Review: Milani 3D Holographic Nail Lacquer

Ever since I learned that these existed, I had been dying to try holographic nail polish. I have never been a big fan of glitter polishes and even using those, I tend to blank them out with a matte finish. There are quite a few brands of designer companies that have made their own lines of holographic polish, but I decided to try a drug store brand first - just to get my feet wet, to see if I liked the effect without spending a ton of money.

I picked up a bottle at my local CVS - Milani's 3D Holographic Nail Lacquer in Hi-Res (#514) for about $4.00 USD. I have bought Milani's polishes in the past and I enjoy their color selection but have found that overall, they lack lasting-power.

Upon inspecting the formula I was a little skeptical. Like the other Milani polishes the polish was pretty thin, which set off warning bells in my head - with glitter-based polishes it is typically more desirable to have a thicker formula; it means fewer applications, and a thinner formula means more applications in order to get an opaque finish. I really was not looking forward to having to remove a million layers of gritty, glittery polish, but I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt.

The instant I applied the first layer to the first nail, my opinion changed. The color is fairly light on the first application, but this polish is much more opaque than I was expecting for a glitter-based polish! I decided to apply a second coat for good measure and sure enough, the color is complete opaque with only 2 coats. Not to mention, the color itself is an absolutely gorgeous lilac!

The finish is smooth, just like a regular glitter-free polish. When I run my fingers across them (once the polish is dry, of course) it is free of bumps and bubbles and is completely sleek.

As for the holographic element, as a glitter-hater I am completely sold. The holographic rainbow effect is stunning and much different than any other finish I have seen. It is eye-catching while the color itself is subtle: a beautiful combination!

Overall I am incredibly pleased with this polish and would recommend it to anyone looking to add a little bit of fun to their fingers. I would certainly buy it again, and plan on investing in other shades soon!