Step 1 Prep
Prep cuticles, nail, and skin with Ready. Prep. Go. Advanced Cuticle Remover.
Play Date
Get date-night-ready with soft yet bright purple nail polish. For an unforgettable evening of fun, this pretty color is your best bet.
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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
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1 to 8 of 118 reviews .
1 – 8 of 118 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful colour!
a year ago
This has been my “go to” colour for years. I get so many compliments on it. I have lost count the number of bottles I have bought. Please don’t ever retire it.
favorite essie color family?purples
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Fun Color
4 years ago
I bought this as a fun summer color, but I actually like it so much I wear it year round. It is just such a perfect shade of light purple. It always looks so cute and cheery. One of my Essie favorites.
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.
Lovely Year Round Color
5 years ago
Found this color at Wal-Mart and got it yesterday, I love how the formula is so smooth and how it complements my fair skin.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Essie's Can Dew Attitude
favorite essie color family?purples
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect Color
5 years ago
I bought this color at the start of the year and I have never loved a color more before! I have worn it so much I already went to buy a second color.
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.
beautiful color!
6 years ago
with quarantine happing i had to take off all of my acrylics and start painting my nails. my nails were so brittle at the beginning so it was hard any of the essie polishes to stay on. But with this color, i don’t know if it’s a different formula but the color is beautiful and i’ve been looking for this daring purple color. and it’s a lot more vibrant and a tad darker than it is on the picture online, i think it’s prettier in person. But with this color my nails haven’t chipped in a week! i also use theit “gel” top coat for a more shiny look. overall i’ve bought like 6 nail polishes from essie in the last 3 week and this is by far the BEST color i have had, so if you are on the edge it’s definitely worth the buy! i hope that essie creates some more royal/powerful looking colors (not neon)
Q: goes great with this shade
A: the “gel” top coat
favorite essie color family?purples
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
A versatile light purple
6 years ago
I tried this because my salon didn't have another color I wanted, and I was so delighted with "Play Date" that I've gone back to it just two weeks later. It's a wonderful purple that looks almost neon bright in certain light, then a very subdued mauve in dim light. The formula is very even and it wears great. I do love the compliments I get with "Play Date"!
favorite essie color family?purples
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
love love love love this polish! I have used this polish so many times you won’t regret this purchase!
favorite essie color family?purples
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 essie. I love the colors, it goes on in one coat well and it actually lasts. Alittle pricey but worth it
Originally posted on influenster.com
1 – 8 of 118 reviews
Customer Images and Videos
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rating
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9 to 38 of 118 reviews .
9 – 38 of 118 reviews
most recent
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Essie nail polish is great! Even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the color I bought, it goes on smoothly and dries really quick. You probably need to use two coats of polish for the color to look like the color in the bottle. I took off one star because the brush is thinner than I prefer. I like thick nail polish brushes.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love Sally nail polishes, I have this particular color because my daughter loves purple. I tried it on me and I loved it. It actually lasted like 2 weeks on my nails, and I’m a hardworking person who uses my hands daily!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I like Essie nail polish. The polish goes on smooth and the brush is good for easy application. Great colors and ok pricing. I would buy again but I try to find them on sale. I would recommend to friends.
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Cute and fun color was mainly the reason why I perched it. The quality is good too. With the Essie top coat, these nail polishes last me on about 1 week. Affordable and gets the job done.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Absolutely love this color. It applies just like the color you see from the bottle. I know some nail polishes are very thin and not pigmented. Not the case with this brand. It also stays on a lot longer than other nail polishes. It is a little bit pricey compared to other polishes, but it's worth it.
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I hate the colour purple but this nail colour always gets me in the mood for spring! All Essie nail polish that I have used applies perfectly and when paired with the perfect top coat it lasts me the time I need it to !
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Love love love this color in the spring time! It's so gorgeous and goes with all my floral print (I'm obsessed, sorry not sorry lol) clothing! Essie is and always will be my absolute fave polish brand!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
this color polish its so dramatic perfect such a beauty perfect color, any way its so perfect i love it my mama got this buy a git and im always used this perfect its easy to apply eassy whith your nails you can find at any store so please girls if you has the chance to try it do it
Originally posted on influenster.com
3 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I think Essie works about as well as other store brands. The price to me is a little outrageous for what it is
Originally posted on influenster.com
response from essie:
7 years ago
Loreal
Hi there! Thank you for your feedback on our play date! We appreciate your comments and will be passing them along with our team!
