Step 1 Prep
Prep cuticles, nail, and skin with Ready. Prep. Go. Advanced Cuticle Remover.
Vanity Fairest
A shimmery and sheer pastel 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 57 reviews .
1 – 8 of 57 reviews
most recent
2 out of 5 stars.
Loved and lost
27 days ago
I used Vanity Fairest for years, it was the perfect sheer nude pink with a bit of sparkle, great for year-round and a wonderful neutral without being boring. HOWEVER, Essie changed the formula and while it's still sheer, the sparkle is gone and its overall color is just another boring pink. Shame on you Essie.
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
helpful?
response from essie:
25 days ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out to us regarding Vanity Fairest. We're sorry to hear you were not satisfied with your recent purchase. We will share your comments regarding the change in color to our teams.
5 out of 5 stars.
Sheer pink polish
11 months ago
Nice sheer pink color. Quick dry. Very pleased with result.
type of nail polish usernovice/new user
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great color but color changed !
a year ago
I love vanity fairest and have been using it as the perfect color for me. I just bought a new bottle and it’s different!I. It used to be pinky white with shine and now It’s just a soft pink . I’m sad as although it’s pretty it’s no longer my perfect go to! It’s still really pretty just more pink .
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
2 out of 5 stars.
chips very easily
2 years ago
Pretty sheer color, but chips more quickly than any other Essie shade I've used. I don't know if it's the sparkle polish that doesn't adhere well or something else, but it's frustrating. I recommend Mademoiselle instead.
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there CatLI, We can see this wouldn’t be the result you were hoping for…but we don’t know why this sheer pink is not adhering as well as your ‘mademoiselle’. Both are popular classic sheer pinks. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845 M-F 9 am-5:30 pm ET
1 out of 5 stars.
Not pink undertones! Yellow undertones!
2 years ago
Bought this polish hoping for a pale pink polish and was disappointed that it is actually a pale yellowish-beige. If you, too, are looking for pink, look at another Essie option.
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello lisaplanotx! Thanks for sharing your experience with the color 'vanity fairest'. This color should be a sheer iridescent pastel pink...that is not the result we see on your nails! We want to understand what happened just as much as you do. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845 M-F 9 am-5:30 pm ET
2 out of 5 stars.
Not what i was expectint
3 years ago
I honestly was hoping for this polish to be a little less sheer. I initially bought it because of other people’s reviews, but when i’m wearing it it looks really different to their pictures (more sheer, you keep seeing my natural nail even after 3 coats). It’s still a pretty and neutral polish but it’s just not what i was hoping for.
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear forwork
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
3 years ago
consumer care center
Hi there AnoukM! We wish you could see the results you were hoping for with the color ‘vanity fairest’. This color should be a sheer pastel pink polish with subtle iridescence. But we appreciate knowing you would like something similar with a bit more pigment.
4 out of 5 stars.
Sheer Colour!
4 years ago
I love this as a neutral, a beautiful shine that is great for everyday wear. It is more sheer than I originally thought when I bought it, so know that the colour won't be like you see in the bottle. Still absolutely beautiful and will buy again.
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear forwork
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
3 out of 5 stars.
Nice color, chips quickly
6 years ago
I bought this polish because I wanted something subtle for my engagement photo shoot and Essie was the only brand they had at CVS. The color is absolutely gorgeous (I used 3 layers and a top coat to make it more opaque), however after about 1.5 days the polish has already started lifting/chipping on several of my fingers, despite me not doing anything major with my hands. I love the wide range of colors that Essie has, but I've had this chipping problem with several of the polishes I've owned in the past so probably will not be buying another Essie polish again.
type of nail polish userspecial occasions only
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
6 years ago
consumer care center
Hi Beans94! We wish you were able to see the results you were hoping for with the sheer, shimmery, pastel pink shade "vanity fairest". A base coat, two coats of polish, and a top coat is the ideal combination for a manicure and done this way, the color should last for a good week at least. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845
1 – 8 of 57 reviews
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9 to 38 of 57 reviews .
