Nail polish is a quick way to change a look and protect nails. It comes in many finishes—cream, shimmer, glitter, and gel-like formulas—so people can pick what fits their style and routine. Essie best nail polish refers to Essie’s top-selling shades and formulas that aim for even color, good coverage, and a smooth finish.
Buyers should pay attention to formula type, drying time, chip resistance, and brush shape. Formula type matters for shine and wear; gel-like polishes last longer but may need a special lamp or remover. Brush shape affects how easily polish applies to the nail, and quick-dry or long-wear claims often reflect real differences in daily use. This article tests and compares Essie’s most popular formulas and shades to find which options give the best color payoff, wear, and ease of use.
How We Selected the Best
They tested each Essie polish for color accuracy, formula thickness, and drying time. Testers applied two coats on real nails and timed how long the polish needed to be touch-dry and fully set.
They checked chip resistance by wearing each shade for a full week under normal activities. Reviewers noted how the brush spread color, then rated ease of use and finish.
They compared ingredients and safety information against sources like the FDA and EWG to flag any concerning chemicals. This helped assess long-term use and skin safety (see FDA cosmetic regulations and EWG Skin Deep).
They also weighed value by comparing bottle size, price per ounce, and how many coats were needed for full coverage. Testers included professional nail techs and regular users to balance expert and everyday experience.
They scored each polish on color payoff, durability, formula, and value. The scores were averaged into a final rating that guided the selections.
Best Essie Nail Polishes
Below is a curated list of the best Essie nail polishes for color, durability, and finish. It helps readers find top picks for everyday wear, special occasions, and long-lasting manicures.
essie Evergreen Fantasy Longwear Duo
It’s worth buying if someone wants festive, gel-like shine without a UV lamp, but they should expect about a week of wear with normal use.
Pros
- Rich, holiday-ready green with a sparkly metallic glaze that looks salon-made.
- Easy two-step routine — color plus top coat — no base or lamp needed.
- Vegan formula and a smooth, easy brush for clean application.
Cons
- Chips faster than true gel; expect touch-ups around day 5–7.
- Top coat can take longer to dry fully.
- Small bottle size means frequent repurchase for regular users.
They applied the green shade and loved the depth right away. The metallic glaze turned light into little flashes, making nails pop in photos and in person.
The two-step system simplified the process. It felt like a gel manicure without the lamp, but chips showed on busy hands by day five for them.
They found the brush slick and the polish spread evenly, though drying time required patience. Reapplying the top coat on day seven helped extend wear a bit.
Buy it if someone wants a festive, glossy look that’s easy at home; skip it if they need multi-week chip-free wear.
essie Candy Cane Chrome Trio
This mini set is worth buying for someone who wants festive, glossy shades and good salon-style color in small bottles.
Pros
- Smooth, even coverage with glossy finish.
- Festive mix of red, white, and chrome that layers well.
- Vegan formula and salon-quality feel.
Cons
- Mini size means fewer full manicures.
- Can chip sooner than longer-wear brands.
- Takes longer to fully dry if applied thick.
They applied the red, white, and chrome and liked how true the colors looked straight from the bottle. The polish went on smoothly and covered with two coats as suggested. The chrome shade gave a neat metallic pop without being streaky.
They noticed drying times were a bit slow when they layered for opacity. A top coat helped lock in shine but did not stop chipping after a few days for heavy-handed wearers. This set shines for holiday looks and touch-ups, not for multi-week wear.
They appreciated the small size for trying trends or gifting. It made a tidy stocking stuffer and saved space in a makeup bag. For someone who wants bold holiday nails without committing to full bottles, this trio hits the mark.
essie Ballet Slippers (Ballet Slippers)
It’s worth buying if someone wants a classic, work-safe pale pink that applies smoothly and looks polished.
Pros
- Smooth, even coverage with one or two coats.
- Subtle, wearable color that suits many skin tones.
- Dries reasonably fast and gives a glossy, salon-like finish.
Cons
- Sheer formula may need multiple coats for opacity.
- Some shades can look slightly different in person than online.
- Not the longest-lasting on very active hands.
They tested this polish and liked how the easy-glide brush held just the right amount of color. It spread without streaks and tightened into a glossy shine that looked like a salon manicure.
Application felt simple at home. One coat gave a pretty wash of pink, while a second coat made it look more even. It dried faster than many drugstore brands, though it still needed care for a full hour.
The color reads classic and soft in real life, which is great for work or special events. Chipping happened after a few days with heavy use, so a good base and top coat helped extend wear.
Overall, it felt like a reliable go-to for neutral manicures and quick touch-ups. Try it when someone wants a low-key, elegant look without fuss.
essie Sugar Daddy
This sheer pink is a smart buy for anyone who wants a natural, glossy look that works for everyday wear.
Pros
- Smooth, even application with the easy-glide brush.
- Soft, classic color that suits many skin tones.
- Dries fairly fast and gives a salon-like shine.
Cons
- Sheer coverage may need two or more coats for opacity.
- Not ideal for someone who wants bold, opaque color.
- Shows chips more on active hands after several days.
