Essence The Gel Nail Polish
Hot Updated November 07, 2023
User reviews
LOVE!
Overall rating
4.0
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
4.0
I have always loved doing my nails myself as I change the colour so often... I'm a total nail polish junky! I love Essence nail polish and the amazing variety of colours they stock. The price is really affordable so you don't feel guilty buying them often or even buying 3 or 4 of them at the same time. The brush is nice and broad which means you don't have to swipe over your nail so much, 2 or 3 strokes would do it. Look the quality is good but it will start to chip in the first 2 or 3 days, but what nailpolish does not start to chip? Using a good base coat and top coat would make it last longer, like any polish.
I can never justify spending more than R50 on nail colours now that Essence is here, they offer so many great colours and I love to play around with it.
Love these products!
I can never justify spending more than R50 on nail colours now that Essence is here, they offer so many great colours and I love to play around with it.
Love these products!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
N
Affordable but not long lasting
Overall rating
4.0
Price
5.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
3.0
Love how essence has affordable products but this nail polish is definitely prone to chipping. And I usually find it gets sticky instead of completely drying out in my opinion. Would recommend you try it as it is affordable, but not a personal favourite.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
No
R
Essence!
Overall rating
4.0
Price
4.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.0
I love this! The price is reasonable and when compared to other brands with the same price range, Essence stands out from the rest.
The colour in their gel line is rich. Often, just one coat is enough and their wide brush makes application fast and easy!
Perfect for a fast paced girl on a budget!
The colour in their gel line is rich. Often, just one coat is enough and their wide brush makes application fast and easy!
Perfect for a fast paced girl on a budget!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
K
Essence of being ZEN! - Love
Overall rating
4.0
Price
5.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
3.0
I usually go and do my nails at a salon, but sometimes i do not have a lot of time between work and weekend shenanigans, so I always run to the ESSENCE section in Clicks or Dis-chem. I must say that it lasts about 3 days before chipping at the least which is great because, compared to other brands I have used, this is quality for money.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
B
sparkles
Overall rating
4.0
Price
5.0
Quality
3.5
Effectiveness
3.5
i love it, i love it.. especially the gel finish look.
its good value for money..
the reds & pinks dry quicker as opposed to the other colors
there are so many colors to choose from.
i make sure i grab one when i go shopping.
and its available at so many super markets & pharmacies.
its good value for money..
the reds & pinks dry quicker as opposed to the other colors
there are so many colors to choose from.
i make sure i grab one when i go shopping.
and its available at so many super markets & pharmacies.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
T
Long Lasting Shine
Overall rating
4.0
Price
5.0
Quality
3.5
Effectiveness
3.5
I have a ton of colors and honestly prefer this brand of nail polish to any of the existing.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
K
Love the colors
Overall rating
4.0
Price
4.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.0
If you look for nice vibrant colors or something different for a night out, this nail polish is perfect. Only down side here, is that for me, it start to chip the next day. That is the only negative things I can say.
I love the colors and use them regularly but only on a special day etc.
It dries for me relatively quickly, I had it that it smudged after I thought it was dry but other than that, it is perfect for a special day or night out and I love the colors!
Still buy them and still use them!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
R
Love the colors
Overall rating
4.0
Price
4.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.0
If you look for nice vibrant colors or something different for a night out, this nail polish is perfect. Only down side here, is that for me, it start to chip the next day. That is the only negative things I can say.
I love the colors and use them regularly but only on a special day etc.
It dries for me relatively quickly, I had it that it smudged after I thought it was dry but other than that, it is perfect for a special day or night out and I love the colors!
Still buy them and still use them!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
R
Love the colors
Overall rating
4.0
Price
4.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.0
If you look for nice vibrant colors or something different for a night out, this nail polish is perfect. Only down side here, is that for me, it start to chip the next day. That is the only negative things I can say.
I love the colors and use them regularly but only on a special day etc.
It dries for me relatively quickly, I had it that it smudged after I thought it was dry but other than that, it is perfect for a special day or night out and I love the colors!
Still buy them and still use them!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
R
Essence
Overall rating
4.0
Price
4.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.0
In love with essence make up and nail polishes. They have a wide variety of colors and provide great effectiveness to my nails
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
N
my go-to nail polish
Overall rating
4.0
Price
5.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
3.0
so affordable! the colour only lasts about 5 days, but it is quite durable as I wash my hands a lot. Love the colour range available. add the top coat & the colour will definitely last much longer.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
B
Affordable but not reliable
Overall rating
4.0
Price
5.0
Quality
3.5
Effectiveness
3.5
I was very disappointed in this product. It’s affordable and gives amazing colour results. But it doesn’t last for me. It begins to peel and chip a few hours after application- that’s with the base and top coat.