9 – 38 of 57 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
Such a clean look!
6 years ago
EVERY time I am at work, using an I pad to place a customer order, I receive compliments on my polish color!
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish userprofessional
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Excellent...
6 years ago
I love the color, the formula and the coverage. I stumbled on this while looking to deviate slightly from Sugar Daddy, my everyday favorite. Jackpot!!! A hint of shimmer, but less than another one of my favorites.... Delicacy.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: All
favorite essie color family?corals
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
3 out of 5 stars.
Pretty but not practical
7 years ago
I bought this colour to try out for my wedding and didn’t realise it was quite so sheer. At one coat it was pretty but barely visible, two coats it was streaky and with the third coat it finally was at the expected colour. Because of multiple coats it made it very soft and chip easy, even after applying a top coat. I couldn’t make it stay unblemished and chip free even while trying to be ultra careful. Because of that I won’t wear it for my wedding
type of nail polish userregular/average
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there! We are so sorry to hear this is not your perfect shade for the big day. Our hundreds of essie colors are meant to look stunning on every shade of skin. But we understand the hassle of trying to find your favorite, seasonally appropriate, occasion-based, “shake things up” color of the moment. Follow this link to help you find the perfect essie nail polish for your skin tone: http://tinyurl.com/yyn83pot. Essie pro tip: after you cleanse and moisturize your hands, apply cuticle oil to your nails. This will guarantee at least 6 hours of absorption without the product being washed or wiped away. You'll wake up to flawless cuticles every morning!
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect Neutral Wear
7 years ago
I bite my nails, and my school has a no-nail polish policy. I've tried no-bite products in the past, but they taint everything I touch (days after applying) and make eating painful - imagine pouring hand sanitiser in your mouth! I can't wear my normal nail polish (bright blue) to combat this due to school. Thankfully my mother let me use this incredible polish. It's got more strength than a clear coat and has a beautiful shine to it. Get compliments from my friends, and not a glance from teachers. I cannot recommend this colour more, I'm going to buy two tomorrow!
favorite essie color family?blues
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect color
7 years ago
I wanted a light pink polish...I love this color. Hopefully they will not discontinue it anytime soon! It holds up well to use and doesn’t chip easily, so generally a manicure will last for a decent amount of time. I love madimeselle color as well but vanity fairest doesn’t require as many coats. Give it a try....you won’t regret it.
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.
7 years ago
I've tried other very light pink polishes and this is by far my absolute favourite. it takes a few coats to get a good coverage, but i wouldn't try any other pink.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love this natural color. Very appropriate for work. The packaging is nice. This color lasts longer than most other brands
Originally posted on influenster.com
3 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Nice color for a natural neutral look. You have to put more than 2 coats to see the nice pinkish color. I personally prefer OPI brand because Essie seems to chip faster
Originally posted on influenster.com
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there Jenny! Thank you for sharing your experience with our shade, vanity fairest. We describe this shade as a shimmery and sheer pastel pink. We're sorry you don't see as much color with this shade as you would like. Essie offers a wide variety of pinks in both creamy opaque and sheer looks. See our wide selection on our SELECT A PINK webpage to find your perfect pink. For tips on keeping your mani looking great for days be sure to visit our TIPS AND TRENDS webpage.
