How long does it take for my nail polish to dry?
After you’ve painted a base coat, two coats of polish, and a top coat, you should sit for about 15 minutes to dry your nails. The perfect drying time could vary based on environmental factors like temperature and humidity, so a fan may be helpful in warmer, wetter climates. Although your nails will feel dry after this time, note that your nails are not completely dry for 2-3 hours after painting, so refrain from activities that could smudge your manicure in that time.
 
How long should I wait to apply my top coat after painting my nails?
One coat of polish takes about 30 to 60 seconds to dry. This is about the time it takes for the average person to paint all of their nails, so once you have painted all your nails, you should be ready to add the next coat. Once you have applied two coats of color, you can start again at the first nail with your top coat.
 
My manicure doesn't last. What can I do to make my manicure last longer?
To help your manicure last longer try using one of our base coats to improve adhesion and our no chips ahead top coat. Make sure you use two coats of polish and wait 30 to 60 seconds before each application.
 
You might also like to try gel couture, which has longwear for an at-home gel-like manicure. gel couture offers longwear perfection in an easy 2-step system. For more information about gel couture, please click here.
 
Or if you prefer more of a traditional gel manicure, please visit the salon locator to find an essie gel salon near you.
 
Should I shake essie color prior to application?
Shaking can create bubbles. Instead simply roll the bottle upside down between your hands.
 
When a bottle of color has been unused for a long time and the color looks uneven, should I shake it?
If a bottle of essie color has not been used recently, the formula can begin to separate. In this case shake the bottle thoroughly before beginning the nail prep so it has time to settle. This will give time for any air bubbles created by shaking to rise back to the surface.
 
Do I really need a top coat?
A top coat is always recommended but choosing the right one could help your manicure dry faster, last longer or create a textured finish that your polish can’t achieve. To learn more about top coats, check out the essie collection here.
 
If you’re using gel couture, make sure to use the unique gel couture top coat.
 
Do I really need a base coat?
With regular enamel nail polish, a base coat is always recommended but choosing the right one could prolong the life of your manicure, prevent chipping, and nourish and protect your nail. To learn more about base coats, check out our full range here.
 
No base coat is needed if you’re using gel couture.
 
Can I use essie color with the base or top coat from another brand?
Base coats and top coats are created with the a specific color formula in mind. For optimal wear and shine results, use essie base and top coat with essie color. While some other brands’ formulas may be compatible with essie, results are not assured.
 
How can I get a perfect looking application with small or very curved nail beds?
Gently pull the skin around the sidewalls of the nail away from the nail plate before applying color. If you “draw outside the lines” and get polish on the skin, clean up with a nail art or makeup brush dipped in polish remover. Concealer and angled eye liner brushes are recommended for clean-up.
 
Do you need a UV or LED light when applying gel•setter?
No UV or LED light needed. gel•setter is applied and dries like a regular top coat, but shines like a gel.

Does essie polish expire?
Unopened, essie polish has a 2-year (or 24 month) shelf life.
 
How can I extend the shelf life of my nail polish?
With proper care, nail polishes can last up to 2 years. Always keep the neck of the nail polish bottle clean and store it somewhere cool, out of any direct sunlight. In fact, you can store nail polish in the refrigerator or freezer. If the nail polish starts to settle, just roll the bottle between your hands and the enclosed two steel balls will re-mix it properly. Finally, make sure the cap is always sealed tight after each use to prevent unnecessary drying of polish caused by air.
 
How do I prevent my polish from bubbling?
To avoid bubbles, store polish in the fridge or freezer. The best place is the coldest place; heat is the enemy. Also, always remember to keep the neck of the bottle clean and close the cap tightly.
 
How many manicures can I get out of a bottle of essie color?
A bottle will provide approximately 25-30 applications – a sheer color will yield slightly more than an opaque shade, and a glitter shade will yield slightly less. If you keep it out of direct light, clean the neck of the bottle after every use, and tighten the cap securely, you will get maximum use of the color.
 
Why does the color in an older bottle look different than my new bottle of the same essie shade?
Aging of polish ingredients may cause color to fade, yellow, or shift over time—discard any bottles that have been opened more than 2 years (or that are unopened but have been stored for more than 2 years). The production of our iconic shades has also advanced over the years – higher quality standards, pure color pigments, and new innovative ingredients allow for a better, more consistent product, but also can result in some color variation from the past.
 