They applied this polish like a pro at home. The brush hugged the nail shape and spread the color without streaks. Two light coats made the nails look clean and polished without feeling heavy.
The finish felt glossy and healthy. It dried quicker than many drugstore brands and resisted small chips for a few days. The scent was mild and not overpowering.
This shade shines for French manicures and simple, put-together hands. Someone wanting a strong, opaque color should look elsewhere, but those after a soft, wearable pink will like how natural it looks.
Off Tropic — essie Nail Polish
It is a good buy for someone who wants a glossy, true green shade that applies smoothly and lasts with a top coat.
Pros
- Glossy, salon-like shine after two coats
- Wide brush gives smooth, streak-free coverage
- Dries relatively fast for quick touch-ups
Cons
- Color can shift slightly from online photos
- May need a base and top coat for best chip resistance
- Some users find one coat not fully opaque
They felt the brush fit every nail size and let them paint in broad strokes without fuss. The polish went on even and built color well with a second coat, leaving a clean high-gloss finish.
They noticed the shade reads as a lush grove green in real light but can look a touch different in dim or warm lighting. It dried quicker than many drugstore polishes but still benefited from a top coat for longer wear.
They liked how the formula felt salon-quality and nearly chip-resistant when paired with essie base and top coats. If someone wants a dependable green that looks professional, this is worth trying.
Buy it on Amazon: Off Tropic — essie Nail Polish
Essie Berry Naughty
It is worth buying for anyone who wants a deep, glossy berry shade that applies smoothly and looks salon-fresh.
Pros
- Rich, true-to-color pigment that often covers in one to two coats.
- Smooth, easy-to-use brush for streak-free application.
- Glossy finish that looks polished and dense.
Cons
- Dries slower than some competing formulas.
- Can be thick; may need careful wiping on the brush for thin coats.
- Might chip sooner without a strong top coat.
This shade felt immediately classic and bold when applied. The first coat laid down a deep berry color and the second coat sealed the depth without streaks. The brush hugged the nail and made the edges easy to clean up.
She noticed the shine stayed bright for days when paired with a good top coat. The polish felt thick, so a light wipe of excess from the brush helped get an even layer. It did take longer to fully dry than other polishes she has used.
They liked how the color read under indoor light and evening light—very flattering and grown-up. Chips appeared after several days with normal wear if no strong top coat was used. Overall, it felt like a salon-quality lacquer that rewards careful application.
essie Winter Frost Longwear Duo
This set is worth buying if you want a festive, gel-like mani without a UV lamp and don’t mind reapplying the top coat midweek.
Pros
- Shiny, pearlescent chrome finish that looks luxe.
- Feels like a gel manicure without special tools.
- Vegan formula and no animal testing.
Cons
- Chips sooner than true gel polish for some users.
- Top coat needs a midweek reapply to keep shine.
- Takes a bit longer to fully dry.
They applied the bright white base smoothly and the metallic glaze top coat gave real depth. The chrome reflected light from different angles and made the nails look like a salon mani at first glance.
It lasted about five days on hands that get regular use before small chips appeared. Reapplying the top coat on day seven helped restore shine, but it didn’t fully stop the minor wear.
The set is easy to use: two coats of color, one coat of glaze. It removes like regular polish and feels less fussy than gel systems that need lamps. Overall, it’s a nice seasonal pick when you want a bold, pearly finish without extra tools.
Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
This top coat is worth buying for anyone who wants a fast-drying, glossy finish that helps polish last longer.
Pros
- Gives a high, salon-like shine quickly.
- Dries fast and helps prevent chips.
- Removes like regular polish—no harsh lamp or soak needed.
Cons
- Works best when paired with the Gel Couture color line.
- Small bottle size for frequent use.
- Some colors may still need extra touch-ups over time.
They applied this top coat after two thin color layers and noticed the shine almost immediately. It left nails smooth and mirror-like without feeling sticky.
The dry time felt short; she could do light tasks soon after. Chips still appeared after heavy use, but overall wear improved compared with plain top coats.
Brush control made application even and neat. They liked that removal was simple with normal nail polish remover and did not need a salon-style lamp.
Essie 10-Color Set
It’s a good buy for someone who wants a variety of glossy Essie shades at a bargain, but expect random colors and occasional packaging issues.
Pros
- Great value for ten salon-quality shades.
- Smooth, easy-glide brush that makes application simple.
- Nice glossy finish that wears well with top coat.
Cons
- Colors arrive at random and may skew toward similar tones.
- Some bottles can shift or leak if not packed securely.
- You might get shades you already own.
They opened the box and liked how many colors came in one set. Application felt familiar—two coats covered well and the brush reached small nails without dragging. The finish looked glossy and polished after sealing with a top coat.
A few bottles in other shipments moved during transit, so one user might find a loose cap or a small spill. The shade mix sometimes clusters in pinks or yellows, so it’s not great if someone wants a balanced palette. Expect surprises instead of curated selection.
Overall, it suits someone building a casual collection or buying a colorful gift. The price-to-quantity ratio is the main draw, but buyers should accept random assortments and pack-risk when ordering.
essie Crochet Away (Grayish Brown)
This shade is worth buying for someone who wants a muted, salon-quality color that goes on smoothly and lasts several days.
