My NARS Red Nail polish collection review + comparison swatches (Chinatown, Jungle Red, Rouge Andalou, and Dovima)

            Red is the classic color. It was the first color known to be used in art, used in cave paintings during the Paleolithic age over 15,000 years ago. Since then it's been used to represent life, power, beauty, and luck amongst other things. This time of year however, it's mainly the color of the holidays! I've found that red is an over-represented color in my nail polish collection, since I'm always on the search for the perfect red. At first glance, many reds seem to be interchangeable, however because they are such powerful statement colors, even the delicate nuances that separate a classic rouge from a seasonal red can make or break a look. In my opinion, NARS has the best classic reds, hands down. Today I'm sharing my NARS red nail polish collection, which includes Chinatown, Jungle Red, Rouge Andalou, and Dovima.

          NARS Chinatown is a dark vampy red that is the most unique out of today's NARS lineup. It's hard to find a neutral blackened red. Often, dark reds tend to lean either too purple or too brown for my liking. Revlon Vixen, of Chanel Rouge Noir / Vamp 'dupe' fame, is very similar to NARS Chinatown, but has a pinch more purple tone to it. China Glaze Prey Tell (reviewed here) is significantly darker and more purple as well. Sephora by OPI Rock His World is a little lighter and more brown.

          NARS Jungle Red is a classic dark red. It's a straightforward neutral red that is lighter than NARS Chinatown and Essie Bordeaux. Jungle Red looks a bit light in my nail wheel below; check out the swatches further below for a more accurate look.

         NARS Rouge Andalou nail polish is a shimmery candy apple red. SpaRitual Stiletto is a darker and a more blue-based red. Revlon Blackberry is brick red with a warm glow.

        NARS Dovima is a primary (a.k.a. stop sign) red. It's red with great strength and neutrality. SpaRitual Hunk of Burnin' Love is also a nice and balanced red. It's very similar to Dovima; it's just a hair lighter. Essie Really Red is a slightly lighter and pinker than Dovima. Sephora by OPI Fiercely Fabulous is an orange red. L'Oreal Apple of my eye is a jelly red that is lighter and more pink toned than Dovima. If you're thinking all these reds look pretty similar, you'd be right. However, as I mentioned above, small nuances in red make a big difference.

         In my search for the perfect reds, I've amassed quite a collection. However the buck stops here; after acquiring all four NARS reds, I no longer feel the need to find new and better reds. While I am a NARS enthusiast, it's not the name that draws me in; the colors catch my eye even in an unlabeled nail wheel (and I've noticed they catch readers' notice when used in comparison swatches). They also pass the ultimate test; I find myself reaching for and wearing these staple colors more often than any of the other reds in my collection.

           NARS Chinatown, Jungle Red, Rouge Andalou, and Dovima are classic, neutral, and timeless interpretations of red. The execution of color is truly masterful; I remain convinced that NARS has an unrivaled eye for color. All four colors here are favorite-worthy polishes in my collection. I'm wearing them this holiday season, and will likely continue to do so year round. Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays! Which NARS color catches your eye? What are your favorite red nail polishes? What colors have you worn this holiday season?

Love, Dovey.