Essence The Gel Nail Polish
Hot
Updated
November 07, 2023
User reviews
163 reviews with 5 stars
Best Affordable Nail Polishes
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I have used these for years, for the price you pay I absolutely adore Essence Cosmetics nail polishes - they also release so many wonderful shade options.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
C
Love!
Overall rating
4.5
Price
4.5
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
I have no issue with these. I absolutely love Essence The gel Nail polishes, a great selection of colors, the brush is great, the size of the bottle is great too - so you never have to deal with sticky polishes (if you switch between colors) its affordable - whats not to love?
TIP: with a great base and top coat, its last longer :)
TIP: with a great base and top coat, its last longer :)
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
K
Great variety at a very low price!
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
5.0
Such a variety of colors, and at such a bargain.!
I always purchase atleast 3 different colors at a time.
I will definitely continue to repurchase this item from Essence.
I always purchase atleast 3 different colors at a time.
I will definitely continue to repurchase this item from Essence.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
A
Anni
Top 1000 Reviewer
Essence nail polish
Overall rating
4.8
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
5.0
I dont have the time to always go and get my nail done at a salon due to being a mom however my Friday nights are usually spent at home pampering myself once my son goes to bed, when i do the only brand of nail polish i use is ESSENCE. The pricing is most definitely affordable which is a huge relief because who has the money to be constantly getting your nails done? The brush is wide for full coverage and the application is of a nice and silky smooth texture, I love how the polish seems to even itself out over the nail surface. In comparison to most nail polishes i have found Essence to be long lasting, being a mom i find myself most of the time with my hands in water and due to that you end up with nails that are chipped within the first day of application however with Essence this is not the case at all. I have found that my nails can last for two weeks sometimes which for me is an absolute dream. I am eagerly waiting in anticipation for the launch of the new range as I'm dying here with bare nails as there seems to be no stock until the new range launches.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
Q
Essence gel nail polish
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I absolutely love the Essence gel nail polish !!! Sometimes I have to attend public events and i don't have the time to sit in at a salon to have a manicure done, just go with ugly nails ????
My answer is hell No, I simply use the Essence gel nail polish and it looks shiny, healthy and EXPENSIVE ? ALL IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME.
P.S. I LOVE THE FACT THAT IT DOES DAMAGE YOUR NAILS AS IT HAS A VERY SOFT , GELISH BASE.
P.S. P.S. MY favorite colors in the Essence range is definitely the purple & pink
My answer is hell No, I simply use the Essence gel nail polish and it looks shiny, healthy and EXPENSIVE ? ALL IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME.
P.S. I LOVE THE FACT THAT IT DOES DAMAGE YOUR NAILS AS IT HAS A VERY SOFT , GELISH BASE.
P.S. P.S. MY favorite colors in the Essence range is definitely the purple & pink
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
S
FAVOURITE
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
Affordable and long lasting. Also a wide range of colours which can suit any mood. Defiantly worth the buy. I have changed brands ever since i started using it. Highly recommended.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
C
Gel Love!
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
The Gel Finish makes your nails look so fresh even days after application, I highly recommend this product ladies.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
Essen-tial
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
4.0
It is the only brand of nail polish I have been using for several years. I haven't been disappointed by it. Super cool and affordable.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
BL
Bontle Lebelo
Top 500 Reviewer
Best faux gel on the market!
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
This gel polish is the reason I don't have to make weekly trips to Sorbet anymore! The best formula and brush ever compared to any other drug store brand. Highly recommend.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
JS
Jadene Simone Naidoo
Top 1000 Reviewer
Essence Gel Nail Polish
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I have tried many different gel nail polishes, and Essence the Gel Nail Polish is by far the best I've tried, they are also very cost effective, so no matter what your budget is, it is still affordable, they have amazing colours, and you can mix and match according to seasons or according to your outfit. Essence is definitely my go to brand for Gel Nail Polish.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
MD
Essential
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
Very affordable long lasting nail polish. My all time buy. Love it.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
BL
Bontle Lebelo
Top 500 Reviewer
Essence Gel nail polish
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I've been using the nail polish for a few years and I absolutely love the quality as well as the affordable costs. The colour range is quite vast and one can always find a colour that is in this season
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
GottaHaveEm
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
5.0
This is my "gotta have" nail polish when im in last minute panic. Does the job, looks great and the colors are on trend!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
W
essence
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
essence is my favorite product in the world, i love this nail polish
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
R
Love! Love! Love!
