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Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches

Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer
Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer

Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer ($8.00 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is described as an “adorable newbie green.” It’s a more vibrant take on mint green–there’s a little green and aqua mixed together to create something deeper and richer than your typical pastel mint green, but it’s not neon or a medium-colored shade either. Dior Samba is a bit darker, not quite as bright. Illamasqua Nomad is similar, perhaps a bit less green.

The consistency was slightly thicker than average but the thickness did not impede application. First Timer applied beautifully with full color coverage in two quotes, no streaking or bubbling, and the polish didn’t pool along the edges. The drying time was average and had a slightly shiny finish when all was said and done. I normally get a week of wear out of Essie’s formula with minor tip wear but no chipping.

P.S. — And if my bottle looks tiny, it’s because I bought the mini version since you and I both know I’ll never finish a full-sized bottle so I thought the minis would suffice for review purposes! 🙂

Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer
Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer

Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer
Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer

Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer
Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer

Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer
Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer

Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer
Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer

Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer
Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer

Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer
Essie First Timer Nail Lacquer

25 Comments

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hb13 Avatar

I really like the look of this polish. I am wondering how it will compare to Revlon Brillint Strength Entice. I have suspicion the Essie will be brighter. A good reason to buy this one as well 🙂

Sara_BeauTime Avatar

Such a nice color, reminds me of Illamasqua Nomad too. I didn’t know that Essie has minis. Although they are widely available here, I only have two of their colors and I have to admit I still haven’t tried them out after purchasing, so minis would be great in terms of space consumption though. Thanks so much for the review.

Danielle Avatar

I’m obsessed with this color! I have already worn it twice, which is a lot for me because I have TONS of nail polish.. usually it would just get put aside after one use lol.

Nath Attack Avatar

Wow I love that it’s a brighter mint green! I have a similar shade from Sephora Collection (Teeny Bikini), but I wouldn’t recommend it. The formula has gotten so thicky and gloppy. Might have to check this out as a replacement shade.

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