Step 1 Prep
Prep cuticles, nail, and skin with Ready. Prep. Go. Advanced Cuticle Remover.
Ballet Slippers
An award-winning, best-selling, iconic classic pale pink nail polish with a sheer finish.
-
Some icons need no introduction. Ballet Slippers is an award-winning, best-selling classic pale pink nail polish with a sheer finish. One coat for a barely-there French mani feel, two for that perfectly polished, timelessly chic look you'll reach for again and again.
RICH COLOR & SHINE: All essie Original nail polishes offer a salon-quality, billion pigment formula that is vegan, providing saturated color payoff and shine in every coat.
PATENTED CAMEL-STEM BRUSH: Our exclusive, patented camel-stem brush is designed for professional results at home. It provides controlled formula flow for precise application, ensuring a smooth, even finish.
FLAWLESS APPLICATION: Achieve the perfect manicure and pedicure by applying two coats. Apply a think first layer and then a second while tacky for a vivid, streak-free finish.
7-DAY WEAR: Elevate your look with a base and top coat. A base coat strengthens your nails and creates a smooth base, while a top coat locks in color with lasting shine and chip protection. Enjoy up to 7-day wear when paired with our Stay Longer top coat.BEST SELLER: 1 bottle of essie Original nail polish is sold every 5 seconds.*
KEY FEATURES:
This product comes in a glass bottle:
Size: 0.46 ounces
Product Description: 1.140" Width: 1.140" Height: 3.543"
Product Form: Liquid Polish
NAIL TYPE: essie Original polish is ideal for consumers looking for a salon-quality manicure at home with saturated color payoff.*L’Oreal custom product hierarchy calc based on USxAOC NIQ Scantrack for nail color. 52WE 12/ 27/25. © 2026, Nielsen Consumer LLC
-
How to use Ballet Slippers, a pale pink original nail polish with a sheer finish:
Prep: 1 coat of essie Strong Start base coat to strengthen nails and create a smooth base.
Color: 2 coats of your favorite essie Original nail polish for rich color and shine.
Shine: 1 coat of of essie Stay Longer top coat to lock in color with lasting shine and chip protection.
Care: Finish with On A Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil to condition cuticles and prevent dryness.
-
essie is a vegan brand – contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Full ingredient list:
ETHYL ACETATE BUTYL ACETATE NITROCELLULOSE TOSYLAMIDE/EPOXY RESIN TRIMETHYL PENTANYL DIISOBUTYRATE ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL TRIBENZOIN STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE ACETYLATED HYDROGENATED CASTOR GLYCERIDE ADIPIC ACID/NEOPENTYL GLYCOL/TRIMELLITIC ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER SUCROSE ACETATE ISOBUTYRATE STEARALKONIUM BENTONITE SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE BENZOPHENONE-1 SILICA BARIUM SULFATE DIACETONE ALCOHOL CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER CITRIC ACID ALUMINUM CALCIUM SODIUM SILICATE ALCOHOL DENAT. CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE COLOPHONIUM / ROSIN / COLOPHANE ALUMINA DIMETHICONE ISOPHORONE DIAMINE/ISOPHTHALIC ACID/TROMETHAMINE COPOLYMER TIN OXIDE CALCIUM TITANIUM BOROSILICATE DIETHYLHEXYL ADIPATE n-BUTYL ALCOHOL AQUA / WATER / EAU TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE TALC ACETONE ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE MICA CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 LAKE CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES CI 77510 / FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE CI 77007 / ULTRAMARINES CI 77000 / ALUMINUM POWDER CI 15850 / RED 7 LAKE CI 15880 / RED 34 LAKE CI 15850 / RED 6 LAKE CI 77266 / BLACK 2 CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE CI 77742 / MANGANESE VIOLET CI 77288 / CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS CI 77510 / FERRIC FERROCYANIDE CI 45410 / RED 28 CI 73360 / RED 30 LAKE CI 60730 / EXT. VIOLET 2 CI 60725 / VIOLET 2 CI 45380 / RED 22 ]
Ballet Slippers Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes. Ballet Slippers is crafted with our 100% vegan formula, containing no animal-derived ingredients. Essie is also committed to being cruelty-free and does not test any products on animals.
