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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 - 136 First Fitting - 0.46 fl oz: Vegan, Formaldehyde-Free, Shine Enhancing

$12.99
Color FamilyWhite
ColorFirst Fitting

In Stock

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At a glance

About this item

Highlights

  • Essie gel couture first fitting: gel-like white 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: High Shine, Gloss
Color Palette: Light Tones
Product Form: Gel
Beauty Purpose: Nail Care, Shine Enhancing
Net weight: .46 fl oz (US)
Awards: Allure Best in Beauty
Features: Long Lasting, High Shine
TCIN: 53601417
UPC: 095008029573
Item Number (DPCI): 052-06-0541
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: 3.07 inches length x 1.73 inches width x 1.42 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 - 2 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 - 6 years ago

  • A: ABSOLUTELY IT IS NOT!

    submitted byTrisha - 6 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 - 6 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 - 6 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 - 5 years ago

  • A: Hello Deirdre, Try shade Wearing Hue? for a beautiful shimmer. Hope this helps :)

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 5 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 - 5 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 - 6 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 - 6 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 - 6 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: Does this nail polish require a UV lamp for curing?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 3 months ago

  • A: No, this nail polish does not require a UV lamp for curing.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 3 months ago
    Ai generated
See all questions (25)

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Guests are saying

This nail polish offers a beautiful range of colors and impressive durability, making it a favorite among guests. Many appreciate its quick-drying formula and gel-like finish without the need for a UV lamp. While some guests experienced issues with application and color discrepancies, the overall sentiment leans towards satisfaction with its long-lasting wear and ease of use. It's a great option for at-home manicures, providing a polished look that lasts.
    Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
    4.5 out of 5 stars with 3206 reviews
    easy to apply: 4.42 out of 5
    easy to remove: 4.4 out of 5
    long lasting: 3.95 out of 5
    quality: 3.97 out of 5
    value: 3.73 out of 5
    72% would recommend
    430 recommendations
    1 out of 5 stars
    14 May, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Love essie nail polish but this color sucks. Even with 3 heavy coats it still comes out the color of your nail.. I would’ve been better off with just a clear coat after all is said and done
    Susan
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    13 May, 2026Verified purchase

    Wrong item sent

    The wrong item was sent. The one I received is not the gel couture one.
    Diane
    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?
    3 out of 5 stars
    13 May, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Didn’t really apply well onto the nail and was very messy
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 3 days ago
    Hi Kimiko. 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.
    Kimiko
    Did you find this review helpful?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    12 May, 2026Verified purchase

    Great polish, but please re-think the shipping inefficiencies

    I've used this polish before and love it. Beautiful sheen. No problems there. What I do have a problem with is the fact that I ordered seven items, selected the option to receive them in fewer boxes, and still will have four separate shipments. My nail polish arrived from FedEx in an 11"x7"x5.5" box (!!!) without any cushion for protection. It somehow didn't break just rolling around freely in that oversized box. I can't believe it wasn't wrapped in bubble wrap and combined with other items--lotions, liners. If shipped from a separate facility, why not at least put it in a padded envelope? Seems massively inefficient.
    AndreaZ
    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: 3 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    3 May, 2026Verified purchase

    Great Gel-Like Polish

    This polish is amazing! I’ve used a competing brand for years but this one is better and so is the brush. The top coat is very shiny and to me it looks and feels like gel. I got this on a whim instead of going to the nail salon and I love it. I don’t use the regular Essie because for me it doesn’t stay on long, but the Gel Couture is my new favorite polish. The white makes a great French manicure!
    Tranjelo
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    2 May, 2026Verified purchase

    Durable & pretty

    Love the color. Dries fast. Does not chip still after 3 days
    Nisi56
    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
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    21 April, 2026Verified purchase

    TARGEY ASSOCIATE GAVE ME A VLEARLY USED ITEM- not allowd to return due to product

