Basecoat comparison for holos

So, a while back, I mentioned that I'd stumbled on a trick for tricky-to-apply holos (using the Maybelline Mirror Image base). I still haven't had a chance to get the Nfu-Oh Water Base, which I hear is similar, and I don't own Chanel Holographic (comes with its own base), but if you've got Mirror Image around, this really does work.

Index, Barielle Natural Nail Camouflage. Middle, Maybelline Mirror Image base

Between henna and nail polish, wow, my nails are stained. 

Nfu-Oh 65, normally a streaky hot mess to apply

First coat

Second coat. The nail with the Mirror Image base is basically done.

Third coat on the index and I still see bald spots in real life (still two coats on the middle)