Time and time again, I’ve had the narrative that getting your nails done at the salon is a relaxing, self-care experience thrust upon me by society. For a while, I played along, thinking that, surely, if everyone else was enjoying the experience, there must be something I was missing. But I’m finally ready to admit that sitting in a crowded room, unable to use my hands for an hour—just to walk out $100 poorer with a color that never looks quite the same in daylight as it did under those fluorescent lights—just isn’t for me. These days, I much prefer doing my nails at home.
Sure, I may go a little outside the lines, but I’m saving money, and the color is always exactly what I want because I rely on my old reliable Essie favorites to nail the look every time. So, whether you’re DIYing your Ballet Slippers mani at home or want to know the perfect red nail polish to bring to your nail tech (it’s Rock the Runway, BTW), here are the Essie nail polish colors our editors wear on repeat.
This iconic light pink has been a staple in my (and many of my fellow Everygirl coworkers’) beauty cabinet for years. It matches everything and is the perfect pink for neutral lovers.
Mint Candy Apple was my go-to mint green throughout middle school, and it hits just as hard 10 years later. You can’t go wrong with this pop of color, especially in the summer months.
It’s always a journey to find your signature red nail polish, but I’m telling you, your search is over. Rock the Runway is that classic firetruck red that simply outshines all the other polishes on the market. Trust me: Red nail theory is definitely real with this one.
If you like your red a little less in-your-face, Watermelon has a pinkish tinge that screams summer. Obviously, it’s best paired with a fresh, ripe watermelon eaten in the sun, but even if you can’t get your hands on one, it still looks incredible.
Subtle and chic, Chinchilly is a color you can wear year-round with any outfit. Our editors love it for the sleek, sophisticated manicure it delivers every time.
Bikini So Teeny honestly deserves a spot in the nail polish hall of fame. There’s a reason it’s stood the test of time. It’s just the right amount of sparkle, and every time I look at it on my hands, it literally brightens my mood.
Wicked isn’t just the name of our favorite release of 2024—it’s also an editor-favorite nail polish. Dark, bold, and vampy, we can’t get enough.
Reminiscent of a lush, tropical rainforest, Off Tropic will transport you to a hot, humid climate with just a few swipes. Our editors always opt for this when they want some color without choosing something too bright.
Marshmallow is the milky, sheer white polish of our dreams. It captures the effortless, neutral look we love without looking like you’ve covered your nails in white-out (did anyone else do that in elementary school?).
This polish looks exactly like a glass of dark red wine, just as the name suggests. It adds a moody, elevated touch to anything.
Every girl needs their signature nude nail, and over at The Everygirl, the overwhelming winner is without a doubt Of Corset. It’s a sheer white that still delivers plenty of color payoff, just like a neutral should be.
All I want to wear all summer long is a bright, bubblegum pink just like this one. I mean, what’s not to love?
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
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