- Pair this classic pale pink with our Stay Longer top coat for up to 7 days of chip-resistant wear. Powered by our high-quality classic formula, the sheer pink color remains clean, elegant, and streak-free from day one to day seven.
- Ballet Slippers is formulated for a quick and easy application. It is designed to dry rapidly, allowing you to achieve a professional, salon-quality look at home without the long wait.
- For best results, we recommend the Essie system. A base coat creates a smooth, nourished surface to prevent staining and ensure even color distribution, while an Essie top coat is essential to lock in the sheer color, enhance the high-shine finish, and ensure your manicure lasts all week.
- Start with one thin coat of Essie base coat. Use our patented camel-stem brush to apply either one coat of Ballet Slippers for a barely-there French manicure feel, or two coats for that perfectly polished, timelessly chic look you'll reach for again and again; the brush provides a controlled formula flow for a quick, smooth, and precise application. Finish with an Essie top coat.
- Ballet Slippers can be removed quickly and easily with any standard nail polish remover. No soaking or specialized removal tools are required.
- You can find Ballet Slippers at most drug stores and cosmetic stores. You can also find e-retailers that carry essie enamel nail polish right here on our website.
Enhance your manicure
Step 2 Prime
Apply 1 coat of base coat to reinforce and harden nails.
Step 3 Paint
Apply 2 coats of essie original nail polish.
Step 4 Seal
Apply 1 coat of top coat for a plump, shiny finish.
Shop the routine
"essie original color is iconic. I love the brush, the hundreds of colors to choose from, and the fact that it was my first favorite." - Rita Remark, essie Global Brand Ambassador
Similar shades
reviews
Customer Images and Videos
Filter Reviews
rating
type of nail polish user
great to wear for
age
skin tone
where do you use essie?
locale
1 to 8 of 340 reviews .
1 – 8 of 340 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
The product is great
4 hours ago
Dry very quickly and the texture is amazing, the color is beautiful I loved it, the quality is definitely perfect, I’ II try again this product, I really loved it.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A timeless soft pink with a smooth application and elegant finish
a day ago
I’ve really been enjoying this shade! Ballet Slippersis a beautiful soft pink that gives my nails a clean, elegant look. The folrmula applies smoothly, dries to a glossy finish and is easy to build with multiples coats. It’s perfect for an everyday manicure.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great
4 days ago
Beautiful color! The perfect neutral! I feel like you could use this everyday and never get sick of it. Great quality. I’d definitely recommend!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect natural shade
6 days ago
Love my new ESSIE Ballet Slippers Colour 💗 It look so elegant and perfect! I love how natural and glossy my nails look! It applies smoothly, and feels lightweight. The bottle is easy to hold, the cap provides a comfortable grip, and it’s a perfect size.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Clean and durable
6 days ago
It's very clear, but it's like a cute and clean outline, resulting in a clean and pure style for your nails, both hand and foot, and with good durability.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
This is a good nail polish
7 days ago
This is such a pretty color. Its sheer and goes on so smooth. It literally feels like i have nothing on my nails. Its very very light weight. It makes your nails so shiny and pretty❤️
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
The ideal shade for classic, clean and very elegant nails
7 days ago
I love this nail polish. The Ballet Slippers shade is a perfect classic for any occasion. It leaves a clean, delicate, and natural finish on the nails with a beautiful shine. It's ideal if you're looking for an elegant, subtle style that goes with everything. Plus, it's very easy to apply and dries quickly.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Muy natural y fácil de usar
8 days ago
I love my natural nails, and with this color, they look understated; the polish lasts a long time and stays intact—it feels like I have nothing at all on my nails.
helpful?
1 – 8 of 340 reviews
Customer Images and Videos
Filter Reviews
rating
type of nail polish user
great to wear for
age
skin tone
where do you use essie?
locale
9 to 38 of 340 reviews .
