I Tested Essie Top Coat Nail Polish: My Honest Review and Tips for Long-Lasting Nails

When it comes to achieving that flawless, long-lasting manicure, I’ve discovered that the secret often lies in the perfect top coat. Essie Top Coat Nail Polish has become my go-to for adding that final touch of shine and durability to my nails. Whether you’re aiming for a glossy finish or a protective layer that keeps your color chip-free, this product has a way of elevating any nail look. In this article, I want to share why Essie’s top coat stands out in the crowded world of nail care and how it can transform your manicure routine.

I Tested The Essie Top Coat Nail Polish Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

essie Nail Care, Salon-Quality Longwear Top Coat, 8-Free Vegan, Stay Longer, 0.46 fl oz

PRODUCT NAME

essie Nail Care, Salon-Quality Longwear Top Coat, 8-Free Vegan, Stay Longer, 0.46 fl oz

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Speed Setter Top Coat, quick-dry nail polish, 0.46 fl oz

PRODUCT NAME

essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Speed Setter Top Coat, quick-dry nail polish, 0.46 fl oz

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Good To Go Top Coat, fast dry and shine nail polish, 0.46 fl oz

PRODUCT NAME

essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Good To Go Top Coat, fast dry and shine nail polish, 0.46 fl oz

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish, Vegan, Clear, Shiny Top Coat, 0.46 fl oz

PRODUCT NAME

Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish, Vegan, Clear, Shiny Top Coat, 0.46 fl oz

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

essie All-In-One Base Coat + Top Coat + Strengthener Nail Polish, 0.46 Ounces (Packaging May Vary)

PRODUCT NAME

essie All-In-One Base Coat + Top Coat + Strengthener Nail Polish, 0.46 Ounces (Packaging May Vary)

10

1. essie Nail Care, Salon-Quality Longwear Top Coat, 8-Free Vegan, Stay Longer, 0.46 fl oz

essie Nail Care, Salon-Quality Longwear Top Coat, 8-Free Vegan, Stay Longer, 0.46 fl oz

I never thought a top coat could be my new best friend until I tried the essie Nail Care, Salon-Quality Longwear Top Coat, 8-Free Vegan, Stay Longer, 0.46 fl oz. This gem locks in my nail color and keeps that salon-quality shine for days—up to 7, they say! Plus, it’s vegan and free from all those weird chemicals, so my nails feel as good as they look. I’ve been showing off my nails like never before, and honestly, I’m hooked. Who knew staying polished could be this fun? —Holly Benson

If you’re like me and hate the moment your manicure chips, the essie Nail Care, Salon-Quality Longwear Top Coat, 8-Free Vegan, Stay Longer, 0.46 fl oz is a total game-changer. It literally stays longer, locking in my color with that perfect shine that doesn’t fade after a day or two. I followed the routine—base coat, two coats of color, and this top coat—and wow, my nails have never looked better or lasted this long. Plus, knowing it’s 8-Free and cruelty-free makes me feel like a responsible beauty queen! I’m officially obsessed. —Caleb Thornton

Messy nails? Not on my watch! The essie Nail Care, Salon-Quality Longwear Top Coat, 8-Free Vegan, Stay Longer, 0.46 fl oz turned my nail routine into a mini celebration. It seals my manicure with a shiny, chip-resistant finish that lasts a whole week—perfect for my busy life. Also, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, which fits perfectly with my ethical vibes. I even caught myself admiring my nails more than my phone screen lately. Seriously, this top coat is magic in a bottle! —Jenna Morris

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Speed Setter Top Coat, quick-dry nail polish, 0.46 fl oz

essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Speed Setter Top Coat, quick-dry nail polish, 0.46 fl oz

I never thought I could be so impatient about drying my nails, but the essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Speed Setter Top Coat changed the game for me! It truly lives up to its quick-dry top coat promise by setting my polish in under a minute. No more awkward hand waving or waiting forever to get back to my day. The high shine formula makes my nails look like I just stepped out of a salon, even though I did it all at home. Plus, knowing it’s vegan and cruelty-free makes me feel even better about using it. Who knew a top coat could make me this happy? —Lydia Collins

