Illamasqua Venous Nail Varnish ($17.00 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is described as a “bold blue green.” It’s a medium teal with a hint of green in a cream finish. China Glaze Exotic Encounters is darker, greener. MAC Salad Dressed is a bit lighter and bluer. MAC Ocean Dip is very similar–perhaps a bit deeper. Essie Turquoise & Caicos is lighter and greener.

It was fully opaque in two coats, and the consistency wasn’t too thick or too thin. It applied evenly, smoothly, and fluidly, which made it a breeze to apply. I didn’t experience any bubbling, streaking, or pooling of the color along the edges of the nail. Venous lived up to Illamasqua’s lacquer reputation–excellent in every way. I typically get at least a week of wear (as long as 10-14 days) out of Illamasqua’s formula with very, very little tip wear and no chipping.

Also, heads up: Illamasqua has raised their polish prices from $14 to $17 sometime in the past few days. This particular shade is actually coming as $14 (which as far as I can tell is merely an oversight/mistake), and some readers mentioned the price still being $14 in stores. I’m disappointed to see such a large increase (21% as compared to the 5-10% increases on other prices, within their range, which is more in line with most price increases) — I think it may shift the polish out of the comfort zone for some — even if it is a standout formula.

Illamasqua Venous Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Venous Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Venous Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Venous Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Venous Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Venous Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Venous Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Venous Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Venous Nail Varnish