Essie First Timer

Base: one coat Nicole by OPI Base Coat Plus
Color: three coats Essie First Timer
Top: Essie Good to Go on pointer and middle nail, no top coat on ring and pinkie
Application: average (out of poor, average, good, excellent)
Essie First Timer was purchased by me. All opinions are my own honest thoughts.

Essie First Timer is one of the two highly sought after shades from the Essie Resort 2013 collection. I looked for it in every store that sells Essie around here before finally caving and ordering it on Amazon (along with Essie In the Cab-ana). First Timer is an interesting minty-lime green creme that manages to be both dusty and bright at the same time. It is really gorgeous in the bottle, but interestingly, changes color when you use top coat! I used one coat of Essie Good to Go on my pointer and middle nail and no top coat on the ring and pinkie so you could see the difference. The difference is even more apparent in person. With top coat, First Timer looks brighter and more lime colored. Without top coat, it is dustier and leans more blue. I actually really like both colors, so I guess that's good!!

This is three coats of First Timer. The formula is not my favorite. It's thick and also manages to be streaky at the same time. It should be fine in two coats, but I had to do a third to cover the streaks. It doesn't really seem to self level either. If you love the color in the bottle, I would suggest not using top coat, but that may result in the polish still looking uneven.

Overall, I don't regret buying First Timer. I have a weakness for Essie greens and I love the color with or without top coat. The formula is a bit challenging, but not the worst I've ever used. I'm glad I have this in my collection and can't wait to try In the Cab-ana!

Do you have any fun Memorial Day plans? My family is having a little get together today, but otherwise I will just be relaxing with my baby kitty!! I have a fun Memorial Day mani idea for tomorrow too!

Essie First Timer was purchased by me. All opinions are my own honest thoughts.