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essie Gel Couture Nail Polish - 0.46 fl oz - 2 of 4essie Gel Couture Nail Polish - 0.46 fl oz - 3 of 4essie Gel Couture Nail Polish - 0.46 fl oz - 4 of 4
essie Gel Couture Nail Polish - 0.46 fl oz - 1 of 4

essie Gel Couture Nail Polish - Matter of Fiction - 0.46 fl oz

22 Questions
$12.99

In Stock

Eligible for registries and wish lists
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At a glance

About this item

Highlights

  • Essie gel couture matter of fiction: gel-like pink nail polish that lasts up to 15 days; longwear nail polish with a gel-like finish and chip-resistant wear with reapplication of nail polish top coat at day 7; color shades are formulated with patent pending flex.e gel technology that bonds and moves with your nails to resist chipping
  • Easy 2 step system: step 1: apply two coats of essie gel couture colored polish to clean, bare nails. step 2: seal with essie gel couture top coat for gel-like finish. no base coat or uv lamp needed
  • Easy removal: looks like gel, removes like regular polish. no harsh soaking, scrubbing or scraping. remove gel couture nail polish with any acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover
  • Swirl stem brush: for precise application and generous coverage for your at home manicure
  • Vegan nail polish formula: zero animal derived ingredients and no animal testing
  • Essie, america’s nail salon expert: essie is the go-to nail brand for celebrities, beauty professionals, fashion icons and the color obsessed

Description

essie gel couture is gel-like, longwear nail polish that lasts for up to 15 days* at home in 2 easy steps. no base coat or uv lamp needed. color shades are now formulated with patent pending flex.e gel technology that bonds and moves with your nails to resist chipping. essie cruelty free nail polish is chip-resistant polish that looks like gel but removes like regular polish. featuring a swirl-stem brush for precise, generous coverage and application.
gel-like nail polish that lasts up to 15 days* in 2 easy steps

step 1: apply 2 coats of gel couture color to clean, bare nails
step 2: seal with gel couture top coat for gel-like finish. no base coat or uv lamp needed

*reapplication of top coat at day 7
Health Facts: Vegan, Formaldehyde-Free, Formaldehyde Resin-Free, Animal By-Product-Free
Color Finish: Semi-Sheer, High Shine
Color Palette: Light Tones
Product Form: Gel
Beauty Purpose: Nail Care, Shine Enhancing
Awards: Allure Best in Beauty
Features: Long Lasting, High Shine
TCIN: 52450457
UPC: 095008027586
Item Number (DPCI): 052-06-2151
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Ingredients:

butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, nitrocellulose, tosylamide/epoxy resin, isopropyl alcohol, acetyl tributyl citrate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, sucrose acetate isobutyrate, stearalkonium hectorite, acrylates copolymer, octocrylene, propyl acetate, tributyl citrate, alcohol denat., adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer, hydrogenated acetophenone/oxymethylene copolymer, synthetic fluorphlogopite, calcium sodium borosilicate, dimethicone, calcium aluminum borosilicate, silica, citric acid, barium sulfate, oxidized polyethylene, benzophenone-1, colophonium / rosin, tin oxide, alumina, magnesium silicate, aluminum hydroxide, ci 77002 / aluminum hydroxide, [+/- may contain ci 77891 / titanium dioxide, mica, ci 77491, ci 77499 / iron oxides, ci 77000 / aluminum powder, ci 15850 / red 7 lake, ci 15880 / red 34 lake, ci 19140 / yellow 5 lake, ci 77400 / bronze powder, ci 15850 / red 6 lake, ci 77820 / silver, ci 77510 / ferric ammonium ferrocyanide, ci 77163 / bismuth oxychloride, ci 77266 / black 2, ci 77288 / chromium oxide greens, ci 77510 / ferric ferrocyanide, ci 42090 / blue 1 lake], f.i.l. d237940/7

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1.22 inches length x 1.26 inches width x 2.91 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.12 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Alaska, Hawaii

Return details

This item must be returned to any Target store.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
See the return policy for complete information.