It’s great if you need a quick fix but not something I’d recommend for long term.
It’s great if you need a quick fix but not something I’d recommend for long term.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
S
Essence Nail Polish
Overall rating
4.0
Price
4.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.0
Affordable, great variety of colours, and long lasting. My favorite part would have to be their brush applicator.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
@
Essence The Gel Nailpolish
Overall rating
4.0
Price
5.0
Quality
3.5
Effectiveness
3.5
A great product that is affordable but does the work! offers great shine. I love the broadness of the brush applicator. Its a wonderful nail polish to use during manicure breaks. Used in conjunction with the essence bases and top coats from the range you will see the long wear of the product
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
B
Essence nail polish
Overall rating
4.0
Price
5.0
Quality
3.5
Effectiveness
3.5
Gives that glossy and nice shine right after painting .personally because my hands are always in water ,it did not last for long
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
Y
Essence nail polish
Overall rating
4.0
Price
5.0
Quality
3.5
Effectiveness
3.5
I love the colours as well as the glossy gelish look it gives once applied. I however don’t like the fact that it chips so terribly ?
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
T
Essence The Gel Nail Polish
Overall rating
4.0
Price
4.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.0
I am currently using the white one and i love, love it, it is smooth and doesnt chip so quick. I think the price is very reasonable.
C
Essence gel nail polish
Overall rating
3.8
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.5
I love this is basically the only nail polish I buy... it looks good. You have to wait till it dries completely before applying the top coat. To prevent chipping nail polish last about 2 or 3 days when it starts chipping... prevent it by not washing alot of dishes. It is great product for the price
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
A
Affordable nail polish
Overall rating
3.8
Price
4.0
Quality
3.5
Effectiveness
4.0
Affordable and quite a long lasting formula also doesn't chip easily.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
T
Best Nail Polish That Doesn't empty your pockets
Overall rating
3.8
Price
3.5
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.0
Love how it gives you that gel finish like you just had an expensive pedicure
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
L
Essence 16 Fame Fatal Gel Nail Polish
Overall rating
3.7
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
I was so excited to try the gel nail polish after great results from the clour & go range....HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!!! The gel nail polish is not as quick-drying as the colour & go, although it is longer lasting. It does not have the glossy shine that I expected.
I t is just regular, I will stick to the colour & go range from now on:(
I t is just regular, I will stick to the colour & go range from now on:(
K
Electricccc 31 - the blues!
Overall rating
3.7
Price
4.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
4.0
Amazing Budget friendly essence gel nail polishes, easy to apply , not such a quick dry like the paint & go range from essence.
Electicccc31 is my favorite color to date from the range. This color is suitable for any skin tone and every outfit you throw on, as well as for every season!
For the price its worth it.
Quality i give a rating of 3 because i found that after a few days with or without double coats and top coats , the polish chips easily.
Effectiveness, i rate it a 4 as its extremely easy to apply and with a think almost flat applicator brush its an absolute ease!
Definitely a must have to your at home stash of polishes i suggest!
Available at all Dischem Pharmacies, Clicks Stores and online via Spree as well.
Electicccc31 is my favorite color to date from the range. This color is suitable for any skin tone and every outfit you throw on, as well as for every season!
For the price its worth it.
Quality i give a rating of 3 because i found that after a few days with or without double coats and top coats , the polish chips easily.
Effectiveness, i rate it a 4 as its extremely easy to apply and with a think almost flat applicator brush its an absolute ease!
Definitely a must have to your at home stash of polishes i suggest!
Available at all Dischem Pharmacies, Clicks Stores and online via Spree as well.
C
Essence Nail Enamel
Overall rating
3.7
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
Pro's
Value for money, large assortment of vivid colors & nude tones. My favourite is the Essence Studio Nails Pro White Effect.
Con's
Nail brush is not of good quality but I can live with that.
Overall great product.
Value for money, large assortment of vivid colors & nude tones. My favourite is the Essence Studio Nails Pro White Effect.
Con's
Nail brush is not of good quality but I can live with that.
