Ranked and Reviewed: The Most Iconic Essie Nail Polish Shades of All Time

Marshmallow is that perfect, subtle white that never looks stark on the nails. It has a soft, slightly sheer finish, one coat gives a milky wash, while a second (or third) builds it up to a clean opaque hue. And for those who prefer a crisp and bright white, Blanc deserves an honorable mention.

This rich polish is perfect for a deep cherry manicure. It instantly transports me to the eponymous region of France, sipping a smooth glass of red with my fingers wrapped around the stem, painted in the exact same as my wine.

When it comes to Essie’s lineup of light pinks, it’s nearly impossible to pick just one. Mademoiselle is beloved for its sheer, barely-there finish that gives the fingers that soap nail shine.

If someone asked me my favorite color, I think my answer would simply be “Go Ginza.” Not quite purple, but not fully pink, it’s ideal for a bright spring or summer manicure. But, you can also probably catch me wearing this mid-January.

This was the ultimate 2010s shade, and it still holds its icon status more than 15 years later. It’s that perfect minty blue-green that’s playful and gives the nails a fresh pop of color.

This alluring deep shade is a true cult favorite. Essie describes Wicked as a “deep, dark sinister red”—and that really is the perfect way to put this moody and vampy polish. It lands somewhere between plum, eggplant, and burgundy depending on the light (and how many coats you layer).

This gorgeous light blue is the most perfect shade of blue, with just a whisper of lilac. It’s playful and works year-round—it exudes summer in a bottle, but also can work as an icy and wintry shade.

And then there’s the most famous Essie shade of them all: Ballet Slippers. It’s the perfect pale pink. It’s soft, subtle, and effortlessly elegant. A true neutral baby pink, it looks just as beautiful worn on its own as it does as the base for a classic French manicure. This bottle will forever be a beauty icon.