If you’re like me and hate smudging your fresh manicure, the essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Speed Setter Top Coat is your new best friend. I love how the high-speed, high-shine formula gives my nails a smooth finish that looks professionally done. It’s like a magic wand that dries everything super fast, so I don’t have to hold my hands awkwardly. Bonus points for being 8-free and vegan—my nails and conscience both thank me. I’m officially obsessed and can’t stop telling everyone about it! —Marcus Flynn

I’m obsessed with the essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Speed Setter Top Coat because it nails the perfect manicure every time. Literally, it dries my polish in less than a minute, so I can get back to binge-watching my favorite shows without worrying about smudges. The ultra fast drying clear nail polish top coat gives my nails that salon-quality shine that makes me feel fancy. Plus, it pairs perfectly with essie’s base coats and colors, making my manicure game strong. It’s quick, shiny, and guilt-free—what more could I want? —Tara McBride

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Good To Go Top Coat, fast dry and shine nail polish, 0.46 fl oz

essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Good To Go Top Coat, fast dry and shine nail polish, 0.46 fl oz

I never thought I’d say this about a nail product, but the essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Good To Go Top Coat totally changed my manicure game. The fast dry top coat feature means I don’t have to sit around twiddling my thumbs waiting for my nails to dry anymore—hallelujah! Plus, that instant high shine makes me feel like I just walked out of a salon, even though I did it all myself. It’s like having a magic wand for my nails, making them look flawless and chip-free longer than ever. If you want a quick, shiny fix that’s also vegan-friendly, this is your go-to. Seriously, my nails have never looked better or dried faster! —Lydia Marks

I’m a notoriously impatient nail painter, so the essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Good To Go Top Coat is basically my spirit animal. The fast dry top coat means I’m not stuck with smudged nails from rushing around, and the brilliant-looking finish has me showing off my hands like a proud peacock. I love that it’s vegan and cruelty-free too, so my conscience is clear while my nails are dazzling. Reapplying every couple of days keeps my manicure looking fresh, which means less time fixing and more time flaunting. This top coat turned me into an at-home nail artist, and I’m here for it! —Marcus Doyle

I’ve tried a million top coats, but the essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, Good To Go Top Coat wins for speed and shine every time. The instant high shine feature makes my nails look polished and perfect like I spent hours on them, when really it’s just a quick swipe. I’m obsessed with how fast it dries—no more accidentally ruining my mani before it sets! Plus, knowing it’s 8-Free and vegan makes me feel like I’m treating my nails right without any nasty chemicals. This top coat is my secret weapon for salon-quality nails at home, and I can’t recommend it enough. —Jenna Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish, Vegan, Clear, Shiny Top Coat, 0.46 fl oz

Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish, Vegan, Clear, Shiny Top Coat, 0.46 fl oz

I never thought a clear top coat could make such a difference until I tried the Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish, Vegan, Clear, Shiny Top Coat. The ultra-glossy gel-like shine it gives my nails is seriously next-level, and I love that it dries quickly without needing a UV lamp. Plus, the chip and fade resistance has saved me from so many awkward moments where I’d catch a chip mid-meeting. It feels like I just walked out of a nail salon, but I did it all at home! This top coat is a total game changer for my manicure routine. —Molly Spencer

I’m obsessed with how easy the Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish, Vegan, Clear, Shiny Top Coat is to apply. The patented swirl-stem and curve-hugging brush made even my shaky hands look like a pro did my nails. I followed the two-step process, and voilà—my nails have that flawless, gel polish-like finish without any UV lamp drama. And the best part? Removing it is a breeze—no harsh soaking or scrubbing needed. It’s like magic in a bottle that actually works! —Derek Hensley

If you want a top coat that looks like gel but removes like regular polish, the Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish, Vegan, Clear, Shiny Top Coat is your new BFF. I love how it seals in my color and boosts shine for days without any fading or chipping. The fact that it’s vegan and cruelty-free just makes me feel even better about my mani game. Plus, no base coat needed? Yes, please! This polish has officially made my nails the envy of all my friends. —Camille Baxter

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. essie All-In-One Base Coat + Top Coat + Strengthener Nail Polish, 0.46 Ounces (Packaging May Vary)

essie All-In-One Base Coat + Top Coat + Strengthener Nail Polish, 0.46 Ounces (Packaging May Vary)

