Step 1 Prep
Prep cuticles, nail, and skin with Ready. Prep. Go. Advanced Cuticle Remover.
Once Upon A Time
Spin a tale of fashion romance in this longwear, icy blue nail polish with slate tones and live happily ever after.
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UP TO 15-DAY LONGWEAR. NO UV. Our Gel by essie 2 step color and top coat system gives you a plump, gel like manicure at home that lasts up to 15 days with the reapplication of top coat at day 7. No UV light needed.
PLUMP, GEL LIKE COLOR AND HIGH SHINE. Use Gel by essie 2 step color and top coat system for a plump, high shine manicure. Our patented swirl stem brush distributes product evenly on nails for a smooth finish.
CHIP-RESISTANT FORMULA. All Gel by essie shades are formulated with flex.e gel technology that bonds and moves with nails to resist chipping.
EASY APPLICATION & REMOVAL. First, apply 2 coats of Gel by essie nail polish, no base coat needed. Then, apply 1 coat of Gel by essie top coat. No UV light needed. Easy, gentle removal with acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover. No harsh scrapping or soaking.
ASSORTMENT OF SHADES. Gel by essie comes in an extensive range of trending and high-performance colors. Now available in 8 diamond-dusted shades.
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How to use Gel by essie's 2-step color and top coat system:
First, apply 2 coats of Gel by essie long lasting nail polish. No base coat needed.
Then, apply 1 coat of Gel by essie top coat nail polish. No UV light needed. Reapply top coat on day 7.
Easy, gentle removal with acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover.
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essie is a vegan brand – contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Full ingredient list:
BUTYL ACETATE ETHYL ACETATE NITROCELLULOSE TOSYLAMIDE/EPOXY RESIN ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL ACETYL TRIBUTYL CITRATE DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL DIBENZOATE SUCROSE ACETATE ISOBUTYRATE ACRYLATES COPOLYMER STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE PROPYL ACETATE OCTOCRYLENE TRIBUTYL CITRATE ADIPIC ACID/NEOPENTYL GLYCOL/TRIMELLITIC ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER ALCOHOL DENAT. HYDROGENATED ACETOPHENONE/OXYMETHYLENE COPOLYMER DIMETHICONE SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE BARIUM SULFATE CITRIC ACID OXIDIZED POLYETHYLENE CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE BENZOPHENONE-1 SILICA CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE COLOPHONIUM / ROSIN / COLOPHANE TIN OXIDE ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE MAGNESIUM SILICATE CI 77002 / ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE MICA CI 77491, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES CI 15850 / RED 7 LAKE CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 LAKE CI 15850 / RED 6 LAKE CI 15880 / RED 34 LAKE CI 77510 / FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE CI 77163 / BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE CI 77266 / BLACK 2 CI 77000 / ALUMINUM POWDER CI 77400 / BRONZE POWDER CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE CI 77510 / FERRIC FERROCYANIDE CI 77288 / CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS CI 77820 / SILVER
How to use longwear nail polish
Step 2 Paint
Apply 2 coats of color. No base coat needed.
Step 3 Seal
Apply 1 coat of top coat for glass-like shine. No UV lamp needed.
Shop our longwear manicure routine
"Gel by essie is the luxe choice. Everything from the bottle to the seamless application, to the extended wear is elevated." - Rita Remark, essie Global Brand Ambassador
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1 to 8 of 112 reviews .
1 – 8 of 112 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
The brush!
8 years ago
I love the color but the flat brush makes it so easy!
favorite essie color family?metallics/glitters
type of nail polish userspecial occasions only
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
My new favorite color!