https://www.essie.com/nail-polish/by-color?selectedFamily=E379C51802034C10A565445ABEC12BB7&selectedProduct=0
https://www.essie.com/inspiration/tips-and-trends
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Cute nude color!! I like that this nail polish was easy to apply. Didn't chip that fast. It dries fast. Cute bottle as well.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love Essie products! They are easy to apply and doesn’t get thick and messy. It dries relatively quickly and lasts for more than a week without a sign of chip! Totally recommend Essie especially with a large range of colors to choose from!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love this brand of enamel for the durability the colors the quality and that have an affordable price
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Essie nail polishes are just so great. You can never have enough of them. Especially woth all of the colors that they come in.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love the Essie brand. This Essie Nail Polish (.5 oz) Vanity Fairest #505 (Shimmer, Sheer French Manicure) is the prettiest sheer pink that you will ever find. Gives my nails the prettiest manicure look.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Essie nail polish is always amazing, and this color is so beautiful, sophisticated, and fun. It looks really nice and Essie is a great, reliable brand. It lasts a long time and dries fast. If you haven't tried Essie yet, you should.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Essie has the only polishes that last on me. They have a beautiful color selection. I find it looks shiny but not too shiny.
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Love this color. I would suggest doing two coats. Otherwise it’s a great color. Kind of expensive but with it!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
A lovely sheer polish, perfect for the office or for those days you don't want coloured nails. This slightly sparkly polish applies easily and is a perfect "my nails but better" in 2 coats. Vanity Fairest is similar in colour to Ballet Slippers but without the application problems! Highly recommended! :)
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
My go to color when I want my nails to look natural and simple. Love this brand and product!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I loved this color especially for valentines day time. Its such a calm color but it doesnt flush you out.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love Essie’s pastel and nude colors. I try to pick one up every time I see it. Essie and OPI make my favorite nails colors.
Originally posted on influenster.com
3 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I’ve always hear good things about the Essie’s nail polishes but when I went out and purchased one the color was to light and it would constantly chip. The color is nice but I found myself applying a bunch of layers to get a solid color.
Originally posted on influenster.com
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi isabelm7913! We are sorry to hear this product is not your new favorite. Feedback from our consumers is very important to us and we appreciate you sharing your experience. We thank you for giving this product a try as we will be passing on your comments to others in our team. If you are looking for a polish with more pigment, we suggest trying one of our solid pink shades! Check out the choices here: http://tinyurl.com/yabxje3u. We hope you find the perfect one!
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love Essie! It is one of my favorite nail polishes to use when I don't have time to go get my nails done. It is really pigmented and lasts for a long time. It also does not chip until you have been wearing it for a long time. I would definitely recommend trying their polishes.
Originally posted on influenster.com
3 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I have never experienced it, but I know in advance that it is wonderful. I have heard many girls thank it so I wish in my turn to try it and not give it
Originally posted on influenster.com
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi naturelm! We are so happy to hear you are hearing others say great things! We hope you get the chance to try it soon!
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Love this color. Simple and elegant. This is usually what I use after I have been staring at my nail polishes for an hour!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
Ballet Slipper with a sparkly finish <3
7 years ago
OH MY GOODNESS. Ballet Slipper is my absolute favorite, and then I bought this beauty. It is the perfect amount of classy and put together with the tiny tiniest little sparkles (you have to look really close). It just might be my new go to! LOVE!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Ballet Slipper
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.
Love this color!!
7 years ago
I bought this a month ago, and I just love it! It lasts longer that I thought it would and goes on really smoothly! 2 coats and its perfect. Great neutral and will go with anything.
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Sheer glimmer
8 years ago
Just bought this and absolutely love the way my nails look. The sheerness of it with the slightest glitter make your nails look clean and beautiful!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Any pinks or nudes
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Exactly as described
8 years ago
2 coats and it's a beautiful natural pink with just a HINT of shimmer. Perfect
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear forwork
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Gorgeous & lasts relatively long
8 years ago
One coat is a flattering sheer pink with the slightest hint of lavender. 2 coats is still a sheer pink but you can see the shimmer a bit more. I love this polish!
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great neutral!
8 years ago
I’ve bought this nail polish a few times and just got done applying it. It’s a “jelly” polish (not opaque)! I don’t think it deserved the negative review for not being opaque. I only wear neutrals on my fingers, and love the subtle shimmer of this one!
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
9 – 38 of 57 reviews