ($8.50 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is described as a “supercharged blue violet.” It’s a muted, bluish-purple with a semi-matte finish. It was mostly opaque after two coats. The formula was slightly watery, so the first coat was streaky, but the second coat covered better and hid the streakiness. Dior Sailor (LE, $24.00) is brighter, bluer. Cult Nails Wack Slacks (P, $12.00) is darker. MAC Breezy Blue (LE, $16.00) is bluer, darker. MAC Blue Gaze (LE, $16.00) is bluer, darker. Illamasqua Cameo (P, $17.00) is lighter, bluer. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Essie I’m Addicted Nail Lacquer ($8.50 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is described as a “neon aquamarine blue.” It’s a brightened, light-medium blue with a satin finish. It was semi-opaque after two coats, but it would really need a third for opaque color. The consistency was thin and watery, so the application was streaky. Zoya Rocky (P, $9.00) is lighter, warmer. Essie In the Cab-ana (P, $8.00) is warmer, more aqua. Rescue Beauty Lounge Faraway (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, darker. Zoya Phoebe (P, $9.00) is darker, more matte. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Essie Vices Versa Nail Lacquer ($8.50 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is described as a “juicy neon lime.” It’s a brightened, light-medium chartreuse with warm, yellow undertones and a satin finish. This one was semi-sheer after two coats, and even three coats was only semi-opaque (see my middle finger), and the application was very difficult. It was very thin and watery, and as a result, it streaked and never leveled. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Deven Green (P, $10.00) is brighter, cooler-toned. China Glaze I’m With the Lifeguard (LE, $7.50) is cooler-toned, shimmery. China Glaze Def Defying (LE, $7.50) is yellower. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

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Essie Chills & Thrills Nail Lacquer

Essie Chills & Thrills Nail Lacquer

Essie Chills & Thrills Nail Lacquer

Essie Chills & Thrills Nail Lacquer

Essie Chills & Thrills Nail Lacquer

Essie Chills & Thrills Nail Lacquer

Essie Chills & Thrills Nail Lacquer

Essie I’m Addicted Nail Lacquer

Essie I’m Addicted Nail Lacquer

Essie I’m Addicted Nail Lacquer

Essie I’m Addicted Nail Lacquer

Essie I’m Addicted Nail Lacquer

Essie I’m Addicted Nail Lacquer

Essie I’m Addicted Nail Lacquer

Essie Vices Versa Nail Lacquer

Essie Vices Versa Nail Lacquer

Essie Vices Versa Nail Lacquer

Essie Vices Versa Nail Lacquer

Essie Vices Versa Nail Lacquer

Essie Vices Versa Nail Lacquer

Essie Vices Versa Nail Lacquer