Step 1 Prep
Prep cuticles, nail, and skin with Ready. Prep. Go. Advanced Cuticle Remover.
Licorice
Eternally cool. Effortlessly chic. This beguiling jet black nail polish gives rockstar attitude with sophisticated style.
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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.*
*L’Oreal custom product hierarchy calc based on USxAOC NIQ Scantrack for nail color. 52WE 12/ 27/25. © 2026, Nielsen Consumer LLC
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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.
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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 ]
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
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1 to 8 of 70 reviews .
1 – 8 of 70 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
LOVE this polish & long lasting ty essie
2 years ago
so, i'm not usually a nailpolish girl but as of using this, it was quite simple to put on & i'm at day three of wearing it 1/5/2024, i usually change my nailpolish everyday but ive stuck with this one solely because it doesn't chip and it's so universal, goes with anything and i found it in my mums nailpolish bag (most definitely a few years old) so that says something about its shelf life! i also got compliments from my family
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
The perfect black nailpolish
3 years ago
It's been my go to nail polish for years. It lasts a good week (using top coat), and always looks great.
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
my go-to black
5 years ago
Licorice is the longest lasting black polish I've found and is my go-to as a base for nail art.
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
2 out of 5 stars.
Chipped within first hour of wear
5 years ago
Yeah it’s a good black, but I put a base coat on underneath and this polish Chicopee within the first hour of wear. I’ve had this trouble with Essie polish before. IDK how y’all are so in love with it. Maybe I’m doing something wrong...
type of nail polish userregular/average
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
5 years ago
consumer care center
Hi there! We want to understand what happened just as much as you do. After you’ve painted a base coat, two coats of polish, and a top coat, your color should last for at least a week. If you aren’t already using a top coat, use the all in one base and top coat. . If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845
5 out of 5 stars.
Love it!
6 years ago
I was looking for new nail polish colors to paint my nails with. I really wanted to try out a darker shade of nail polish so I saw this and let's just say I might buy this nail polish color again. It is absolutely gorgeous! I love it! The nail polish didn't take that long to dry. I would definitely recommend this!
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
My go-to, goth polish
6 years ago
Love how fast this dries! Great coverage, covers in one swipe. Does chip but easy to fix due to quick drying. Available at Dischem in South Africa.
favorite essie color family?greens
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I like this product a lot it is definitely a good one. It has great quality and keeps my nails looking great. I dont always do my nails but I do love using this product when I do it on my own. I absolutely love the shade. I recommend it.
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This is another really good drug store brand nail polish. I have used this brand a few times and all the nail polishes are pretty nice. It doesn’t last very long but I don’t think I expected it too. Overall really nice polish!
Originally posted on influenster.com
1 – 8 of 70 reviews
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9 to 38 of 70 reviews .
9 – 38 of 70 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This one here is one of my favorite polishes to go to when I am in the mood for something dark and exciting. I love this nail color and the brand itself is so amazing!
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Black is my go-to color and I absolutely love the lasting color this brand has. Definitely one of my favorites
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This is my favorite Essie nail polish color (Fiji). It's an opaque pastel/powder pink. It takes two coats to fully cover your nails. This color looks great against tanned skin, especially during the spring/summer but I still wear it in the colder seasons as well. As with most of Essie nail polishes, it doesn't crack until almost two weeks at a time! I would definitely
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
i love this brand because of all the different colors they have to choose from! and they are very pigmented
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Essie is great color and coverage for a cheap price. I use this and a base and top coat for a great looking mani or pedi.
Originally posted on influenster.com
3 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This wasn’t as pigmented as I would like, it takes two coats or more to build up the pigmentation. Not a terrible nail polish as it’s pretty affordable but I prefer something that covers on one coat.
Originally posted on influenster.com
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there skullsprinklescosmetics! Thank you for sharing your experience with the creamy jet black shade, licorice. All essie nail colors should look picture perfect by the the second coat, but we appreciate knowing that you like a nail color that delivers great color in one coat. We will certainly let Essie and her innovation team know!