    I want to start by saying- I shop at Target because I never have issues I ordered this for drive up order. I just picked it up- and it was clearly USED. Red smears on the cap and everything. Not sure why an associate would pick this out to give to customer. The worst part is- due to the product- I am not allowed to return this. For a $13 nail polish that I cannot return immediately after I pick it up- I expect more from Target. Their associate gave this used item in my drive up- so incredibly disappointed. DO NOT ORDER THIS AS A DRIVE UP OR PICK UP ORDER- (or maybe shipping) - IF IT COMES CLEARLY USED- you CANNOT return.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 22 days ago
    Hi Targetmommashopper. You have reached the Essie Company. We're sorry to hear the item you picked up at Target looked used. Since you purchased it from Target we suggest you contact them regarding your issue.
    Targetmommashopper
    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
    16 April, 2026Verified purchase

    Good polish

    So far the polish had lasted 4 whole days minimal chip to thumb nail only because I use it more.
    Kay
    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
    15 April, 2026Verified purchase

    Long lasting home manicure

    LOVE the Essie Gel Couture products — they last a solid 1.5-2 weeks without major chipping, even with active sticker peeling, dish washing, and general mom-ing. Since I can buy a new color at 1/3 the cost of a salon manicure, it’s easy to justify (girl math!) I love that this comes off easily with normal nail polish remover and doesn’t need to be soaked off like salon gel (or cured with a UV light). The ease and low price of normal nail polish with a longer life!
    LZ06
    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
    7 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    14 April, 2026Verified purchase

    Good buy

    Lovey color and pretty durable
    great chairs
    easy to apply: 5 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?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    3 April, 2026Verified purchase

    DO NOT BUY THIS NAIL POLISH!!!

    Literally IMPOSSIBLE to take off. Had to scrap it with a nail cutter and then pull it off. My nails are completely weak and dead after wearing this nail polish for not even a week! My nails were never like this before and never have been with any nail polish or gel nails I’ve used. Horrible product!! DO NOT BUY!!!!
    skyler queen
    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
    28 March, 2026Verified purchase

    Love this nail polish

    I'm glad I found this nail polish it lasts a long time without peeling off.
    Karen
    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
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    20 March, 2026Verified purchase

    so good

    the best nail polish ever it actually lasts forever
    casey
    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
    6 March, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    So many compliments! The wear is great and when used with the top coat really looks like gel polish
    Mmm3573
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 4 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    25 February, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Nail polish dries very fast & you get gel like quality without the expensive lamp! So happy with my purchase!
    Cbv21
    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
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    14 February, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Very cute springy color! Normal nail polish does not stay on my nails. But this stuff works great and I don’t have to use UV lamp
    Mommaofboth
    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
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    13 January, 2026Verified purchase

    Good buy!

    I love this nail polish it lasts around a week - a good option to getting your nails done at the salon and be taken off with normal nail polish remover
    Allie
    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
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    4 January, 2026Verified purchase

    Not worth it!

    I’m very disappointed, I got 4 colors as a Christmas gift and they all have the same issues, application is so thin and streaky, takes about 4-5 coats to become a solid color. This makes the drying time ridiculously long. Feels like a cheap polish, the only good one is the clear which creates a high shine gel polish finish.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 4 months ago
    Hi Jennifer. Thanks for reaching out about essie Gel Couture Nail Polish - Fairy Tailor. It is disappointing to hear this nail polish did not provide you with the results you had expected. Your input is instrumental in helping us improve our brand and deliver products that meet your needs and desires.
    Jennifer
    easy to apply: 1 out of 5
    easy to remove: 2 out of 5
    long lasting: 3 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 down graphic, would not recommend
    3 January, 2026Verified purchase

    400 - Caviar Bar is nearly Black

    So I love the quick dry and long wearing aspects of this nail polish. It might just become my new go to for at home manicures. Just an FYI the CAVIAR BAR (400) color is not a true Navy it's nearly black. If you are looking for something like OPIs Chopstix and Stones this is 3 shades darker. Goes on very opaque even after one coat.
    Laurel
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    2 January, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Love this Essie line for a quick at home polish change! Goes on thick with good even color and dries quickly when paired with the number 2 top coat
    TaylorStreet
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 4 out of 5
    quality: 4 out of 5
    value: 4 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?

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