Pros
- Smooth, even application with the wide easy-glide brush
- Subtle, versatile gray-brown shade that suits many outfits
- Vegan formula and glossy finish without heavy chemicals
Cons
- Often needs two coats for full, even opacity
- Not chip-proof for very active hands
- Color can look slightly different on nails than in the bottle
They tried this on and liked how the brush covered the nail in broad, clean strokes. The polish spread without streaks and left a glossy, salon-like finish after two coats.
It dried fairly quickly and held up through routine tasks for several days before minor chipping appeared at the tips. The muted tone read as a classy neutral that matched both work clothes and casual looks.
Application felt easy even for someone who paints at home. A base and top coat improved wear time, and the vegan formula gave peace of mind for those avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
Buying Guide
When choosing nail polish, the buyer should check the formula first. Look for long-lasting, chip-resistant formulas. Consider quick-dry or fast-drying options if time is limited.
They should evaluate color payoff and finish. A single-coat opaque color saves time. Shimmer, cream, and matte finishes change the look; pick one that fits the wearer’s style.
Packaging and brush shape matter. A wide, flat brush often gives smoother, faster application. A sturdy bottle and clear labeling help with storage and selection.
They should read ingredient notes for safety and allergies. Avoid known irritants if the wearer has sensitive skin. Look for water-based or low-odor formulas when fumes are a concern.
Consider performance features like dry time and durability. Top coats and base coats improve wear; know whether those are needed. Check reviews for real-world wear time and chip resistance.
Price and value are practical factors. Compare bottle size to price to judge value. Seasonal or limited colors may cost more; decide if the color justifies the price.
Buying method affects availability and returns. In-store testing lets a buyer see the true color. Online shopping offers more shades but verify return policies.
They should balance color, safety, and performance. Choose the features that match the wearer’s priorities: quick application, long wear, or gentle formula.
Quick checklist
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Formula | Long-lasting, chip-resistant |
| Finish | Cream, shimmer, matte options |
| Brush | Wide, flat for even coats |
| Safety | Low-odor, allergy-friendly |
| Value | Price per ml and bottle size |
| Purchase method | In-store try or reliable online returns |
Comparison Breakdown
Essie Gel Couture, Essie Nail Polish (classic), and Essie Expressie top the list for different needs. Each appeals to a different user based on wear time, finish, and drying speed.
Essie Gel Couture gives longer wear without a UV lamp. It lasts up to two weeks for many users and offers a glossy, gel-like finish. Application is a bit thicker, so careful coats matter.
Essie Nail Polish (classic) is the brand’s standard formula. It has a wide color range and an even finish. It dries at a normal pace and requires a top coat for best durability.
Essie Expressie targets quick drying and one-coat coverage. It dries in minutes and suits busy users. Coverage can vary by shade, so a second coat may be needed for full opacity.
Quick comparison table:
- Wear time: Gel Couture > Classic > Expressie
- Finish: Gel Couture (glossy) • Classic (satin to glossy with top coat) • Expressie (semi-gloss)
- Drying speed: Expressie > Classic > Gel Couture
- Ease of use: Classic is most forgiving; Gel Couture needs steady hands; Expressie favors speed.
They perform reliably in their categories. Choice depends on whether the user values durability, color variety, or speed.
FAQs
What makes Essie Best nail polish popular?
They offer a wide shade range and reliable formulas. Many users like the smooth application and glossy finish.
Is Essie Best long-lasting?
It lasts about 5–7 days with a base and top coat. Wear time varies by activity and nail prep.
Are Essie polishes cruelty-free?
Essie states they do not test on animals. Check the latest brand policies for updates.
How should someone apply Essie polish for best results?
Start with clean, dry nails and a thin base coat. Apply two thin color coats, let each dry, and finish with a top coat.
Can Essie nail polish be used for nail art?
Yes. Thin brushes or dotting tools work well. Thinner coats dry faster and reduce smudging.
How should Essie polish be removed?
Use acetone or non-acetone remover and cotton pads. Press briefly, then wipe to avoid excessive rubbing.
Does Essie offer gel or long-wear formulas?
Essie has gel-like and long-wear ranges sold separately. They may require a specific top coat for full effect.
Where can someone buy Essie?
Essie is sold at drugstores, beauty retailers, and online. Availability may vary by region.
Final Verdict
Essie offers a wide range of colors and finishes, and it performs reliably for many users. The formula applies smoothly and the brush makes shaping nails easier.
Durability varies by shade and top coat, but many find chips appear after several days. Professionals and at-home users report consistent color payoff and even coverage.
Price sits in the mid-range for drugstore/beauty brands. It provides good value for people who want long color lines and regular new collections.
Strengths:
- Large color selection
- Smooth application
- Recognizable brand quality
Limitations:
- Some shades chip sooner than others
- Drying time depends on top coat and thickness of layers
People who need salon-grade longevity might prefer a gel system. Those who want many color choices and easy application will like Essie.
Try a single bottle in a favorite shade to test wear time with your routine. This helps decide if Essie fits daily use or occasional wear.