Why are there small metal balls in essie polish?
These are stainless steel mixing balls to help mix the color and ensure it stays at the right consistency for a fluid, flawless application.
 
Can I mix my own essie polish?
We don’t recommend mixing different essie polishes together in one bottle—this may result in an uneven formula and bubbles during application. Instead, consider layering polishes to provide yourself with a one-of- a-kind shade. For example, layer sheer shades over opaque or glitter shades to create a customized manicure.
 
How do I pick an essie shade that’s right for me?
Part of the essie excitement is picking a new color! Familiarize yourself with the essie shade range and finishes so that you can make an informed decision. For instance, sugar daddy and muchi, muchi appear nearly identical in the bottle but sugar daddy has a very sheer, barely there finish perfect for those wanting a natural look and muchi, muchi is a creamier, more opaque pink. For more information about all of our shades, visit our nail polish section.
 
Where is the best place to buy essie nail polish?
You can find essie nail polish at most drug stores and cosmetic stores. To find a location near you, visit the store locator. Or you can also purchase essie polish right here on our website.
 
How long are seasonal shades available for sale?
The seasonal trend collections only available for a limited time, so when they sell out they are gone for good. However, sometimes if a trend shade is very popular, it might get added to the core collection. Check out our latest trend shades here.
 
I’m having trouble finding a shade.
The website inventory is updated frequently, so check back later if you can’t find your shade today. However, there may be a chance that the shade you are looking for was only available for a limited time or is no longer in production. If the shade you’re looking for is out of stock, please explore other recommended shades within the details on the product page.
 
Is essie’s color breathable?
Oxygen can permeate nail polish, so essie polishes are considered “breathable.”
 
Is essie color hypoallergenic?
Nail polish cannot be considered hypoallergenic. If you have allergies to ingredients commonly found in nail polish, a review of the essie ingredient list -- which you can find on the individual product detail pages here on our website -- will help identify the ingredients you would like to avoid. Always consult a physician for any questions you may have.
 
What is gel•setter?
Gel setter is a gel-like top coat designed to top off any mani or pedi to create a high-shine finish. Learn more here.

 

What is essie TREAT LOVE & COLOR?
TREAT LOVE & COLOR is the 1st advanced one-step care & color from essie. It not only helps perfect your nails instantly with a hint of color and brightening pigments, it also provides stronger nails in just one week.  With the lab-tested formula applied directly on nail, experience 60% less peeling and 35% less breakage. To learn more about TREAT LOVE & COLOR, click here.
  
Do you need a UV or LED light with gel couture?
No UV or LED needed. Although gel couture is a gel-like formula, it is applied and dries like an enamel nail polish.
 
Does my favorite shade come in gel couture?
While some gel couture shades may be similar to your favorite essie polish shades, gel couture has its own collection of unique couture colors. View them all here.
 
Where can I find essie•gel?
Essie gel is only available in salons. You can find salons that carry essie•gel by using the store locator. 

 

Do any of my favorite lacquer shades come in gel?
Currently essie•gel is available in 100 shades that mirror our fan favorite enamel polishes. To see if your favorite polish color is available in gel, click here.
 
Is essie tested on animals?
Essie and L’Oreal are totally committed to animal-free beauty. If you'd like to learn more about the work in the area of alternative methods to animal testing, please click here.

 

What is a cuticle?
The cuticle is dry, dead skin that is tightly bound to the nail plate. Cuticles appear white on the nail if not hydrated and softened regularly with apricot cuticle oil.
 
Why should I push back cuticles before polish application?
If not pushed back properly during manicure or pedicure prep, the cuticle will transfer oils from the skin to the nail. This might result in polish lifting and shorter wear time.
 
Should I cut or trim cuticles?
Cutting and trimming cuticles is not recommended—instead, gently push back cuticles after softening with apricot cuticle oil.
 