Overall great product.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
K
Essence Gel Polish
Overall rating
3.7
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
I liked the older version of Essence's nail polishes (Colour & Go) better. I own about 6 shades. Though Essie is my favorite nail polish brand I buy new ones from Essence because they're extremely affordable and colour range is very diverse. The quality varies from shade to shade. Some of them are very opaque- one coat is enough. But most of them chip very fast. The applicator could be thinner.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
J
Essence Nail Polish
Overall rating
3.7
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
In terms of the price, I highly recommend this product. To date I have purchased 4 of the Essence the Gel rage: in mint, dark red purple and of course the top coat! However, I do have to add that it does not last that long. It could perhaps last a little longer if i use it in conjunction with the base coat.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
X
essence gel
Overall rating
3.7
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
I love me some essence especially this gel range. I love a nail polish that does what it promises.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
F
Easy on, easy off
Overall rating
3.7
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
It's easy to apply but chips just as easily.
They have an array of colours and the price is quite reasonable.
Have a bottle of nail polish remover ready because it will chip in a few days
They have an array of colours and the price is quite reasonable.
Have a bottle of nail polish remover ready because it will chip in a few days
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
N
Not bad at all
Overall rating
3.7
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
I'm not a fan of nail polish but I do get the occasional urge to wear some.. This particular brand is quite cheap and the product itself is satisfactory. It looks really glossy when dry and lasts on my nails for a maximum of 2 days before chipping away.
There are a wide range of colors and i must add the look of this nail polish on my nails beats a few of the high end brands I've used.
There are a wide range of colors and i must add the look of this nail polish on my nails beats a few of the high end brands I've used.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
M
Review: Essence Gel Nail Polish
Overall rating
3.7
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
I enjoy the range because it's affordable, however because of day to day activities, it tends to either fade or chip after 3 days, so would have to clean and re-do // do a new coat (if I'm lazy)) Love the wide variety of colors at my fingertips (excuse the pun)
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
N
Affordable Gel Nail polish
Overall rating
3.7
Price
4.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
4.0
This nail polish is not only cheap but also comes in a wide range of colours is affordable for a gel nail polish compare to the other brands.Takes a little long to dry but the end result are the best.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
C
Essence nail polish
Overall rating
3.7
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
I love their color range.... I just hate how it chips almost instantly. I have trouble making them last long as well. I feel like they start getting all sticky and weird very quickly.
But I still like them and I will buy them again. Their color range is always such a blessing to us who want to be colorful ?
But I still like them and I will buy them again. Their color range is always such a blessing to us who want to be colorful ?
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
@
The nail gel essence experience
Overall rating
3.7
Price
3.0
Quality
4.0
Effectiveness
4.0
for me its the fact that they have a huge variety of colors. it lasts longer than any other nail polishes that I've tried thus far. overall great product. also in as much as they keep introducing new colors, they still remain consistent with the old ones, so don't worry about missing out on any of their amazing colors.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
A
Essence Gel Nail Polish
Overall rating
3.5
Price
4.0
Quality
3.5
Effectiveness
3.0
I absolutely love this range of nail polishes. There is a wide variety of trendy and traditional colours to choose from and it is quite affordable compared to many other nail polishes on the market. They do have a little flaw though. This nail polish tends to chip on day 2 after application which means you need to reapply often. But then again that can serve as the perfect reason to change up the colour often??
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
D
Constant application.
Overall rating
3.3
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
2.0
The assortment of colours is amazing...and I bought A LOT.
I REALLY wish it didn't chip so easily.
I REALLY wish it didn't chip so easily.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
N
Love the colours
Overall rating
3.3
Price
4.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
Love the bright colors. Some do not go on as easily as others with just one coat.
The gel - look lasts longer than the normal polish. However if you work in water you need to reapply by day 3 - 4 and it loses its shine.
Cost-effective if you are a student and want many colors to work with but works our more if you need to re-apply every 3 days.
The gel - look lasts longer than the normal polish. However if you work in water you need to reapply by day 3 - 4 and it loses its shine.
Cost-effective if you are a student and want many colors to work with but works our more if you need to re-apply every 3 days.
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
3.3
Price
4.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
I really like this range of nail polish by essence BUT, only on my toe nails as it does not last on my fingernails :( I love the brush because its quite nice quality. I also love the wide range of colors it has in the range and it removes quite quickly. It does tend to chip at the ends of my nails but its easy to touch up without looking plastered on.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
M
Essence Nail Gel
Overall rating
3.3
Price
4.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
I love it!
