Sephora Formula X: Pyrotechnic

I grabbed a tiny bottle of Sephora's new Formula X line as my 100 point sample with my last order. Of course I wanted to try it. Are you kidding? It's new, it's polish...it must be mine. Unfortunately, there was only one color to choose from, and it was a cream red called Pyrotechnic.

The formula is a bit weird. I'm not sure if it was the tiny bottle and weirdly small brush, or if it was the formula, but I had application problems. I had to use 3 coats to cover the streaks. I'm hoping that the full-sized bottles will be easier to wield. It's also quite thick, compared to every other red polish I've ever used in my entire life. I did zero cleanup here...a first for me. I had no problems with flooding like I normally do with reds. I was super careful, just in case. I just can't get over the streaks! It seemed like the brush literally removed some polish with each stroke.

Application problems aside, it does dry to a super glossy finish. No topcoat was used here, at all. I am definitely impressed with that. I would never leave the house topcoat free, of course, but it's nice to see a good out-of-the-bottle gloss.

The color isn't really special, unfortunately. I've been looking at the glitters, shimmers, etc...and drooling. I don't think a warm red cream was really the best color with which to tempt people.

All in all, while I can't recommend a mini red from the new line, I am super stoked to check out the new colors.