Should nails be soaked to soften cuticles?
You should always avoid soaking nails in water before a manicure. Nail plates are porous and absorb water, making them temporarily more flexible and less curved. Once the moisture leaves the nails after the manicure they go back to their original shape. This is why soaking nails can lead to shorter wear time—as the nail plate flexes back the polish can easily chip or peel. Additionally, water will also temporarily hydrate the cuticles, hiding imperfections and hangnails—this will prevent a meticulous manicure. Instead of soaking nails, give yourself a “dry manicure” using essie apricot cuticle oil.
 
What if my nails look and feel dry unless I soak them in water?
To keep nails looking and feeling hydrated, after a dry manicure, use apricot cuticle oil to rehydrate the skin around the nails. When you finish your prep routine, be sure to thoroughly cleanse the nails—any oil remaining on the nail plate will prevent polish adhesion and shorten polish wear.
 
When should I use apricot cuticle oil during the manicure?
Essie’s apricot cuticle oil is a cuticle hydrator that can be used before or after a manicure or a pedicure. If used before, be sure to thoroughly cleanse the nail before polish application. apricot cuticle oil should also be used to hydrate nails after polish or gel removal.

Do I need to cleanse the nails before applying a base coat?
Yes. Thoroughly cleanse the nails with polish remover and a lint free pad after your nail prep is complete. Be careful not to touch the nail plates with your fingers or oils will transfer to the nails, shortening color wear.
 
Can I use alcohol to cleanse the nails?
Yes, using alcohol will also thoroughly cleanse the nail in preparation for your manicure.
 
Should I use cotton balls or cosmetic rounds to cleanse the nail?
Always use lint free pads. Traditional cotton balls or cosmetic cotton rounds can leave pieces of cotton on your nails or on the essie brush. These cotton pieces are almost invisible until they begin to stick and dry in the layers of polish—or contaminate your bottle of polish— and then they become difficult to remove.

how does a plant-based formula effect wear and shine?

Our LOVE by essie 80% plant-based formula was carefully created with the best ingredients to deliver the same salon-quality wear & shine our consumers know and expect from essie nail color.

is plant-based nail polish healthier than regular nail polish?

All our products are tested to the strictest regulations worldwide, and we remain committed to no animal testing. we select performance-based nail polish ingredients that meet the highest standards and consistently deliver the impeccable color, outstanding wear and salon-quality formulas you have come to expect from essie.

what does the 80% plant-based ingredients mean?

80% of the raw materials that make up the LOVE by essie formula are plant-based, which means plant sources such as sugar cane, corn and cotton replace the conventional petrochemical based formulas. the other 20% include mineral based and organic pigments, mineral suspension agents that keeps pigments suspended in the formula, and synthetic ingredients to improve shine and performance.

what is the difference between the LOVE by essie and essie original formula?

essie original nail polish is a traditional enamel that is vegan and is not tested on animals. LOVe by essie is an 80% plant-based nail polish made with ingredients derived from cotton, sugar cane, and corn providing salon quality wear & shine – and of course is also vegan and not tested on animals.

How do I remove stubborn glitter polish?
Soak your cotton pad in polish remover, then allow it to sit on the nail for 30 seconds before removing. For particularly stubborn glitter, use gel removal wraps. Wrap the nail for 2-3 minutes and remove the wrap and gently push the glitter away from the nail with a metal pusher or orangewood stick, similar to how you would push back cuticles.
 
When removing reds or dark shades, how can I prevent polish from staining the skin?
Soak your cotton pad in polish remover, and then allow it to sit on the nail for 5 seconds. Pull the cotton pad vertically down the nail from cuticle to tip—never rub back and forth horizontally. Fold the cotton and continue to remove any remaining polish by pulling the cotton vertically down the nail.
 
Why do nails look white or dry after removing polish?
Polish removers temporarily dehydrate the nail plate making nails appear drier than they actually are. Rehydrate with apricot cuticle oil at the end of any removal service. If your nails appear dry after repeated polish application, you might benefit from a more nourishing base coat like grow stronger or millionails primer.
 
How do you remove gel polish?
The best way to remove gel nail polish at home is to soak a cotton ball in a nail polish remover with acetone and place it over the nail, wrapping your nail and cotton ball in a small piece of tin foil to secure them together. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and cotton ball from your nails. Then gently scrape the gel from your nail with a cuticle stick. (If the gel is still adhered after 15 minutes, wrap again with for 5 additional minutes—never scrape or buff off gel.)
 