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love how vibrant and pigmented this color is. Feels like a gel polish without the harmful up lamp
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love love this color of nail polish. I love it that it’s a soft purple really girly and love how the nail polish is long lasting. I would totally recommend this to others because it’s an amazing product and a super good price also.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I absolutely love this color. Essie has great formulas. This color will just jump off your nails. You need it asap.
Originally posted on influenster.com
3 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Love the colour good for cheap nail polish when you’re one the run. Wouldn’t choose for long wear use
Originally posted on influenster.com
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi tashal1! Thank you for sharing with us some feedback on our polish shade Play Date. We are happy to hear that you enjoy using this product and hope you will continue to do so with great satisfaction!
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Excellent texture, easy to apply and it has so perfect color. The price is a little bit high but it is definitly worth. It last for many days and it stays untouched. i recommend it to all my friends an often buy it as a gift. i will definitly buy it again
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This is a very pretty color yet is still subtle enough for professional wear. I love Essie polishes and this met my expectations. Essie will always be my go to polish brand and I will keep buying it!!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
This brand is long wearing and dries well. I love this shade of purple the most. It has a hint of glitter just enough
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
BEAUTIFUL color!! Great for that whenever look. This color goes on well and stay on long!!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love purple and this is one of the best purple nail polishes I’ve ever used. I got so many compliments!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I realy realy like the color its so good and when i put it in my hand i feel so good i realy resly like it its awsome❤❤
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
My Favorite Polish
8 years ago
I started to paint my nails for the first time in years about a year ago, and Play Date was one of the first three colors I picked up to start. It quickly became, and still remains, my favorite polish. This was the first nail polish ever that I had to buy a second bottle of because I ran out. It just makes me so happy, and it looks so good and bright! This color just feels like spring, and my happy purple soul. When I'm in doubt, when I've had a bad day, when I need some confidence, or really just because, this is my go-to color. I love you Essie Play Date.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Mojito Madness
favorite essie color family?purples
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear forgirls night out
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Creamy, Vibrant, and Cheerful
8 years ago
This is the first Essie polish I have ever bought. I was unsure how good Essie polish would look on me. Well, I love it. I love this color as it is cheerful and playful without being too childish. It went on creamy and evenly which many polishes (even expensive ones) don't always. I didn't actually need to use two coats but I did and the color was not changed by the second coat. I love Playdate and I love Essie. You have turned me into an Essie polish only girl. Thanks for that!
Q: favorite color?
A: playdate
type of nail polish userprofessional
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Love!!!
10 years ago
Q: favorite color?
A: Too many
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Love it!
10 years ago
I absolutely love this creamy shade. I always receive compliments whenever I wear it. Perfect color for Spring!
Q: favorite color?
A: fishnet stockings
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Love the color!!
10 years ago
I bought this a few months ago and i love it!! I get compliments on it all the time!! It's perfect for spring or summer!
Q: favorite color?
A: Sugar Daddy
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear forgirls night out
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Gorgeous Soft Purple
10 years ago
I love this color! It goes great with my fair-light skin tone. It accents anything black, white, or both! And, of course, I wear it for play dates....
Q: favorite color?
A: For the Twill of It
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
My go to color
10 years ago
When it first came out I loved it so much that I bought 2 bottles. I left 1 with the manicurist so I always had it when I wanted it. She kept it hidden for me. Unfortunately, I was unable to find it for awhile so I was using up my supply. The manicurist asked her supplier and they did not have the color, never did. She was so disappointed. So many of her customers asked for it when they saw it on me. I eventually got her a bottle. She was so happy and so were her customers. I wear this color all year round. It goes with everything. Best color ever. Please do not discontinue. If you
are planning to let me know I'll buy a whole bunch.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: I use many different shades
Q: favorite color?
A: Play Date
type of nail polish userregular/average
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Love it!
10 years ago
Every time I wear this color I get compliments wherever I go!
Q: favorite color?
A: Too many to name! Lol
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Versatile
11 years ago
I love this color! It's so smooth and creamy and it's very versatile. I can wear this color during any season and it's still works.
Q: favorite color?
A: Play Date
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect Prom Color!
11 years ago
Just had prom a week ago, such a pretty color! My boyfriend commented my nails.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Second shine around
Q: favorite color?
A: Mink Candy Apple
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear forprom
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
I ❤️ The colors , great application
11 years ago
I have over 20 different shades of essie I love all the essie collections from cashmere matte , to the spring collection to the gel range , essie truly has made its name , salons everywhere swear by essie as the best! I agree chevonne
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Black , dark brown ect
Q: favorite color?
A: Any pearlised varnishes❤️
type of nail polish userprofessional
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
9 – 38 of 118 reviews