Step 1 Prep
Prep cuticles, nail, and skin with Ready. Prep. Go. Advanced Cuticle Remover.
Mademoiselle
The most classic grown-up light pink nail polish.
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Meet your nails' new best friend. Mademoiselle is our most classic grown-up pink shade. This original nail polish is a sheer, barely-there light & milky pink. It's the shade you reach for when you want to look effortlessly put-together and have that clean girl aesthetic.
RICH COLOR & SHINE: All essie Original nail polishes offer a salon-quality, billion pigment formula that is vegan, providing saturated color payoff and shine in every coat.
PATENTED CAMEL-STEM BRUSH: Our exclusive, patented camel-stem brush is designed for professional results at home. It provides controlled formula flow for precise application, ensuring a smooth, even finish.
FLAWLESS APPLICATION: Achieve the perfect manicure and pedicure by applying two coats. Apply a think first layer and then a second while tacky for a vivid, streak-free finish.
7-DAY WEAR: Elevate your look with a base and top coat. A base coat strengthens your nails and creates a smooth base, while a top coat locks in color with lasting shine and chip protection. Enjoy up to 7-day wear when paired with our Stay Longer top coat.BEST SELLER: 1 bottle of essie Original nail polish is sold every 5 seconds.*
KEY FEATURES:
This product comes in a glass bottle:
Size: 0.46 ounces
Product Description: 1.140" Width: 1.140" Height: 3.543"
Product Form: Liquid Polish
NAIL TYPE: essie Original polish is ideal for consumers looking for a salon-quality manicure at home with saturated color payoff.*L’Oreal custom product hierarchy calc based on USxAOC NIQ Scantrack for nail color. 52WE 12/ 27/25. © 2026, Nielsen Consumer LLC
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How to use Mademoiselle, a soft pink original nail polish:
Prep: 1 coat of essie Strong Start base coat to strengthen nails and create a smooth base.
Color: 2 coats of your favorite essie Original nail polish for rich color and shine.
Shine: 1 coat of of essie Stay Longer top coat to lock in color with lasting shine and chip protection.
Care: Finish with On A Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil to condition cuticles and prevent dryness. -
essie is a vegan brand – contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Full ingredient list:
ETHYL ACETATE BUTYL ACETATE NITROCELLULOSE TOSYLAMIDE/EPOXY RESIN TRIMETHYL PENTANYL DIISOBUTYRATE ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL TRIBENZOIN STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE ACETYLATED HYDROGENATED CASTOR GLYCERIDE ADIPIC ACID/NEOPENTYL GLYCOL/TRIMELLITIC ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER SUCROSE ACETATE ISOBUTYRATE STEARALKONIUM BENTONITE SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE BENZOPHENONE-1 SILICA BARIUM SULFATE DIACETONE ALCOHOL CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER CITRIC ACID ALUMINUM CALCIUM SODIUM SILICATE ALCOHOL DENAT. CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE COLOPHONIUM / ROSIN / COLOPHANE ALUMINA DIMETHICONE ISOPHORONE DIAMINE/ISOPHTHALIC ACID/TROMETHAMINE COPOLYMER TIN OXIDE CALCIUM TITANIUM BOROSILICATE DIETHYLHEXYL ADIPATE n-BUTYL ALCOHOL AQUA / WATER / EAU TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE TALC ACETONE ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE MICA CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 LAKE CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES CI 77510 / FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE CI 77007 / ULTRAMARINES CI 77000 / ALUMINUM POWDER CI 15850 / RED 7 LAKE CI 15880 / RED 34 LAKE CI 15850 / RED 6 LAKE CI 77266 / BLACK 2 CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE CI 77742 / MANGANESE VIOLET CI 77288 / CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS CI 77510 / FERRIC FERROCYANIDE CI 45410 / RED 28 CI 73360 / RED 30 LAKE CI 60730 / EXT. VIOLET 2 CI 60725 / VIOLET 2 CI 45380 / RED 22 ]
Mademoiselle Frequently Asked Questions
- It features a high-shine, glossy finish. Because the formula is sheer, it provides a translucent "jelly-like" look that is perfect for French manicures or an elegant, minimalist aesthetic.
- Yes. Mademoiselle is formulated with a 100% vegan formula—meaning it contains no animal-derived ingredients. Essie is also committed to a cruelty-free world and does not test on animals.
- When paired with our Stay Longer top coat, you can enjoy up to 7 days of chip-resistant wear. Our new Billion Pigment formula ensures the color stays vivid and streak-free throughout the life of your manicure.
- Mademoiselle is designed for a quick and easy transition from application to daily life. While dry times vary, the formula is optimized to dry fast, especially when used with an Essie top coat.
- To achieve the best results, we highly recommend a full system. An Essie base coat nourishes the nail and prevents staining, while an Essie top coat seals in that signature Mademoiselle shine and extends wear time.
- For a flawless finish, apply one thin coat of base coat. Follow with two thin coats of Mademoiselle using our patented camel-stem brush, which provides controlled flow for precise, professional application. Finish with a top coat to lock in the look.
- You can find Mademoiselle at most drug stores and cosmetic stores. You can also find e-retailers that carry essie enamel nail polish right here on our website.
Enhance your manicure
Step 2 Prime
Apply 1 coat of base coat to reinforce and harden nails.
Step 3 Paint
Apply 2 coats of essie original nail polish.
Step 4 Seal
Apply 1 coat of top coat for a plump, shiny finish.
