Average rating includes incentivized reviews Original

Marshmallow

A cloudy sheer white nail polish.


Original Nail Polish Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Yes, essie Original nail polish is a vegan formula that contains no animal-derived ingredients.

Master a salon-quality nail look

1. Base Coat

Apply 1 coat to bare nails to prime for color while strengthening.

2. Color

Apply 2 coats for optimal opacity.

3. Top Coat

Apply 1 coat for up to 7-day wear.

Shop your essential essie 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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overall rating

4.3

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1 to 8 of 87 reviews .
1 – 8 of 87 reviews

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a year ago
Can not find another place to send this... Where is my 1023 'Sheer Luck'?? Understand you have discontinued it - but WHY?? It was my absolute favourite. Will have to switch brands. (Have tried your 'ballet slippers' and I do not like this colour at all. What, if any colour do you recommend? Will not waste money trying other colours. Pls. tell me what colour is similar to Sheer Luck. Thanks, Fran Adams from Canada
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
helpful?
response from essie:
a year ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there franadams, we do understand how disappointing and frustrating it may be when a product that has worked so well for you in the past is no longer available. It is never easy for us to make the decision to discontinue any of our products. The next closest color in our current collection is the color 'vanity fairest'. We appreciate knowing what kind of color you would like to see back in our lineup! https://www.essie.com/nail-polish/enamel/pinks/vanity-fairest

I found my dream product!

2 years ago
First of all I am 41 years old and I swore by OPI! Until I found Essie a few months ago. I may be late to the game but let me say in all my life I have never used better products! This marshmallow is the most beautiful shade of white! Perfect for a winter wonderland manicure! I am obsessed with all your products! Amazing job don’t change a thing. Other than maybe adding some stickers so I don’t have to buy Olive and June nail art, that’s rather overpriced for what you get as well! Never will I buy another brand of polish!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: You do blue
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Not impressed :/

3 years ago
I was hoping this would be a great polish but it’s way too opaque. 2 coats on and it’s patchy/uneven/not thick or smooth enough at all. No one has time for 4 coats of polish. I’ll be returning it.
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userregular/average

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
3 years ago
consumer care center
Hey there! We want to understand what happened just as much as you do. The color ‘marshmallow’ should be a cloudy sheer white lacquer. We wish you could see all the results you were hoping for. After 2 thin coats, your color should be perfect, smooth, flawless and shiny. 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

Formula Problem

3 years ago
I am obsessed with Essie, that’s all I have bought since 10 years ago. I have tried Tuck it in my Tux and few others and decided Marshmallow has the best hue!!!! I love the color, not too white not pink, just right. The formula however is horrible. The first couple of times after opening the bottle is great except in order not to get streaks you have to apply 3 coats. After a few days of opening the bottle, the formula gets thick and clumpy and not usable!!! Also, the mandatory 3 layers make the nail polish to peel off in a day or two because it’s simply two thick and rubber feel like almost. Please note this is a constructive review for Essie, I am asking you to please change this formula since I love your products. I would love others to enjoy this wonderful nail polish but at this stage I am not able to use this color anymore. I don’t like anything with sparkle or shine and neither one of your colors mimic marshmallows. The open bottles show the clumps on top. Unfortunately my video would not upload. Please helps and fix this formula. I have wasted so much money on this nail polish tossing bottles after bottles!!!
favorite essie color family?white
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear foreveryday

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
3 years ago
consumer care center
Hi there! We wish you could see the all the results you were hoping for with the color ‘marshmallow’. This color is a cloudy sheer white lacquer and it looks like you prefer a more opaque color. Yes, 3 coats of color is too many and will not stay on the nail easily. An opaque color like ‘blanc’ or ‘first fitting’ would work better in 2 coats for this look. However, we wish we could understand why your bottles thicken up like this. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845

literally the worst nail polish ive ever used

5 years ago
it wasn't opaque at all. it was not worth the $9 i paid for it at Publix either. i should have stolen it.
favorite essie color family?greens
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
5 years ago
consumer care center
Hi there Nicole382! We wish you could see the results you were hoping for with the shade “marshmallow”. We describe this color as a sugary, soft nail color, a cloudy sheer white. For a snowy white opaque white, use the shade “blanc”. https://www.essie.com/nail-polish/enamel/whites/blanc

My new favorite sheer white neutral!

5 years ago
Im new to white shades but after a botched first try i got the hang of it! I love this White shade just and will wear it often. Its kissed with just a hint of warmth to take the edge off being blinding white. I did have to hit a few spots after the second coat but its not a deal breaker. Its a keeper!
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Amazing, delicate, translucent white

6 years ago
Marshmallow is my fave Essie ‘nude-white’ because it is not opaque. I usually mix 1/2 bottle of Marshmallow and 1/2 bottle of Mademoiselle for the perfect colour for me. Two coats gives soft, even coverage and I can do it at home. It dries fairly quickly with one coat and although it is not a full coverage polish, it’s great for home use of o don’t want to go without anything. Highly recommend! Try my mix and see what you think. If Essie likes my idea, please call it ‘Clouded Over’ :)
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Base coat, top coat
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

My all time favorite!

