Guerlain Star Dust (862) Le Vernis Nail Lacquer ($25.00 for 0.33 fl. oz.) is described as an “iridescent ray of pure light.” Guerlain goes on to describe it as a “top coat [that] work[s] to enhance color, adding diamond shine.” (Said of both this polish as well as the gloss, which is the same color.) It’s a pearly, iridescent mix of silver and white that flashes blue and green that’s sparkling and shining. I don’t have anything that’s quite like this, particularly because it flashes a green-ish blue. Anna Sui Minnie Mouse Snow White (002) (LE, $16.00) is warmer and has flecks of glitter. Tom Ford Beauty Vapour (LE, $30.00) is more metallic. MAC Much Adored (LE, $16.00) is warmer and pinker. Dior Lady (LE, $26.00) is more metallic. China Glaze Frosty (LE, $7.50) is more silvered. See comparison swatches.

This might be too pigmented, or not pigmented enough, depending on your goal. Worn alone, two coats gives it semi-sheer coverage, which seems to be in line with what Guerlain was going for if this is also intended to be used as a top coat. One coat layered over a solid base color had an interesting mix of results. I tried it over a dark blue to so-so results, three coats of it alone (still somewhat sheer), one coat over black (less impressive), and one coat over red (best results). As a layering top coat, it’s almost too pigmented at times and seems to do best over light and medium colors, rather than anything really dark (like black) didn’t work as well. I found myself being particularly careful with just how much product was on the brush before layering over anything. On the other hand, if you love sheer, pearlescent shades, this might be a winner. The way it sparkles and shimmers in the light was lovely. It had a slightly thicker consistency, and the shimmer seemed to spread evenly overall whether applied alone or as a top coat. It dried down to a naturally high-shine finish.

Guerlain Star Dust (862) Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Guerlain Star Dust (862) Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Guerlain Star Dust (862) Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Guerlain Star Dust (862) Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Guerlain Star Dust (862) Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Guerlain Star Dust (862) Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Guerlain Star Dust (862) Le Vernis Nail Lacquer

Guerlain Star Dust (862) Le Vernis Nail Lacquer