3 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
It looks great when it’s on, but it’s so hard to get off! I’d still recommend two coats however for a true black look.
Originally posted on influenster.com
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there Carly! We're pleased to hear you enjoy the drama of this jet black cream nail color. Your right about using 2 coats for the truest version of the color. To make removal of dark colors easier, leave your cotton ball soaked with nail polish remover on your nail and count to 10. This will give the layers a chance to soften up so they swipe off easily.
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I am currently wearing this colour on my nails! I only use Essie nail polish because this brand dries quickly, only takes 1-2 coats and is a fair price for such amazing quality. With this colour it only took one coat of nail polish and I am in love. I defiantly recommend this product.
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Out of all the nail polishes i have tried this is by far the best one. It is more pricey then the usual nail polishes but it is of good value, since it last longer then most. I would definitely buy it again.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This is one of my all time favorite black nail polishes! The color goes on so smoothly with just 2 coats, it seems to last much longer than other brands and it’s a great price!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
Works Great for a Long Time!
7 years ago
I bought this polish a little over a year ago and it is still very fresh and easy to apply. It also stays opaque, doesn’t thin out and doesn’t get clumpy(as most nail polishes do) or thick!
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
One Coat Black!!!
8 years ago
I bought this recently and oh my god it is amazing!! It goes on so smoothly and doesn’t stain your skin! It’s deep black in ONE coat! Definitely my favourite black plush EVER!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Essie Uberlack Good To Go Top-Coat
Q: favorite color?
A: In Stitches
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
1 out of 5 stars.
Very disappointing product!
8 years ago
I just painted my nails an hour ago with this nail polish and my nails are already chipped! It doesn't stay on your nails AT ALL! I am so disappointed because Essie nail polishes aren't exactly cheap, but I prefer the black nail polish from the Colorama line from Maybelline New York any time! Just something to think about. I'm actually quite amazed that some people like this nail polish because it's really rubbish.
Q: favorite color?
A: beach bum blue
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
8 years ago
Essie Consumer Care
Hi there Samy23! We appreciate you giving our Licorice shade a try. We recommend taking a look at our Good To Go Top Coat or our No Chips Ahead Top Coat to help your polish from chipping. Hope this helps and we will forward your feedback along!
5 out of 5 stars.
one coat wonder.
8 years ago
extremely opaque. If you are a nail polish addict, I'm assuming that you've heard of the indie nail polish brand "Cirque Colors." they have a one coat wonder black crème polish, and "licorice" is an obvious rival. Very amazing, long lasting, and opaque. Fab gurl.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: blanc, a list, frilling me softly.
Q: favorite color?
A: a list
type of nail polish userprofessional
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
2 out of 5 stars.
Disappointed
9 years ago
This was my first ever Essie polish purchase and maybe my expectations were too high. I will say that the color range (availability) is awesome and this particular shade of black is very deep. I loved that, however, it chipped right after drying on TWO fingers before I could even apply a top coat. I painted over it again and it chipped AGAIN before all the fingers dried. Unfortunately I will never buy this again. Chipping at two coats is quite a disappointment and for the price.
Q: favorite color?
A: This was my first color - Licorice
type of nail polish usernail art lover
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
9 years ago
ccc
We're sorry your 1st experience was not what you expected. We'd like to share some tips with you. Please click here for some Essie tips. http://bit.ly/2kB7sU5
We hope you give us another try!
5 out of 5 stars.
hella pigmented
9 years ago
it's really dark, and simply just the pure black that i wanted.
only one coat required and take a normal amount of time to dry.
it's say it lasts 2 1/2 days before it starts chipping, but i don't really care about how long it lasts if i'm honest, just reapply!
Q: favorite color?