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
This gets an absolute thumbs up from me! Essence the Gel has an amazing range of gorgeous colours and the polishes last a long time (provided that you use a good quality top coat) I've stopped going for manicures and do my own nails at home. This range is a thick consistency, self leveling nail polish, so even if you (like me) don't have the steadiest of hands, it still looks great! The best way to get the perfect self done manicure, I've found, is to apply a base coat, 3 coats of the nail polish and then a good quality top coat - it will last you a solid 3 weeks! I love changing it up every week or 2 so it helps that these polishes are really cheap and its easy to build collection of different colours. All in all, this a super product and I highly recommend it!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
Essence gel polish
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
Hey lovies had any of ya'll tried out this essence gel polish yet? If not you should definitely give it a try. I have been wearing this for a months now and I love it. I never had a gel polish before because of the fact that's it's so expensive and I'm such a cheap queen. But these babies are only R29.99 at clicks very affordable very good quality I must say. No peeling or shipping, mine last for up to 2weeks max which is good cause then I feel like a need a diff colour. Am I the only one or do you guys get bored with the same nail colour too. I need to get more nude colours I'm a sucker for nudes and then more bright colours for my toes. I like how happy my toes look in a summer sandle with a pop of colour.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
M
Affordable quality
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I love the variety of colours, especially the shades of pink. I think they're excellent value for money for those who don't want to or can't find time to get to a nail salon. It's easy to apply even if you are not a DIY enthusiasist in this context. I also like the shape of the bottles.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
N
Essence, yes please ?
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I love Essence nail polishes! They are super affordable and I usually purchased the gel top coat too, which makes it last longer and give the "gel" nails look. Gel nails diy! The brush is the best part, with such a wide brush it makes coverage quick and easy, I love the brand.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
L
The best in the game!
Overall rating
4.5
Price
4.5
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
Ever since I got my hands on this product over 3 years ago, I've never looked back! This nail polish is amazing because it is thick and very well pigmented so you don't have to go over your nails with a thousand layers, and it lasts a decent amount of time on your nails. Another awesome thing about Essence nail polish is that they have soooooo many colours in their range, so they cater for everyone :)
Definitely do give it a try.
Definitely do give it a try.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
LN
Essence Gel nail polish
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I don't know when last dis I go to the salon to do my nails. This has come as one of the most effective nail polishes I've used. I love it and it dries very fast.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
quality at an affordable price
Overall rating
4.5
Price
5.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.5
i loved the fact that the nail police hangs on. it is water resistant (to some extent) and the colours are a dream because there are so many to choose from. and for those that are brave enough to follow how-to nail designs, the essence gel nail polish is a great way to go
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
V
Essence Nail-polish Review
Overall rating
4.5
Price
5.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.5
Essence has a great range of nail polish colours, they are affordable and feminine, and they are cruelty free, the nail polish lasts long and is beautiful.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
M
Essence nail polish
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
This nail polish is super affordable and delivers a great result. I am very impress with the quality of this nail polish. I find the gel formula to be long lasting and does not chip easily. Oh and did I mention "I'm absolutely inlove with the beautiful colour range.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
N
Essence Nail Polish
Overall rating
4.7
Price
4.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
Long lasting. One coat is enough for me! Very glossy. I love it!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
L
Quality Nail Polish at the fraction of the price
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
The Essence nail polish range allows me to express myself via vibrant colours regularly. Essence glides on easily and leaves a lasting, polished look whilst working overtime to keep my nails looking trendy and beautiful. Readily available at most outlets makes this my go to beauty hack.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
S
Essence nail polish for the win!
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
Quality gel product for a fraction of the price of other related products!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
M
Nail polish
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
The colours are absolutely gorgeous I always recommend this nail polish to my friends, it lasts longer and it's affordable
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
T
Go-to nail polish
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
All time favourite nail polish! Super reasonably priced and lasts super long. I always recommend this to friends and family. The colours are absolutely gorgeous too. Very unique colours.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
C
Chelsey
Top 1000 Reviewer
glam on the go
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
This product is amazing one coat and you ready to go, cost effective and of a great quality.
available at Clicks and Dis chem
available at Clicks and Dis chem
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
T
Nail Polish
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
4.0
Amazing quality for the price
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
L
Essence Gellies
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
Love this. My favourite nail polish. And at such a silly price. Along with the top coat it lasts all week. And I do dishes every day!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
N
The gel, Essence nail polish
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
What I love about this nail polish:
- the gel feel is built in
- massive variety of colours available
- doesn't break the bank
- great shaped brush for easy application
- the gel feel is built in
- massive variety of colours available
- doesn't break the bank
- great shaped brush for easy application
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
M
Essence The Gel Nail Polish
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
would buy this any day '
ran out of colors need to fill my collection again
ran out of colors need to fill my collection again
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
M
Essence my essential
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
I have recommended essence gel nail polish to all my frnds and my it gives a beautiful gel finish and it is great value for money. I love the colours and the fact that it dries very quick.. mad love for essence
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
T
Sparkling Polish
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I was a fan of Avon Nail polish, until i tried essence nail polish.
The price was way cheaper and last longer than the R80 nail polish i use to use.
Essence color range is awesome, i love nudes and dark's. I try every color i can.
The price was way cheaper and last longer than the R80 nail polish i use to use.
Essence color range is awesome, i love nudes and dark's. I try every color i can.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
R
Loving Essence
(Updated: April 23, 2018)
Overall rating
4.5
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
4.0
I love this nail polish so much! its in my price and and it last miles longer than any expensive nail polish i have purchased. I own about 9 of these nail polishes and i have never been disapointed.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
T
Fabulous gel polish
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I love love love the essence gel polish,for the price it is really well worth it.it does not chip or peel like regular more pricey nail polish,it really is a great product?%
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
K
Cheap gems
Overall rating
4.8
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
5.0
I love the fact that they have such a wide range of colors and they are value for money. When they're paired with a good top coat, they can last up 5 days. They don't last that long on they're own, but it's still pretty impressive for the price range. It's definitely worth it.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
S
Essence The Gel nailpolish
Overall rating
4.5
Price
5.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.5
Super affordable and it lasted almost a week! I didnt have time to add a base coat so I was impressed with the staying power. Also great colour variety!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
Salon Manicure
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
There is definitely a colour for every occasion. Pretty nails always makes a girl feel pretty. Its great quality and affordable, what more can a you ask for!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
J
PERFECT D.I.Y MANICURE PRODUCT
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
It's cheap, quick drying & it looks GREAT!!
There's a shade for every occasion and it looks like a professional salon job for under 30 bucks... what more could a girl still ask for in a nail polish??!!
There's a shade for every occasion and it looks like a professional salon job for under 30 bucks... what more could a girl still ask for in a nail polish??!!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
M
Affordable Salon Quality
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
If ever you were looking for a nail polish that would give you the effect of gelish nails from the salon then this nail polish is for you, every single time that I've done my nails with this product people ask me where did i have my nails done. Most affordable quality nail polish on the market.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
T
The Perfect Home Mani & Pedi!
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I can officially say I own almost all the colours of the Essence Gel Nail Polish range.
- They have a WIDE variety so you are bound to find whatever colour you want.
- The gel nail polish is EASY to apply
- It gives you the perfect salon mani/pedi look
Love! Love! Love!
- They have a WIDE variety so you are bound to find whatever colour you want.
- The gel nail polish is EASY to apply
- It gives you the perfect salon mani/pedi look
Love! Love! Love!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
TT
Great quality on a budget
Overall rating
4.8
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
5.0
I usually do gelish mani and pedi as it last me longer but when I can't get to the nail tech I use this in the comfort of my home and it does the job well. Love it!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
Great quality at great price
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
My mom has been buying me essence nail polish since i was 14 and i am now 20 and buy the nail polish for myself!I love it and i am a huge fan of it!Great quality at great prices and has various colours to pick from.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
S
Affordable Nail Polish
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I am a big essence fan, i have been using their nail polishes for years. I love the fact that there is a huge range of colours, and with one coat you already get alot of pigment, these colours are not sheer at all.
I would recommend this to all nail enthusiasts, Essence is also cruelty free, which is a big win in my books.
I would recommend this to all nail enthusiasts, Essence is also cruelty free, which is a big win in my books.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
S
Best high gloss manicure
(Updated: January 22, 2018)
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
This is my most awesome, favourite and most easiest application ever. It's just a x3 step (base coat/colour/ top coat)programme love the the colour variants, the quality and most of all the high gloss finish. Leaving your nail super smooth and super glossy. The best thing I love about the essence product it's not just affordable it's super affordable and always and convenient to purchase ...I just love this product ...can't wait to check out the new summer colours! Absolutely addictive you have to try a it to feel ur inner beauty...Amazing I say ...
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
S
Personal Favourite
Overall rating
5.0
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
5.0
I don't know even know how many nail polishes I have in this range... they are just bomb!! Last about 5 days without chipping which is good for me because I like switching up my colours often anyway, Finding a great quality nail polish is hard at this price even harder, 1 layer of this is enough it really shows up on the nail it is absolutely bomb!! The shade range is impeccable! The price is just PERFECT
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
N
Essence Amazing Gel Nail Polish
Overall rating
4.7
Price
5.0
Quality
5.0
Effectiveness
4.0
It lasts long and the color is amazing. I love how thick it is and how it doesn't fade when it contact with water.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
L
Always On Colour Trend!
Overall rating
4.8
Price
5.0
Quality
4.5
Effectiveness
5.0
As a Nail Blogger Essence always has the colours that I'm looking for even when I don't know I'm looking for it. They have such a wide variety of colours at very affordable prices. These polishes are definitely my go to product for most of my nail art designs!!!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
L
Love essence gel nail polish, the colors are perfect for any skin tone, I definitely enjoy doing my nails