The 40 Most Iconic Essie Nail Polish Shade of All Time, According to Editors
June 17, 2021
-
Facebook -
Pinterest -
Twitter -
Copy
As of this month, Essie has officially been keeping our fingers and toes well-manicured for 40 years. Founder Essie Weingarten launched her first 12 shades in 1981 and the brand has been churning out high-quality, affordable polishes with the most clever names in the biz ever since. To celebrate the milestone, we asked editors to share their favorite Essie shades of all time. Click through to see if yours made the cut (you already know that iconic shades like Ballet Slippers, Mint Candy Apple and Wicked are on the list!) and to discover new go-to's for your next mani-pedi appointment.
“The sheer pink shade is the holy grail of nail polish for a few reasons — it suits every skin tone, pairs well with just about any outfit and transitions seamlessly from season to season.” — Caitlyn, assistant editor
“This has been my go-to summer pedicure polish since I started painting my toenails I-don't-know-how-many years ago. It's fun and vibrant without being too vibrant, and it looks great with all sandals — it's practically a neutral.” — Dawn, executive director
“If I’m not wearing black on my nails, the complete opposite it is! I love Blanc because it’s the ultimate opaque white that contrasts my olive skin tone.” — Alanna, assistant managing editor
“My mom and I have been painting our toes with this poppy pink since I was a kid dangling my feet in her bathtub. I love how bright it is without veering into neon territory.” — Ari, associate editor
“This blue is super nostalgic for me — it reminds me of my childhood.” — Becca, associate creative producer
“It’s not summer until my nails are painted in a vacation-y shade of aquamarine, and this one is a perennial favorite.” — Sarah, associate content director
“A favorite of mine since childhood, this pastel polish reminds me of the day school gets out for summer: it’s bright, sunny and always filled with ice cold lemonade.” — Caitlyn, assistant editor
“When it comes to red polish, I say the brighter, the better! This is one I wear when I want to stand out, which is all the time.” — Mary, associate editor
“My middle school didn’t allow nail polish (how rude?!) but you already know I had Sheer Luck, a sheer pink, painted on my fingernails anyway.” — Caitlyn, assistant editor
“This bold green is so fun and I love the way it pops on my skin tone.” — Sarah, junior designer
“My favorite shade (probably of all time) is Avant-Garment. I remember the first time I got it, it was in the dead of winter and everyone was wearing mauves and burgundy shades. I wanted something more cheerful to match my mood so I went for this bright yellow against my caramel skin tone. Every single day for two weeks someone asked me what shade of nail polish I was wearing!” — Shalwah, senior editor
“If I’m not wearing a super bright nail polish, I’m going full-on fairy mode, and Bonbon Nuit is perfect for that. It’s a sheer, iridescent pink shade charged with a blinding gold sparkle.” — Ari, associate editor
“Red nail polish can seem so predictable, but there’s nothing boring about this energetic hue.” — Sarah, associate content director
“Growing up, my mom had a ‘no black nail polish’ rule much to my dismay. That’s why when we went to get manicures, I always went with Carry On — the perfect burgundy-purple that’s close enough to black as a compromise.” — Alanna, assistant managing editor
Essie Expressie Turn Up the Century
“I love how this magenta shade pops against my fair skin tone.” — Sarah, associate content director
“My year-round dream! I love the small flicks of shimmer, the light opal payoff and that it even applies beautifully as a pedi color.” — Mel, senior art director
“I’ve never been one to shy away from bright colors, and this periwinkle blue hue is no exception. Each time the sun hits just right, I’m instantly mesmerized by its iridescent purple-y shimmer.” — Caitlyn, assistant editor
“Orangey-reds are my favorite nail polish shades to wear. One coat instantly makes me feel like summer is on its way, no matter what time of year it is.” — Ari, associate editor
“Whenever I paint Aperitif, a punchy yet sophisticated red, on my nails, I’m immediately taken back to my study abroad days — which mainly included roaming around Florence with an aperitivo in one hand and a camera in another.” — Caitlyn, assistant editor
“I love this pastel color — it’s especially cute in the summertime. It’s one of those colors that I can rock as a matching mani-pedi.” — Sarah, junior designer
“Whether it’s New Year’s Eve, I’m gearing up for a trip to Vegas or just need a mood-booster, this glitter polish will be on my nails.” — Sarah, associate content director
“Who doesn’t love a good neutral nail polish shade? Cliff Hanger is the most gorgeous brown that can suit just about any vibe, whether it’s worn to work, play or everything in between”. — Caitlyn, assistant editor
“This is my go-to nail color. When I’m wearing this color, I mean business.” — Sarah, junior designer
“It's the perfect orangey-red shade that works on every skin tone, but the formula is really unique in that it sort of has a jelly texture that you can layer. One coat and you can see through it a bit, but two to three makes it fully opaque. The shade was discontinued for a few years, but it's back right now so I'm stocking up!” — Joanna, executive director
“No nail polish collection is complete without a perfect pink. For me, that shade is Slumber Party On, a classic bubblegum with warm undertones.” — Sarah, associate content director
“Shimmery purples are my favorite for summer pedicures. This periwinkle one is my beach go-to because it gives me mermaid vibes.” — Mary, associate editor
“I love this shade because it's perfect for any occasion! When I can’t decide which color to go with, but I want to look polished, I always opt for this shade.” — Alyssa, assistant editor
“You can never go wrong with this classic navy shade and the name is just too perfect.” — Jill, senior vice president
Essie Expressie Precious Cargo
“I’m often painting my nails too close to when I need to do something, so I love the Expressie line. This army green is just so cool.” — Sarah, associate content director
“Feelin’ Poppy is surprisingly subdued — think picnic-ready, not summer-scorcher.” — Ari, associate editor
“My nails are instantly holiday-party ready when I use Wrapped in Rubies. The deep burgundy with gold flecks is subtle yet regal at the same time.” — Mary, associate editor
“A matte finish can breathe new life to any polish color. I love experimenting with this mattifying top coat when I’m in the mood for a change.” — Sarah, associate content director
“All it takes is two coats for the ultimate solid, jet black finish.” — Alanna, assistant managing editor
“Bare With Me was my wedding shade and I remember packing five bottles ‘just in case’ something happened to one en route to our destination in Italy. It’s the perfect neutral shade with a touch of pink, so my nails looked shiny and healthy, but didn't distract from the rest of the look.” — Amanda, director
“This polish gives me oil slick vibes. I love how it appears to be a different color in every kind of lighting.” — Sarah, associate content director
“I’m obsessed with nudes and with just a touch of peach, this one is perfect!” — Katlyn, social media editor
“Whenever I go to a salon, I catch myself hoping they don’t have this polish shade on their shelf — just once I'd like to step out of my Butler Please bubble and try another color. Alas, this intense cobalt shade always has me coming back for more." — Sam, beauty editor
“I typically go for bright or dark colors, but in the spring, I have to have Lilacism on my nails at least once.” — Sarah, associate content director
“I always paint on this minty-blue polish as winter turns to spring. The color somehow manages to cure my seasonal depression.” — Mary, associate editor
Read more