How do you remove gel•setter?
You remove gel•setter like any regular top coat—with nail polish remover.

trouble with polish storage
Avoid Light. The pigments in nail polish—especially sheer and pastel colors—can shift over time when exposed to light. Be sure to keep your polish stored away from light (natural and artificial).
 
Stay cool. Store color and nail care products in a cool place.
 
Stay safe. Store polish away from heat and flame.
 
Keep it fresh. Discard any polish bottles that have been open for over 24 months.
 
Know your neons. Neon pigments are especially prone to fading. These shades are released as limited edition shades and should be discarded when they reach their expiration.

trouble with product thickening
Lock it up. Close your bottles of color and care tightly after every use to avoid evaporation and drying out due to air exposure.
 
Clean, clean, clean! Clean the neck of your polish and care bottles daily (or after every use!) using nail polish remover and a lint free pad. Product left on the neck of the bottle will dry, causing the cap to seal less and less tightly over time. Solvents exposed to the air will evaporate, causing the product to thicken. This is why a new bottle of a color will perform differently than an older bottle.

trouble with streaky or uneven color application
Dress in layers. Some sheer and pastel polish shades will appear uneven on the first coat, but will even out for flawless coverage on coat two. Always apply two coats.
 
Don’t be too conservative. Using polish sparingly will not help you create a uniform finish—instead it will dry more quickly as you apply, creating streaks on the nail.
 
Apply color with quick brush strokes. Slow strokes of the brush can create streaks, since the solvents are already beginning to evaporate and the polish is drying as you apply.
 
Start with ridge filling. This primer helps even out the nail surface, which in turn will help level the polish applied on top. This is especially helpful if you’re using a sheer shade or a chalky pastel.
 
Save your strokes. Over-brushing—or going back over the same polish you’ve already applied with the brush—causes dragging and leaves color application uneven. That’s because the solvents are already beginning to evaporate— thickening and drying the polish—and repeated brushing causes the brush bristles to make small groves in the polish. Minimize brush strokes and practice smooth, long strokes to avoid this.
 
Shake & settle. If a bottle of essie color has not been used recently, the formula can begin to separate causing some unevenness in the color. In this case, shake the bottle thoroughly before beginning the your nail prep so it has time to settle. This will help ensure that any bubbles created by shaking can rise back to the surface before color application.

trouble with bubbles in polish
Pause between coats. During a manicure, allow each coat (base, color, and top coat) to dry 30 to 60 seconds before applying the next coat. If applied too fast the surface layers will dry more quickly than the layers underneath, trapping solvents in tiny bubbles as it tries to evaporate.
 
Apply thin coats. Always apply thin layers of base, color, and top coat. Thicker coats will take longer to dry, trapping solvents in tiny bubbles as it tries to evaporate.
 
Play with the perfect drop. To ensure you have the perfect amount of polish on the essie brush, wipe one side of the brush on the inside neck of the bottle. There should be a small bead of polish on the opposite side. Depending on your nail size, this bead should cover the full nail plate.
 
Beware of the fan. A fan can help solvents evaporate faster from the top coat layer, but the air can’t reach the layers of color underneath. This can also cause the top coat layer to dry faster, trapping solvents underneath. Polish applied too thick—or too quick—will still result in bubbles.
 
Turn on the A/C. When possible, keep the room between 68 - 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Calm, cool air is the best environment to prevent bubbles.

trouble with dents and smudges
Apply thin coats. Always apply thin layers of base, color, and top coat. Thicker coats will take longer to dry. This can lead to dents and smudges after, since the layers of color under the top coat will not dry fully for up to 2 hours.

Try the quick-e finish. quick-e drying drops create a barrier between drying nail polish and external impacts. It will help prevent smudges and dents until the polish is fully dried, sealing the manicure.

trouble with chipping or peeling
Skip the cocktails. Use the full essie nail care and color system for optimal wear. “Cocktailing” with products from other brands can result in shorter wear time as these formulas are not optimized for interlayer adhesion—in other words, they’re not developed to work together and may not get along.
 