Q: Which color is a good sheer pink for a french manicure?

submitted by Christie - 5 years ago
  • A: Sheer Fantasy, but Fairy Tailor is another great option.

    submitted bycraftymama - 3 years ago
  • A: I don't have a recommendation for the gel line, but Mademoiselle in the regular Essie line is my all-time favorite for a French manicure. Ballet Slippers is another good one.

    submitted bygLamping - 3 years ago
  • A: Hi there Christie! We agree, the gel couture color "sheer fantasy" is a great option for a french manicure. This graceful sheer pink is the perfect base color.

    submitted byEssie Team - 5 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi Christie! We would recommend Sheer Fantasy. Hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 5 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Is this the same as actual gel from salons

submitted by Andrea - 7 years ago
  • A: ABSOLUTELY IT IS NOT!

    submitted byTrisha - 7 years ago
  • A: Hi Andrea! This gel polish is sometimes used in a salon. It is typically on the wall of polishes to choose from, rather than the ones that set under a heat lamp. I hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 7 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi there Andrea! Unlike salon gel nailcolors, the Gel Couture does not require the use of a UV lamp and is easily removed with your regular polish remover.

    submitted byEssie Team - 7 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Does this dry more quickly than regular nail polish?

submitted by amy - 5 years ago
  • A: Hi there! The Gel Couture nail colors are a longwear nail enamel. They take slightly longer to dry than a classic nail color. A classic takes about 2 minutes per layer to dry, the Gel Couture takes about 5 minutes per layer to dry. Once you have your layers on, it takes about 15 minutes to dry, but you always want to refrain from busy nails for the first hour or so after your mani.

    submitted byEssie Team - 5 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi ajm! After you have painted two base coats and a top coat of essie gel couture polish, it takes about 15 minutes to dry. Hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 5 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Are any of these gel colors shimmer? From the photos they all look opaque/flat color

submitted by Deirdre - 6 years ago
  • A: Hello Deirdre, Try shade Wearing Hue? for a beautiful shimmer. Hope this helps :)

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 6 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi there Deirdre! The Gel Couture nail colors come in a wide range of colors and finishes. Online it can be harder to know what you’re seeing so scroll down and read the “HIGHLIGHTS” to learn if the color is opaque, sheer, shimmer, etc. And yes, the Wearing Hue is a creamy delicate white with a slight blush of champagne and shimmer.

    submitted byEssie Team - 6 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can I use this polish with a UV lamp?

submitted by Amanda - 6 years ago
  • A: Hi Amanda! Don't use a UV lamp with the Gel Couture nail colors and Top Coat This formula is made for easy home use. No base coat is used. Apply 2 coats of color to bare nails, finish with the top coat and let your nails dry like a normal nail enamel. Remove with your regular polish remover.

    submitted byEssie Team - 6 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi Amanda! No UV lamp is required for this gel polish to set. Hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 6 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Does the top coat come with the polish, or do you purchase it separately?

submitted by Y4Yvette - 7 years ago
  • A: Hi Y4Yvette! This particular nail polish is sold individually. However, you may see some deals where the essie Gel Couture Nail Polish's are sold in a package set with a top coat. Hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 6 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi there Y4Yvette! The gel couture top coat and gel couture nail enamels are all sold separately, but from time to time, you may see the top coat banded to a specific color as part of a limited edition offer in the stores.

    submitted byEssie Team - 6 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Even though it isn't required, will the Essie base coat help the gel couture polish last longer?

submitted by AMM - 7 years ago
  • A: Hi there AMM! The Gel Couture colors were made to go over a bare nail bed, with not base coat. While base coats help classic nail enamels adhere to the nail bed, we don't think the Gel Couture will work well over a base coat.

    submitted byEssie Team - 6 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi AMM! The essie here to stay base coat will help bold color to your nail. It also helps prevent the nails from staining. Hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 7 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: How do you remove this polish? Does it require soaking in Acetone?

submitted by Roberta - 7 years ago
  • A: I use regular polish remover and it comes off very easily.

    submitted byKira - 7 years ago
  • A: Hi there Roberta. The essie Gel Couture nail colors are removed like any normal nail enamel. Use your favorite nail polish remover. No special soaking needed.

    submitted byEssie Team - 7 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can i use regular nail polish under this top coat?

submitted by Esther - 7 years ago
  • A: Hi Esther! The Gel Couture Top Coat is recommended with the Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish. I hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 7 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: I do! I have several regular Essie polishes and use this Gel topcoat, and it works well! A manicurist used this combo on me one, and I've been doing it ever since.

    submitted byvnssa906 - 7 years ago

Q: When would you use the nail rescue shown in one of the images in this process?

