Step 1 Prep
Prep cuticles, nail, and skin with Ready. Prep. Go. Advanced Cuticle Remover.
Watermelon
Flirty & chic. Make a fashion hit in deliciously refreshing juicy red nail polish. This beautiful, sweet, ripe color is always in season.
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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 94 reviews .
1 – 8 of 94 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
beautiful!
10 months ago
love this color. It's a great pink for every day, and one of my favorites
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
1 out of 5 stars.
nice color, not nice quality
a year ago
While the color is nice the quick to chip is not. Kind of a bummer in this economy to spend your money on a product and chips after 12 hours. Wasn't a one off either, both times I've used it so far, chipped within hours.
type of nail polish userregular/average
helpful?
response from essie:
a year ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi halesla. Thanks for reaching out about Watermelon. We are sorry to hear you did not get the results you had expected. We recommend trying our longwear polish, a gel that can handle it all. this 2-step system gives you a mani that lasts up to 15 days. no UV lamp. Hope you give it a try!
4 out of 5 stars.
long staying on the nail. does not chip easily.
a year ago
this shade is beautiful. a little too much pink for me...i used to own a salon and loved ESSIE products. There was a shade called SUNSET I think. absolutely gorgeous! I could hardly keep it in stock. one the client wore it she wanted to buy it~~ it was kind of the shade of a ripe tomato but not a RED. Do you have this ??? this was in the 80's-90's.
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Cool Toned
3 years ago
I have it shown with essie’s birthday girl, in the cab-ana, and sally hansen’s coconut. You can add a shimmer or not to make it match any event it is very multifunctional :] It is a cool toned reddish-pink
Q: goes great with this shade
A: In the cab-ana
favorite essie color family?metallics/glitters
type of nail polish userblogger/fashionista
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Juicy!
6 years ago
I'm in love with this color! It's going well from first layer.
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear forgirls night out
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Love this color!
6 years ago
Ever since I bought the first bottle a few years back I make sure I have this color in my polish supply. It's a red/pink and I love it. It is almost always on my toes and I get so many compliments on the color. Plus, you can wear it anytime of the year on your fingers.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Baby's Breath
favorite essie color family?white
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 love this nail polish because it is long lasting and it is also very affordable. I would buy this brand again.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Watermelon is my absolute favorite shade from Essie, no matter the time of year! This polish is SO vibrant and can endure lots without chipping. Essie polish is amazing!!!!
Originally posted on influenster.com
1 – 8 of 94 reviews
Customer Images and Videos
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rating
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9 to 38 of 94 reviews .
9 – 38 of 94 reviews
most recent
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Lovely colours and very quick drying. No time for smudging your manicure with this nail polish. Brilliant variety of colours aswell
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Vibrant long lasting color! Very pigmented. I love that this polish can withstand washing dishes I also add a topcoat by OPI.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Essie nail polish is great! I like that it doesn’t chip very easily when dry and this shade of watermelon is quite pretty. I think Essie is About Average value that you’d pay for good nail polish. If you haven’t tried Essie yet you definitely should!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Loved this color. However I'm back to work so have to stick with light colors now. But this is a good color for parties
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
The perfect color for spring! Not too bright! I love how smooth it is and I only need to apply 2 thin coats to get the perfect color!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Can I say that I love this nail polish. I love that it’s an easy mellow red not to bright but a dull one. Love how it’s long lasting and a really good price.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This color is pure gold! Perfect for any season and super long lasting. Easy to apply and use. A little more expensive but definitely worth it. The quality of this nail polish places it above it’s competitors
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love the variety of essie nail polishes. I would say they go on smoother than other polishes but I'm not sure they are more long lasting.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love that Essie brand of nail polishes I think that all their colors are unique. I think their packaging is really gorgeous as well. Your nail polishes are of good quality the price point is a little bit much but I think if you want a good quality polish you should definitely invest in it.
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Essie is such a great brand. They have the prettiest colours and such a wide selection. They also are great quality. The only con is how expensive they are, but sometimes you can get them on sale or at winners for a little bit cheaper.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love this polish. Essie is about in the middle price range. It goes on so smooth and isn’t too thick. It’s very pigmented so it only takes 1-2 coats. Great value and would recommend to anyone!
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This is a perfect summer color that lasts a long time! Essie is reasonably priced and is easy to apply. Love this color and the etching on the bottle gives it an extra grip.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love Essie nail polish, goes on so smooth and dries quickly. This is a great color for spring and summer, bright and fun!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love this color and Essie nail polish always seems to last longer than others. It is a little more expensive, but definitely worth the price! I would buy this again, along with other colors that essie has.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I used this nail polish when I was pregnant and didn't want formaldehyde in my mail polish. I love the color and the quality.