Skip the soak. Always avoid soaking nails in water before a manicure. Nail plates are porous and absorb water, making them temporarily more flexible and less curved. One the moisture leaves the nails after the manicure they go back to their original shape. This is why soaking nails can leave to shorter wear time—as the nail plate flexes back the polish can easily chip or peel.
 
Care about cuticles. Make sure cuticles are pushed back before applying base coat. Cuticles act like a wick and pull oil onto the nail plate, which can cause the color to peel off.
 
Start squeaky clean.Thoroughly cleanse the nail with polish remover prior to application. It should be gently scrubbed, including around the sidewall of the nail and cuticle area and under the free edge (oil left under the free edge will cause your capped, sealed tips to chip).
 
Create a strong foundation. Choose and apply the right base coat for your nails. Try first base base coat for strong adhesion.
 
Wrap the tips. Cap and seal the free edge to prevent chipping and shrinkage at the tip of the nail. To do this, remove most of the polish from the brush, then tap it across the free edge of the nail. Do this for every layer—base, both color coats, and top coat. This will “wrap” the free edge of the nail in longer-lasting color. For very short nails or little to no free edge, capping and sealing may be difficult.
 
Include top coat. Re-apply top coat every other day (capping and sealing free edge each time) to help prevent chips and maintain wear and shine longer.
 
Consider lifestyle. Nail polish wears differently on everyone. Some naturally experience shorter wear due to nail type and condition, and others have lifestyles that expose manicures to chips and peeling. Here are just a few reasons for chipping and peeling:
– Naturally oily nail beds
– Short nail beds with little to no free edge
– Frequent handwashing
– Using household cleaning products and chemicals without gloves
– Using nails as tools (i.e. opening soda cans)

trouble with mani fading or changing color
Protect from the sun. Certain polish pigments—especially those found in brighter and neon shades—can fade over time when exposed to natural light. This is why, when you go on sunny vacations, you might find that manicure shades shift slightly during wear. Use no chips ahead top coat, which is formulated with a UV color shield to help reduce this kind of fading.
 
Consider lifestyle. Pale and pastel manicures are at risk for staining from a variety of lifestyle factors. Here are just a few causes of manicure staining and color change:
– Using household cleaning products and chemicals without gloves
– Eating with your fingers/hands
– Cooking with intensely pigmented spices (i.e. curries)
– Using self-tanning products
– Wearing dark denim
– Spending extended time out in the sun

trouble with staining at removal
Protect the nail plate. Always apply a base coat before enamel color application—this creates a protective barrier between the nail plate and the color coat to prevent pigment transfer and staining.
 
Buff it away. Some people are more likely to experience staining from intensely pigmented polish shades. Those with dry nails are especially at risk. If you see staining during polish removal, lightly buff the nail to remove polish residue from the surface of the nail plate.
 
Correct & protect. If you love the look of natural nails but suffer from staining, apply essie color corrector for nails. This primer optically neutralizes yellowness of the nail and leaves the nail with a healthy glow.
 
Remove it right. When removing polish, especially intense, deep shades, the skin around the nail can easily be stained. To prevent this, soak your cotton pad in polish remover and press it gently onto the nail. Wait 5-10 seconds, then wipe downwards to the tip of the nail. Never rub back and forth—this will expose the skin around the nail to pigments.
 
Consider your nail type. Some nail types are more prone to staining, regardless of the color or polish formula. For example, if you have dry nail plates, you may naturally experience more staining.

trouble with glitter removal
Be patient with glitter. To remove glitter polish, soak cotton in polish remover and allow it to sit on the nail for 30 seconds before removing.
 
Push it off. First, remove most of the polish from the nail with nail polish remover. Next, firmly press a pad with polish remover on the nail and count to 10. Remove the pad and gently push the glitter away from the nail with a metal pusher or orangewood stick, similar to how you would push back cuticles.
 
Soak off stubborn sparkle. For particularly stubborn glitter, try the same process you would use for removing gel. Wrap the nails tightly with removal wraps for 2-3 minutes, then remove the wraps. The glitter should be gone.
 
Wipe it away. Swiping on a fresh coat of color or top coat will help make the dried polish underneath easier to remove. This is a great method to try if you’re removing glitter from accent nails.

What is non-toxic?

