L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer ($5.99 for 0.39 fl. oz.) is a matte black. It was opaque in two coats, and it applied so-so. Each coat dried very quickly, almost as it was being applied, so it was somewhat challenging to apply. The consistency was a bit on the thicker side. I had noticeable chipping after a day, unfortunately. If you like the matte look, I highly recommend trying a top coat (L’Oreal The Matte Velvet is one) over a black cream, as it is much more durable. Most black creams would work in place of this if a matte top coat is applied over it!

L’Oreal The True Gold Lacquer ($5.99 for 0.39 fl. oz.) is small, gold glitter particles suspended in a clear base. One coat had really great density–it felt like just enough glitter to stand out; not so much that the base coat was eliminated, but it wasn’t sparse and didn’t need any tugging or pulling to get it into place. It applied evenly and easily — really easy to use. I layered one coat over She’s So Matte, and then two coats on its own on the thumbnail. Cult Nails Walk of Shame (P, $12.00) has larger gold glitter as well as holographic shimmer/glitter. China Glaze I Herd That (LE, $8.00) is finer and also contains coppery/orange glitter. See comparison swatches.

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L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal She’s So Matte Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer

L’Oreal The True Gold Nail Lacquer