submitted by 3bsandrews - 2 months ago
  • A: Hi there 3bsandrews, and thank you for your question. The To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair is applied to clean, bare nails then let dry completely. Apply another thin coat and let dry completely as well. Wear this nail repair treatment alone or as a base coat for 5 days. However, some nail enamels like Gel Couture, are applied on bare nails, so you would have to use the Gel Couture after removing the To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair.

    submitted byEssie Team - 2 months ago
    Brand expert

Additional product information and recommendations

Frequently bought together

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This item is featured in

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Essence Festival of Culture

About the collection
L’Oreal USA is a proud to be joining the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in a three-year sponsorship of the annual event. ESSENCE Festival of Culture mobilizes, informs and uplifts the largest global gathering of everyday, multigenerational Black women in a safe space to achieve new levels of sisterhood, personal development, wealth creation, civic engagement & community leadership.
L’Oreal USA and it’s brands are proud to be a part of this event and to celebrate the beauty of the Black consumer, it’s curly hair, skintones, and colors. We recognize your influence in the beauty space and celebrate you.
View Essence Festival of Culture collection

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Guests are saying

Guests are impressed with the Essie Gel Couture nail polish collection, praising its smooth application, quick drying time, and long-lasting wear. Many appreciate the rich color options and the gel-like finish that rivals salon manicures. While some guests experienced issues with chipping and color discrepancies, the overall sentiment leans towards satisfaction, especially for those seeking a reliable at-home manicure solution. The polish is noted for its ease of use and beautiful shine, making it a popular choice for various occasions.
    Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
    4.4 out of 5 stars with 3312 reviews
    easy to apply: 4.41 out of 5
    easy to remove: 4.39 out of 5
    long lasting: 3.94 out of 5
    quality: 3.95 out of 5
    value: 3.72 out of 5
    71% would recommend
    455 recommendations
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    8 November, 2026Verified purchase

    Basic nail polish, nothing special, too expensive

    started chipping the next day. I bought step 1 and 2 under false hopes of it lasting longer than basic nail polish but it's all the same.
    Jb
    easy to apply: 4 out of 5
    easy to remove: 3 out of 5
    long lasting: 1 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    4 November, 2026Verified purchase

    Needs lots of coats

    All the Essie polishes are notorious for never fully drying. This one even with the thinnest layers still requires multiple rounds to fully saturate the nail in with the pink color.
    Carolina
    easy to apply: 4 out of 5
    easy to remove: 4 out of 5
    long lasting: 3 out of 5
    quality: 4 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    31 October, 2026

    My new favorite nail polish

    They advertise that it lasts up to 15 days. Wow, they’re not kidding! The color went on smoothly and evenly. My nails still look great on day 8! I’m a fan!!
    AEB
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    28 October, 2026Verified purchase

    Don't sleep on "Bubbles Only". Gorgeous red for fall 2026!

    Why did I wait so long to try this red? It is absolutely gorgeous. I do hate the name because I can never remember it! lol! "Bubbles only"??? ....Anyhow..Rich and deep,right on time for fall/winter 26. I do recommend doing three even coats to achieve full opacity as it leans crelly in formulation. I use the corresponding couture topcoat ONLY when I use this polish and it lasts a week. (I do not recommend using that product with other brands it will cause shrinkage but NOT with essie gel couture) I do opt to use a base coat even though it is not needed with this product,to reduce staining of my natural nails from dark color pigments. This polish applies VERY smoothly and self levels like a dream as do all of the gel couture shades on my essie collection. It never chips on me. This color will take me right into the holiday season!
    Seekinggoodvalue
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    24 October, 2026Verified purchase

    Don't waste your money

    I’ve tried every technique (thin coats, thick, etc) and it comes out streaky and watery. The photo is 3 coats. Dissapointed because this wasn’t cheap and I was excited to get more colors with the top coat.
    Jess
    From Essie Team team
    Hi. Thank you for reaching out to Essie. We are sorry to hear about the experience you had with the Gel Couture Nail Polish. We would like to speak with you directly about it. Please give us a call at 866-313-7845, M- F, 9am - 5:30pm, ET and let us know you contacted us through a review. It would be helpful if you could have the product available when you call, as well as providing the agent with your username. Looking forward to speaking with you.
    17 days ago
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    10 October, 2026

    (no review title)

    Love!! I ran out of my usual dazzle dry kit so I tried this and will be switching over. The only con is it did take a while to dry fully.
    MB14
    easy to apply: 4 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 4 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    8 October, 2026

    (no review title)