8 years ago
When I received this complimentary Essie gel couture and top coat from Influenster, I was disappointed with the color. I’ve only used pinks, corals, and reds on my nails, but Essie’s “Once Upon A Time” shade has opened my horizons!!! I love this shade of icy bluish-gray! I have received so many compliments on my nails whilst wearing this shade. Many people ask me for the shade color as they’ve been looking for that perfect blue-gray. Best of all, this gel couture and the top coat duo does work in assuring longwear. It’s the first that’s ever worked for me. I can easily say it was two weeks before I saw any signs of chipping. And the brush is awesome! That little twist in the brush makes for easier and more precise application. I am extremely happy with this product; it’s long lasting, it’s glossy, and it’s a beautiful shade! I’m a convert for sure!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Couture top coat
favorite essie color family?blues
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
So impressed
8 years ago
I received this for free to try and at first, I didn’t like the color because I usually stick to nudes or pinks. But after applying the polish I fell in love with the color. This was my first time using the gel line from Essie and right off the bat, I liked the brush much more. Compared to the regular polishes, this brush was fatter and curved so the application was much easier. I was able to get enough product in one application to cover most of the nail and I didn’t get that much polish over on the surrounding skin. The polish dried pretty quickly and was already shiny before applying topcoat. After applying the topcoat, the polish lasted much longer than it usually does for me.
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.
New favorite nail polish
8 years ago
I recieved this product free from influenster for testing purposes. I rate this five stars because the quality of this polish is high. It goes on smooth as butter with the brush shape that literally hugs your nail while you paint them. The color is so pigmented you only need one coat! I have been getting so many compliments on my nails. I love #essielove
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Top coats
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Nice!
8 years ago
I like the application and the color of this! I received this product for free for review.
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.
Longlasting
8 years ago
I love this nail polish! The applicator is amazing and makes it easier to apply the nail polish. I love the color as well, I have received many compliments while wearing this polish. I did receive it complimentary from Influenster to try and review. This review is honest
favorite essie color family?grays
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Long lasting and pretty color
8 years ago
I’m a fan and frequent user of Essie nail polish but this was my first time using one of their gel polishes. I love the color, I loved how easy it was to apply and I loved how long they lasted on my nails without chipping. I am definitely going to be purchasing more colors. I received this product free through Influenster for testing.
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.
Amazing color
8 years ago
I’m not usually a fan of having color on my nails I go towards more nudes but I absolutely fell in love with this shade i got plenty of compliments on it as well. I applied two coats only cause after two coats it starts to get clumpy. I’m still not a huge fan of essie because of the brush but they are getting better. I did receive this product for free for testing purposes from Influenster.
type of nail polish userregular/average
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
1 – 8 of 112 reviews
Customer Images and Videos
Filter Reviews
rating
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9 to 38 of 112 reviews .
9 – 38 of 112 reviews
most recent
5 out of 5 stars.
Love this!
8 years ago
I receive this free for testing. I LOVE this color. It goes on well, it dries in a fair about of time.
favorite essie color family?grays
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
So pretty!
8 years ago
I received this nail polish complimentary for testing purposes. I absolutely love it! The color is so me, I don’t do really bright colors so I was happy to see this color! It went on so smoothly. It was also very shiny. It did chip within the first day I wore it, but I also have kids and am always doing something so that may have contributed!
favorite essie color family?grays
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Love the color!
8 years ago
I’m so in love with this color and how well the polish stays on. My nails look perfect after a day at work and this never happens!
favorite essie color family?blues
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
slate with icy blue tones
8 years ago
Once upon a time I received this nail color from Essie and influenster for free in exchange for a review and I was instantly in love. This reads more slate with icy blue tones than icy blue with slate tones on me. Other than that, everything is true to advertisement with this polish l. My favorite part is the paddle brush that allows for smooth and easy application with few brush strokes that melt into a very smooth plane. And the color is so pretty. I only had one other Essie GC polish before this but I might have to start investing in some of the more unique colors.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: gel couture TC
favorite essie color family?blues
type of nail polish userblogger/fashionista
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
3 out of 5 stars.
Long lasting impression
8 years ago
I received this color from Influenster in my voxbox. Even though it wasn't my color it did last without chipping or peeling.
favorite essie color family?corals
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
8 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi Ninaheat! Thank you for sharing with us some feedback on our Gel Couture Polish. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed using this product and hope you will find a shade that suits you soon!
