I'm confused with other reviewers.
This is the most candy-apple-like red there ever was. It's a deep red. A *RED* red. In certain lighting it looks slightly cool, blue-based, but other than that, it's simply RED.
One coat is enough, I don't use a base or a top coat. The finish is glossy, not shimmery, lasts up to three-four days, then the color becomes a little dull (I can prolong it by applying a top coat) and starts to chip.
The brush is perfect and allows for a very precise application.

There definitely must be two versions of this product. Because the Candy Apple that I have is not Red. The one that I have is a Deep Pink. For .97 this can't be beat. I love the small bottles and I think that the brush is fantastic. I will definitely purchase more of these in the future.

I like to use this shade on my toes because it is a very bright pinkish-red color that is really pretty. No sparkles, but it is very glossy. I only applied one coat and that was all I needed and it didn't look unbalanced or streaky, but it looked like I had already used a basecoat and topcoat with it! I am very pleased with the whole line of colorama polishes, and I always use pink cadilac on my fingers because I like the more sheer shades there. Overall I think this color is great!

I don't know why one of the previous reviewers stated that this isn't a red shade, becuase if I've ever seen a red polish, this is it. This is a very strong warm-based red creme polish (no shimmer) that is just deep enough to be elegant and non-tacky. Goes on smooth without any streaks, dries very quickly and stays on just as well as all Colorama polish - a long time. Signature red for me, will repurchase.

I BOUGHT THIS ON SALE AT WALGREENS WITH A "2/$3" COUPON. IT GOES ON REALLY SMOOTH, AND IT LASTED ABOUT TWO WEEKS ON MY TOENAILS WITH ONLY MINIMAL TOUCHUPS. I ONLY REMOVED IT BECAUSE MY NAILS WERE GROWING OUT AND THERE WAS A SLIGHT GAP AT THE BASE. THIS IS THE BEST POLISH I HAVE USED IN A LONG TIME. I HAVEN'T WORN POLISH ON MY FINGERNAILS FOR YEARS BECAUSE IT NEVER LASTED MORE THAN A FEW DAYS, BUT I MAY TRY THIS ON THEM. I ALSO BOUGHT "CORAL REEF" BUT HAVEN'T TRIED IT YET.

*candy apple* is NOT red, so if youre looking for a bright red nailpolish, this isnt it. its actually a deep, bright pink that is a great summer color. the staying power is excellent, actually over 5 days! i apply a base coat, two coats of this (and it doesnt streak, another plus), and a top coat, and the color lasts for at least two weeks before turning dull. for $1.99 a bottle, i couldnt ask for more.