Essie Summer 2012 Bikini So Teeny Collection

Okay, when I saw Essie's Summer 2012 collection, I could not resist. It was like looking at a big bowl of colourful candies (but not jelly beans, 'cause they're gross). So when I saw that four of the six shades were offered as minis in a boxset, I snatched it up right away. It has to be noted that, while Essie has some fantastic shades, I have been consistently disappointed with the formula so I have sort of avoided buying Essie for the past year or so (save for a shade here and there). The last time I was this excited about an Essie collection was 2010's Resort Collection, of which I also had to have every single shade. I am happy to report that this year's Summer Collection comes in at a close second.

Bikini So Teeny, Fear or Desire, Mojito Madness, and Off the Shoulder

Bikini So Teeny is a light periwinkle blue with a very subtle silver shimmer. It has a fluid consistency without being too thick or too runny. It does streak a bit, but I didn't have any problems with pulling or bubbling. It has medium pigmentation and will reach opacity in three coats. It is lighter than Topshop's Celestial and Essie's Lapis of Luxury.

Fear or Desire is a medium bright tangerine orange in a cream finish. It has a fluid consistency without being too thick or too runny. It goes on smoothly and evenly, without any pulling, bubbling, or streaking. It has high pigmentation and will reach opacity in two coats. It is darker and more vibrant than Zoya's Arizona, and less reddened than OPI's Y'all Come Back Ya Hear?.

Mojito Madness is a medium brightened grass green in a cream finish. It has a fluid consistency without being too thick or too runny. It goes on smoothly and evenly, without any pulling, bubbling, or streaking. It has high pigmentation and will reach opacity in two coats. It is lighter and warmer than Essie's Pretty Edgy, and cooler than Illamasqua's Smash.

Off the Shoulder is a medium bright passion pink with yellow undertones in a cream finish. It has a fluid consistency without being too thick or too runny. It goes on smoothly and evenly, without any pulling, bubbling, or streaking. It has high pigmentation and will reach opacity in two coats. It is lighter and warmer than Essie's Funny Face, and lighter than MAC's Steamy.

This was a really well-executed summer collection in terms of range of shades and formula. With the exception of Bikini So Teeny being a little sheer and streaky, they were all a pleasure to work with and wear — I actually got tons of compliments on Bikini So Teeny, though, which somehow manages to be soft and vibrant at the same time. But all of them are very summer-appropriate and worth checking out — they're perfect for someone like me, who likes the idea of drinking cocktails under a brightly-coloured umbrella on white sands and overlooking a clear blue ocean... but hates it in actual execution.