MAC Midnight Storm Nail Lacquer ($12.00 for 0.34 fl. oz.) is described as a “deep magenta.” It’s a medium-dark, plummy berry with warm undertones and a subtle, metallic shimmer. The way the shimmer runs through this one gives it more depth but doesn’t make it look shimmery. It was nearly opaque in a single coat, but I applied two for good measure. The consistency was slightly thick. NARS Elbrus (P, $20.00) is darker, less shimmery. MAC Dayflower (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery. MAC Rebel (DC, $16.00) is less shimmery. Rescue Beauty Lounge Bruised (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery, warmer. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

MAC Midnight Strata Nail Lacquer ($12.00 for 0.34 fl. oz.) is described as a “dark violet.” It’s a slightly muted, medium-dark violet purple with cool undertones and a very, very subtle pearl. I could hardly see it, even under bright lights. It was opaque after two coats, and the consistency wasn’t too thick or too thin. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Pagan (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery. NARS New York Dolls (LE, $20.00) is cooler-toned. Illamasqua Faux Pas (LE, $17.00) is less glossy, lighter. Zoya Mira (P, $9.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

MAC Sunset Sky Nail Lacquer ($12.00 for 0.34 fl. oz.) is described as a “mid-tone crimson. It’s a deepened, dark red with warm, brown undertones and a barley-there pearl. It had full color coverage in two coats, and the consistency was balanced–not too thick or too thin–and applied evenly. Essie Shearling Darling (P, $8.00) is darker. NARS Chinatown (P, $20.00) is brighter. Dior Apparat (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery. Chanel Rouge Fatal (LE, $27.00) is less shimmery. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Midnight Storm Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Storm Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Storm Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Storm Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Storm Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Storm Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Storm Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Strata Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Strata Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Strata Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Strata Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Strata Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Strata Nail Lacquer

MAC Midnight Strata Nail Lacquer

MAC Sunset Sky Nail Lacquer

MAC Sunset Sky Nail Lacquer

MAC Sunset Sky Nail Lacquer

MAC Sunset Sky Nail Lacquer

MAC Sunset Sky Nail Lacquer

MAC Sunset Sky Nail Lacquer

MAC Sunset Sky Nail Lacquer