Step 1 Prep
Prep cuticles, nail, and skin with Ready. Prep. Go. Advanced Cuticle Remover.
Minimalistic
A barely there pink.
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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.*
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
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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 ]
Original Nail Polish Frequently Asked Questions:
- Using a base coat and topcoat with essie’s original enamel nail polish can help improve the wear of your manicure and increase shine. A base coat can prolong the life of your manicure, prevent chipping, and nourish your nails. A top coat can help your manicure dry faster, last longer, or create a shiny or matte texture.
- You can find essie Original enamel nail polish at most drug stores and cosmetic stores. You can also find e-retailers that carry essie enamel nail polish right here on our website.
- Essie and Gel by essie are formulated without the ingredient TPO.* The use of TPO in classic nail polishes has never been permitted, therefore absent from the brand's formulas since inception.
- essie Original enamel nail polish typically lasts up to 7 days with proper application. Using a base coat and sealing your manicure with a top coat helps reduce chipping and keeps your color looking fresh.
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 52 reviews .
1 – 8 of 52 reviews
most recent
1 out of 5 stars.
Color not Accurate
9 months ago
As other's have stated, the pink polish color shown on the model's hands is not the same pink you get in real life. It's a baby pink, not a neutral pink, and so far I've painted 3 coats on and there are still streaks. I'm really disappointed that I wasted $10 on this.
type of nail polish userspecial occasions only
helpful?
response from essie:
9 months ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi msmg! Thanks for reaching out to us regarding Minimalist Nail Color. We're sorry to hear that it did not give you the results you expected. We appreciate the time you have taken and will share your comments with our teams.
1 out of 5 stars.
Bring back the original MINIMALISTIC color please.
11 months ago
This color is way off the original color. Please bring back the original.color.
type of nail polish userregular/average
helpful?
response from essie:
11 months ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi Cris4, we’re sorry to hear this barely there pink does not look the way you remember! The production of our iconic shades has 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. Be assured, your comments will be shared with Essie and her creative team!
4 out of 5 stars.
Right balance of sheer and opaque
a year ago
Color is perfect! Essie has saturated their pink polishes with sheers which aren't good. Minimalistic is just the right combo of sheer and opaque and I love it.
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.
Bright pink
2 years ago
There is nothing minimal about this shade. It's a BRIGHT, milky, pink. It does not look like these photos. Since it can't be returned, I have to put another shade over it.
type of nail polish usernovice/new user
helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello MtnAir. There! Thank you for sharing your experience with our minimalistic. We are sorry to hear that the shade was not your favorite. Feedback from our consumers are important and helps us improve our products. We will be passing your comments along to the team. We hope you find your perfect shade and continue using with great satisfaction!
2 out of 5 stars.
This shade has changed since it launched.
3 years ago
When it launched, minimalistic was the palest opaque pink -- so pale, it was almost white. It was a dream, and the name made sense. Now, it's bubble gum cotton candy Barbie pink, which is fine but a totally different vibe. Don't buy this one if you're doing it because you saw a milky pink on Instagram or somewhere else on social media. Those posts aren't the same version of minimalistic that's available now. That said, if you want loud pink, this is your jam.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: A layer of going steady on top?
favorite essie color family?reds
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear forprom
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
3 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello SydWithTooManyPolishes . there. Thank you for sharing your experience with the minimalistic '. We're sorry to hear the color is not how you remember it. This color should be a barely there pink nail color (sheer) For a very pale sheer pink, try the color ‘mademoiselle’. 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.
Favorite Pink
4 years ago
I’ve tried on so many pinks - sugar daddy too sheer, sugar daddy too white. Fiji is loud compared to minimalistic. I don’t wear anything else since purchasing this color. Absolutely lobe!,,
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
helpful?
1 out of 5 stars.
Disappointed
4 years ago
I was disappointed with how many coats (3+) it took for an opaque look, only to have it literally slide off in the shower. It turns out this polish never fully dries. I love essie, but would not recommend minimalistic.
favorite essie color family?purples
type of nail polish userregular/average
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
4 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello LeahM. We want to understand what happened just as much as you do. This super pale pink has a cream finish and after the second coat, your color should be perfect. A full manicure with base coat, 2 coats of color and top coat should not take more than 15 minutes to full dry. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845
1 out of 5 stars.
4 Coats and Barely Opaque
4 years ago
Just purchased this from Walmart today and was so excited to try it on. I love the other Essie products I have. While I love the Barbie vibes this color gives, I gave up after four coats. Some nails are still streaky and not opaque but I couldn’t think of applying a fifth coat. Wish I could return this, certainly not a shade I’ll be purchasing again and although I recommend Essie products, I’ll definitely be steering people away from this one in particular.