6 years ago
This color is my absolute favorite nail polish color for every day, all the time, every season. It's the perfect white shade polish. Not completely sheer, not bright white; Perfect!
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish usernail art lover
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?
1 – 8 of 87 reviews

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9 reviews with 1 star.

overall rating

4.3

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9 to 38 of 87 reviews .
9 – 38 of 87 reviews

Bought this as says it's a sheer white - NOT !

6 years ago
Very unhappy with Marshmallow - why is it listed as a sheer white when it's nothing of the sort! It's more opaque, even with just one coat.
type of nail polish userblogger/fashionista

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
6 years ago
consumer care center
Hi there Gingingin! We can see why these results would be disappointing for you..the nail enamel shade "marshmallow" should be a cloudy sheer white lacquer. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845

Perfect Color to wear year round!

7 years ago
Marshmallow is my favorite Essie polish. I have purchased this color 3 times and looks great with any outfit. Love it!!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Cascade cool and geranium
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?
7 years ago
this is not very pigmented. it's beautiful for an everyday wear, if you use 2 coats it is white but not the whitest nailpolish i ever used. it's easy to use and it dries fast. not expensive at all. would recommend. essie nail polish, marshmallow, sheer white nail polish, 0.46 fl. oz.
helpful?
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there! Thank you for your feedback on our marshmallow! We recommend trying our blanc which is a snowy white! We hope you check it out.
7 years ago
I have been using Essie nail polish for many years. This is a nice neutral color. I also like ballet slipper and have been a loyal customer of this polish for over 20 years.
helpful?
7 years ago
Decent polish fir the price. Needs about 3 coats to be opaque, affordable. Only lasts 3 days tops before it starts chipping.
helpful?
7 years ago
White nail polish is my favorite in the summer. This is a great go to when you want a white. This is very easy to apply and better than competitors. This is a great value and I highly recommend.
helpful?
7 years ago
I love essie polishes! They’re affordable and last so long without chipping or moving. I love how they have a wide variety of colors to choose from and they dry pretty fast!
helpful?
7 years ago
I love this shade of nail polish for the spring and summer seasons specifically because it compliments tan skin really well. It works well for an accent color, too. It's great quality nail polish and lasts a long time (weeks sometimes, for me). Considering the price is a bit high, I still feel like you get your money's worth. I would highly recommend it to others.
helpful?
7 years ago
I love this brand. Never have a problem with lumps and dries pretty fast. The color ranges are beautiful.
helpful?
7 years ago
Essie nail polish is ok but does not withstand the rough treatment I give my nails daily.
helpful?
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there Sarah! Thank you for letting us know about your experience with our nailcolor. We want you to have great looking nails, even if you don't lead the pampered life! For help getting the most wear from your mani, be sure to check out our pro tips on our TIPS & TRENDS webpage. https://www.essie.com/inspiration/tips-and-trends
7 years ago
This is a nice white color if you don’t want a stark harsh bright white. If you want a softer shade. Essie polishes are always a great brand and wear well and dry quickly
helpful?
7 years ago
Marshmallow is perfect for French tips. It’s a perfect milky white that makes your nails stand out. Essie is a wonderful polish. It goes on perfectly in just a couple coats and doesn’t chip.
helpful?
7 years ago
Love this color it’s absolutely white. I love how easy it is to apply and how long lasting it is. Super great price also for a very good quality nail polish.
helpful?
7 years ago
Adore this color. Easy application. Just need two coats. Cons- takes forever to dry. Really pricey.
helpful?

Great but....

7 years ago
I tried to wear this shade on my toes and it took more coats of polish than it should of to get it to be opaque.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Imported bubbly, stary night
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear forwork

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

My fav color, i named my car after it

8 years ago
This has to be my favvvvvvv nailpolish anddd color, i absolutely love it. Thats the only color i wear on my toes!!!!!! <33333 i also love it soo much i name my car after it. :-)
favorite essie color family?white
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

favorite white nail polish of all time

8 years ago
Marshmallow is my favorite whit nail polish of all time. I don't like chalky whites or whites that are too bright. Marshmallow saved the day once I started using this color I never went back. It is also buildable so it can be as sheer or as dark as you want.
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Love it

8 years ago
I love this color because it doesn't fade or turn yellow
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Reds.blues
favorite essie color family?white
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Best white polish-ever!

