This £10 nail polish shade made my friend believe I spent £100 on a manicure.
Please don't misunderstand me; I truly enjoy trying out new nail trends or colors just like everyone else. However, I tend to be consistent in my choices and often gravitate back to my classic favorite nail shades. For me, that's generally a sheer pink or a milky, translucent white that imparts a "no-makeup" effect to my nails. There's an allure to those sheer colors that I simply can't resist (boring? Perhaps. Classy? Definitely). So, when I discovered that Essie released a new range of Glass Nails polishes (£10), I rushed to get them. Keep reading for my favorite shades, swatches, and my honest review of the glass nail polishes.
**Essie Glass Nails Polish**
**Essie**
Glass Nails in Cin Cin
- **Shades**: 6
- **Finish**: Sheer, jelly-like finish
**Pros**
- Gives nails a sheer, glassy glow
- Can be worn sheer or layered for a jelly-like effect
- Offers a mix of neutral and vibrant shades
- Allows for combination of shades for diverse effects
**Cons**
- Some shades may require multiple coats for a bolder appearance
- Chips quickly without a top coat
**The Shades**
The Essie Glass Nails polishes are aptly named. The formulas have a very sheer texture, with one coat offering a glassy translucent layer, and multiple coats creating a beautiful jelly-like tint. There are six shades available, spanning milky creams and pinks to brighter sheer reds and deep blues, ensuring there's something for everyone. Being the minimalist nail enthusiast that I am, I opted for Crystal Ball (a sheer, creamy shade) and Cin Cin (a vibrant jelly pink) for testing.
**Crystal Ball**
Crystal Ball is the most minimalist of the collection, featuring an ultra-sheer consistency with a slight creamy finish. If you select this shade, I highly recommend layering it. One coat appears completely sheer, two coats provide a lovely glow, but for the best effect, I found that three coats hit the sweet spot. This amount makes my nails appear healthy and glowing. If you prefer a more opaque look, a fourth coat will achieve that milky finish.
**Cin Cin**
I was immediately attracted to the juicy pink of Cin Cin. The photo above shows it with one coat, which adds a subtle pink hue that enhances the appearance of healthy nails. With two coats, Cin Cin reveals a more vibrant, blush tone that remains relatively sheer. Three coats provide a beautiful jelly finish that truly brightens my hands.
**Layering Crystal Ball + Cin Cin**
I suspected that Crystal Ball and Cin Cin would create a lovely layering effect, and I was right. I applied three coats of Crystal Ball, followed by one coat of Cin Cin on top, and I adore how the milky base accentuates the pink.
**My Verdict**
As someone who appreciates sheer nail polishes, these satisfy my desire for glassy, juicy nail aesthetics. If you're looking for an opaque finish, these polishes aren't for you; however, if you enjoy a translucent effect, they'll be perfect. It's important to note that Crystal Ball requires several coats for visibility, but the result justifies the effort. I'll be reaching for Cin Cin year-round for a pink jelly-like manicure. One of my friends even thought I had booked a gel manicure at an expensive salon after seeing my nails. Both shades are incredibly shiny and glossy, living up to their glass nail name, but I suggest using a top coat like Essie Gel Couture Top Coat to complete the look with a gel effect. Trying these two shades has even motivated me to explore bolder colors in this collection.
**Shop the Shades:**
- **Essie Glass Nails in Cin Cin**
- A jelly-like pink that makes your nails glow.
- **Essie Glass Nails in Crystal Ball**
- A soft, milky hue that can be layered for a delicate color veil. It also serves as an excellent base when combined with Cin Cin.
- **Essie Glass Nails in Full Blown**
- This sheer red is perfect for summer, especially paired with an Aperol spritz.
- **Essie Glass Nails in Blue Light**
- A stunning pool-like blue ideal for creating colorful jelly-tipped nails.
- **Essie Glass Nails in Highballer**
- The sheerness of this rich, jammy shade makes it versatile for year-round wear.
**Essie Glass Nails in Half Full**
**Why Trust Us**
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This £10 nail polish shade made my friend believe I spent £100 on a manicure.
Nails made of glass like this.