The 40 Most Iconic Essie Nail Polish Shades of All Time
June 17, 2021As 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.
Essie Ballet Slippers
“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
Essie Mint Candy Apple
“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
Essie Wicked
“I love wicked because it's a gorgeous, deep shade that's almost black, but has a hint of red to it which makes it super wearable. My mom and I have both been wearing it for 10+ years!” — Alyssa, assistant editorEssie Blanc
“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
Essie Watermelon
“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
Essie Bikini So Teeny
“This blue is super nostalgic for me — it reminds me of my childhood.” — Becca, associate creative producer
Essie In the Cab-ana
“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
Essie Sunny Business
“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
Essie Russian Roulette
“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
Essie Sheer Luck
“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
Essie Feelin’ Just Lime
“This bold green is so fun and I love the way it pops on my skin tone.” — Sarah, junior designer
Essie Avant-Garment
“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
Essie Bonbon Nuit
“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
Essie Geranium
“Red nail polish can seem so predictable, but there’s nothing boring about this energetic hue.” — Sarah, associate content director
Essie Carry On
“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
Essie Going Steady
“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
Essie You Do Blue
“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
Essie Yes, I Canyon
“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
Essie Aperitif
“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
Essie Go Ginza
“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
Essie Jazzy Jubilant
“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
Essie Cliff Hanger
“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
Essie Rock the Runway
“This is my go-to nail color. When I’m wearing this color, I mean business.” — Sarah, junior designer
Essie Clambake
“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
Essie Slumber Party On
“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
Essie World Is Your Oyster
“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
Essie Mademoiselle
“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
Essie After School Boy Blazer
“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
Essie Feelin’ Poppy
“Feelin’ Poppy is surprisingly subdued — think picnic-ready, not summer-scorcher.” — Ari, associate editor
Essie Wrapped in Rubies
“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
Essie Matte About You
“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
Essie Licorice
“All it takes is two coats for the ultimate solid, jet black finish.” — Alanna, assistant managing editor
Essie Bare With Me
“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
Essie For the Twill of It
“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
Essie High Class Affair
“I’m obsessed with nudes and with just a touch of peach, this one is perfect!” — Katlyn, social media editor
Essie Butler Please
“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
Essie Lilacism
“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
Essie Seas the Day
“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
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