For spring, Formula X introduced five new shades in “The Cut.” In general, I’m a fan of Formula X’s lacquer formula, as it is pigmented, long-wearing, and easy to apply. I had trouble with the three shades I tried from the five new ones (I do not have the other two)–they were streaky, with Dynamic being just slightly streaky and troublesome but the end result was manageable, while the other two were noticeably uneven. All three were slightly thick in consistency, though they dried down a little faster than average and had naturally shiny finishes.

Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer ($10.50 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as an “opaque peach pink.” It’s a light-medium peachy-pink with a cream finish. This shade was streaky on both the first and second coat, so the resulting finish was noticeably streaky and uneven. The formula felt slightly thick as well. It seems a bit brighter in real life than it’s showing in the photos. Tom Ford Beauty Coral Beach (03) (LE, $32.00), Chanel Starlet (LE, $27.00), and Butter London Trout Pout (P, $15.00) are all much darker. See comparison swatches.

Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer ($10.50 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as an “opaque light taupe.” It’s a light-medium taupe with a subtle warm undertone and cream finish. It was mostly opaque after two coats, and it was applied decently overall, but the first coat was noticeably streaky and the second coat needed to be a little thicker and slowly dragged across the nail to minimize additional streakiness. L’Oreal Never Lacque-ing (LE) is lighter, less gray. Rescue Beauty Lounge Be Humble (LE, $20.00) is shimmery, purpler. MAC Inert (LE, $16.00) is grayer. Chanel Frenzy (P, $27.00) is warmer. See comparison swatches.

Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer ($10.50 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as an “opaque light green.” It’s a brightened, light-medium pastel green with warm, yellow undertones and a cream finish. Though the pigmentation seemed opaque after two coats, it was streaky and uneven in application, so it looked patchy. Zoya Tracie (P, $9.00) and Essie Navigate Her (LE, $8.00) a few shades darker. See comparison swatches.

Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer

Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer

Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer

Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer

Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer

Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer

Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer

Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer

Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer

Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer

Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer

Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer

Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer

Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer

Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer

Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer

Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer

Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer

Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer

Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer

Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer