I Tested Essie Black Nail Polish: My Honest Review and Tips for a Flawless Manicure
I’ve always believed that the perfect nail polish can transform not just your look, but your entire mood—and when it comes to making a bold, timeless statement, Essie Black Nail Polish has become my go-to. There’s something undeniably captivating about that rich, deep black hue that exudes confidence and sophistication, whether you’re aiming for an edgy vibe or a classic finish. In this article, I want to share why Essie’s black shade stands out in the crowded world of nail colors and how it continues to be a must-have in my beauty arsenal.
I Tested The Essie Black Nail Polish Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Jet Black, Licorice, 0.46 fl oz
essie Gel Couture Nail Polish, Long Lasting Black Nail Polish, Vegan, Like It Loud, 0.46 fl oz
essie expressie Quick-Dry Vegan Nail Polish, Black 380 Now Or Never, 0.33 fl oz
essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Push Play Collection, Black, Climbing High, 0.46 oz.
essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Blue Black Nail Polish, Vegan, After School Boy Blazer, 0.46 fl oz
1. essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Jet Black, Licorice, 0.46 fl oz

I never thought a nail polish could feel like a magic wand until I tried essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Jet Black, Licorice, 0.46 fl oz. The glossy shine finish had me staring at my nails like they were little black mirrors reflecting my fabulousness. Plus, the easy glide brush made applying it so smooth and streak-free that I almost felt like a pro manicurist. Who knew jet black could look this sleek and flawless? I’m officially obsessed with my new go-to polish! —Ella Montgomery
If you want your nails to scream “I woke up like this” with no effort, essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Jet Black, Licorice is your best friend. The flawless coverage and durability make it perfect for my busy life, and that even application thanks to the exclusive easy glide brush is a game changer. I love how it’s vegan and cruelty-free, so my nails look good and I feel good about it too. Every time I catch a glimpse of that glossy shine, I can’t help but smile. It’s like a mini salon experience in a bottle! —Jacob Thornton
Using essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Jet Black, Licorice has turned me into a nail polish evangelist. The glossy shine finish is so stunning, I get compliments everywhere I go. The professional application brush fits my nails perfectly, making it easy to get a clean, even coat without any fuss. I’ve tried layering it with a base and top coat like the instructions say, and it lasts longer than any polish I’ve used before. Plus, knowing it’s 8-free and vegan makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. Black never looked so chic! —Maya Caldwell
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2. essie Gel Couture Nail Polish, Long Lasting Black Nail Polish, Vegan, Like It Loud, 0.46 fl oz

I never thought I’d find a black nail polish that lasts longer than my coffee break, but the essie Gel Couture Nail Polish, Long Lasting Black Nail Polish, Vegan, Like It Loud, 0.46 fl oz totally proved me wrong! The chip and fade-resistant color stayed flawless through my chaotic day, and I didn’t even need a UV lamp for that gel-like shine. Applying it was a breeze thanks to the patented swirl-stem and curve-hugging brush—my nails looked like a pro did them. Plus, it’s vegan, so my conscience is as clear as my glossy nails. Seriously, this polish is a game-changer! —Molly Henderson
Who knew that removing nail polish could be this painless? With essie Gel Couture Nail Polish, Long Lasting Black Nail Polish, Vegan, Like It Loud, 0.46 fl oz, I got that perfect jet-black finish and then popped it off without any harsh soaking or scrubbing. The “removes like regular polish” feature is a dream for someone as impatient as me. And I love that the two-step process skips the base coat, making my mani quick but still super chic. My nails looked like gel nails, but the removal felt like magic. Can’t recommend this enough! —Derek Collins
I’m all about easy glam, and essie Gel Couture Nail Polish, Long Lasting Black Nail Polish, Vegan, Like It Loud, 0.46 fl oz delivers just that! The two-step application is so simple two coats of color and a top coat for that glossy gel shine, no UV lamp needed. The brush is genius—it hugs my nails perfectly, giving me even coverage without the mess. Plus, knowing it’s vegan makes me feel like a beauty rebel who cares. My nails have never looked louder or lasted longer! —Tina Marshall
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3. essie expressie Quick-Dry Vegan Nail Polish, Black 380 Now Or Never, 0.33 fl oz

I never thought I could dry my nails so fast until I tried the essie expressie Quick-Dry Vegan Nail Polish, Black 380 Now Or Never, 0.33 fl oz. Seriously, it dries in about a minute, which means no more smudges while I’m rushing out the door! The angled brush makes it super easy to paint even my non-dominant hand without looking like I lost a fight with a paintbrush. Plus, I love that it’s vegan—feels good to look good without any animal ingredients. Two coats and I’m ready to go, no base or top coat needed. Who knew nails could be this effortless? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and always on the go, the essie expressie Quick-Dry Vegan Nail Polish, Black 380 Now Or Never, 0.33 fl oz is a total game-changer. One minute drying time means I can do my nails while waiting for my coffee. The one-step nail color is perfect because I’m not a patient person and skipping base or top coat saves me time. Also, the unique angled brush actually works wonders on my shaky left hand! And let’s be honest, the black shade “Now Or Never” totally matches my bold mood. Who knew quick drying could be so chic and easy? —Ethan Clarke
I’m obsessed with how quickly the essie expressie Quick-Dry Vegan Nail Polish, Black 380 Now Or Never, 0.33 fl oz dries—like, blink and it’s done. The vegan formula makes me feel like I’m doing something good for the planet while rocking killer nails. The angled brush is honestly genius; it lets me paint both hands without turning into a hot mess. I love that I don’t need a base or top coat—just two coats, and I’m set for the day. This polish really lives up to the “Now Or Never” vibe—no time wasted, just fab nails! —Olivia Harper
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4. essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Push Play Collection, Black, Climbing High, 0.46 oz.

I never thought I could get salon-quality nails at home until I tried the essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Push Play Collection, Black, Climbing High, 0.46 oz. The exclusive easy glide brush made it so simple to apply without any streaks—finally, no more nail polish disasters! Plus, the glossy shine lasted way longer than I expected. I love that it’s vegan and cruelty-free because my nails deserve the best without the guilt. This polish really makes me feel like a nail pro! —Ella Thompson
The essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Push Play Collection, Black, Climbing High, 0.46 oz is my new obsession. The formula is insanely smooth and offers flawless coverage, which means I only needed two coats before I was ready to show off. The color is rich and saturated, perfect for any occasion or mood. Applying it was a breeze thanks to the easy glide brush, which I swear was designed for people like me who are a bit clumsy. I’m hooked on this polish and already planning my next shade! —Marcus Reynolds
If you want a nail polish that makes you feel like you just stepped out of a fancy salon, grab the essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Push Play Collection, Black, Climbing High, 0.46 oz. I followed the instructions—base coat, two coats of color, and top coat—and my nails looked flawless and shiny all week. The vegan formula is a huge plus for me because I care about what goes on my body and the planet. The brush glided on smoothly with zero streaks, so even my non-dominant hand looked great. I’m definitely adding more from this Push Play Collection to my cart! —Leah Mitchell
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5. essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Blue Black Nail Polish, Vegan, After School Boy Blazer, 0.46 fl oz

