1. Base Coat
Apply 1 coat to bare nails to prime for color while strengthening.
Original Nail Polish 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.
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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.
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2. Color
Apply 2 coats for optimal opacity.
3. Top Coat
Apply 1 coat for up to 7-day wear.
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"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 153 reviews .
1 – 8 of 153 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
Obsessed with this nail polish
a year ago
Obsessed with this nail polish! The color is so pretty and it goes on super smooth. I only needed two coats and it dried pretty fast. It seriously looks like I got my nails done at a salon. Plus, it didn’t chip for like a whole week! Totally my new fave!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful color!
2 years ago
It’s a very beautiful color, two coats are enough to cover the nail and give it a beautiful shine. The scent is as usual but nothing strong. I’d use this for a fall vibe even though I don’t mind using this color for summer time.
helpful?
3 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful Color
2 years ago
Beautiful deep red color of polish, so flattering on my nails! It dried very quickly also. I can’t vouch yet on how chip resistant it is but hoping it lasts.
helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello kaylees112. Thank you for sharing some personal feedback and your pic showing your great mani with the color ' bahama mama'. This warm deep plum is a this rich, tropical beauty that works any season...but your mani looks more than ready for summer!
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect fall color
2 years ago
I live the deep darker shades, so banana mama is straight up my alley. It is a plum color that goes well with any season, but I’ll definitely rock it a little in the fall. Had the typical nail polish scent that lessens after it dries down. Classic Essie packaging with a nice shine, which you can highlight further with a top coat. Smooth and easy to apply. I’m happy with this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful color and long lasting
2 years ago
I use to use brand for long lasting it lasts about 4 days on my nails. I haven’t found one that last longer than this brand. For me it is one of the best.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great product and fun color
2 years ago
Drys relatively quickly and opacity is pretty great as it only takes about 2 coats. Application is easy too. Doesn’t chip easily and wide shade range.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect for fall
2 years ago
The perfect color for fall! I am a maroon and burgundy lover when it comes to my nails in the fall. Dried super quick. Has the perfect finish and it’s super easy to remove.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Solid option for normal lacquer
2 years ago
The color is so bold- and requires just too coats to have solid coverage. It’s chip resistant if you aren’t rough with your hands. A go to color for fall and winter!
helpful?
1 – 8 of 153 reviews
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9 to 38 of 153 reviews .
9 – 38 of 153 reviews
most recent
4 out of 5 stars.
Fall Color for me
2 years ago
I like this color, i added two coats to be sure that it would be dark enough for me. I like the shade but i feel that for me, it would be more of a fall color. The packaging is easy to open and store so I also like that aspect of it.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Love this color!
2 years ago
Essie nail polish never disappoints! This color is so gorgeous and it holds nicely, too! The application is so smooth and I dries nicely after a bit of time. This color is so perfect and not too bright or too dark. It gives the perfect oomph without being too flashy and is such a lovely color.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Perfect plum color for fall
2 years ago
This is a very deep plum color that's going to be a staple for me in the fall. There's great color coverage with just one coat and it lasts for a few days. It also dries quickly as well which is a plus.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Classic
2 years ago
I love this color! It feels so classy and elegant. I’ve always liked Essie’s applicator brush; I feel like it makes the process even easier. I painted this on my natural nails, and with a top coat, this lasted a while!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Timeless shade, great formula
2 years ago
This is a beautiful, timeless shade. The formula applies smooth, dries pretty quick, and is relatively resistant to chipping. I absolutely love the overall look this gives my nails. It’s one I’ll be reaching for again and again. A must have!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Fantastic
2 years ago
I received this and I want to pay attention to them. I will start by saying that the color is spectacular. I always say that this type of color makes hands and feet look perfect. I liked that with just one swipe you don't need anything else. The drying is super fast and the duration is This is quite a lot for me it's a 10/10
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
pretty fall color!
2 years ago
Really pretty color for fall and opaque even with just one coat. Goes on smooth and shiny. If you follow the proper nail application it does last longer and is more prone to not chip but I never do follow that so I’d say it still lasted a decent time for me.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect for fall!
2 years ago
The perfect fall color! This is a gorgeous deep red. A few layers of this and you’re ready for a fall night out. The brush did make it a little harder to get a thin streak-less coat so I needed at least 3 layers
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Not gel
2 years ago
This color turned out a lot prettier in person than I thought it would when just looking at photos. Drying time is annoying to me because I'm used to gel but it's still okay
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
it was okay
2 years ago
thanks influenster for giving me this in exchange on my honest review the bahama mama nail polish was okay kinda like it but will definitely try any other color and will recommend to my friends and family
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful color .
