Skip to content
Vanity Fair Fashion
Fashion

Sorry, Ballet Slippers—I'm Reaching for This Other Nail Polish for Winter

By Swedan Margen

Sorry, Ballet Slippers—I'm Reaching for This Other Nail Polish for Winter

When it comes to nail trends, I'm a big fan of neutral shades. Some of my favourite nail polishes include OPI Bubble Bath and Essie Ballet Slippers. However, at this time of year, I'm all for trying something different, and I'm constantly on the lookout for a chic winter nail shade to give my neutrals a run for their money. And as it turns out, I think I've just found it in the form of Bubbles Only from Essie.

Part of the brand's Gel Couture range, this long-lasting nail polish is designed to mimic an in-salon gel manicure. It features Flex E Gel Technology to prevent chipping, alongside a Triple Shine Complex for a glass-like effect. Not only that, but it is quite possibly the chicest red shade I've ever seen.

If you want a sophisticated Christmas manicure, this is definitely the nail polish for you. The glossy red hue is elegant and timeless, so you don't have to worry about racing to the salon once the festivities are over, either. It really does tick all the boxes.

Essie Bubbles Only

A picture of a short, oval-shaped manicure with the Essie Bubbles Only nail polish

I saw this picture on Instagram and immediately assumed it was a professional gel manicure, so you can imagine my surprise when I found out it was created using Essie's Bubbles Only nail polish. Interestingly enough, some of the best nail artists actually use this shade on their own nails.

As you can see, just two coats of this polish create the most perfect red manicure, and can we take a moment for that high-shine finish? Sorry, Ballet Slippers, but I think I'll be wearing this shade for the entire winter.

Shop the Essie Nail Polish

Essie Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish- Bubbles Only

Essie

Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish Bubbles Only

Get a salon-worthy mani for just £11 this winter.

Shop More Chic Essie Nail Polish Shades

Essie Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish-Matter of Fiction

Essie

Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish Matter of Fiction

If you are sticking to your neutrals this season, you simply can't go wrong with this soft pink shade.

Essie Nail Polish - 50 Bordeaux 13.5ml

Essie

Nail Polish 50 Bordeaux

An absolute classic for the colder months.

Essie Core Nail Varnish Odd Squad 13.5ml

Essie

Core Nail Varnish Odd Squad

The most perfect chocolate brown hue.

Essie Nail Polish - 1 Blanc 13.5ml

Essie

Nail Polish 1 Blanc

I like to use this polish for a French tip design.

Essie Gel Couture Gel- Metallic Glaze Top Coats - 563 Blushed Metal

Essie

Gel Couture Metallic Glaze Top Coats 563 Blushed Metal

Who doesn't love a bit of shimmer at this time of year? Layer this top coat over your chosen nail polish for an iridescent effect.

More Fashion