5 out of 5 stars.
The perfect winter to spring transition color!
8 years ago
I love the gel couture line! The polish dries so quickly and lasts so much longer than regular polish! This color is perfect for transitioning from winter to spring! It’s a pale blueish grey and it’s both professional and trendy! It’s super easy to use because the brush has a little curve to it!
I received this product for free to test it out.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Any of the treatments
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userblogger/fashionista
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
A beautiful gray purple
8 years ago
This polish dries very fast! That was the first thing I noticed. I like the thick brush, making it faster to cover more of the nail. I also saw that it went on very thick with just 1 coat. Only took two coats to get my desired look. #gelcouture #essielove #contest #complimentary @Influenster @essiepolish
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.
OMG obsessed and love the color
8 years ago
Wow I recieved this product for free and thought that it lasted so long. I tried 3 different scenarios and all 3 times it lasted at least 6 days or more. I have never been so obsessed with the staying power. Beyond my favorite polish and this color is perfect for spring.
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.
love it!
8 years ago
I absolutely love this shade. I don’t have a lot of time to head over to the nail salon so this was a quick cheaper fix. And i live for it! It went on smooth and opaque and dried quickly.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: It’s a neutral shade so everything!
favorite essie color family?corals
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Great color for Spring
8 years ago
This is a light lavender color, perfect for Spring. It is light and easy to apply.
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.
Amazing!
8 years ago
I love this nail polish! It lasts so long and doesn’t chip. I’ve had it on over a week and my nails still look amazing. I’ve even been asked what salon I got them done at even though I did them myself. I received this in exchange for a review but all my opinions are my own.
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Decent product
8 years ago
I had received this product complimentary from influenster, and although I don’t like the periwinkle color, because it is not the color I prefer. It was a great product! Smooth, even application and long lasting for someone who works with their hands everyday.
favorite essie color family?grays
type of nail polish userspecial occasions only
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
This product is awesome!
8 years ago
I received this product free for testing purposes. First of all I love this color. I could not be happier with the shade. It goes on so smoothly! The brush is one of the best that I have used. Minimal chips with rough wear. I would forsure recommend it to nail polish lovers!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Not sure
type of nail polish usernovice/new user
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Loved the color
8 years ago
I loved this smoky, icy, blue color. The brush helped me applied this polish cleanly to my nails. I’d suggest starting in the middle and then fanning out for easy application. It was a plus that this product went really well with my dark skin tone. I’d definitely buy as a regular polish. It didn’t fare too well once I put the gel top coat on. It chipped in around 2-3 days.
*received product for free for testing*
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.
LAST LONG!
8 years ago
I received this polish complimentary from Influenster. I really like this type of cool tones color, First, I’d like to say I love the brush they used for this polish, It makes polish application easier and more even. The gel polish itself is also a nice upgrade from the regular polish. It's sooooo easy to use you don't even have to prep your nails! My nails last for a good 2 weeks and this is manipulating them doing the dishes, laundry and cleaning, always doing something around the house with quimicals and/or water and at the end it look pretty decent!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Top coat!
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.
I freaking love it
8 years ago
The quality is amazing and the color is beautiful it's like a gray and purple, I love this nail Polish it just glides on like a dream
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.
More of a Gray than a Blue
8 years ago
I received this product complimentary from Influenster and I am obsessed with the shade! It is definitely more gray than blue, but I love that about it! I love gray as my neutral lately and this one doesn’t disappoint. I would highly recommend even for novice users.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Gel Couture Top Coat
favorite essie color family?grays
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Spring color
8 years ago
I love this color. It’s a nice blue lavender color. It’s perfect for spring. I’m excited to wear this with one of my dresses that is close to this color. I received this nail polish free for testing.
type of nail polish userregular/average
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Long lasting
8 years ago
I received this product free for testing purposes, and was honestly a bit skeptical. However, this gel polish is amazing. Not only is it a beautiful color, It was easy to apply, fast drying and did not chip! I used this product along with the top coat and it lasted almost a full two weeks! I was very impressed and received many compliments.
favorite essie color family?grays
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Once upon a time...
