Guerlain Blue Ocean Le Vernis ($26.00 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as an “aqua.” It’s a light-medium, mint green with subtle warm undertones and a fine pearl shimmer. NARS Thasos (P, $20.00) is lighter, no shimmer. Formula X Inspiring (LE, $12.50) is darker, brighter. Dior Samba (402) (LE, $24.00) is slightly warmer, less shimmery. MAC Ocean Dip (LE, $16.00) is darker, less shimmery. Illamasqua Venous (LE, $17.00) is darker, less shimmery. Illamasqua Nomad (P, $17.00) is brighter, less shimmery. Zoya Wednesday (P, $9.00) is cooler-toned, less shimmery. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

Long-time readers will know that one of my favorite nail colors is some variation on aqua, mint green, or teal, and as a fan of the Guerlain nail lacquer formula (generally), this was the product that most appealed to me when reading through the summer collection. It was disappointing, unfortunately, as soon as it was applied. It went on unevenly with noticeable streaking and color that looked patchy. I even tried three coats to see if that improved it, but it was still somewhat translucent in places. The texture is a little runny, so it does pull to the sides if you aren’t careful (so use thinner coats). I also experienced bubbling as the polish dried down, which is unusual in my experience. On me, the color lasted for six days with some tip wear–far shorter than most of Guerlain’s polishes for me–and had lost a fair amount of shine after a day. Even the initial dry down had more of a satin shine to it than a truly glossy, gel-like shy that you’ll find in their regular range.

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Guerlain Blue Ocean Le Vernis

Guerlain Blue Ocean Le Vernis

Guerlain Blue Ocean Le Vernis

Guerlain Blue Ocean Le Vernis

Guerlain Blue Ocean Le Vernis

Guerlain Blue Ocean Le Vernis

Guerlain Blue Ocean Le Vernis