• Sleek bottle of Gel by essie longwear nail polish in shade 'First Fitting' against a clean white background.
Average rating includes incentivized reviews gel by essie

First Fitting

In. Out. Yes. No. There's no mincing words in this bright white nail polish with clean and crisp undertones - whatever you say goes.

  • NOT JUST PRETTY, BUT TOUGH: Get diamond brilliant color that's chip-resistant with Gel by essie, our 2-step nail polish color and topcoat system that gives you up to 15 days of wear*. No UV light. No TPO.

    71 DIAMOND-BRILLIANT SHADES: Gel by essie comes in an extensive range of trending and high-performance colors. Now available in 8 diamond-dusted shades, plus our first diamond dust topcoat.

    PLUMP, GEL-LIKE COLOR & HIGH SHINE: Use Gel by essie's 2-step color and topcoat 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, NO UV LIGHT: First, apply 2 coats of Gel by essie nail polish: no based coat needed. Then, apply 1 coat of Gel by essie topcoat: no UV light. EASY, GENTLE REMOVAL with acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover.

    TAKE A BREAK FROM UV GEL: Use essie To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair to improve visible signs of UV gel damage in 5 days. Then, try our essie alternative to UV gel, Gel by essie.

     

    KEY FEATURES:
    This product comes in a glass bottle: 
    Size: 0.46 ounces 
    Product Description: Depth: 1.53"" Width: 1.53"" Height: 2.81""
    Product Form: Liquid Polish 

     

    NAIL TYPE: Gel by essie Longwear Nail Polish is ideal for consumers looking for a chip-resistant manicure, with no UV needed.

  • How to use Gel by essie's 2-step color and topcoat 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 topcoat nail polish. No UV light needed. Reapply topcoat on day 7.
    - Easy, gentle removal with acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover.

  • essie is a vegan brand – contains no animal-derived ingredients.

    • essie is a vegan brand – contains no animal-derived ingredients.
    • 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

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Gel by essie longwear nail polish FAQs:

  • Yes, our gel-like nail system is designed to work as an easy 2-step routine to deliver the intended 15-days of longwear and high shine; Step 1: Gel by essie color coat followed by Step 2: Gel by essie top coat. Using the two polishes together maximizes performance.
  • No, the longwear Gel by essie system does not require a base coat. We recommend sticking to the easy 2-step system, color and top coat.
  • No, you do not need a UV lamp with essie longwear gel nail polish. You can achieve gel-like results without the use of a UV light.
  • essie and Gel by essie are formulated without the ingredient TPO. The use of TPO in classic nail polishes have never been permitted, therefore absent from the brand's formulas since inception.
  • Easy, gentle removal: with acetone or non-acentone nail polish remover. No harsh scraping or soaking.
  • Gel by essie longwear nail polish is formulated to be chip resitant with extended wear up to 15-days, and with a gel-like, high shine finish without the need of a UV lamp. Original essie nail polish is a traditional lacquer formula, offering normal wear performance.
  • Yes, essie longwear gel nail polishes are vegan, formulated without animal-derived ingredients, and all essie products are cruelty-free.

How to use longwear nail polish

Step 1 Prep

Prep cuticles, nail, and skin with Ready. Prep. Go. Advanced Cuticle Remover.

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

reviews

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17 reviews with 5 stars.
1 review with 4 stars.
1 review with 3 stars.
1 review with 2 stars.
1 review with 1 star.

overall rating

4.5

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1 to 8 of 21 reviews .
1 – 8 of 21 reviews

Streaks, does not dry evenly.

5 months ago
I was looking for an Essie gel color in a white shade and thought this was going to be effortless like the other Essie’s I own. This one if terrible and I ended up taking it back. It does not set well and streaks very bad, even with the recommended nail prep. I even did four coats and it was just awful. Very disappointed I do not have a “go to” white for this brand. Have it a one-star because I couldn’t give it a 0.
type of nail polish usernail art lover

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
2 months ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there MtotheJ, we would be disappointed too and want to understand what happened just as much as you do. This bright white with clean and crisp undertones should look perfect by the second coat. Your bottle definitely was not working as it should. 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

Pretty

2 years ago
My nails look so classy ! This color is beautiful Applies to my nails effortlessly
helpful?

I wish it was better

2 years ago
This nail polish claims it is like gel, which I think it could be if it dried properly. This nail polish does not set right. I waited many time intervals hoping it would dry with different nails and it simply did not, it turned to goo and I could make impressions with my finger. I waited approximately 30 minutes hoping it would dry on one nail and it wouldn’t and that’s with the first coat. Second coat? Forget it, it was even worse. I then added the top coat really hoping that it would somehow save it but it unfortunately made it look even worse and i ultimately had to remove it all. The photo I have provided was shortly after the second coat where I thought it may dry down and look okay but it still looked streaky after the first coat. The formula itself is not consistent and is very watery/thin but yet doesn’t paint/spread very well. It’s just overall very strange. I am honestly just really disappointed with it. I gave it two stars out of generosity because I know if it had the capability to dry down it would be pretty.

no, I do not recommend this product.

  • Review photo 1.
helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there Delicate933! We want to understand what happened just as much as you do. Your description of this Gel Couture color do not sound right! The color should be perfect by the second coat and each coat should dry in about 5 minutes or less.

Love!

2 years ago
This nail polish is amazing! It lasts so long and is a beautiful color. It is tough and goes on so smooth. I cannot recommend this more. Essie is such a great brand!

