ABOUT
"Discover the new-generation Dior Vernis and its ingenious formula that plays up the gel effect.
Shine. "Gel Coat" resins with intense purity combined with a techno-polymer transform each coat of lacquer into a film as smooth and shiny as glass.
Hold. Enriched with organic silicon, the new Dior Vernis strengthens the nail surface for extra-long wear. The techno-polymer creates a seamless bond between the nail and the lacquer. For really long staying power.
Colour. Colour creation draws inspiration from the colour charts of the couture collections, boasting a sweeping range that includes Iconic shades emblematic of Dior, It-shades on the pulse of fashion, bold Statement shades you can't resist, and the Essentials, those timeless basics.
Feed your colour addiction with the new Dior Vernis, formulated without toluene, formaldehyde, phthalates or camphor."
~ DIOR.COM
The new gel nail polish range have an applicator brush that is flat with a rounded tip as per their other nail polishes, but it is softer and longer. It's a great brush for quick and easy application.
COLOUR
Mirage (338) is a vibrant, medium to dark magenta/orchid purple. It has a jelly, glossy finish (no shimmers or pearlescence). Below is what it looks like on my nails with only a single coat. However, if you add another coat, the finish pretty much looks just like a cream finish as opposed to a jelly/slightly translucent finish because of the added depth of colour and the excellent pigmentation.
For reference, I have tanned, olive skin (~NC35).
APPLICATION
Just like Dior 'Wonderland'(reviewed here), I also found I only needed a single coat for an even, full application for 'Mirage'! I love it when that happens. ^_^ Go for a second coat if you want more depth and longer wear-time. The consistency of the formula is just perfect - neither too thick or too thin. It dried within a few minutes, which is terrific.
COMPARISON SWATCHES
Below is are swatches of 'Mirage' alongside Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in 'African Violet' and Nars 'Ratin Jot' (which is about 4 shades lighter, brighter and more pink than purple). 'African Violet' is an exact match to 'Mirage' in terms of colour and has the same finish. However, the only difference is that 'Mirage' is just a shade lighter. So, I would say it's not really worth getting both given both their high price points! If I could return one of them, I would choose to keep Dior's over Tom Ford because Dior's applies perfectly and the Tom Ford one applies a little patchy.
Bottom Line
I still adore Dior 'Wonderland' over this one in terms of colour, but it's still nice to have, especially if you have medium to darker skin tones (and you don't already own a similar shade). 'Mirage' applies just as easily with even, full coverage in just a single coat like Dior 'Wonderland'!
Hope this was useful. :)
Thanks for looking! xo