1. Base Coat
Apply 1 coat to bare nails to prime for color while strengthening.
Ballet Slippers Frequently Asked Questions
Discover essie's original professional nail polish
As the color authority since 1981, all essie original nail polishes offer vivid, streak-free color. Get saturated payoff and shine in every coat with our billion pigment formula and patented camel-stem brush for precise, controlled application.
Find your perfect shade, with 1 bottle sold every 5 seconds.
Color with a Reputation
Anyone can create color, but only essie earns a reputation worth keeping. Discover our collection of instantly recognized, impossible-to-imitate shades that always make a statement.
Master a salon-quality nail look
2. Color
Apply 2 coats for optimal opacity.
3. Top Coat
Apply 1 coat for up to 7-day wear.
Shop your essential essie 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
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1 to 8 of 413 reviews .
1 – 8 of 413 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
A timeless classic .
23 hours ago
It is the most iconic translucent pink, prized for its clean, natural finish. It’s lightweight formula and fine brush requiere a patient application to avoid streaks, but it’s buildable coverage (1 to 3 coats) suits any skin tone. It stands out for its versatility, making it ideal for any occasion.
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5 out of 5 stars.
Excelente
3 days ago
Care performance traction breathability and comfort are excellent qualities I enjoy in this product I loved 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
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5 out of 5 stars.
Buildable Classic Color
4 days ago
Essie is tried and true for a reason! Ballet Slippers is a timeless, sheer baby pink color that works for everyone. I love how buildable it is. One application is a sheer, natural, shiny look while 2-3 coats gives a milky pink shine. It dries surprisingly quick as well which is great when you’re on the go!
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5 out of 5 stars.
I'm feeling pretty in Ballet Slippers pink!
4 days ago
I love this subtle shade of pink because it is perfect for a variety of outfits. Adding one coat creates a classic, shiny, and sheer look, while adding two coats makes the pink pop! I recommend this for anyone who wants a delicate nail polish that adds a hint of color to their life.
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4 out of 5 stars.
Cute baby pink color
4 days ago
This color is very cute! It does take a few coats for it to show the true color and not be streaky but after the 2/3 coat the color and coverage is perfect. Because of all the coats I did it does take a while to dry.
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5 out of 5 stars.
A little goes a long way
4 days ago
I like this color a lot because it is buildable and giving clean girl vibe while being pretty and iridescent. This polish is quick drying as well which is always a plus.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A beautiful, classic soft pink shade perfect for an elegant, natural look.
4 days ago
I love this nail polish! The soft pink nude shade is delicate, elegant, and perfect for a clean, natural look. It applies easily, looks beautiful on the nails, and works for any occasion. It’s a classic shade I would definitely use again.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Too fast drying
4 days ago
I absolutely love the color of the nail polish. Truthfully, part of the nails finished drying before I finish painting them, and the other part didn’t finish drying quick enough. I do wish there was a way around this as I really do love the color! 
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1 – 8 of 413 reviews
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9 to 38 of 413 reviews .
9 – 38 of 413 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
Such a classical beautiful color
5 days ago
Such a beautifully classic color that will always be a go to for me. It’s the most perfect, dainty pink color that’s minimalist enough to wear in the office or if you’re a simple gal like me and don’t like bright colors, this is absolutely perfect.
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3 out of 5 stars.
It’s ok
5 days ago
I do love the color, but it did not even last two days. My nail started chipping at the end of the first day. The price is good though, and I would happily use this on my nieces nails. 
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5 out of 5 stars.
Gorgeous lasting nail polish
5 days ago
The Essie ballet slippers nail polish is gorgeous. Soft and elegant color. Dries pretty quick too. One coat of Essie nail polish lasts about four days before it chips. I definitely recommend this product!
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5 out of 5 stars.
Pretty must have color
5 days ago
This is a really pretty color and dried down well! Need a couple layers to look even though. It's easy to use, the brush is nice and flexible with the shape.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Very nice
5 days ago
I've been loving the Essie Glass Nails Collection! The sheer, buildable formula gives my nails a beautiful glossy, glass-like finish that looks fresh and elegant. It applies smoothly, dries quickly, and lasts well with a good top coat. It's perfect if you love a natural, salon-quality manicure with a modern touch. I would definitely recommend this collection and will be buying more shades
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Essie Ballet Slippers has a smooth, lightweight formula that applies evenly, delivers a beautiful natural finish, and wears well for several days with minimal chipping
5 days ago
Essie ballet slippers gave my nails such a clean and natural look. The polish has a smooth texture and applies evenly , although I needed three thin coats to get the coverage i wanted because it’s very sheer. It dried pretty fast and felt lightweight on my nails.