9 – 38 of 340 reviews
most recent
1 out of 5 stars.
0 stars….
8 days ago
It is White when i paint it Would not recommend if I could give 0 stars i would and was very expensive
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Its color is soft and delicate, I loved it.!
8 days ago
Essie has a light texture, I use it every 4 or 5 days because if it goes later, it is safe to use it does not have a strong smell, its usability is every time you want to renew. Its color is soft and delicate, I loved it.!
helpful?
1 out of 5 stars.
see through, even with two layers
8 days ago
I had very high hopes for this but I’m honestly disappointed. The nail polish is very thin. The first picture is one layer, and the second picture is two layers applied and it’s still see through. I took it off immediately, and unfortunately won’t be using this again.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect
8 days ago
The nail polish is soft andd elegant especially this col, it’s easy to put and easy to take off, it’s shiny, of good quality and you can make combo color or any design with it.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Very Good
9 days ago
I’M obsessed whit This Essie Shade the color is a sotf , milk baby pink that looks so Clean and elegant on the nailis . Its gives you that your nailis
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Quick dry
9 days ago
I love the brush applicator it is the perfect size to do a smooth swipe. It is quick dry which I like about it great for on-the-go especially when you just want a quick nail paint for unexpected occasions.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A timeless soft pink polish with a smooth application and long-lasting wear
9 days ago
I really love this Essie shade! Ballet Slippers is a beautiful soft pink that looks elegant and natural. The polish applies smoothly with great coverage in to coast and dries fairly quickly. It lasts several days without chipping when I use a top coat, making is perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. It's a timeless color that goes with everything.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Essie nail polish easy to apply ,smooth finish , pretty color and good for at-home use . Recommend
9 days ago
The package arrived without any issues and the whole process was smooth and easy .
The nail
I received this nail polish 💅🏼 from Influenster to test and the experience was smooth . The polish was nice texture, is easy to apply , and gives a clean, pretty finish I would recommend it for simple at-home use , and I didn’t have issues with support.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A classic, elegant pink that’s perfect for a natural-looking finish
9 days ago
I loved the Ballet Slippers 096 shade by Essie. I was improvised by how easy and comfortable it is to apply thanks to its brush. With two coats, I achieved even coverage and a beautiful glossy finish. The soft pink shade goes well with any occasion and perfectly complements a natural look. The bottle is lightweight, making it easy to handle and convenient to carry in a makeup bag or travel case.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
The color nice and give a cool vibes
10 days ago
The Essie nail polish color is nice and cool vibes. Love that it almost as your nail color. The sizing is good, very light weight, wish I add clear polish to support it , it nice and smooth.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Great product
10 days ago
Always love essie nail polishes and this light baby pink is always the color palette I lean towards too! Love the nail polish so easy to glide, never lets me down!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful !
10 days ago
Easy application, the perfect nude pink color for any season! The bottle is sleek as all Essie products are and it fits perfect in any space you store your nail polish!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Such a beautiful everyday color
10 days ago
I absolutely love the way this feels and also has a nice wear and fit. It definitely goes with my outfit. This is definitely something it’s break into such a good stitching as well.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
It’s a super elegant pale pink with a sheer finish
11 days ago
Ballet Slippers has a soft, smooth sedation from the very first coat, without those seams or lines that ruin the finish. The touch feels clean glossy, with that isolating effect that protects the nail without feeling heavy. And it’s scent is light, elegant, never overwhelming. A classic pale pink that always looks delicate and perfect. ✨
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Easy to apply
11 days ago
Love this product looks beautiful and easy to apply. Smells good and feels even better on my nails. Gives a soft appearance and works when wearing with any outfit. Good quality love it and would use it again for its value grips so well to your nails too
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A classic and elegant nude shade with excellent staying power and a glossy finish.
