Since 1981, essie has created over 1,000 shades of polish, but a select group has risen to icon status. These colors have defined nail culture and trends for generations, with no signs of their popularity waning—in fact, a bottle sells every four seconds in the US. (That’s 14 bottles flying off shelves every minute.) Beloved by Sofia Richie, Hailey Bieber, Helen Mirren and even royal family members such as the late Queen Elizabeth II, these shades have become staples across red carpets, runways and everyday life alike.
Alright, enough with the vagueness—what are the best-selling essie nail polishes, you ask? Read on to see the 20 shades that have been in nonstop demand for over four decades and where to shop them.
1 / 20
Ballet Slippers ($10)
One bottle of Essie’s timeless pink sells every minute, cementing its place as the ultimate “It Girl” manicure must-have.
2 / 20
Blanc ($10)
A true and timeless snow-white. It’s also the go-to for classic French manicure tips.
3 / 20
Mademoiselle ($10)
A sheer pink that’s elegant and easy to wear, no matter the season or occasion.
4 / 20
Marshmallow ($10)
If you love a milky white manicure, this powdery shade will reign over all others.
5 / 20
Forever Yummy ($10)
A little bit spicy and a little bit sweet, the brand describes Forever Yummy as a “creamy tango red.”
6 / 20
Bikini So Teeny ($10)
A “cornflower blue” with a subtle shimmer that calls to mind sweet spring days.
7 / 20
Birthday Girl ($10)
Give your sheer pink polish an extra oomph with Birthday Girl—it adds a metallic shimmer to the everyday shade.
8 / 20
Watermelon ($10)
Watermelon is a juicy, creamy pink-red.
9 / 20
Not Red-y For Bed ($10)
Looking for a rich cherry red that literally looks good on everyone? Search over.
10 / 20
Sugar Daddy ($10)
More proof that one does a sheer light pink nail polish like essie. Sugar Daddy has a sweet cream finish.
11 / 20
Muchi, Muchi ($10)
Muchi, Muchi is a mid-tone pink (I’d call it light bubblegum) with a cream finish.
12 / 20
Berry Naughty ($10)
It doesn’t get more December-coded than Berry Naughty, a deep and decadent berry red that elevates any holiday occasion.
13 / 20
Eternal Optimist ($10)
Described as a “spiced tea rose,” Eternal Optimist is a warm, deep pink that flatters year-round.
14 / 20
Off Tropic ($10)
This “lush grove” hue is everyone’s favorite hunter green nail polish–full stop. Instant elegance.
15 / 20
Mrs. Always Right ($10)
Cheeky name aside, Mrs. Always Right is a terracotta rose hue that looks soft and sheer with one coat; additional layers create a deep and complex pink.
16 / 20
Licorice ($10)
A jet black manicure never goes out of style. Licorice is striking and creamy with a glossy finish.
17 / 20
Wicked ($10)
Burgundy nails are always on-trend, and especially fitting to match the mood of the fall and winter months.
18 / 20
Topless & Barefoot ($10)
Name a better neutral. The beige-y pink is a classic nude nail polish.
19 / 20
Hi-Maintenance ($10)
An ultra-sheer pink, Hi-Maintenance is the epitome of a barely-there manicure: just polished enough to pull a look together, while keeping an effortless air.
20 / 20
Skinny Dip ($10)
Skinny Dip leans more peach than pink and is super sheer.
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