I don’t claim to be a professional but I paint my nails often and consider myself adequately skilled. Like other reviewers, I found this polish impossible to work with. Thin coats are patchy; thicker coats are lumpy and do not dry. Although marketed as a sheer polish, Ballet Slippers is milky and does not apply evenly nor is it self- leveling. After repeated attempts to apply, my best effort looked like it had been done by a 4 year old. If it cannot be salvaged by the addition of nail polish thinner it will be going into the garbage. A waste of time and money! It will probably take some time before I purchase this brand again! Literally the WORST polish I have ever used! What’s up Essie?