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
When I go to the salon I usually use it . It’s long lasting and the product is a high quality product
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This product is so useful i love it and the color is so good and attracted i love it so much i am a big fan of this nail polish
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
Love the color
7 years ago
I bought this after I received an email from Essie recommending it. I absolutely love it. It’s a great summer shade but I would wear it year round.
favorite essie color family?corals
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Love
9 years ago
I have had this polish for quite awhile now, and I am totally in love with it.
Q: favorite color?
A: Penny Talk
type of nail polish userblogger/fashionista
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
1 out of 5 stars.
Nice color. Chipped in one day.
9 years ago
I read the amazing reviews and wanted a polish that would stay on as well as dept. store brands without the cost. Love these colors but it chipped within one restful day whereas the dept. store brand stayed on for over a week of gift wrapping presents, housecleaning, yard work, etc... I'm looking forward to trying the new formula in the twisted bottle, but I haven't found it in the stores yet.
Q: favorite color?
A: watermelon
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear fordate night
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
so in love with it!!
10 years ago
I bought this recently to go with a specific dress that I love, and it turned out to be the best nail polish I've ever purchased! It goes on so smoothly, and the color is just perfect! I can't wait to buy even more colors from essie :)
Q: goes great with this shade
A: mademoiselle
Q: favorite color?
A: watermelon
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Reminds me of sweet summertime!
10 years ago
I love this colour for summer! It's described as being a bright red, but on my darker skin tone it looks more like a hot pink. This is one of my go to colours for summer I absolutely love it! The formula is really great and I only needed one coat for full colour, but I used two (I always use at least two coats when I do my nails).
Q: favorite color?
A: Play Date
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Lovelovelove
10 years ago
I'm totally in love with this colour and it's easy to use, only one coat needed. I recommend this to both professionals and beginners.
Q: favorite color?
A: Watermelon
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
I am so in love with this color!
11 years ago
This is the most perfect mixture between red and pink (and it also has a pop of coral). I kept seeing pictures of this online and was on the fence about picking it up, because I wanted a color that was either pink or red. In addition, pink and red are the two colors I am most picky about in terms of finding the perfect shade. Someone gifted me this polish, however, and after using it, I was hooked! I tend to wear pink more in the warm months and red in the cool months. This is so appropriate all year round, because it works as a pinkish red in the winter and a reddish pink in the summer! I used it for a Valentine's Day mani and got several compliments. Some people I talked to even plan to go out and buy their own bottle after seeing it on my nails! I have quite a few polishes by Essie, but I think this is one of the most gorgeous colors they've ever made.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Matte About You top coat, Blanc
Q: favorite color?
A: Chinchilly, Bahama Mama
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear fordate night
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Applies evenly
11 years ago
I have 2 on my rack because I love it so much!!!!!
Q: favorite color?
A: Watermellon
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
glossy and opaque
11 years ago
one of my favorite colors year round, such a perfect combo of red and pink
Q: goes great with this shade
A: huh not sure, prob nude colors?
Q: favorite color?
A: jag-u-are
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear forgirls night out
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Wow-termelon!
11 years ago
I saw a friend wearing this the other day and it was the perfect pink for my breast cancer awareness mani to start off October :) the formula is buttery smooth, bottle-color is achieved with two colors (one if you're a pro), and the finish is fantastic. The title may refer to a fruit that we usually eat in the summer, but this color is appropriate year-round!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Essie Marshmallow and Mint Mojito
Q: favorite color?
A: Going Incognito
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Watermelon
11 years ago
I bought this color at target. I loved it. Bright. Cheerful.
Q: favorite color?
A: Watermelon
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Hot pink
11 years ago
I got this one from my Christmas gift, I love it. I love the color, every time I use this one, when I look at my painted nails, they make my day.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Black Dress
Q: favorite color?
A: Pink purple
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
11 years ago
I have never seen another color like Watermelon. It is not a red, coral or pink, it is... beautiful. This one of a kind color was my go-to nailcolor this past summer. In only 2 months, half of my bottle was already empty! The opacity is amazing, the formula is awesome and I love how this onecoater, creamy formula stays on my nails for almost 2 weeks!
Watermelon is definitly a must have!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: romper room
Q: favorite color?
A: watermelon
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear foreveryday
helpful?
9 – 38 of 94 reviews