Step 1 Prep
Prep cuticles, nail, and skin with Ready. Prep. Go. Advanced Cuticle Remover.
Marshmallow
A cloudy sheer white nail polish.
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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 87 reviews .
1 – 8 of 87 reviews
most recent
1 out of 5 stars.
See review
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
5 out of 5 stars.
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?
1 out of 5 stars.
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
1 out of 5 stars.
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
1 out of 5 stars.
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
5 out of 5 stars.
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?
5 out of 5 stars.
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?
5 out of 5 stars.
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 to 38 of 87 reviews .
9 – 38 of 87 reviews
most recent
2 out of 5 stars.
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
5 out of 5 stars.
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?
2 out of 5 stars.
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.
Originally posted on influenster.com
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.
5 out of 5 stars.
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.
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
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.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
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.
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
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!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
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.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love this brand. Never have a problem with lumps and dries pretty fast. The color ranges are beautiful.
Originally posted on influenster.com
3 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Essie nail polish is ok but does not withstand the rough treatment I give my nails daily.
Originally posted on influenster.com
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
5 out of 5 stars.
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
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
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.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
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.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Adore this color. Easy application. Just need two coats. Cons- takes forever to dry. Really pricey.
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
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?
5 out of 5 stars.
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?
5 out of 5 stars.
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?
5 out of 5 stars.
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?
5 out of 5 stars.
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?
5 out of 5 stars.
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?
1 out of 5 stars.
It's alright :/
8 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:
8 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
1 out of 5 stars.
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
1 out of 5 stars.
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!
5 out of 5 stars.
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?
4 out of 5 stars.
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?
2 out of 5 stars.
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.
1 out of 5 stars.
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.
4 out of 5 stars.
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?
1 out of 5 stars.
Horrible!!
10 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:
10 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!
5 out of 5 stars.
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