How Long Does Essie Nail Polish Last? Storage, Expiration, Pros

How long does Essie’s nail polish last? Essie Nail Polish is one of the most recognized nail polish brands in the country.

Since 1981 when Essie Weingarten manufactured 12 stylish nail colors and began its first sales in Las Vegas,

Essie has won over the hearts of nail painters everywhere because its polishes have high, glossy shine finishes that provide flawless nail coverage along with outstanding durability, impeccable colors, and whimsical names that make life more colorful.

So, how long does Essie nail polish last unopened?

An Unopened bottle of Essie polish has a 2 years shelf life. Keep in mind though, the proper way to handle your nail polish is by storing them in a cool, dry place that has a consistent temperature.

Always keep the Polish bottle in an upright position and ensure that it’s clean and sealed properly.

Where not to store your Essie nail polish are near any heat or electrical sources, in the bathroom, and in a location where it will come in contact with direct sunlight.

Recommendation:

How Long Does Essie Nail Polish Take To Dry?

After applying a base coat, 2 coats of Essie polish, and a top coat, it will take at least 15 minutes for your polish to completely dry.

How Long Does Essie Nail Polish Last Once Open?

With proper care, Essie nail polish should last for up to two years.

Always clean the neck of the nail polish bottle and store it in a cool location, out of any direct sunlight.

How Long Does Essie Nail Polish Last Without Chipping?

Essie’s nail polish can last up to two weeks with no chips or cracks if followed up with Essie’s Gel Couture Top Coat.

This two-step system protects the nails and guarantees the best results.

How Long Does Essie Gel Couture Last?

The new Essie Gel Couture provides up to 2 weeks of shine and color in unique, couture-inspired shades without chipping.

No lamp is required to set the polish and it removes easily.

How Long Does Essie Expressive Last?

Essie Expressive nail polish claims to dry in 60 seconds and provides up to 14 days of shine and color.

How Long Does Essie Nail Polish Stay On?

Essie nail polish can stay on for up to 14 days without chipping.

10 Best Substitutes For Essie Gel Nail Polish

1. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish

This chip-resistant nail polish is available in every shade for everyone.

To create the ultimate gel-like manicure, start by applying two coats of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish with a layer of the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat.

You will be glad to know that the gel nail polish does not require UV light for curing and when you are ready to take the color off, it doesn’t require any buffing or extra soaking,

All you have to do is simply wipe it off with a cotton ball soaked in acetone then you’re good to go.

2. Gel Nail Extensions

Gel nail extensions are similar to acrylics, they are essentially fake nails that are applied to your nail beds, then painted using nail polish.

It is better than acrylic

This is because although they use damaging UV light and adhesives, the exposure to the harsh chemicals associated with traditional acrylics is limited.

Unlike acrylics and gel manicures, using an extension made of gel is better for the integrity of your nails because they are easier to remove.

Pro-tip, these are great for the gel extension novice and perfect at kicking the nail-biting habits.

3. Nails Inc. Gel Effect Nail Polish

With this ultra-shiny gel-effect polish you can skip the prospect of time spent soaking and damaging UV rays.

Made with nourishing flower extract the cruelty-free gel nail alternative helps condition and strengthen the nails,

Which helps them last for up to two weeks without chipping.

4. Revlon ColorStay Gel

Available in 46 shades, this gorgeous gel nail alternative will make your nails look professionally painted.

Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel features a glossy, gel-like finish that’s easy to paint on.

For best results, after applying your chosen color, follow up with a layer of the Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel Diamond Top Coat.

5. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro

When searching for an Essie Gel Nail Polish substitute, you might be searching mainly for a color that lasts,

But with this 2-step Gel Lab Pro formula, you will be able to turn all your favorite regular polishes into long-lasting manicures.

To achieve this, apply a layer of the base coat onto your nails,

Follow up with the color of your choice, and next, top it off with a layer of the topcoat then and wait for your nails to dry and you’re good to go!