The color lasted several days before I noticed slight chipping at the tips, especially without being overly careful. Overall, it’s a beautiful everyday shade that looks elegant and make my nails feel polished without being too bold
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A Long wearing formula!
5 days ago
I can see why it’s such a classic! It’s the perfect soft pink for clean and natural manicure. The formula applies smoothly, dries quickly, lasts long, and wears beautifully!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A timeless soft pink with a smooth formula and beautiful glossy finish .
5 days ago
I really enjoyed using this Essie shade Ballet Slippers is a beautiful soft pink with a timeless, elegant look that goes with everything . The formula applies smoothly, has great coverage in two coats, and dries to a glossy finish. It lasted several days without chipping , and I received compliments on the color. It’s perfect for everday wear or special occasions if you love clean and classic manicure.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Love the color
5 days ago
Beautiful soft pink shade ! It goes smoothly, looks elegant and is perfect for everyday wear. Great quality and definitely worth trying. The polish provides great coverage and builds up evenly with each coat, giving my nails a smooth, salon - quality finish.. The support after applying this polish is just wow. And the grip really awesome.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Buildable, elegant neutral, with milky pink undertone.
5 days ago
Essie is a beautiful sheer and buildable polish. I love how it changes appearance in different lighting. It leveled well and offers a clean and elegant look.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Nail day
5 days ago
I like this polish lasted on my toes for 2 weeks. The color is light like baby pink , it does take a few coats to get the color to actually show . It does take a bit to dry .
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Classic sheer pink nail polish with smooth application, easy maintenance, and a timeless, elegant finish.
5 days ago
Essie Ballet Slippers offers an exceptional performance with its classic, sheer, and elegant colour that glides on effortlessly. This iconic shade boasts a sophisticated, pale pink hue that complements a wide range of skin tones, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. The polish features a high-quality, easy-to-use brush designed to provide even coverage and a smooth, streak-free application, ensuring a flawless finish every time.
In terms of functionality, Essie Ballet Slippers excels with its user-friendly design and superior formula. Maintenance is simple, thanks to its impressive chip-resistance and enduring shine, especially when paired with a quality top coat. The polish retains its vibrant, glossy finish for days, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups and making it ideal for busy schedules.
Comfort is another standout feature, as the lightweight formula feels natural on the nails while delivering a polished, well-groomed look. This reliable nail polish not only enhances the beauty of your nails but also maintains their health and strength. Its timeless appeal and dependable performance make Essie Ballet Slippers a must-have staple in any nail polish collection, perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
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5 out of 5 stars.
The color is so cute and natural
5 days ago
I love this nail polish, my mom is a manicurist and we used it in an incredible way !! The color is so cute , fresh and soft. I have been painting my nails for more than a week and the color is still intact !!
She made me a design but the color takes all the spotlight
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Ballet slippers is the new white!
5 days ago
I’ve always loved Essie! I remember the little girl always going on Pinterest looking at nail pens using Essie nail polish. A majority of my nail polish collection is Essie.. The colors are phenomenal, the durability is fantastic, and the brand feels luxurious and posh! The color of ballet slippers I believe is my new favorite color!!! It’s an off-white creamy pink- the palest pink you can get. My go to color used to be white, but I love how this color add a bit of pizazz!! If I was to have one complaint it would be. That I wish they had a quick dry nail polish. Even after drying for 45+ minutes and using a hairdryer on the coolest setting, it’s not uncommon for me to smudge my nails.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful Pink
5 days ago
This is a beautiful shade of pink, it's a light shade that with a few coats turns into a beautiful pastel pink. This is the color Ballet Slippers and it's perfect for all seasons! So easy to apply with two coats and a top coat and you're ready for beautiful nails. Long lasting and chip proof!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Good durability on your nails
5 days ago
The texture us incredible and very easy to apply! And it feels pleasant on the nail. Im a homemaker, and the polish has really lasted! Beyond just looking good, it cares for and protects your nails.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Timeless and elegant look
5 days ago
Essie Ballet Slippers nail polish is one of those shades that quietly makes every look more polished. The sheer pale pink tone gives your nails that clean classic finish and the glossy shine that makes it look like you just stepped out of the salon.If you want a timeless elegant look Ballet Slippers never disappoints.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A timeless nude polish with a smooth finish and long-lasting wear
5 days ago
I’ve benn really happy with this polish, the shade is elegant ,soft and perfect for everyday natural manicure. The brush provides a comfortable grip making the application easy and precise.lightweight formulate the feel comfortable on my nails and doesn’t feel heavy on my after application. The bottle size is practical and provides enough product for multiple manicure.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
If you’re into natural-looking manicures that still feel put together ,this color is definitely worth Checking out .
