I was blown away by this stuff. i have always loved Essie's colors, but their formulas haven't impressed me and are often streaky and don't go on well. This new line is a game changer. Things to know: -This nail polish is a 2 step process with NO UV lamp required. -I got the color FROST YOURSELF and I ordered it, not knowing it needed a special top coat, so that's something to know: when ordering, make sure you get the Gel Couture Top Coat (step 2) -I used this alone at first while i waited for the top coat to come in. Pictured is 2 coats of just the color. -This stuff dries super fast. Surprisingly fast. My main problem with my at home manicure is my tendency to be too impatient to let it dry fully and I always mess up at least 3 fingers and have to re-do them. This stuff was dry to the touch in under 10 minutes, and I was doing dishes within 30 minutes without messing up a single nail. -Durability: I am a stay at home mom who also flips furniture and I am hard on my nails. I do dishes at least 3 times a day and I am often baking, cooking or spray painting something. Even without a top coat this stuff lasted without a single chip for a whole week. -Removal: I avoid traditional gel nail polish because it's super hard to remove and always damages my nails during the removal process. Yes it lasts, but it's not worth the price of my nail health. This stuff removes like regular nail polish. I was able to get it off with regular nail polish remover in less time than nail polish with glitter in it usually takes. Blown away. The color FROST YOURSELF is pink with a subtle gold glitter in it. It's semi-transparent, even after 2 coats. I didn't think it suited my skin-tone perfectly, so when I ordered the top coat, I also ordered two other colors. After i removed the initial two coats, I used one coat of the color PRINCESS CHARMING and then used the FROST YOURSELF as the second coat. Then put the top coat on. The top coat did take a tad longer to dry, but it was still MUCH faster than typical nail polish. It has been incredibly durable so far and I think I am a convert. I plan to try a few other colors, but if they all perform like this and it doesn't end up damaging my nails long term, I will probably replace all my nail polishes with this stuff. I am honestly shocked and thrilled to finally have the holy grail of nail polish! Read more
If you love a clean, effortless nail look, this Essie nude polish is a must-have. It’s that perfect soft nude that adds just the right amount of shine without screaming for attention. The formula applies smoothly and evenly, and the full-size bottle means you’ll be reaching for it again and again. Keep in mind this shade is meant to look natural, not fully opaque, so you can still see your natural nail lines, which I actually love for an everyday, minimalist vibe. I also picked this up for my teenager, and it’s been perfect: a subtle pop of color that looks polished without being over-the-top. Bonus points because it’s helped us skip salon visits and save money while still getting that clean, put-together look at home. 💅 Overall, this is a timeless shade that works for all ages and occasions, definitely a staple in our nail collection. Read more
GORGEOUS!! I wear three nail polish brands only and Essie is one of them. I'm very picky in regards to nail polish brands because they need to have a good, reliable formula who's texture is creamy and easy to apply and last foreverrrrr on my nails. I developed an allergy to gel sadly, so I'm a regular nail polish only girly, as even the "allergen free" gel triggers my allergy. Essie definitely checks my boxes, and I can get at LEAST 7 days without chipping and up to 2 weeks if I'm mindful about it and reapply the edge top coat. The colour is a little sheer but builds up to opaque. It's pearlescent and shimmery, flashing big hits of gold and some iridescence over pink. Absolutely lovely and beautifully feminine. Pairs very well with a ballet core moment. Essie polish is so high quality and long-lasting. It's dries pretty quickly between coats - I tend to do 2-5 minutes between coats, then hit it with the Essie gel couture top coat to set it so I don't mess it up. If I didn't use a top coat, it would definitely still get little dents and bangs in it even hours later so don't skip the top coat!! And the Essie gel couture one is my GO TO. So so glossy and last for ages without shrinkage. 100% pair this with the Essie Gel Couture top coat and a good base coat (and good nail prep, always!) and this manicure will last you ages. A++++! Read more
I like neutral shades since I'm very hard on nail polish and chips (I'm a farmer, it happens) aren't nearly as noticeable with a soft light shade than with a bold color. I've worn essie nail polish for years since the colors are beautiful and long-lasting. And when I saw the gel couture line, I had to try it. I ordered the Frost Yourself color since it had a hint of pink in the picture, and when it arrived, I loved it. I had a 45-minute drive ahead of me last night, so I applied two coats in the car while waiting for my husband. It dried very fast and the second coat gave me a beautiful pale pink color with a pearlescent shimmer and a hint of gold glitter. I didn't have a top coat polish with me, but really didn't need it for the evening. I had intended to apply a top coat this morning but got sidetracked and spent the day working outside. It's been my experience that few polishes can stand up to a day's work on our hazelnut farm but when I came in tonight, there were no chips! I'm very happy with this color and the way it holds up. And, I'm adding a belated topcoat tonight for a fun party, but it's so nice not to have to do a last minute replacement manicure. This is a keeper. Read more
I may be subjective but it feels like a color I’d see on a grandma. At least when I put it on my nails. I can see this as a layer on option with another solid color but not as a standalone. Also, I have multiple other gel couture lines and also used the top step with this but it didn’t last as long. Not impressed with this color, durability, or the look. Read more
