Essie Marshmallow: Color, Coverage, Application & Where to Buy
Essie Marshmallow is a sheer, cloudy-white nail polish for a soft, milky manicure. One coat leaves a translucent wash, and two or three coats build a cloudier finish. The 0.46-fluid-ounce bottle typically costs about $10 in the U.S. Its glossy, buildable coverage suits anyone looking for a soft white manicure.
Essie Marshmallow at a Glance
| Polish detail | Essie Marshmallow |
|---|---|
| Shade | Cloudy, sheer milky white; shade #10 |
| Undertone | Neutral to slightly warm |
| Finish | Smooth, glossy, sheer |
| Coverage | Buildable sheer; 2–3 coats |
| Formula claims | Vegan, 8-free |
| Bottle size | 0.46 fl oz (13.5 ml) |
| Typical U.S. price | $9.99–$10.00 |
| Availability | Online and major U.S. retailers |
| Wear claim | Up to 7 days with Stay Longer Top Coat |
| Brand & line | Essie Original Nail Polish, Core Collection |
| Recommended application | 1 base coat, 2 Marshmallow coats, 1 top coat |
| Removal method | Acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover |
How the Color and Coverage Build
Essie Marshmallow is a translucent, cloudy white with a glossy finish. Its undertone is generally neutral, though it may look slightly warm or creamy on the nail. Lighting, the color of your natural nail and the number of coats can all affect how white it appears.
One coat leaves a sheer, milky wash with the natural nail still visible. Two coats make the white more noticeable while keeping its translucent quality. A third coat creates a cloudier, more even finish. Marshmallow also suits a soft French manicure when you want a white base that looks less stark than a cream shade.
With sheer polish, undertone can matter as much as coverage: Marshmallow reads as a soft white, while a pink-leaning neutral gives nails a warmer tint. The Essie Mademoiselle color guide helps you compare the two subtle finishes.
Photo: @polishplease_ph on Instagram. Shade shown: Essie Marshmallow.
Video: @polishedbookworm on Instagram. Shade shown: Essie Marshmallow.
Applying Marshmallow Without Streaks
Sheer white polish can show brush marks if you apply a thick coat or keep brushing as it starts to dry. Begin with clean, smooth nails and build the color in thin layers.
- Remove old polish and clean the nail surface.
- Apply one coat of Essie Strong Start base coat and let it dry.
- Brush on a thin coat of Marshmallow, using as few strokes as practical.
- Let the first coat dry, then add a second or third coat for more coverage.
- Seal the color with Essie Stay Longer top coat.
Strong Start is a biotin-infused strengthening base coat. Stay Longer is a high-gloss protective top coat, and the manicure has a wear claim of up to seven days when used with it. Actual wear depends on nail condition and everyday use.
A thin first coat may look uneven while it’s wet, so avoid adding extra polish to fix streaks. A second light coat usually evens out the color. Brush technique and drying time vary by formula; Essie nail polish guide has more on adjusting your application.
Video: @styledminimalist on Instagram. Shade shown: Essie Marshmallow.
How Similar Essie Whites Differ
Essie Blanc gives a brighter, snowier white with a cream finish. It reaches full opaque coverage in about three coats; Marshmallow remains more translucent with a similar number of coats.
Essie Tuck It in My Tux has delicate, warm ivory undertones. It gives soft, milky coverage in about three coats, making it a warmer choice for a sheer white effect.
Essie Limo-Scene is a light vanilla shade with slightly warm, neutral undertones. Its sheer, jelly-cream appearance reads more like a near-white nude than Marshmallow’s cloudy white.
OPI Funny Bunny is another sheer white often compared with Marshmallow, but it is an OPI shade, not an Essie color. Compare the finished swatches and coverage to find the look you prefer; the shade names alone do not mean the polishes will look identical on your nails.
Marshmallow’s translucent finish lets some of your natural nail show through, while a more opaque white gives fuller coverage and a more graphic look. Compare it with Essie Blanc white polish to decide which finish you prefer.
Photo: @thenailpolishsh3lf on Instagram. Shade shown: Essie Marshmallow.
Where to Buy Essie Marshmallow
Essie Marshmallow costs $9.99 at Target and $10.00 at Ulta Beauty. Both retailers offer online ordering and store shopping or pickup. Ulta Beauty also offers two-hour pickup.
You can buy Marshmallow online and at major U.S. retailers. Before visiting a store, check the product listing with your local location selected, since stock and pickup eligibility vary by store. Online ordering is an option if a nearby branch does not show the shade as available; pickup lets you check local availability before collecting your order.
Is Essie Marshmallow Right for You?
Choose Marshmallow for a glossy white manicure that stays soft and translucent, or for a delicate French manicure. Its finish is not fully opaque; Essie Blanc is a closer match if you want a crisp, solid white. For a warmer ivory cast or a vanilla-toned near-white, compare Tuck It in My Tux and Limo-Scene.
Photo: @thenailpolishsh3lf on Instagram. Shade shown: Essie Marshmallow.
FAQs
Has Essie Marshmallow been discontinued?
No. Essie Marshmallow is available online and at major U.S. retailers.
Is Essie Marshmallow a gel polish?
No. Marshmallow is a regular Essie nail lacquer, not a gel polish. Its glossy finish comes from the lacquer and can be topped with a protective top coat.
How does Essie Marshmallow differ from Arctic Jelly Gloss?
Essie Marshmallow is a sheer, cloudy-white lacquer. Arctic Jelly Gloss is a separate product, and its shade, coverage and wear differ from Marshmallow’s.
Conclusion
Essie Marshmallow gives you a sheer, buildable milky-white manicure. Apply thin coats for a soft wash or add layers for a cloudier finish. Choose Blanc if you want opaque white coverage.
