** This post was wcritten by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Don’t you just love holo polishes? When done right, they offer so many dimensions that it almost seems as if you’re wearing more than one color on your nails. So when I came across the Milani 3D Holographic Collection, I was super excited since it claims to offer something that no other nail lacquer can.

It’s supposed to feature Holographic Image Technology that creates dramatic color-shifts as the lighting changes, offering a rainbow effect. Intrigued? So was I! Does it live up to this claim?

Milani 3D Holographic Collection Swatches & Pictures

Milani Cyberspace Review & Swatches

This is a fairytale powder blue that has a strong holo effect, and you can really see all seven colors on the nail! The main holo color is yellow/orange; the second most apparent is blue/purple.

Milani Hi-Tech Review & Swatches

This is a refreshing springtime green. You’ll mostly see a warm yellow/orange glow coming from within with a cool blue holo effect.

Milani Hi-Res Review & Swatches

Hi-Res is my fave of the bunch as the purple is simply dreamy. Also, you constantly see multiple colors shifting with this one. There isn’t one predominate color effect.

Milani Digital Review & Swatches

This pink is soft and is more on the reddish side of pink. Out of all the non-metallics, Digital has the weakest holo effect.

Milani HD Review & Swatches

HD is a white-gray silver that lacks attitude. On top of the color being a bit dull, you can hardly see the holo.

Milani 3D Review & Swatches

Maybe this was put into the wrong collection, but 3D is not a holo. It’s a very glittery gold.

Claims: TRUSTED

√ Unique 3D Holographic effect
√ Color shifts

Key Notes

• Name: Milani 3D Holographic Collection
• Amount: 0.45fl. oz. or 13.2ml
• What I Paid: $4.49 US each
• Price Per Unit: $9.98/fl. oz. or $0.34/ml
• Milani 3D Holographic Collection Colors Available: Hi-Res, HD, 3D, Hi-Tech, Digital, Cyberspace
• Where to Buy: Cherry Culture, CVS, Milani website, other in-store & online nail salons

Milani 3D Holographic Review

From the Milani site: “This color phenomenon is based on Holographic Image Technology that makes a very thin, bright, embossed metallic flake look like a rainbow. It allows the color to travel from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.”

I am impressed with the holo effect I received from most of the colors in the Mialni 3D Holographic Collection. With Hi-Res (purple) and Cyberspace (blue), I can definitely see seven distinctive colors on my nails as claimed. Hi-Tech (green) and Digital (pink) also offer beautiful color-shifting, even though I didn’t see all the colors of the rainbow.

As for 3D (gold) and HD (silver)? These metallics are total disappointments. HD is a little better, but 3D barely can be classified as a holo. I would call it a glitter gold, not a gold holo.

Holos are usually most apparent in the sun. However, with Milani 3D Holographic nail polishes (the non-metallics) give you incredible color results even when indoors. Actually, I notice the color shifting under dim artificial lights, too. The holo you get is really pretty – sometimes it contrasts the base color, and sometimes it complements it.

There are many positives to Milani 3D Holographic nail lacquers. 1.) They dry super fast, so you don’t have to wait around forever for your manicure to set. 2.) The formula evens itself out on the nails thanks to great consistency; you don’t have to be too careful when applying. 3.) They have an even finish that’s glossy and glass-like. 4.) Because of the depth and dimension, any dings or dents are less noticeable! 5.) Range of gorgeous fairytale-like shades.

The only major negative I experienced is that it is very sheer – this is the same across every Milani 3D Holographic nail polish. I had to wear 3 coats in order to get a less-opaque color with a more-intense holo. The only exception is 3D (gold); this one seems a little thicker and less transparent than the rest. However, the holo doesn’t intensify with each coat.

Pros Affordable Great wear Dries quickly & evenly Easy to apply Interesting holo on most colors Great range of colors Free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP

Cons  Sheer formula 3D is not a true holo HD’s holo is very minor

Final Verdict: 8.2/10

Overall, I really like the 3D Holographic Collection by Milani. 3D and HD dragged down the score. If I hadn’t tried those, I might have given the collection at least a 9!

What color is your favorite from this collection? Do you have another brand’s holos that you prefer? Share your thoughts!