Nice color, dreadful formula. It's a streaky, cuticle dragging mess. The thin brush doesn't help. This is one of the worst nailpolishes I've ever used. Even with Nfu-Oh Aqua Base underneath it (which usually smooths out finicky polishes), it was still uneven and difficult to apply.

Many reviewers claimed the formula and application of Neo Whimsical was horrendous but I disagree. I'll admit that the first layer goes on horribly, with streaks galore and just all patchy and yucky. However, after letting the first coat dry slightly (try to give it 2 minutes if possible), the second coat went on just fine and almost fixed and covered all those bald spots and streaks from the first coat. My nails looked great with just 2 thin coats! And I absolutely ADORE this soft pinky-mauve color!!!!!!! It makes my nails and hands look so pretty and feminine! I currently have about 20-25 Essie polishes and this is definitely in my top five. It's lovely and I never want to to be discontinued.

I've always LOVED my Essie nail polishes before, but this one is a no go! It was WAY too tacky! I did everything I could to get it smooth and streak free but it was totally impossible!! I'm so disappointed with this color and of course I really want to just take it off but spent a lot of times doing my nails!! Total waste!!

I must have gotten a good bottle too. The first application I was disappointed. I had bubbles and it just wasn't as opaque as I had wanted. But I was in love with the actual color so I wanted to make it work. For the record I have pale skin and blue eyes, very fair. So next time I filed my nails and then put OPI Nail Envy on. I put one thin coat of this color on and let it dry for awhile. Put on another coat and it was PERFECT! No bubbles, opaque, pretty! Love this color and will wear it often! I put on a layer of OPI nail laquer over my polish when it dries and do not have a problem with chipping. Not sure if that's my bottle or the laquer, but neither time using this have I had issues with chipping it stays on for days and days.

Essie nail polishes tend to be quite thin/watery so they usually need at least two coats to get the best out of them.Saying that, I really like this colour. I'm around NC37 and pastel colours can sometimes be a bit tricky for me to pull off.Neo Whimsical is a very pale pinky lilac perfect for Spring! Two coats were all that were needed for full opacity. Plus a top coat, as Essie tends to chip within a few days on it's own.I purchased this at a sale price, (around £3) I wouldn't buy it at full price (£7.99) but on sale, I'd definately repurchase despite the cons, at 13.5mls I'd consider it good value.