Essie, a renowned nail polish brand celebrated for its ethical practices and high-quality formulas, has partnered with Disney to release a captivating Snow White collection. This limited-edition line features eight unique nail polish shades inspired by the classic fairytale, each boasting a range of finishes from shimmering reds and delicate pinks to vibrant blues and deep purples. Two additional special effects toppers further expand the creative possibilities, allowing for personalized and enchanting manicures. The collection embodies Essie's commitment to sustainability, being 7-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.This review delves into the performance and pigmentation of each shade, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. From the stunning, one-coat coverage of "Just Take a Bite" to the more challenging application of certain jelly polishes, we provide a detailed assessment of the collection's quality and versatility. Discover whether this fairytale-inspired collection lives up to Essie's reputation and if it’s a worthwhile addition to your nail polish arsenal, regardless of your experience level.
Pros And Cons
- Seven-free formula (free of seven potentially harmful ingredients)
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Variety of finishes (cream, jelly, metallic chrome, glitter)
- Good quality, especially for a drugstore brand
- Many colors are described as 'stunning' and 'beautiful'
- Shimmers have an extra sparkle that catches the light well
- Classic colors that can be worn year-round
- One shade ('No Prints Needed') wasn't as self-leveling as expected
- Metallic chrome polish highlights nail imperfections
- One jelly shade ('Tempted with Envy') might require three coats for full coverage
- One special effects topper ('Fiercest of Them All') may have too few iridescent flakes for desired effect
Read more: 10 Must-Have China Glaze Nail Polish Shades
The Brand and its Ethics
Essie is a well-known mainstream nail polish brand committed to ethical practices. All their polishes are 7-free, meaning they exclude seven potentially harmful ingredients commonly found in nail polish. Furthermore, Essie polishes are vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with environmentally and socially conscious consumer values.
This commitment to ethical sourcing and production is increasingly important to many consumers, making Essie a popular choice for those seeking high-quality nail polish with a clear conscience. The brand's dedication to responsible manufacturing makes it stand out in the competitive beauty market.
The Snow White Collection: Shades and First Impressions
The limited-edition Snow White collection features eight new nail polishes, each inspired by the classic fairytale. The collection also includes two special effects toppers for added creative options.
The range of colors offers diversity, from classic reds and delicate pinks to deep purples and vibrant blues, catering to various preferences and styles. The inclusion of shimmer and jelly finishes adds a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the collection.
Detailed Swatch Review: A Closer Look at the Colors
Just Take a Bite, a stunning shimmery red, offers full coverage in a single coat and is a versatile shade perfect for any season. No Prints Needed, a light peachy pink, is smooth but lacks the self-leveling properties expected from Essie polishes.
Reclaim the Mirror, a warm silver chrome, provides a strong mirror effect despite appearing slightly sheer in the first coat. Tempted with Envy, a deep purple jelly with multi-sized shimmer, is beautiful but might require three coats for full opacity.
More Swatch Review: Exploring Shades and Finishes
Brave and True, a cobalt blue jelly, showcases a lovely sheerness that dries smoothly and evenly, perfect for a summer look. Sees the Crown, a classic medium green with green shimmer and larger flecks, is a surprisingly beautiful and magical shade.
Good Things Glow, a clear gold glitter topper, is remarkably versatile, working beautifully on its own or as a topper. Fiercest of Them All, an orchid jelly topper with subtle pink shimmer and iridescent flakes, creates a pretty jelly manicure in three coats but may need more experimentation as a topper.
Overall Review and Conclusion
The Essie Snow White collection is a high-quality drugstore offering, with a diverse range of colors and finishes. While some shades, like the pinks and purple, might require more effort for application, the overall quality and unique finishes make up for this.
Most shades provide a stunning finish, showcasing Essie's expertise in creating special effects polishes. The collection transcends seasonal limitations, offering classic staple colors suitable for any time of year. Given the high quality, ethical sourcing, and diverse options, this collection is recommended for both beginners and experienced nail polish enthusiasts.
Availability and Pricing
The Essie Snow White collection polishes are available in 13.5 ml bottles with a limited-edition Snow White themed cap and the signature Essie brush. These polishes are readily available in drugstores and online retailers.
The price varies depending on the retailer, but online listings show an average price of $9.99 USD per bottle. Consider checking Amazon for purchasing options.