8 years ago
I absolutely love this polish for a french manicure. It's the most forgiving white I've ever used. It also makes for a very believable white french tip. I personally don't like french tips that look like Chiclets. Essie Marshmallow is my FAVE white polish!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Cherry Pop but it's discontinued
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish userprofessional
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

My Favorite

8 years ago
This is one of the hardest color to find any where and i can tell why. The white is perfect. Not so white were it looks like white out yet not to light were its see-through.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: pale pink or licorice
Q: favorite color?
A: marshmallow and wicked
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

It's alright :/

9 years ago
The color is a very faded white. At first, it is almost like a glazed look. In order for it to look nice, you'll have to build it up adding a few layers on. Overall, I did not enjoy this nail polish.
Q: favorite color?
A: cascade cool
type of nail polish userregular/average
helpful?
response from essie:
9 years ago
Essie Consumer Care
We're sorry to hear you didn't see the color you were hoping for from the shade marshmallow. This cloudy sheer white lacquer is great for french manicures, For crisper, more opaque whites take a look at coconut cove, private weekend and prime + pop. If you still want a sheer white for french manicures with a crisper white, take a look at blanc. If you wish to speak to us directly about your last purchase, please give us a call @ 866-313-7845 M-F 9am-5:30pm EST and provide the reference number 2735748

Frustrating...

9 years ago
I bought this yesterday as I've been looking for white nail polish for a while and Essie has never done me wrong before. It takes at least three coats to get opaque, but the nail polish takes forever to dry down so good luck doing the other codes in a timely manner. I've had to redo several nails multiple times because you'll think it's dry and then it'll completely wipe off on accident. Sad.
Q: favorite color?
A: Watermelon
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
9 years ago
Essie Consumer Care
We're sorry you didn't get the opaque white results you were looking for with the Marshmallow. This is considered a sheer white and perfect for a French Manicure. For an opaque white nail color we recommend the shades private weekend or the prime & pop.If you want further assistance with your results or please reach out to our Consumer Care Center. You can reach the team at 866-313-7845 M-F 9am-5:30pm EST. If you decide to call please give this reference number: 2625953

too light!

9 years ago
i had this nail polish before and it was perfect. now it's too light and doesn't give the same look as before. please bring back the previous one you had. and please stop changing your products.
Q: favorite color?
A: Marshmallow
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
9 years ago
ccc
We are sorry to hear this shade does not look the way you remembered. It should be a cloudy sheer white. Please call us @ 888.448.9617 M-F 9am-5:30pm EST and give the reference number 2118186. We look forward to making this right!

Perfect if you don't want a full-on white polish

10 years ago
I love that this is a slight off-white color. I've painted my nails all white before but I like Marshmallow better since it's not an in-your-face kind of white. I love having this color on all my nails. Perfect for summertime. Since it is on the sheer side, I usually apply 3 coats of it to get it opaque (2 coats if i want it a little sheer) and the end results are amazing. I can wear this color for about 6 days before it starts to chip. I usually top this color off with Essie's Gel Setter too. I recommended this color to a friend and she loved it as well.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Good As Gold, Blossom Dandy
Q: favorite color?
A: Ballet Slippers, Big Spender
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Beautiful!

10 years ago
I got this as a gift a few weeks ago and I love it! It is a perfect sheer white that works really well for french manicures as well as just an overall colour. I will be buying more of this for sure :)
Q: favorite color?
A: Prima Ballerina
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Love the color but not the formula

10 years ago
This color is just off of white so it is soft and subtle and feminine. From my very first use I found the formula to be very streaky and pools into even the tiniest of imperfections. After purchasing many bottles of this color with the same result, I am finally giving up on it.
Q: favorite color?
A: Vanity Fairest
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
10 years ago
ccc
This is a beautiful shade so we're sorry your results were not to your satisfaction. Your feedback is important to us and we will be sure to share your experience with the appropriate department. You might like waltz or blanc.

One of the worst nail polishes I have bought!

10 years ago
I had heard so many great things about Essie nail polishes, especially this color, so I'm very disappointed that this nail polish didn't work for me at all. It took almost 4 coats to actually show up, and the polish developed a ton of tiny little bubbles despite the fact that I waited for the polish to dry between coats. It took a very, very long time to dry and a few hours after drying, the polish actually started peeling off! I've never had these issues with other brands before, so I definitely won't be buying any more from Essie.
Q: favorite color?
A: None
type of nail polish userregular/average

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
10 years ago
ccc
We're sorry you were disappointed with your results. Your feedback is important to us as it helps us to improve our products. We will be sharing your experience with the appropriate department.

Pretty color

10 years ago
I bought this product for Christmas a year ago and love it. The only problem is that you have to apply at least 2-3 coats in order to get a good pigmentation out of it. Overall great product.
Q: favorite color?
A: Mint candy apple
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Horrible!!

11 years ago
The worst I've ever tried. Watery, takes 3-4 coats to get white, never dries. After 3 hours I still couldn't do anything with my hands without destroying my nails.
Q: favorite color?
A: Watermelon
type of nail polish userregular/average

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
11 years ago
ccc
We're sorry you had this experience. Marshmallow is a sheer white, perfect for a french manicure. If you would like to speak with us directly, please call us at: 866.313.7845 M-F 9a-5:30p ET & give ref # 248230. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Flawless!

11 years ago
Marshmallow is my absolute favorite nail color of all time! It goes on so smooth and streak free on the first stroke. Such a timeless color that goes with even the fairest, like mine, skin tone!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Wicked, Starry Starry Night
Q: favorite color?
A: Marshmallow
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?
9 – 38 of 87 reviews