As much as I love the fun colors of the Essie range I do struggle sometimes with the brush because its so small! I purchased the OPI in this color and the brush is much bigger which makes for much easier and precise application! This color appears to be a dark shade of red in the bottle but when you paint 2 layers it comes out completely black, not that I mind because I love black polish. I bought mine 2 years ago and it still perfect without becoming thick, the polish also lasts and lasts without chipping off.