Essie—without a doubt—is one of the most iconic and beloved nail polish brands of all time. We're not just saying that, either. One bottle of the brand's nail polish is sold every four seconds. (Yep, it's a fact!) Celebrity nail artists keep it stocked in their kits, and A-listers such as Sofia Richie Grainge, Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, Kate Middleton, and many others have worn a selection of the brand's 100+ shades. It's even frequently seen backstage during fashion month as *the* nail polish of choice for models to wear as they walk the runway in designer shows.
Beauty editors are no strangers to Essie nail polish, either. We keep quite a few colors in our personal collections and use them to achieve the perfect at-home manicure. So when we got hold of a list of Essie's 20 best-selling shades of all time, we were beyond thrilled. Some of the shades were expected; others were surprising. Any guesses? We'll give you one hint: Number one is one of the chicest, most elegant and iconic nail colors on record…
20. Skinny Dip
The 20th spot on the list goes to Skinny Dip, a sheer, peachy-pink color.
19. Hi Maintenance
Next, Hi, Maintenance is an elegant pale pink that has a sheer finish.
18. Topless Barefoot
Topless Barefoot is one part beige, one part pink, so you don't have to choose.
17. Wicked
This aptly named nail color tempts you with villainous hit of dark red.
16. Licorice
According to the brand, Licorice is "a beguiling jet-black cream."
15. Mrs. Always-Right
Mrs. Always Right is a desert-born rose tone.
14. Off Tropic
A long-time favorite, Essie's Off Tropic is a stunning forest green.
13. Eternal Optimist
Essie describes this nail polish as "a spiced tea rose with a dash of cream."
12. Berry Naughty
In the 12th spot, Berry Naughty is a ripe and juicy berry shade.
11. Muchi Muchi
Muchi Muchi is a creamy pink color that has just a touch of mauve.
10. Sugar Daddy
Sugar Daddy is the most precious of pale-pink nail polishes.
9. Not Red-y for Bed
Not Red-y for Bed is an iconic shade of cherry red.
8. Watermelon
Watermelon is a bright and juicy shade of fuchsia.
7. Birthday Girl
Birthday Girl is one of the only shimmer nail polishes to make the list. It's iridescent pink.
6. Bikini So Teeny
Here's the other shimmering shade. Bikini So Teeny is a sparkling shade of blue.
5. Forever Yummy
Forever Yummy is Essie's quintessential "tango" red.
4. Marshmallow
Marshmallow is an iconic powder-puff shade of white.
3. Mademoiselle
Ready for the top three? Mademoiselle is an iconic and demure shade of pink.
2. Blanc
The second spot belongs to Blanc, a pillowy shade of snow-white nail polish.
1. Ballet Slippers
Here it is—Essie's best-selling nail polish. Ballet Slippers is hands down the brand's most iconic shade. It's a sheer wash of ultra-flattering light pink. It's chic. It's elegant. It's iconic. Consider it one of those rare nail colors that suit every season and situation. Now please excuse us while we add it to our carts.
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