A standard definition for non-toxic is not poisonous or toxic.

Are essie nail polishes non-toxic?

Essie nail polishes have been tested with the strictest regulations in the world, wherever our products are sold.  We won’t claim non-toxic, as it has not been defined for nail polishes.  However, like many personal products, nail polish should not be ingested.  If nail polish is ingested, please reach out to your local Poison Control Center or seek a medical professional.

Is essie color hypoallergenic?

Does essie test on animals?

Essie brand does not test on animals.  

 

Where can I find the ingredients list for my essie nail polish?

We always recommend checking https://www.essie.com/ and online retailer ingredient lists for your essie products. you can also call your customer service line at 1-866-313-7845.

 

What is non-toxic?

A dictionary definition for non-toxic is not poisonous or toxic.

 

Are essie nail polishes safe?

At essie, our objective is to provide our consumers with ingredients, products and services of the very best quality, efficacy, and safety, and to demonstrate responsibility in everything we do.

 

Should I throw my old essie bottles out?

We understand often you may collect nail polishes, however for best results, we recommend that polishes be replaced after 24 months of use.

How do I pick the right base or top coat for me?

Essie offers a range of nail care products – from base coats, top coats and cuticle care - each one a champion of a benefit to help achiever the art of the manicure.  For a full list of available care products, please visit our nail care section.

 

Why should I use a base coat?

A base coat is recommended as a foundation for essie original nail polishes in order to protect the nail and help the color adhere. gel couture by essie is a longwear nail polish formula in two easy steps – no base coat needed, as it’s in the color formula.  the expressie quick dry on-the-fly nail polish range is 1 step, no base coat needed.  

 

Why should I use a top coat?
Adding a top coat is an important step, designed to seal, shine, and extend the wear of your manicure. However, some essie polishes have unique effects and finishes that do not require a top coat.

 

Why are some essie care products no longer available?

Essie has recently updated the entire care line—offering a more streamlined selection of products that have been optimized for performance. Several products are being phased out as part of this process. For a full list of current care products, please visit our nail care section.

 

Does essie polish expire?

For best results, we recommend that polishes be replaced after 24 months of use.

 

How can I extend the shelf life of my nail polish?
With proper care, nail polishes can last up to 2 years. Always keep the neck of the nail polish bottle clean and store it somewhere cool, out of any direct sunlight. the nail polish starts to settle, just roll the bottle between your hands and the enclosed two steel balls will re-mix it properly. Finally, make sure the cap is always sealed tight after each use to prevent unnecessary drying of polish caused by air.

 

Why does the color in an older bottle look different than my new bottle of the same essie shade?
Aging of polish ingredients may cause color to fade, yellow, or shift over time—discard any bottles that have been opened more than 2 years (or that are unopened but have been stored for more than 2 years). The production of our iconic shades has also advanced over the years – higher quality standards, pure color pigments, and new innovative ingredients allow for a better, more consistent product, but also can result in some color variation from the past.

Why are there small metal balls in essie polish?
These are stainless steel mixing balls to help mix the color and ensure it stays at the right consistency for a fluid, flawless application.

Can I mix my own essie polish?
We don’t recommend mixing different essie polishes together in one bottle—this may result in an uneven formula and bubbles during application. Instead, consider layering polishes to provide yourself with a one-of- a-kind shade. For example, layer sheer shades over opaque or glitter shades to create a customized manicure.

Should I shake essie color prior to application?
Shaking can create bubbles. Instead simply roll the bottle upside down between your hands.

When a bottle of color has been unused for a long time and the color looks uneven, should I shake it?
If a bottle of essie color has not been used recently, the formula can begin to separate. In this case shake the bottle thoroughly before beginning the nail prep so it has time to settle. This will give time for any air bubbles created by shaking to rise back to the surface.

 

I couldn’t find a limited edition essie shade, where can I find it?  
The seasonal trend collections only available for a limited time, so when they sell out they are gone for good. However, sometimes if a trend shade is very popular, it might get added to the core collection. Check out our latest trend shades here.

 

is a gel-like formula, it is applied and dries like an enamel nail polish.

 

Where can I find essie•gel?
essie•gel is only available in salons. You can find salons that carry essie•gel by using the store locator.