Essie Aim to Misbehave

Aim to Misbehave was released by mainstreamer Essie as part of the Shimmer Brights collection at the end of May this year. It's a brilliant yellow shimmer, which alone would be special enough as apparently Essie has released only one other yellow (Shorty Pants in 2008), but in addition to that it is officially designated as Essie's 1000th shade, complete with confetti-adorned celebratory cap!

Officially described by Essie as a "scandalous citron yellow shimmer," Aim to Misbehave is a saturated golden yellow that is absolutely packed with teenintzy pearly microflake shimmers, giving it a burnished, silky look on the nail. This is a bold yolky hue with a slight amber or saffron lean that I think serves to intensify its already luminous nature. No easter eggs or fluffy chicks here, this is a power yellow with a noble air. 

Application was a marvel. The consistency of Aim To Misbehave is fluid, light and smooth with a medium viscosity and an even, easy glide over the nail, a truly outstanding formula for a yellow, completely non-clumping and genuinely a pleasure to work with. Amenable to thin or thicker coats, it goes on most evenly with a bit of dry time between layers. Pigmentation is very good, with great coverage for a yellow. Visible nail line with the first coat easily builds to wearable opacity after the second. Adding a third gives a denser opacity and adds a certain richness to the color. Clean up is fairly easy, though you may have to chase down a shimmer or two. Aim to Misbehave dries naturally in average time to a slightly flat finish that looks awesome with a glossy topcoat. 

Photos show three coats of Aim to Misbehave over treatment and basecoat with a topcoat of Seche Vite.

Essie Aim to Misbehave

Essie Aim to Misbehave

Essie Aim to Misbehave

Essie Aim to Misbehave

Essie Aim to Misbehave

Essie Aim to Misbehave

Essie Aim to Misbehave

Essie Aim to Misbehave

Essie Aim to Misbehave

Essie Aim to Misbehave

Now that's a YELLOW, right? Atypical for Essie but perfectly in keeping with a target demographic of confident, spirited women who embrace adventure and enjoy life. My personal feeling is that it would be best showcased against a richer complexion than my pasty pinkage, but I have a lot of admiration for this dazzling jewel-toned shimmer. It's beautifully formulated and lively as all get out. 

After 1000 colors, Essie shows us that it still has tricks up its sleeve, and I'm all for that!

rawr,
Liz