12 days ago
I absolutely loved the shade Ballet Slippers. It's a classic, elegant, and versatile nude color. Perfect for any occasion. The polish applies easily, has good coverage, and leaves a glossy finish. Plus, it lasts really well without chipping easily.
helpful?
3 out of 5 stars.
Mediocre Nail Polish
12 days ago
Pretty light pink color. Very translucent and requires at least 2-3 coats to be opaque and you can still see every little imperfection. I let them dry for at least an hour before doing anything and the polish still smudged (see last photo).
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Polished and clean
12 days ago
I love Essie nail polish. It glides on easily and dries fast. After dealing with little children and cleaning every day, this nail polish stays on my nails almost a week without chipping. This color, ballet slippers (096), is a perfect classic color for nails to look
polished but not over the top.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Durability
12 days ago
This product really surprised me! The texture, the cover, easy to dry, the color, and most importantly the durability. I'm really going to buy more colors.
helpful?
2 out of 5 stars.
Is too liquid
12 days ago
I really like the color, but I feel is to runny because is so watery so that texture is very hard to use, the application makes everything more harder. So I think is a good nail polish for a very expert professional but not for someone to want to use at home
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Glossy nail polish: Essie's Ballet Slippers is a classic pale pink nail polish [with sheer pink undertones] and a high-gloss finish. The salon-quality nail color formula provides flawless coverage and brilliant shine.
12 days ago
Glossy nail polish: Essie's Ballet Slippers is a classic pale pink nail polish [with sheer pink undertones] and a high-gloss finish. The salon-quality nail color formula provides flawless coverage and brilliant shine.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Simple elegant nails
12 days ago
The Ballet Slipper nail polish color from Essie is an Award Winning shade and I understand why. The color is not as hard as plain white, it gives the tiniest hint of pink. It looks absolutely stunning with a tan. It’s perfect for work or summer vacation. Two layers and your nails look polished and pretty!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect classic shade
12 days ago
Essie Ballet Slipper is absolutely the perfect pale pink for a clean, elegant and sophisticated manicure. The application is incredibly smooth, it wears very comfortably, and the formula delivers a beautiful, high-shine finish that lasts for days. It is my absolutely go-to whenever I want a natural and polished look.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect natural white, pink polish for everyday looks
12 days ago
I love the color ballet slippers — the perfect natural white/pink that is slightly sheer. This nail polish lasts me about one week (granted I don’t do lots of manual labor with my hands) with a top coat of clear nail polish.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Pleasantlysurprised
12 days ago
I was pleasantly surprised by this nail polish! The bottle has a nice weight to it, making it feel like a quality product right from the start. The polish applied smoothly with great performance, providing even coverage and a beautiful finish. Once dry, it had just the right amount of flexibility, so it held up well without chipping too quickly during everyday activities. Considering the quality and durability, I think it offers excellent value for the price. I would definitely purchase this polish again and recommend it to others.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great color
13 days ago
Love this color nail polish! The quality exceeded my expectations and dried quickly. It was easy to apply and is long lasting with great value. The color is similar to white but more of a very light pink which is a great alternative if you want something not quite as flashy as white.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Light and gives a very feminine touch.
13 days ago
I’m not an expert painting my nails but this color is beautiful and easy to apply.
Easy to touch up the color whenever you need it.
Light and gives a very feminine touch.
I loved it 💕
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Soft pink perfect
13 days ago
This color is beautiful if you want natural nail look but it takes forever to dry and I think it’s a little more opaque than it looks in most the advertisements but it’s still lovely and wears well
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful soft Pink looks elegant, and last well without chipping💅
14 days ago
I really love this nails polish Ballet Slipper is a beautiful soft pink shade that looks elegant and natural. The formula applies smoothly, dries fairly quickly, and gives a glossy finish.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
The princess nail polish
14 days ago
This nail polish color is perfect; it’s a pale pink, a tender pink. You see it and think of princesses. The material is strong and applies very well. It really dries quickly, doesn’t leave clumps, and doesn’t cause allergies.
helpful?
9 – 38 of 340 reviews