Orly Space Cadet was the star of the Orly Cosmic FX Collection that I had been lusting after with wild abandon. Now that I’ve got my mitts on it, it’s become one of my prized polish possessions. (Say that tongue twister 3 times fast!)

I love lacquer with an identity crisis. This flickers from pink to gold to green to orange to blue. Every time I move my hand, I see several dramatic colors – it’s like Judy Garland’s singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow on my nails. And even the Wicked Witch of the West doesn’t want Toto – she wants this polish!

If you can’t tell already, I’m smitten with Orly Space Cadet. Let me show you some swatches and fill you in on what I think of the formula itself.

Orly Space Cadet Swatches & Pictures

Key Notes

• Name: Orly Space Cadet
• Collection: Orly Cosmic FX
• Colors in Collection: Space Cadet, It’s Not Rocket Science, Lunar Eclipse, Halley’s Comet, Galaxy Girl & Out of This World
• Amount: 18mL
• What I Paid: Nothing! (This was sent to me for honest review – retails for $10 USD)
• Where to Buy: Sally Beauty Supply, Orly, Trans Design & Head2Toe

Orly Space Cadet Review

I love wearing all different colors of nail polish. When I say all, I mean it. Raid my stash, and you’ll find greens, blues, purples, reds, pinks, yellows, neons, glitters, duochromes, mattes, cremes, and the works! So when I heard that Orly Space Cadet was a multi-chrome polish, I went berzerk!

For those who enjoy wearing unique colors that you don’t see very often, this is love at first swipe. The foil finish is so shiny that it can appear metallic-like at times, and it’s so sparkly that even in the dimmest light, it shines on.

But what I appreciate the most is that unlike many duochromes, Orly Space Cadet changes colors constantly. You don’t have to tilt your hands to see the other color(s). You see them even looking at it straight on. But when you do check out your nails from different angles, you get a cool peek-a-boo of hues you didn’t realize where there – like teal and orange. (The predominant colors, however, seem to be pink, gold, and green.) I tried my best to capture the morphing behavior, but this is truly a color that you need to see in person to really ‘get it’.

As for the formula, it applied smoothly but a bit runny. If you use a thick first coat, you can get full coverage with no visible nail line. I used 2 coats because usually with duochromes/multi-chromes, you pack a punch with 2 or more coats. This dried fast enough, too.

You may have heard that there’s a dupe for Orly Space Cadet – it’s MAC Mean & Green from the upcoming Venomous Villains Collection that’s supposed to be out late September or early October.

And in case you’re wondering what I wore under and over the nail polish:

• 1 coat of Nail Tek Foundation III (Ridge-filling Base Coat)
• 1 coat of Creative Stickey (Base Coat)
• 1 coat of Diamont Seal & Shine Topcoat

Pros Multi-chrome unique color Sparkles like crazy in all lighting No formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) or Formaldehyde Resin

Cons More expensive than regular Orlys Limited-edition color with risk of selling out fast

Final Verdict: 10/10

If you’re a polish collector like I am who gets a thrill from unusual colors, this is a must-have item! Multichromes are hard to come by, and this one is incredibly stunning. I dare you to stop staring at your nails all day when you wear this!

Do you like duochrome and multichrome polishes? If so, which are your favorites?