Recommendation:

6. Kiss Press-On Nails

Unlike other press-on nails that may not seem long-lasting, with these glue-free, stick-on nails you can look forward to a week or more worth of wear thanks to their budge-proof design.

Another interesting fact about kiss press-on nails is that they are not painted like traditional gel manicures

So you won’t have to worry about any chips.

7. Vinylux

Vinylux nails consist of two products (a top coat and an all-in-one base and color coat) which must be used together for ultimate wearability.

According to the company, Vinylux lasts an average of 5 days without chipping.

8. Polygel

Polygel offers the best of both worlds. It is a hybrid formula of acrylic powder and clear gel powder.

Polygels offer longer wear and are maintained by filling in the area of growth with more product rather than removing the product and starting afresh.

9. Shellac

Comprised of an acrylic base that undergoes a chemical reaction after being cured with a UV lamp Shellac offers a high-gloss finish,

it also protects your nails and maintains your manicure for up to two weeks.

10. Acrylics

Acrylic manicures offer extra length and durability and if removed properly by soaking and with a professional they won’t cause damage to your natural nail.

How Do You Cure Essie Gel Polish

The main ingredient in Essie gel polish is photo-reactive,

So once applied, it is required you cure under an ultraviolet (UV) nail lamp or a light-emitting diode (LED).

Does Essie Nail Polish Expire?

Yes, once the bottle of Essie nail polish is open it can expire.

Even an unopened bottle can also expire if not properly stored.

How Long Does Essie Nail Polish Last After Expiration Date?

Essie nail polish will typically last for 12 months past its expiration date only if it has been properly stored.

This is because the main ingredients are by nature antimicrobial and tend to be very stable compounds.

Why’s Gel Couture Being Discontinued?

The high salon prices, harmful UV light exposure used to cure the polish which is unsafe for your skin,

Also, the damaging self-removal tactics are the reason gel couture is being discontinued.

Best No Chip Gel Nail Polish

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel is the best no-chip gel nail polish. With the professional application, it can last up to 14 days.

How To Know If Essie Nail Polish Is Bad

If the Essie polish becomes hard with an unpleasant smell, then it is time to trash it out.

Also, changes in color and consistency are an indication that the polish is done for.

5 Best Types Of Essie Nail Polish

Choosing the perfect hue out of over 300 Essie polishes on the market can be difficult.

In terms of iconic-ness, some Essie colors have outdone the others. We’ve been able to put together the best types of Essie nail polish.

1. Essie Nail Polish in Bikini So Teeny

PROS: Ideal for summer and spring and it is long-lasting

CONS: a little bit runny.

2. Essie Nail Polish in Clambake

PROS: Great color payoff, ideal for summer and doesn’t stain nails.

CONS: It is more like jelly polish than a creme

3. Essie Nail Polish in Midnight Cami

PROS: Great color payoff and opaque in just one coat

CONS: a little bit messy when removing

4. Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers

PROS: Works for any occasion, vegan and sheer color

CONS: Something more opaque might be preferred by some

5. Essie Nail Polish in Big Spender

PROS: Works for any occasion and has a great color payoff

CONS: Color doesn’t seem to match online images

How Do You Keep Essie Nail Polish

Ways to keep Essie nail polish to ensure it stays good for a longer period.

1. Make Sure the Bottle is Properly Cleaned

Develop the habit of always cleaning the bottleneck and the inside of the cap after each use

This is because a little bit of nail polish that spills over the side of the bottle is a sure way to get the cap stuck once it’s sealed.

Use a little nail polish remover and a cotton ball to do the cleaning.

2. Ensure the Bottle is Tightly Sealed

It’s good practice to seal the nail polish bottle after every use, even between coats as this will prevent the solvent in the polish from evaporating.

This also prevents the polish from thickening and becoming clumpy.

3. Store the Essie Nail Polish in a Cool, Dry Place

Store your nail polish in a cool environment that has a consistent temperature as heat has a way of making nail polish go bad quickly.

Storing it in a cool, dry place will slow down the degradation of the nail polish compounds.