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Decades later, the brand is one of the most recognized polish brands in the country.

Readers' Top Picks

What to Look For in an Essie Nail Polish

Color.

A hand with Essie nail polish in the shade Angora Cardi on the nails and the bottle of polish next to the hand on top of a similar colored fabric

@essie/ Instagram

There are no rules when it comes to choosing what shade to wear throughout the year.

Some people stick to nude nails every season, while others like to experiment withvibrant hues.

If you want a solid, glossy finish, opt for opaque nail lacquer.

Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers

Essie

If you want your nails to look translucent, opt for a sheer polish.

Essie nail polishes typicallydry quicklybut if you are unable to wait, try the brand’s Expressie line.

You may also apply theirquick-dry topcoatto speed up the process.

Essie Bikini So Teeny

Amazon

The color is “always my simple go-to,” says reader McKenzie.

And we agree it’s one of our go-to shades for summer pedicures.

If you are a bigBarbiemovie fan, we think this one is perfectly suited for you.

Essie Big Spender

Cloudy White: Marshmallow

Lovers ofneutral colorsare in agreement about this timeless shade.

As Joey says, it’s “the perfect, opaque nude without having any pink.

We love this one as an alternative to a classic red; it feels more modern.

Essie Wicked

Essie

“Simply gorgeous!”

Blue-Black: After School Boy Blazer

Multiple readers mention this classic deep blue as a favorite.

Shaking your nail polish can cause bubbles.

Essie Nail Polish Marshmallow

Essie

Instead, roll the bottle upside down between your hands.

Unopened, Essie nail polish has a shelf life of two years.

essie bordeaux

Essie

Essie Lace Me Up

Essie

Essie After School Boy Blazer

Essie