The 15 Best Essie Nail Colors That You Can Still Buy

Iconic shades.

Leiana Foye
Leiana Foye
Instagram
About NewBeauty

Published: Oct 3, 2024

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essie nail polish colors and orange manicure — IG: @lolo.nailedit / @thehotblend

When you think of a nail polish bottle, the first image that probably comes to mind is Essie. The brand is one of the most recognized and iconic nail brands. Why? Over 40 years since its debut, Essie's formulas—lacquers, gels and more— are stronger and its nail colors have even wittier names.

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We haven't even addressed Essie's expansive color range. With hundreds of shades across every spectrum, in creams, metallics, jellies and more, Essie is always at the top of a nail painter's favorite polishes. While Essie may be at the forefront of new nail hues, many shades are discontinued (justice for Clambake and Allure!). With so many color choices and regular swapped-out collections, it's difficult to keep up with the best of the best. So, I did some research. Keep scrolling to see which of Essie's nail colors are best-sellers, fan favorites AND still available to buy today.

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15 of the Very Best Essie Nail Colors

1 / 15

Wicked ($7)

A deep burgundy, or vampy dark red, ideal to match the mood of the fall and winter months.

BUY ON AMAZON - $7

BUY ON ULTA - $7

Essie Wicked

2 / 15

Ballet Slippers ($9)

A classic pale pink, and also the unofficial nail polish for royalty—the late Queen Elizabeth wore it frequently. Rumor has it's a go-to for the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton and that Megan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, wore it on her wedding day.

BUY ON AMAZON - $9

BUY ON ULTA - $7

essie ballet slippers

3 / 15

Licorice ($7)

A simple and striking jet-black cream with a glossy finish.

BUY ON ULTA - $7

BUY ON TARGET - $10

ESSIE LICORICE

4 / 15

Off Tropic ($10)

The brand describes this deep hue as "lush grove green." It's also a favorite polish of Alexandra Teleki, known as The Hot Blend on Instagram and TikTok. "You simply can’t go wrong with a chic green set of nails," she says.

BUY ON AMAZON - $10

BUY ON TARGET - $10

Essie Off Tropic

5 / 15

Not Red-y For Bed ($7)

Another of Teleki's must-have Essie colors is Not Red-y For Bed, a rich cherry red.

BUY ON ULTA - $7

BUY ON TARGET - $10

Essie Not Red-y For Bed nail lacquer

6 / 15

Fiji ($7)

An opaque baby pink that's flattering all year round.

BUY ON ULTA - $7

BUY ON MACY'S - $9

Essie Fiji

7 / 15

Bikini So Teeny ($7)

A "cornflower blue" that calls to mind sweet spring days.

BUY ON AMAZON - $7

BUY ON ULTA - $7

Essie Bikini So Teeny

8 / 15

Topless & Barefoot ($7)

A soft beige pink that brings out the best of both tones.

BUY ON ULTA - $7

BUY ON TARGET - $10

A hand with painted nails holding a bottle of essie topless and barefoot

9 / 15

Marshmallow ($7)

If you love a milky white manicure, this powdery shade will reign over all others.

BUY ON ULTA - $7

BUY ON TARGET - $10

Essie Marshmallow

10 / 15

Bordeaux ($7)

Another autumnal favorite is Bordeaux, a deep wine shade that's like the sophisticated older sister to black.

BUY NOW - $7

Essie Bordeaux

11 / 15

Go Ginza ($8)

According to the brand, this "cherry blossom purple" evokes "quiet luxury" and "exquisite beauty." Sold.

BUY ON AMAZON - $8

BUY ON TARGET - $10

Essie Go Ginza

12 / 15

Rocky Rose ($7)

Think of a quaint Mediterranean village and you'll see this creamy terracotta polish with yellow and red undertones.

BUY NOW - $7

Essie Rocky Rose

13 / 15

Blanc ($7)

A true snow-white that's elegant and smooth. It's also the go-to for classic French manicure tips.

BUY ON AMAZON - $7

BUY ON ULTA - $7

Essie Blanc

14 / 15

Mademoiselle ($7)

A classic sheer pink that always makes me feel like a real grown up. It's elegant, sheer and easy to wear no matter the season.

BUY ON AMAZON - $7

BUY ON ULTA - $7

Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle

15 / 15

After School Boy Blazer ($7)

A deep navy shade that's nearly-black and reminiscent of a true midnight sky. It's the edgier, cooler cousin to traditional dark manicures like burgundies and blacks.

BUY ON AMAZON - $7

BUY ON ULTA - $7