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
C
It’s okay
Overall rating
3.3
Price
5.0
Quality
2.5
Effectiveness
2.5
In my experience, Essence nail polish tends to scrape off easily after applauding 2 coats. I love those nudes shades but I’ve noticed that the nude shade turns to another color after wearing the nail polish for 2-3 days. I wouldn’t repurchase this.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
A
Chipper
Overall rating
3.3
Price
5.0
Quality
2.5
Effectiveness
2.5
I made the mistake of buying too many colours at once before testing out the product. I found that the colour selection is excellent. the colour on the nail is excellent. However the problem is that the nail polish chips after a day or two.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
No
C
Affordable nail fix
Overall rating
3.3
Price
4.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
3.0
This is a really affordable nail polish and it comes in a wide range of beautiful colors . I would repurchase if it was a color I really loved , the only thing that puts me off is that it chips quickly and becomes thick quickly ..which affects the results of what your nails will look at the end and how long it will take to dry.. because of that specific reason I moved to Wet and Wild .. but then again that range doesnt have the broad spectrum of colors .. seems one cant win . but still a decent buy.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
Yes
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
C
Not worth the hype
Overall rating
3.3
Price
5.0
Quality
3.0
Effectiveness
2.0
Beauties:):)
Even though i had almost every color under the sun, i was so disappointed with the quality of this product. I love Essence,don't get me wrong but this is a fail!
I would prep my nails,then prime it before applying my 2 coats, just so that it would chip the next day, of not sooner.
I would recommend it for a quick fix, buy not longer than a day
Even though i had almost every color under the sun, i was so disappointed with the quality of this product. I love Essence,don't get me wrong but this is a fail!
I would prep my nails,then prime it before applying my 2 coats, just so that it would chip the next day, of not sooner.
I would recommend it for a quick fix, buy not longer than a day
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
F
Nail polish
Overall rating
3.3
Price
5.0
Quality
2.0
Effectiveness
3.0
They have a beautiful range of colors and it is so cost effective but I don’t like how the color chips within a day
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
J
Quality has changed
Overall rating
3.2
Price
4.5
Quality
2.0
Effectiveness
3.0
I love the colours and the feel of this nail polish and have been using it since it was first launched. Unfortunately lately the quality seems to have changed and it chips very quickly even on my toenail. I would recommend for special occasions but don't be surprised if doesn't last very long.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
G
Essence The Gel Nail Polish
Overall rating
2.8
Price
3.5
Quality
2.5
Effectiveness
2.5
the price is affordable, and a wide colour range.
Looks really good
But does not last very long.
Looks really good
But does not last very long.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
L
Great color selection but limited lasting power
Overall rating
2.8
Price
4.5
Quality
1.5
Effectiveness
2.5
The essence range of nail polishes are probably the most tempting for anyone venturing in to a local pharmacy because the display is as delicious as the price-point.
I have quite a few bottles of these but I find that they don't last very long, even with a top-coat!
I probably would buy again because it's affordable but only for when I need a nail colour to match an outfit "that night", because I know that this color doesn't last for much longer than that.
I have quite a few bottles of these but I find that they don't last very long, even with a top-coat!
I probably would buy again because it's affordable but only for when I need a nail colour to match an outfit "that night", because I know that this color doesn't last for much longer than that.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
Yes
S
essence gel nailpolish
Overall rating
2.8
Price
4.0
Quality
2.0
Effectiveness
2.5
this nail polish honestly had me all sorts of disappointments. it doesn't last at all, it started chipping literally the next day after application
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
Q
Essence Nail polish
Overall rating
2.7
Price
4.0
Quality
2.0
Effectiveness
2.0
I wish that there was a maybe option listed under recommendation as i am a bit two minded about purchasing essence nail colour in the future. I prefer their darker tones eg: reds, maroons,darker colours ,as it covers the nail quickly, and 1 coat is enough when applying in a rush , however the lighter colours are a bit of a task.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
K
Gel lovers
Overall rating
2.7
Price
5.0
Quality
1.5
Effectiveness
1.5
This cutex was the worst that I have ever used. With in two days it had chipped and it started fading. I won't be buying it again.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
G
Disappointed
Overall rating
2.5
Price
2.5
Quality
2.5
Effectiveness
2.5
I did not enjoy my experience with this product because it chipped very easily. I had to keep on reapplying throughout the day and my polish ending up looking uneven. Another thing is it takes super long to dry, so for up to 20 mins after application you cannot use your hands, if you do the polish ends up smudging and it looks really bad.
Product Recommendation
Would you recommend this product to someone else?
No
Would you repurchase this product?
No
K
Love essence gel nail polish, the colors are perfect for any skin tone, I definitely enjoy doing my nails