5 days ago
I’ve been wearing this Essie Shade for a few days, now, and I’m honestly impressed . The formula goes on smoothly, dries with a beautiful glossy finish, and gives my nails that clean, polished look without trying too hard .
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect everyday color!
5 days ago
Essie is a classic! So, of course they always deliver. This polish is super pretty and easy to apply. I love the thicker brush. It makes painting the corners of my nails so easy. I cannot get over this color. It is so classy and perfect for any season!🩷
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
It provides a timeless elegance
5 days ago
It offers a very delicate pale pink color . It is a translucent coverage (sheer ) , ideal for those looking for a “ clean and well groomed nails “ appearance without an excessively dull color
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
My fav summer color
5 days ago
This color is ballet slippers. It’s been my favorite go to summer color. It’s not white and it’s not pink. It’s like a white with a tint of pink. It is a very unique color and I love it. Also, it’s one of those that dries really fast. I did not notice any clumping. The brush was good and narrow and fit the nail perfect
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A beautiful classic pink nail polish that creates an elegant everyday manicure.
6 days ago
I love essie Ballet Slippers! The soft pink color is elegant,timeless and perfect for any occasion.It applies smoothly , looks natural and gives my nails a clean , polished finish
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Loveeeeee
6 days ago
I’ve been trying essie Ballet Slippers and it’s so beautiful 😍
I love my nails so much! Colour is perfect 👌 I so much recommend it and it’s really good 😌
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
It's perfect to have it.
6 days ago
professional finish: leaves an implacable, clean-looking shine-gel-like, but without the need for a lamp. Honestly, it’s a really good option for those of us who are monthers and don’t have time for gel
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Gooog
6 days ago
Very good color and super easy to use leaves your hands super delicate and above all super fast drying and it is a very delicate and beautiful color I recommend it
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Dancing Nails
6 days ago
Nails with my daughter is always a fun mother daughter time. So when I received Ballet Slippers from Essie I was very excited to try it out with her. The pink is light and gives away to an airy feel. We both liked how you can do 1 coat and it will be light or you can do 3 coats and the pink will be darker but still a light airy feel. Such a pretty color that just make you feel lovely.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Incredible long-lasting quality and fast drying time, but the color is much lighter and shearer than expected.
6 days ago
The formula quality of this nail polish is fantastic! I was so impressed with the quick dry time and overall functionality. Normally, between cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning up after kids and pets, my nails chip within 3 to 4 days. This polish held up without chipping for almost two full weeks, which is unheard of for me.
As for assembly and application, the formula layers smoothly on the nail. However, the sheer, milky shade isn't my personal favorite—I usually prefer darker, more opaque colors like deep purples, blues, or burgundy. Because of its light, semi-translucent shade, the wearability works out great for painting my granddaughters' nails when they want them done. Overall, the overall formula construction and durability are top-notch; I’d just love to see this exact formula in darker shades!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A beautiful, classic sheer pink polish that leaves nails looking elegant, natural, and salon fresh.
6 days ago
I’ve been really happy with Essie Ballet Slipper. It’s a beautiful sheer pink that gives my nails a clean, polished, and natural look. It takes two to three coats to build up the color, the finish is worked it. With a good base and top coat , it lasts several days before chipping.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
So cute!
6 days ago
Very good product. I love the color and smooth application. The color fits my complexion as a great nude. Very clean look. Love the bottle and item was shipped carefully.
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9 – 38 of 413 reviews