A: this one
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Simple black- goes with everything
10 years ago
Just your basic black nail polish- no big deal. In terms of quality, I will say that it goes on a lot smoother than other cheaper nail polishes out there, and has a lot of shine so for that I’ll give you four stars. Also pairs well with just about any other color (my favorites are the reds and pinks for a nice contrast) or on its own.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Russian Roulette, Secret Story
Q: favorite color?
A: Russian roulette, Muchi muchi
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
I loved using this nail polish!!
10 years ago
I love this nail polish! First I thought i wouldn't want it but when i used it I was so happy with it!!! Thank you for making this nail polish!!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: glitter
Q: favorite color?
A: all
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
The color payoff is AMAZING
10 years ago
Normally I'm not one to choose black nail polish I love having bright colors on my nails, but there is just something different about this and all I need was one coat which makes everything always better since I'm not a fan of painting my nails and am very impatient so if a nail polish needs to many coats I'm over it and take it off. Also the time it took for these to dry was awesome. So Essie thanks for having such awesome nail polishs I think I will be painting my nails more now and going back to buy more very soon.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Enof is enof
Q: favorite color?
A: Licorice
type of nail polish userregular/average
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
My absolute favorite!!!!
10 years ago
Bought this a few months ago and I've worn it over and over again! Love the deep black color and I've got flawless coverage in two coats! (I add a clear coat on top as well). A truly deep black with no blue or brown undertones. I'll wear this for years to come! Looks great with any outfit, dressy or casual!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: sexy divide
Q: favorite color?
A: licorice
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
makes my nails look black
11 years ago
i bought this for the colour, it did indeed have colour
Q: goes great with this shade
A: bathrobe
Q: favorite color?
A: butler
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear forgirls night out
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Gorgeous!
11 years ago
Can be a little watery if you forget to mix it before use, but definitely the best black I've ever tried - and I've tried both Gosh and cheap ones.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: blanc
Q: favorite color?
A: Lacquers
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
2 out of 5 stars.
Chipped in less then an hour
11 years ago
I just painted my nails 4 days ago and the nail polish is already completely off my nails. I was so mad especially because the polish was so expensive. All of the nail polish that was on one of my fingers came off all at once! I am very disappointed.
Q: favorite color?
A: Ballet Slippers
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
To die for!
11 years ago
'Licorice' has always been one of my favorite go-to Essie shades. Whether on its own, or as an accent nail, It is truly perfection year round! This sweet yet sultry treat compliments any wardrobe &is great for all occasions! An absolute MUST have for any Polish Addict or beginners collection! The formula is divine, as always.. Extremely versatile, A true classic! xo
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Set in Stones + ANY Essie product
Q: favorite color?
A: Impossible to choose just ONE*
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Color
11 years ago
Loco rice is the blackest black with the richest color. I'm in love with this shade. It's my go to black nail polish.
Q: favorite color?
A: For the Twill of it
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
so good I'm blacking out
11 years ago
I love Licorice because everybody needs spicy sweets and tough nails
Q: goes great with this shade
A: mint candy apple or lilacism
Q: favorite color?
A: licorice
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect For Water Marbling
11 years ago
My sister and I both love water marbling and we always need good black polishes. This polish is so great! it water marbles excellently and looks great on its own. Love it!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Naughty Nautical, Jelly Apple
Q: favorite color?
A: Naughty Nautical
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect Color, Great Polish
11 years ago
I absolutely love this color and it last so long without chipping. This is my go to polish all the time as it never disappoints me.
Q: favorite color?
A: Licorice
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Best Polish Around!
11 years ago
I first bought this color a year or two ago and now I have about 10 bottles of it! It almost never chips. The color makes me feel sexy and confident! Definitely my favorite color!
Q: favorite color?
A: Licorice
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Amazing color
11 years ago
This is one of my to go colors. I love the color and last long!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Good as Gold
Q: favorite color?
A: Licorice, Resort Fling, Bikini ..
type of nail polish userblogger/fashionista
great to wear forgirls night out
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
9 – 38 of 70 reviews