2 years ago
Loved the color and the application was great. I've been wearing it for about a week now with no base coat or top coat and it's just starting to wear at the ends. I definitely recommend it! Drying time is fast !
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Nails
2 years ago
This product is well known if you don't know this product I think it's a great I have this exact product, alot people ask me what I use and what's good and I show them this product, some people may not know how to use it I usually use videos online on how I can use it, if you still can't find a great video that will help then dm me I'll help with the product.
I will say I love using this product and I think everyone should give it a try rather it's a gift for someone or for your self.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great color!
2 years ago
I love Essie nail polishes! They always have the best shade range. The drying time on this polish is very fast. The color pay off is great! Two coats is all that’s needed. I really love this deep berry color!
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Exactly the quality I expect when using an Essie polish!
2 years ago
I have always loved Essie polishes and this one is no different! It dries pretty quickly, I don’t get too much chipping the first few days, and the finish is nice on its own but even better with a top coat! The shade is a more purple than it looks on the bottle but I’m not complaining. I love more purple toned reds!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Nice shade
2 years ago
This polish goes on opaque in one coat. It is easy to apply and lasts a good amount of time. It is a shade that can be worn both professionally and for fun.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great Quality
2 years ago
This nail polish was super easy to apply and incredibly long wearing. Drying time was average. I love the dark shade and think it’s prefect for the toes. The finish is glossy and deep in color. Super impressed with this formula.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful color
2 years ago
One of my favorite colors from Essie! This is such a beautiful merlot color. I feel it goes on so smooth and it dries quickly! I would recommend this color for anyone as it is perfect for any skin color.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful color and formula but chips quickly
2 years ago
Beautiful color! It goes on very well and I love the look of the polish. Unfortunately after five days of wear, they are very chipped and don’t look great anymore.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Easy application
2 years ago
I had tried a lot of nail polish before, surprisingly, Bahama mama nail polish did an exceptional job. It is easy to apply and it quickly dry. It is been 2 weeks now since I used it on my nailtoes. The color does not faded immediately.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great
2 years ago
This product has a great color! I love the finish of it too, which makes it a go-to nail polish. It applies very well and is quick to dry. Overall great!
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
beautiful color
2 years ago
I really like the color for fall and winter. It’s not too dark like black and not too vibrant of a red, it’s a perfect maroon color. It dries very quickly and you don’t need many coats.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Good as always
2 years ago
Cute color. As always love Essie nail polish. Still awesome brush and formula. I feel this color is great for the Fall. Dry fast and stay on long, cute packaging.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Bahama mama
2 years ago
Beautiful plum color that is also deep great for people who like dark colors I do not like the color combination of this with the green affect but I love it alone. It drives quickly it stays on a long time and it has a nice shiny finish. Easy to apply and gorgeous coverage
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Smooth!
2 years ago
This is the smoothest finish dark colored nail polish I have ever used! It dries quickly, and lasts me at least a week before I need to fix any chips.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Like it
2 years ago
Like till it it long last, the color is Amazon I recommend this, I been using this brand for years and I love it because my nails last until 5 days on shape
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
the color is so pretty
2 years ago
this color is so pretty, i’m obsessed! i love this brand of nail polish, it’s fast drying and long lasting and pigmented. everything about this nail polish is amazing!!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Vibrant and long-lasting!
2 years ago
Absolutely love this nail polish! The color is vibrant and long-lasting, and it applies smoothly without streaking. Plus, it dries quickly, so no more waiting around. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality and style!
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect shade!
2 years ago
I love this brand. The product is easy to applicate, the shade is perfection. I got so many compliments on my nails. I work with my hands and the nail polish seemed to be chip resistant! Definitely a new favorite of mine.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Nice fall color
2 years ago
I was sent this product in exchange for my honest review. I like that it’s a plum color, suitable for fall, but I don’t get a cream finish as it states in its description. Nonetheless, it is very nice and it longer than I expected without chipping for four days 
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great Essie product
2 years ago
As expected from Essie, this nail polish has great color and the right viscosity. Easy to apply with a flatter brush. The color is more fit for fall/winter but when used with the special effects color, it transforms even more beautifully.
helpful?
9 – 38 of 153 reviews