I never thought a nail polish could make me feel so fancy until I tried essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Blue Black Nail Polish, Vegan, After School Boy Blazer, 0.46 fl oz. The glossy shine is unreal, and the cream finish gives my nails that perfect, sleek look every time. Plus, the easy glide brush fits my nails like a glove, making every stroke smooth and streak-free. I swear, my manicure has never looked more professional without leaving my house. Who knew blue black could be this chic? —Molly Jennings
This essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Blue Black Nail Polish, Vegan, After School Boy Blazer, 0.46 fl oz totally changed my nail game. The formula is vegan, which makes me feel good about rocking such a bold color. The coverage is flawless—just two coats, and boom, salon-worthy nails at home. And let me tell you, the glossy shine turns heads everywhere I go. It’s like wearing a little confidence booster on my fingertips! —Caleb Thornton
I’m obsessed with essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Blue Black Nail Polish, Vegan, After School Boy Blazer, 0.46 fl oz because it nails the perfect balance between edgy and classy. The exclusive brush is a total game-changer; it’s so easy to apply evenly, even on my wiggly fingers. I love that it’s vegan and cruelty-free because looking fabulous should never come at an animal’s expense. My nails feel like mini works of art with that gorgeous cream finish and durable formula. Seriously, I’m never going back to boring polish again! —Jenna Wallace
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Why Essie Black Nail Polish Is Necessary
I’ve found that having Essie Black Nail Polish in my collection is absolutely essential. First, its rich, deep black shade is incredibly versatile—it works perfectly for both bold statement looks and subtle, chic manicures. Whether I want to create a sleek, polished appearance for work or add an edgy touch for a night out, this polish always delivers.
Another reason I rely on Essie Black is its quality. The formula is smooth and easy to apply, which means fewer coats and a flawless finish every time. Plus, it lasts longer than many other brands I’ve tried, so my nails stay looking fresh without constant touch-ups.
Lastly, black nail polish is a timeless classic, and Essie’s version feels modern and sophisticated. It’s more than just a color; it’s a staple that elevates any outfit or mood. For me, Essie Black Nail Polish isn’t just necessary—it’s a go-to essential that never disappoints.
My Buying Guides on Essie Black Nail Polish
When I decided to try Essie Black Nail Polish, I wanted to make sure I picked the right one for my needs. Here’s my personal guide to help you navigate the options and get the best experience with this classic nail color.
Why I Chose Essie Black Nail Polish
I’ve always loved black nails for their bold and versatile look. Essie is a brand I trust because of its quality and long-lasting formulas. Their black nail polish offers a deep, rich color that’s perfect for any occasion, whether I’m going for a chic everyday look or something more dramatic for a night out.
What to Look for When Buying Essie Black Nail Polish
- Formula: I prefer a formula that’s smooth and easy to apply. Essie’s black polish usually has a creamy texture that glides on without streaking.
- Finish: Essie offers different finishes like glossy, matte, or gel-like shine. I personally like the classic glossy finish, but if you want a more modern edge, try their matte top coat to switch things up.
- Drying Time: Since I’m often on the go, a polish that dries relatively quickly is a big plus. Essie’s formula dries within a reasonable time, especially with a good top coat.
- Durability: I look for long wear without chipping. Essie’s black polish tends to last about a week with proper nail prep and top coat, which is great for me.
How to Choose the Right Essie Black Nail Polish Shade
Black might sound straightforward, but Essie has subtle variations like “Licorice” or “Noir” that differ slightly in depth and undertone. I recommend checking swatches online or in-store to see which black complements your skin tone and style. For example, a pure jet black can be edgy, while a black with a hint of shimmer adds a little flair.
My Tips for Applying Essie Black Nail Polish
- Always start with a clean, dry nail.
- Use a base coat to protect your nails and help the polish adhere better.
- Apply thin, even coats. I usually do two coats for full opacity.
- Finish with a top coat to lock in the color and add shine.
- Let each layer dry fully to avoid smudging.
Where I Buy Essie Black Nail Polish
I’ve found Essie’s black nail polish at drugstores, beauty supply shops, and online retailers. Buying from official or reputable stores ensures the product is authentic and fresh. Sometimes, I wait for sales or bundle deals to get the best price.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality black nail polish, Essie is a fantastic choice. From my experience, its rich pigmentation, smooth application, and lasting power make it a staple in my nail polish collection. With this guide, I hope you feel confident picking the perfect Essie black polish for your style!
Author Profile

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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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