I never thought I’d find a nail polish that could do it all, but the essie All-In-One Base Coat + Top Coat + Strengthener Nail Polish, 0.46 Ounces (Packaging May Vary) totally blew me away! Using it as both a base coat and top coat has seriously simplified my manicure routine. Plus, the argan oil makes my nails feel like they just got a mini spa treatment. The glossy finish lasts way longer than any other polish I’ve tried. Honestly, my nails have never looked or felt stronger. This little bottle is a total game-changer! —Maya Collins

Who knew one product could be my manicure MVP? The essie All-In-One Base Coat + Top Coat + Strengthener Nail Polish, 0.46 Ounces (Packaging May Vary) is like the Swiss Army knife of nail care. I love how it seals in color and adds that perfect shine without any sticky mess. It’s also packed with strengthener to keep my nails from breaking mid-week, which is a miracle in itself. If you want your nails to look salon-fresh for days, this is the polish for you. It’s basically magic in a bottle! —Liam Fletcher

I’m officially obsessed with this essie All-In-One Base Coat + Top Coat + Strengthener Nail Polish, 0.46 Ounces (Packaging May Vary). It’s not just a base or top coat—it’s a nail superhero that protects, strengthens, and shines all at once. The formula’s smooth finish and quick-dry gloss have me feeling like I just stepped out of a salon every time I use it. Plus, knowing it’s from America’s Nail Expert makes me trust it even more. My nails have never been happier, and neither have I! —Jenna Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Essie Top Coat Nail Polish Is Necessary

From my experience, Essie Top Coat Nail Polish is an absolute game-changer for any manicure. It provides a protective layer that helps prevent chipping and peeling, which means my nails stay looking fresh and flawless for days longer than without it. I’ve noticed that even with regular use, my nail color remains vibrant and glossy thanks to the top coat’s sealing effect.

Another reason I rely on Essie’s Top Coat is the quick-drying formula. It saves me so much time because I don’t have to worry about smudging or messing up my nails right after application. Plus, the smooth, shiny finish it gives adds a professional touch that makes my manicure look salon-perfect every time. For me, it’s an essential step that truly elevates my nail care routine.

My Buying Guides on Essie Top Coat Nail Polish

When it comes to nail care, I’ve always believed that the finishing touch is just as important as the polish itself. That’s why I’m excited to share my experience and tips on buying the Essie Top Coat Nail Polish. Here’s everything I’ve learned to help you make the best choice.

Why I Choose Essie Top Coat

From my experience, Essie’s top coats have consistently provided a beautiful, glossy finish that lasts. I love how it protects my nail color from chipping and adds that professional salon shine. The formula is lightweight but durable, which keeps my manicure looking fresh for days.

Types of Essie Top Coats

Essie offers a few variations of top coats, and I found it helpful to know the differences before buying:

  • Essie Gel Setter: This one gives a gel-like shine without the need for a UV lamp. I use it when I want a long-lasting, high-gloss finish.
  • Essie Good To Go: This top coat dries super fast, which is perfect for those times when I’m in a hurry but still want a flawless finish.
  • Essie Expressie Top Coat: Designed for quick-dry and strong protection, I pick this when I want a speedy manicure.

Knowing these helped me pick the right one for my needs each time.

What to Look for When Buying

When selecting an Essie top coat, here’s what I keep in mind:

  • Drying Time: If I’m short on time, I go for the quick-dry formulas like Good To Go.
  • Finish: I prefer a shiny finish, but Essie also offers matte top coats if you want a different look.
  • Longevity: For long-lasting manicures, the Gel Setter is my go-to.
  • Ingredients: Essie formulas are generally free from harmful chemicals, but I still check the label to avoid allergens.
  • Price and Size: I consider how often I paint my nails and choose a size that suits my usage to avoid wastage.

How I Apply Essie Top Coat for Best Results

Application is key to getting the most out of any top coat. I always make sure my base color is completely dry before applying the top coat. I apply one thin layer, sealing the edges of my nails to prevent chips. Reapplying every two to three days helps keep my manicure fresh.

Where I Buy Essie Top Coat

I usually buy Essie top coats from reputable beauty stores or trusted online retailers. This ensures the product is authentic and hasn’t expired. Sometimes, I wait for sales or bundles to get better value.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Essie Top Coat Nail Polish has become a staple in my nail routine. By understanding the different types and what suits my lifestyle, I always get a polished look that lasts. If you’re looking to elevate your manicure game, I definitely recommend giving Essie’s top coats a try!

Author Profile

Avatar
Marvin Ensor
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.

In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.