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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 - Fairy Tailor - 0.46 fl oz

22 Questions
$12.99
 

In Stock

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At a glance

About this item

Highlights

  • luxurious longwear with gel-like color and shine in an easy 2-step system
  • no lamp needed, easy removal
  • patent-pending curve hugging brush for perfect essie color coverage
  • use with gel couture top coat for optimal results

Description

from the house of essie comes gel couture nail polish, an extravagantly sophisticated collection, crafted to perfection and fashioned to last.
designed with the haute vision of couture, the line presents 42 brand new colors with staying power that introduce luxury to your fingertips.
perfect for both salon and at-home application, the instant gel-like shine is delivered in an easy 2-step system that anyone can master. the patent-pending curve hugging color brush guarantees perfect coverage and a flawless finish.
no uv lamp needed, easy removal.

step 1: apply 2 coats of gel couture color to clean, bare nails.
step 2: finish with 1 coat of gel couture top coat

Caution: keep from heat or flame.
Health Facts: Vegan, Formaldehyde-Free, Formaldehyde Resin-Free, Animal By-Product-Free
Color Finish: High Shine, Semi-Sheer, Gloss
Color Palette: Light Tones
Product Form: Gel
Beauty Purpose: Nail Care, Shine Enhancing
Awards: Allure Best in Beauty
Features: Long Lasting, High Shine
TCIN: 50637368
UPC: 095008020983
Item Number (DPCI): 052-06-3623
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Allergens & Warnings:

CAUTION: KEEP FROM HEAT OR FLAME

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 5.9055 inches length x 2.8346 inches width x 0.2362 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.1323 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 - 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 - 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 - 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: Do you have to use a top coat over your Essie nail polish

submitted by Ava1 - 2 months ago
  • A: Hi there! For the best results and standard Essie formulas, a top coat is key for lasting shine and chip resistance! However, if you're using our Gel Couture collection, it is specially formulated as a 2-step system—step 1 is your color, and step 2 is our Gel Couture Top Coat. Using the top coat locks in that high-shine, gel-like finish with no UV lamp required!

    submitted byEssie Team - 2 months ago
    Brand expert

Additional product information and recommendations

Guests also viewed

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Guests are saying

This nail polish offers a beautiful range of colors and a gel-like finish without the need for UV light. Many guests appreciate its long-lasting wear, quick drying time, and smooth application. While some colors may require multiple coats for full opacity, the overall quality and durability make it a favorite among those seeking salon-quality results at home. Guests also enjoy the ease of removal with regular nail polish remover, enhancing its appeal for at-home manicures.
    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 3283 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
    447 recommendations
    2 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    7 September, 2026

    (no review title)

    Streaks
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 8 days ago
    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
    Sheila
    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.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 24 days ago
    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
    Lynnette
    easy to apply: 1 out of 5
    easy to remove: 3 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    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.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 1 month ago
    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
    Alejandra
    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
    22 August, 2026
    originally posted on essie.com
    Image

    Highly recomended

    I've been biting my nails for as long as I can remember and this nail polish was the only one that made my nails grow strong. Fairy Tailor has this very beautiful and girly color, and the quality is insane. I highly recommend. Now I'm just looking for the perfect combo for a French manicure, but overall I highly recommend essie nail polish
    beatrizsb
    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, 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?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    3 August, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Great color and quality.
    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 July, 2026Verified purchase

    Essie Gel Polish - rock the runway RED

    I love the Essie Gel polishes. With a top coat, I can usually get a full seven days wear with very minimal, if any chipping. Photo is day 7. While I would like to see pricing less than $10 a bottle, the polish is worth paying a little more.
    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
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    3 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    26 July, 2026Verified purchase

    Good but not so good

    Well it’s a great and it does chip even with topcoat I would say it takes about 3 days before chipping . I like that there no UV gel BUT it does stain your nails
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 2 months ago
    Hi there! We appreciate you taking the time to reach out about our Gel Couture Nail Polish. Consumer feedback is very important to us and allows us to improve all our products. We will be sure to pass all your feedback along to the appropriate team. We hope you will continue using more of our products soon with full satisfaction with the results!
    brown eyed girl
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 1 out of 5
    long lasting: 2 out of 5
    quality: 3 out of 5
    value: 2 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    16 July, 2026Verified purchase

    Clumpy, thick and streaky application.... Terrible!

    TERRIBLE. Goes on thick, clumpy, & streaky. Will be returning!
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 2 months ago
    Hi Lexomatic. 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.
    Lexomatic
    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
    16 July, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    fairy tailor is the best nude! love the consistency and looks of this polish!
    Lizzgee
    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?
    2 out of 5 stars
    12 July, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Did not like the polish.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 2 months ago
    Hi there! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are truly sorry to hear that you did not like our Gel Couture Nail Polish in First Fitting. We want you to love your manicures, and we would love to know more about what went wrong—whether it was the shade itself, the dry time, or the wear. Our Gel Couture formula is designed to deliver a long-lasting, gel-like shine in a simple two-step process: Step 1: Apply two coats of the Gel Couture color (like First Fitting). No base coat is needed! Step 2: Follow with our specialized Gel Couture Platinum Grade Top Coat to lock in the color, prevent chipping, and provide that high-gloss, cushiony finish. If you didn't get the wear or finish you expected, we highly recommend pairing the color with our Gel Couture Top Coat for the best results.
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    29 June, 2026Verified purchase

    Let it dry! Its fabulous!

    I’ve been painting my own nails for decades. This brand is by far the most long lasting. The top coat is critical, as it locks in the paint and protects it. The pictures in these reviews of smudges are almost certainly either the color by itself and was not used with the top coat, OR it wasn’t given enough time to dry. You HAVE to use the top coat to make it work! They work together. Post polish ever!!
    Curious
    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
    3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    23 June, 2026Verified purchase

    Gorgeous color

    Fantastic shade and my favorite Essie formula.
    doelovestarjay
    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
    15 June, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    I am a mom of two toddlers. I painted my nails in less than 20 mins, they don’t look the best but that’s because I was rushing. The quality is great and the color looks great too. I would highly recommend. I know if I put more effort into doing my nails, they will look great.
    Juje
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    1 June, 2026Verified purchase

    Terrible product

    Not at all as advertised. I bought it just two days ago, followed all the instructions, applied two coats of gel and a top coat. But the nail polish came off after a few hours. No difference compared to regular polish. I'm returning them.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 4 months ago
    Hi Great product. 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.
    Great product
    long lasting: 1 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?

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