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear forbirthdays
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
4 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there! You are definitely not getting the results you should from the color “minimalistic”. This opaque barely there pink nail color should look perfect by the second coat. The texture of your polish does not sound right. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845
1 – 8 of 52 reviews
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9 to 38 of 52 reviews .
9 – 38 of 52 reviews
most recent
1 out of 5 stars.
Changed the shade?!?
4 years ago
I'm almost out my original minimalistic 308 so I bought a new one today. To my horror, it's not the same shade! Please advise what current color is a match to my old minimalistic 308; thanks!
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
4 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello Finfansand13! We can imagine how frustrating that would be…The shade "minimalistic" should be a light-filled, barely there pink nail color. Peak show" is a similar color. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845 M-F 9:00 am – 5:00 pm ET
3 out of 5 stars.
took four coats
5 years ago
i love the color but it is very very streaky and takes a long time to dry. it’s a pretty thin formula that took four coats
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
5 years ago
consumer care center
Hi there Sarah! The color ”minimalistic” is a pale, pink sheer nail polish. Your color looks perfect in the picture, however, by the second coat, all of our nail colors should look perfect. And a full manicure with base coat, 2 coats of color and a top coat should take about 15 minutes to dry. 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.
Oh, The Girliness!
6 years ago
Today I tried a new salon and a new shade and I am just over the moon with delight. Given that I was the only customer in this new salon (it even smelled new), I was more than a little tickled with pampering and am just delighted with how this color looks. It is not a sheer and it is not as light as the Essie photos indicate. The pink is "there" but not in a distracting way. A lovely color to wear if you are in the mood to feel like a lady.
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Minimalistic is #1
6 years ago
This is the best color ever! I wear it every week... why is not available now? Please don't cancel it. I've tried other colors but they are NOT nearly as perfect or clean looking as minimalistic.
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Greatest Color
7 years ago
I have been purchasing this color for quite some time - It has become my new neutral......I just love it and cannot believe you do not have any in stock for purchase. The others, Ballet Slipper, Fiji.....I have purchased but they are just not quite right for the color I wanted.....MINIMALIST IS PERFECT!!! I am always complimented on my nails and everyone wants to know the color of the polish. I will keep looking.
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great with Summer Hands
7 years ago
Perfect blushypink color that Pops with a great tan
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
3 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Goes on very sheer into small last long but if that is the look that you were into them this is the perfect color it’s a very pretty baby pink but it’s just not the one for me. Essies a very reliable brand however so give it a try.
Originally posted on influenster.com
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi! Thank you for your feedback. We recommend trying our muchi, muchi! This is a creamy, luscious pink with a kiss of mauve. It is a beautiful alternative!
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Essie is one of my favorite nail polish brands. I love the variety of color ranges. I also love that my nail polish lasts for at least a week with Essie. I do believe it’s a little on the expensive side.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
One of the only colors I’ve used for years. Became a habit when I was a flight attendant just to get light nails and the color stuck with me
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Definitely my favourite color of Essie nail polish! My pale and matches everything I own. Plus it stays on forever! I love it
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love all the essie colors. They are all so beautiful and apply so beautifully. They are so easy to use and easy to find in all stores. They dont chip as easily thats probably why the price is a little bit more expensive but they are still pretty affordable.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love this colour, looks really beautiful on the nails and Essie has such good quality products - I'll never stop using them. Obsessed!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Make sure to read directions, let dry well between coats, use the matching clear coat to activate the color coat. it cures with natural
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
super cute pastel colour, glides on nice and easily, and lasts a long time on my nails!
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This is the perfect baby pink color. I love wearing it in summer on my nails and toes. I have so many Essie polishes and I love them all. Simple application and great value. The only downfall I would have is that is doesn't dry down as fast as I would like it to but I would definitely recommend this brand.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Love this shoutout to my mom for getting me hooked on this. So much cheaper doing my toes with this
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
A very beautiful color and long lasting. The products quality is great and it is a little pricey but what do you expect for a great polish !
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This is a perfect every day color. This is great for all seasons. The price is normal and it is a good value. This is so easy to apply and the bottle lasts a long time. I am a repeat user because I just love the color! It's a perfect light pink.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love this nail brand. Essie is a high quality nail brand for a good reason. All the colors are gorgeous and their base and top coats work really well. Makes your nail polish shiny and last a long time without chipping. Definitely recommend.
Originally posted on influenster.com
2 out of 5 stars.
Great Color... but so sheer!