8 years ago
I love Essie polish and my love continues! This nail polish is great. It goes on smooth, has a great pigment and dries relatively quick too. The brush is wide and thin and makes painting your own nails super easy. This color changes a bit depending on the lighting but I feel it has more of a lilac color than blue. I can’t wait to try more colors!
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful color!
8 years ago
This is a wonderful polish! Dries really fast, and lasts long! I received this free with Influenster to review for my honest opinion
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Love how smooth it applies!!
8 years ago
I love the color and how easily this polish and gel applies!! It drys quickly and the color is perfect for spring!
favorite essie color family?grays
type of nail polish usernovice/new user
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Amazing color
8 years ago
I received this complimentary product in my influenster box a couple weeks ago and I am so excited I did! I love the shade of color and the quality it is. It doesn’t have a strong odor like other nail polishes leave. My self mani is lasting for days! Thanks Essie and Influenster!!!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: cosmetics
favorite essie color family?metallics/glitters
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
SO BEAUTIFUL
8 years ago
It looks so pretty on the nails, the texture is nice and smooth, and I adore the color. Ironically, because this product was sent to me for free to test, I had no say in the color I received, but I can't think of one I would have preferred. I highly recommend this!
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
4 out of 5 stars.
Amazing product!
8 years ago
I received this product FOR FREE about 2 weeks ago and I finally came around to trying it out. I never do nails on myself nor other people, but as a treat, I used it on my aunt, mom, and sister. We all loved the color, even though we thought it was a lavendar-purple, instead of a gray toned color. It was easy to apply and easy to fix, if touch-ups were needed. The only problem was the fact that it was easy to wash off. Overall, an amazing product.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Top Coat
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish usernovice/new user
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Fall/winter perfection
8 years ago
I received this nail polish complimentary from Influenster and love it! it looks more grey than blue to me and it’s perfect for fall or winter. It is completely professional to wear to the office and yet trendy!
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.
Long wear, stays shiny
8 years ago
I got this a few weeks ago, and this polish has held up well! It has minimal cracking after weeks even though I only paint my toes. It's incredibly shiny and smooth, and I love that this colors is mostly grey with small purple-blue hues. It's a perfect neutral with enough pop. I received this shade as well as the top coat in an influenster vid box free of charge, and I would definitely splurge for more colors!!
favorite essie color family?blues
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
New Favorite!
8 years ago
I received this product free for testing purposes and I’m in love with it! The brush quality is amazing. It only took two coats to get the best color payoff and I had to actually wipe the brush a little because it picks up a lot of polish. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who likes to paint their nails.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Essie Gel Top Coat (Platinum Grade)
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.
I love this color and polish
8 years ago
Im obsessed with Essie polishes. The variety of colors and quality is top notch. Anytime there is a new line from Essie I’m all in. I have to say that I’m in love Essie Gel Couture polish! First off, the color is beautiful. It’s a cross between gray, blue and lilac. The formula is so rich and smooth. I adore the brush. I did my own mani and for once I didn’t get polish all over my fingers. This was the first time i didn’t make a mess. That’s revolutionary! The polish dried super fast and my mani seems like nothing will ruin it. This mani is super lasting. I cant wait to buy more colors. I’m so glad i received this polish to test for free. It’s definitely my new favorite.
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.
Perfect polish
8 years ago
I got this polish free for review from influenster but that doesnt change my feelings about this product. First i love the color even though it looks like a purple or gray it says blue which i dont see. Love the brush shape u only need one coat and dont have to dip back in but i still used 2 coats.its also shiny alone without even putting a top coat on. It looks kind of like gel but kind of. Last long but cuz i paired it with the top coat works well cant use any other top coat doesn't have the same effect. Would recommend.
favorite essie color family?metallics/glitters
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
9 – 38 of 112 reviews