This £10 nail polish color convinced my friend that I spent £100 on a manicure.

      Don't misunderstand me; I absolutely love exploring new nail trends or experimenting with different nail colors just like anyone else. However, I tend to stick to my favorite classic shades. Typically, I gravitate towards a sheer pink or a milky, sheer white nail polish that provides a "no-makeup" effect for my nails. There’s something about these sheer colors that I find irresistible (boring? Perhaps. Classy? Definitely). So, when I noticed that Essie had introduced a range of Glass Nails polishes (£10), I quickly sought them out. Keep reading for my favorite shades, swatches, and an honest review of these glass nail polishes.

      Essie Glass Nails Polish

      Essie

      Glass Nails in Cin Cin

      Shades: 6

      Finish: Sheer, jelly-like finish

      Pros

      - Delivers a sheer, glassy shine on nails

      - Can be worn sheer or layered for a jelly-like effect

      - Variety of neutral and bright shades available

      - Shades can be combined for various effects

      Cons

      - Some shades need multiple coats for a bolder look

      - Chips easily without a top coat

      The Shades

      The Essie Glass Nails polishes are aptly named. The formulas are incredibly sheer, with one coat creating a glassy, translucent layer on the nails, while two or more coats provide a beautiful jelly-like tint. There are six shades available, including milky creams and pinks, bolder sheer reds and pinks, and even a deep blue, catering to different preferences in this collection. As a nail minimalist, I chose Crystal Ball (a sheer, creamy shade) and Cin Cin (a vibrant jelly pink) to try out.

      Crystal Ball

      Crystal Ball is the most minimalist option, featuring a very sheer formula with a touch of creaminess. If you opt for this shade, I suggest layering it. One coat appears completely sheer, two coats enhance the glow, but I find three coats to be perfect, as shown above. It gives my nails a healthy look with a subtle shine. If you're aiming for a more opaque milky finish, a fourth coat can achieve that.

      Cin Cin

      I was immediately attracted to the rich pink shade of Cin Cin, demonstrated above with one coat. While subtle, it provides a lovely pink tint that instantly revitalizes the appearance of my nails.

      Two Coats

      Applying two coats of Cin Cin results in a more vibrant blush tone that remains fairly sheer.

      Three Coats

      I think three coats of Cin Cin might be my favorite application! It offers a jelly finish that instantly brightens my hands.

      Crystal Ball + Cin Cin Layered

      I suspected that Crystal Ball and Cin Cin would form a great layering combo, and this is what I achieved. I applied three coats of Crystal Ball and topped it with one coat of Cin Cin, and I love how the milky base accentuates the pink.

      My Verdict

      As someone who enjoys sheer nail polishes, these definitely satisfy my desire for that glassy, juicy nail aesthetic. They aren’t designed for those seeking an opaque look, but if you appreciate a translucent finish, you will love them. Just note that Crystal Ball requires several coats to become noticeable, but the result is worth it. I'll be rocking Cin Cin year-round for a jelly-like pink manicure. It's so flattering that a friend thought I had paid for a gel manicure at a high-end salon when she saw my nails. Both shades are incredibly glossy and shiny, living up to their glass nail name, but I recommend using them with a top coat like Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for a lasting gel-like finish. In fact, trying these two shades has inspired me to explore some of the brighter options in the collection.

      Shop the Shades:

      Essie

      Glass Nails in Cin Cin

      Cin Cin is a jelly-like pink that gives your nails a beautiful glow.

      Essie

      Glass Nails in Crystal Ball

      This sheer cream polish has a soft, milky hue and can be layered for a delicate color veil. It looks fantastic as a base paired with the Cin Cin shade.

      Essie

      Glass Nails in Full Blown

      This sheer red is perfect for pairing with an Aperol spritz in the summer.

      Essie

      Glass Nails in Blue Light

      I’m drawn to this pool-like blue. It would look stunning as part of a colorful French tip with a jelly finish.

      Essie

      Glass Nails in Highballer

      The sheerness of this rich, jammy tone makes it very suitable for year-round wear.

      Essie Glass Nails in Half Full

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