Misa is a brand that is new to me in the sense that while I had heard about it, I never actually came across the line…until now. When I saw a display for the ‘Paradise Shore Collection’, my eye was instantly drawn to ‘Endless Keys’ for two specific reasons – 1) I found this colour so original and Summer appropriate and 2) the Florida Keys hold a very special place in my heart, so it was a foregone conclusion that this lacquer would come home with me.  All swatches are with two coats of lacquer as well as a-england’s ‘The Knight’ and ‘The Shield’ base and top coats respectively (reviewed here).

The first thing that comes to my mind looking at this polish, is: citrus.  ‘Endless Keys’ is a semi-sheer bright tangerine hue, with a formula that borders on a jelly-like finish, and bears tons of golden-yellow small flakes that seem to be suspended just below the surface. Had I applied a third coat, I’m certain it would have been much more opaque, but I find that a shade like this shouldn’t be too dense looking.

At this angle and with the sunlight reflecting off my nails, the shade takes on a lusciously juicy orange tone and the flakes seem to merge into a golden gleam.

In this first view taken in shaded light, ‘Endless Keys’ seems to be at its “Sunkist” best, looking bright orange, but never neon. I LOVE that “lit-from-within” effect!

Still in shaded light but turned slightly in another direction, the colour not only becomes deeper, but this view seems to bring out the inner flakes in stark relief.  I urge you to enlarge this photo to really appreciate the effect.

Final thoughts: I can’t speak for the rest of this brand or even this collection, as this is my first foray with Misa nail lacquers, but I was left feeling very happy with my choice in ‘Endless Keys’.  The formula was easy to work with bearing a good consistency, the brush fanned out well on the nail and I had no application issues, there was zero streaking, and the final finish was smooth and glossy, even before a top coat was added. Since I do not have any other colour like this in my collection, I love the uniqueness of this shade and I just can’t wait to wear it as my summer pedi. Know what else it reminded me of? Tart & tangy candied orange peel……see what I mean below!

*Orange peel photo courtesy of Baking History