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Besutiful

2 years ago
I got this a few weeks ago and love it the pigment is very bright it does take 2 coats at the minimum but it’s shiny and it lasts a good amount of time I would say almost 2 weeks and I’m very rough on my nails

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Love the color!

2 years ago
Essie is known for their great polish and this doesn't disappoint! The product was easy to apply and remove around the nail for any painting mistakes I made during the process. The handle was easy to hold. I did my normal two coats with a base and a top and it has lasted over a month already! I was very pleased. The color is bright and shiny!

yes, I recommend this product.

  • Review photo 1.
helpful?

Really pretty

2 years ago
I've had the Essie Gel couture polish in first fitting for over a week now without any chips in the polish. I am loving it! The formula is super smooth and only took two coats to be opaque. The color is a beautiful white shimmer. The finished look is super shiny and definitely chip resistant. Great polish!

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

So so

2 years ago
I’ve tried all three colors Electric Geometric, First View and First Fitting. Coming from the brand that is so popular, I was disappointed by the color pay off. Mainly EG and FV. These two colors were just drab. Even with a high quality base and top coat the colors were simply boring. They both need a tint or shade of another color added, to give the pop or wow factor that both these colors need. On the other hand First Fitting is a pure white that looks sharp bright and nice. Two coats and you’re good to go. I feel that the formula itself could be improved, but I can’t put my finger on what.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello KT22! Thanks for trying out these 3 Gel Couture nail colors. We're pleased to hear how well the color 'first fitting', we just wish you could see the all results you were hoping for with the other 2 colors. We get that not every shade will look outstanding with everyone's natural coloring, but we appreciate hearing back from consumers who have given the color a try. On our webpage for each color we try to show the results on the nails of models with 3 distinctly different skintones to help you decide.
1 – 8 of 21 reviews

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17 reviews with 5 stars.
1 review with 4 stars.
1 review with 3 stars.
1 review with 2 stars.
1 review with 1 star.

overall rating

4.5

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9 to 21 of 21 reviews .
9 – 21 of 21 reviews

Pearlescent!

2 years ago
The prettiest shade of pearl white! It looks stunning on my nails when used as a full nail color or as a French manicure tip color! The gel formula makes it last even longer than regular polish which is great for a busy mom like me!

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Pretty

2 years ago
I really love this nail polish! I love a good white nail polish, and this one is super milky and looks great when applied. I love that it’s a gel polish as well, it lasts an awful long time, but it is also easy to remove when time to switch to a new color.

yes, I recommend this product.

  • Review photo 1.
helpful?

Doesn’t Disappoint

2 years ago
Essie nail products never disappoint. This line is no exception. The colors are nice and vibrant and paint on evenly and smooth. One coat offers nice coverage but after a second the color is so bold. I’ve noticed that with this line my nail color lasts for close to two weeks without chipping! I will definitely be adding more products from this line to my nail collection.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Love it

2 years ago
I love how my nails turn out after applying this on. It was so smooth and easy to apply on and I really love the color. It looks great with my daily outfit and for event outfits. This makes me want to try more colors out.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Amazing nail polish

2 years ago
I absolutely love this Essie collection. The colors are super wearable (white, light blue, and cherry red) and are great quality as expected from Essie! Very pigmented and less than two coats gives me great coverage

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Cute Color

2 years ago
I tried this out for the first time and it left my nails looking like I went to the salon for a manicure. After just two coats there were no streaks and it dried really quickly. I would recommend this as an affordable option to getting your nails done professional. The color was also a soft white which I loved.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Fun

2 years ago
These are such fun nail colors. Once applied they lasted for almost a month. They are simple to use and the color selection is amazing! They are not as smelly as some others either.

yes, I recommend this product.

  • Review photo 1.
  • Review photo 2.
helpful?

Stays long

2 years ago
I have always loved Essie. I have used their polish since i am a kid. This new l9ng lasting is amazing. It really really lasted way longer than the old type i used for years. It stayed on even through hanging in the pools and ocean on my week long vacation
helpful?

Great product

2 years ago
The Essie first fitting is a solid white color I like how they look on my toe nails what I like about this product is that I've been having this color on my toe nails since the day I got it its like a week already and they have chipped it hasn't started coming off what I also like about this nail polish is that is a gel nail polish it drys fast it doesn't take that long to dry so u don't need a uv light to dry them because they will dry on its own.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Excellent

2 years ago
I am very pleased with a Essie Gel couture long-lasting vegan gel nail polish. The color is so pretty on my nails and toes. It so simple to apply on my nails and toes as well. This Gel polish goes on so smoothly and dries very quickly. The brush shape is key for polishing close to cuticle. Overall it’s a fast drying formula for a quick and clean polish application. I highly recommend this.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Perfect

2 years ago
I got this as a gift about a month ago and I love it. Love this white it goes on smoothly and it dries pretty fast. Packaging is cute and so is the bottle. The polish itself is perfect I would recommend it to anyone looking for a new white nail polish to fry.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Best nail polish ever

2 years ago
I am typically not the one to paint my own nails because they always come out streaky and uneven. I am shocked at how well this polish works. It took me two coats for it to look completely solid and covered. On top of that, it looks just as perfect as a gel manicure would be if you went to the nail salon. This polish also dries slightly faster than a traditional polish. One recommendation I have is to clean up the excess polish on your skin as quick as you can as it is a little more difficult to remove with nail polish remover when it dries. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this product. The color I am wearing is called first fitting, and it is the perfect white color.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

The only polish I use!!

3 years ago
This is my signature shade. I love it and get compliments on it all the time!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Topcoat
favorite essie color family?white
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?
9 – 21 of 21 reviews