Illamasqua PerfuzziNail Varnish ($17.00 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is a vibrant, sunshine yellow gold with gold micro-glitter and glitter. Zoya Kerry (P, $9.00) is metallic. MAC Immortal Gold (LE, $16.00) is less warm-toned. China Glaze Lighthouse (LE, $7.50) is similar but sheerer. China Glaze Champagne Bubbles (LE, $7.50) is less glittery. Zoya Solange (P, $9.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches.

This shade is exclusive to Bloomingdale’s, and it’s supposed to have a “Shattered Stars” formula/finish, but it was like glue. I don’t know if I’ve ever encountered such a thick polish before. I was more than a little surprised that it didn’t look like gluey, gloppy awfulness on the nails, as it actually looked half-decent, but it was noticeably thick. It was fairly opaque in a single coat but two are necessary for fully opaque color. It’s a gorgeous color, but something went very awry with the consistency, which made application more difficult, and you have to be really, really careful with how you place your hand as you wait for it to dry (which takes forever). I typically get a week or more out of Illamasqua’s formula.

Illamasqua PerfuzziNail Varnish

Illamasqua PerfuzziNail Varnish

Illamasqua PerfuzziNail Varnish

Illamasqua PerfuzziNail Varnish

Illamasqua PerfuzziNail Varnish

Illamasqua PerfuzziNail Varnish

Illamasqua PerfuzziNail Varnish