    I love this nail polish! It works really well and looks super pretty! Definitely recommend!
    Juliana
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    1 October, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    I received a damaged used product product and I can’t return it I’m so disappointed
    Marseilles
    From Essie Team team
    Hi. You have reached the Essie Company. We're sorry to hear you received your Gel Couture Nail Polish damaged and used. Since you ordered this item from Target we suggest you contact them regarding your issue.
    1 month ago
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    29 September, 2026Verified purchase

    Not hot pink color

    I bought the essie pinky ring nail polish online. The color is way off from picture. I was wanting a hot pink like the picture shows. The color is actually more of a beige pink, at least the one I received was. I didn’t use it so I can’t comment on quality.
    Forever M
    From Essie Team team
    Hi there! Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry Pinky Ring wasn’t the color you expected. Shades may appear different depending on screen and lighting; please contact Target for help with your purchase.
    1 month ago
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    27 September, 2026

    Used

    Obviously opened and used
    Mo
    Did you find this review helpful?
    2 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    7 September, 2026

    (no review title)

    Streaks
    Sheila
    From Essie Team team
    Hi there Sheila, thank you for sharing your feedback with us, and we completely understand how frustrating it is when a product lets you down. All of our nail colors should look perfect by the second coat. We want you to love your results so if you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845 M-F 9 am-5:30 pm ET
    2 months ago
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    3 September, 2026

    Love the color, HATE the formula.

    I purchased Essie Gel Couture in the shade Paisley The Way. This was my first and last essie purchase. I was hesitant to buy based off of the price, as I usually purchase nail polish from places like dollar general or the like, but decided to go for it because the color was exactly what I was looking for. My experience was that the polish seemed very liquid, applied very patchy (even with two coats) and it was so messy when I took it off, it got all over my hands.
    MirMidwest19
    easy to apply: 1 out of 5
    easy to remove: 1 out of 5
    long lasting: 1 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    2 September, 2026Verified purchase

    Best nailpoish EVER!

    Love this product! Dries quickly and looks like a fresh manicure from a salon. Buy it in every color!
    Discovery Mom
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    27 August, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Color holds long
    Cottoncandy012011
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    27 August, 2026Verified purchase

    Bait and switch

    As you can see it is advertised as a “gel” but it IS NOT! It is an enamel polish and a poor one. Poor coverage (used on my toenails since my fingernails require gel. Very disappointing and marred to show up to my wonderful nail tech with this OVERPRICED item, which is of no use.
    Lynnette
    From Essie Team team
    Hi there Lynnette, we are so sorry to hear about your experience, and we completely understand your frustration. Poor coverage is definitely not the quality we strive for. The Gel Couture formula is a 2-step system combining a color coat and a topcoat designed for gel-like finish and long-lasting performance without needing a UV or LED lamp. For best adhesion to the nail, this nail enamel is applied to bare nails, (no base coat). 2 coats of color and the Gel Couture Top Coat deliver a long wearing mani that easily removes with your regular polish remover. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845 M-F 9 am-5:30 pm ET
    2 months ago
    easy to apply: 1 out of 5
    easy to remove: 3 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    2 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    23 August, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Color needs a few quotes because it's see through and doesn't dry fast enough. Didn't like the quality.
    Alejandra
    From Essie Team team
    Hi there Alejandra, thank you for sharing your honest feedback with us! We're so sorry to hear that the coverage and drying time didn't meet your expectations. Just to share a bit about the formula, some of our shades are intentionally designed with a sheer finish for a lighter, translucent look. However, we completely understand that this wasn't what you were hoping for. This long wear formula should go onto bare nails (skip the base coat) and by the second coat your color should be perfect. Applying more than 2 coats of color can lead to extended dry time and easy chipping. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845 M-F 9 am-5:30 pm ET
    3 months ago
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 1 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    15 August, 2026Verified purchase

    love this polish!

    looks just like a gel pedicure and has lasted! very easy to use formula!
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    14 August, 2026
    originally posted on essie.com
    Image

    Favorite polish ever

    This is the best shade of pink Essie has ever made, I get so many compliments when I wear it and the Gel formula is easy to apply with great shine in the top coat and it lasts like a no chip. This should be a permanent shade
    JenC
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    14 August, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Beautiful color
    Brie
    Did you find this review helpful?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    11 August, 2026Verified purchase

    nice color

    nice color and stays well but need multiple coats
    Kmom236
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    quality: 4 out of 5
    value: 4 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?

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