7 years ago
You need 3+ coats for this to not be streaky. Which sucks cause its a beautiful color. It's sat collecting dust for a few years in my polish collection now because of this. Tried to give it another shot today but still streaky... needs a lot of coats and as a mom of 2 I don't often get that much free time to do my nails.
favorite essie color family?metallics/glitters
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
helpful?
response from essie:
7 years ago
EssieConsumerCare
Hi there IBK! Thank you for sharing your experience with the shade minimalistic. We're sorry to hear this color was not all you had hoped. This barely there pink is a sheer shade so it won't pop like a creamier pink. For a more opaque version we recommend using the shade peak show.
https://prd-cm-essie-us-us.e-loreal.com/nail-polish/enamel/pinks/peak-show
1 out of 5 stars.
Awful product
8 years ago
First time using it. Purchased at target, color bleeds and never dries. Tried it once myself and then took it to a salon. An hour later, still not dry had to take it off and do gel. Don't recommend.
Q: favorite color?
A: None.
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear forwork
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
8 years ago
CCC
We're sorry for your experience. Let us help you! Please give us a call at 1-866-313-7845, Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (EST) and give the rep answering reference #3133317. We look forward to hearing from you.
2 out of 5 stars.
8 years ago
I bought this a couple days ago thinking it would be okay to wear at my job. It is hard for me to find a pale pink because it can ended up looking like I put wite out on my nails. I love Essie products so I will probably give it to a friend and try to see if I can find the pinky/nude I want
Q: goes great with this shade
A: sugar daddy
Q: favorite color?
A: chinchilly
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
8 years ago
Essie Consumer Care
Hello there! Thank you for sharing your comments with us on our Minimalistic shade. We are sorry to hear that this color was not what you were expecting. We recommend taking a look at Poppy Art Pink for a sheer chiffon pink. Hope this helps and thanks for giving this a try!
2 out of 5 stars.
Not the color I expected
8 years ago
Im not sure if I got a defective bottle, but this is definitely not a light pink like it shows in pictures. This is more a of a bubble gum pink! I wish the swatches would be more accurate. I wanted a light, muted pink.
Q: favorite color?
A: Not sure
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
Hello there! We appreciate your comments on our Minimalistic shade. We are sorry to hear that you were not expecting this color. We will forward your feedback along to our team and hope you can continue to use our products with great satisfaction. In the meantime, try taking a look at Poppy Art Pink. Hope this helps!
2 out of 5 stars.
streaky and clumps
8 years ago
i bought this item a couple days ago and i've tried this color with a basecoat, no base coat, etc. and i still cannot get the streaks to go away. after the second coat it looks very uneven.
Q: favorite color?
A: blue
type of nail polish userregular/average
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
8 years ago
Essie Consumer Care
Hello there! We are sorry to hear this. Our shade Minimalistic is a 'barely there pink'. We recommend applying one coat and then putting a layer of our essie "Matte About You" topcoat. Wait until it fully dries and then apply another layer of the polish for a streak-free look. Hope this helps!
4 out of 5 stars.
Great color!
9 years ago
I agree with a lot of the other reviewers. The polish does streak. I also used 3 coats before the steaks weren't so noticeable. Once that problem is mitigated, the color is great- subtle, but makes a statement at the same time.
Q: favorite color?
A: Minimalistic
type of nail polish userspecial occasions only
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
3 out of 5 stars.
pretty, but streaky
9 years ago
This color is a light pink. Be aware that you'll almost certainly need to use a good top coat or it'll be streaky. I needed to apply a top coat over one layer and paint two more layers over that to get it to be completely smooth.
Q: favorite color?
A: Sand Tropez
type of nail polish usernovice/new user
great to wear foreveryday
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
1 out of 5 stars.
First time to use Essie and disappointed
10 years ago
Purchased a couple of weeks ago and loved the colour when I saw it but very streaky even after two coats and although dry after the first, pulled the polish when applying the second.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: I love the pink tinted base coat.
Q: favorite color?
A: Minimalist
type of nail polish userregular/average
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Hint of violet
10 years ago
This is a great color. Unlike other reviewers I find that three coats gave a good opaque color. Very feminine and I've gotten a lot of compliments from it. It has a hint of violet unlike ballet slipper which has a hint of pale pink.
Q: favorite color?
A: Ladylike, ballet slipper, vamp
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Almost Perfect
10 years ago
I was looking forward to buying muchi, muchi at first. However, when I saw this color, I liked it even better. I tried it for the first time today and I've gotta say that I really liked it. It was a little streaky, so it took me three coats to get it opaque. But in the end, I was satisfied. This is my first essie nail polish, but I'm pretty sure it won't be the last!
Q: favorite color?
A: minimalistic (so far!!)
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Simple and classy!
10 years ago
I just recently bought this polish and i'm really happy with it! It takes about 3 coats to get an opaque colour but it's so worth it. This colour makes me feel so put together while not being a super "in your face". To my knowledge this polish lasts around 5-7 days which is quite impressive for an Essie polish!
Q: favorite color?
A: minimalistic
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
9 – 38 of 52 reviews