Essie reviews and discussion

4.4

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Expansive, trend-forward color library
  • Smooth, even polish application
  • Long-wearing gel couture alternative
  • Iconic, salon-trusted brand pedigree
  • Occasional thin, sheer formulas
  • Inconsistent chip resistance longevity
  • Narrow brush challenges larger nails
  • Quick-dry textures sometimes uneven

Essie delivers salon-worthy color and generally long-lasting wear, according to reviews that praise its vast shade range (from Ballet Slippers and Fiji to Wicked), smooth application, and strong gel-alternative Gel Couture line. Reviews also flag thinner or sheer formulas that need 2–3 coats, occasional chipping and brush size issues, and mixed experiences with the quick-dry and Expressie brushes—making Essie a reliable classic with standout colors but variable opacity and durability.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

61 reviews and posts

  • LOVE! Doesn’t chip on my nails and my pedicures last soo long!

  • The names are cute, the products are predictable for each season, decent 'conventional' range of colors to suit most tastes; the redesigned wider brush works well. No complaints for a solid product. Would want to try their newer nail strengtheners too. Product is priced well for a drugstore item, and the performance is decent. Good quality for value.

  • Essie is the first “fancy” nail polish I was exposed to in the nail salon. They have so many colors and types of polish to appeal to a variety of people. The polish is good quality and lasts pretty long.

  • Essie is a classic household name. Everyone and her sister went crazy for 'Mint Candy Apple' and 'Ballet Slippers' like 15 years ago! I haven't used essie in a while, but it was the fancy, birthday-party-gift-worthy nail polish back in the day.

  • Love the wide variety of colors, drys quickly. I feel that it chips more than other brands

  • Their products are of good quality, and I appreciate their wide range of colors which lasts a long time.

  • By far my favorite polish brand. Lots of great colors, reasonably priced, and last me about a week, which is a lot as I do a lot of cleaning for my job

  • My go-to, without question. The "good to go" topcoat is the best and the Expressie line is perfect for manicures for my 3yo (who will not sit still, yet insists on having her nails painted). Amazing range of colors.

  • When I need to turn to regular polish instead of gel, I really enjoy Essie products. The price is on par with other brands but I find that Essie most times has a wider color range in store. Application is great, and personally, I enjoy the bottle being square as opposed to the usual round polish bottle.

  • Beautiful variable colors. Very accesible. Does not need many layers for nails to be completely covered uniformly.

  • This Nail Polish is Grest ..Love All The colors and their Name.. The Polish Stays On For a good While.. keep up the good work..

    Influencer for Essie
  • Love the Essie formulate. It applies easily and is long lasting. In addition they gave a variety of colors and transparencies. I also like that the brand has a variety of top and base coats. The only reason why the rating was 4/5 is because the brushes are a little small so if you have a larger nail plate, you will need to use multiple swipes to apply the polish.

  • I have used many other nail polish brands but Essie is the best by far. The colors are brilliant, long-lasting and application is easy.

  • I love Essie brand nail polish. It's affordable and long lasting with no chipping. It glides on smoothly and dries quickly.

    Influencer for Essie
  • The nail polish I go back to time and time again: easy to apply and long lasting. The variety of colours is impressive.

  • Own so many of their nail polishes, the colours are extremely nice, the rage goes from nude to vibrant, always easy to air up with outfits

  • My go-to for nail polish! Whenever I go to the store, Essie is the first brand I look at. They have such a gorgeous variety of colours, their bottles are super cute, and I know they are good quality. I've been using them since I was a teenager, and nothing else has ever matched up! Sometimes I find other brands are super runny or I need to put multiple coats to get the same effect, but Essie has a good consistency and opacity where I only need to put 2 or 3 coats depending on how vibrant I want it!

  • Love this vegan product - love the colors!