Shop the routine
"essie original color is iconic. I love the brush, the hundreds of colors to choose from, and the fact that it was my first favorite." - Rita Remark, essie Global Brand Ambassador
Similar shades
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1 to 8 of 41 reviews .
1 – 8 of 41 reviews
most recent
1 out of 5 stars.
Color changed - no longer the cult favorite
15 days ago
Mademoiselle used to be my “go to” color. It was the perfect nude (similar to Essie’s long discontinued Adore-a-ball), not too pink, not too beige, and I wore it all the time. Then the color changed. It’s now way too pink, and I hate it. I’m so disappointed that despite feedback from many loyal users, Essie has not seen fit to change it back to the perfect color it was. If you’re going to introduce a new color, don’t destroy a customer favorite - just call it something else. And please bring back the old color, even if you are using a new formulation. Making the argument that a color change is the result of a new formulation rather than owning up to the fact that you made a deliberate change to the color is insulting.
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
helpful?
response from essie:
13 days ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello there, thank you for sharing such candid and valuable feedback. We sincerely apologize for the disappointment you’ve experienced with the recent bottles of Mademoiselle, and we completely respect your perspective on how we communicate these changes. You are entirely correct that a change in formula should not come at the expense of a beloved, classic shade. When reformulating to ensure our products are 100% vegan, our goal was to maintain the exact color integrity of Mademoiselle. However, we hear your feedback—and that of other loyal users—that the current version leans too pink and lacks the neutral, beige-leaning balance that made the original shade so perfect. Please know that we take your comments to heart, and your request to bring back the original hue is being shared directly with our color-formulation teams.
4 out of 5 stars.
Sheer pink
a month ago
Cute sheer pink. Great for everyday use. I would work perfectly for like afm French tip in my opinion.
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
3 out of 5 stars.
Color has changed
4 months ago
Color has changed to look more like that of ‘Sugar Daddy’. Bring back Mademoiselle 384 with its beautiful natural color
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userregular/average
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
2 months ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello Fox26, thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us. We know how much a signature shade like Mademoiselle means to your beauty routine, and we’re sorry to hear that the current color hasn't lived up to the natural look you loved! Please note, the aging of polish ingredients may cause color to fade, yellow, or shift over time—so your old bottle may look different than it did when new. Also, the production of our iconic shades has also advanced over the years – higher quality standards, pure color pigments, and new innovative ingredients allow for a better, more consistent product, but also can result in some color variation from the past. Your loyalty to our classic colors is so appreciated. We will be sure to pass your request for a more natural looking shade!
1 out of 5 stars.
Why change a nail polish color?
11 months ago
You changed the color? Why change a nail polish color?
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userprofessional
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
11 months ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there Claire82, we wish you could still see the results you were hoping for with this sheer pink. The production of our iconic shades has advanced over the years – higher quality standards, pure color pigments, and new innovative ingredients allow for a better, more consistent product, but also can result in some color variation from the past. It looks like you have become accustomed to this color in a more faded form. However, we highly value consumer input on the colors they prefer and will share your comments with Essie and her creative team!
1 out of 5 stars.
Bring Back the Original Mademoiselle!!!
a year ago
Why did you change the color to a tacky pink? This has been my go-to classic/chic color for over 30 years:however, I recently purchased a new bottle for a formal occasion and the color was horrendous! Please, please bring back the original color/formula of mademoiselle. This new color is NOT a neutral and looks cheap and childlike.
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
helpful?
response from essie:
a year ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi Greyson! Thanks for reaching out to us regarding Mademoiselle nail color. We're sorry to hear that your nail color was different than usual. We value consumer feedback and will share your comments with our teams.
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect “naked but better” nails
a year ago
I love the new color. I have very pale, cool toned skin and it’s perfect. The other nudes are either too white/tan or too sheer or not sheer enough, and this is the only one that makes my nails look “naked, but better.”
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear forwork
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
1 out of 5 stars.
change back to the original like sheer color
a year ago
I also am frustrated and disappointed that the color was changed. I’m down to my last bottle and haven’t been able
To find anything similar
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
a year ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi Madam V. Mademoiselle you for reaching out about the color ' Mademoiselle '. We make every effort to provide the highest quality products for our consumers and want to know whenever a product is not satisfactory. The production of our iconic shades has advanced over the years – higher quality standards, pure color pigments, and new innovative ingredients allow for a better, more consistent product, but also can result in some color variation from the past. We appreciate knowing you prefer this color more sheer.
1 out of 5 stars.
Mademoiselle has Changed for the Worse
a year ago
Recently picked up a new bottle of this polish. It has been my favorite for manicures for many years. But, I was so disappointed and heartbroken upon application. It's not the same color - the delicate semi-sheer look is gone. It no longer replicates a clean, natural nail. It was just tacky looking. I'm not sure who would want their nails to look like this. I get that sometimes colors are adjusted but why mess with a classic like Mademoiselle? This is no longer the clean, classic, elegant polish that it once was.
type of nail polish userregular/average
helpful?
response from essie:
a year ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello SamMJ. Thank you for sharing your experience with the color ' Mademoiselle '. We want to understand what happened just as much as you do. This color should be a milky sheer pink and by the second coat your color should be perfect. 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
1 – 8 of 41 reviews
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9 to 38 of 41 reviews .
9 – 38 of 41 reviews
most recent
1 out of 5 stars.
mademoiselle…it’s not the same color any more!
a year ago
Loved mademoiselle until you changed the color. It used to be a soft pale sheer shade of pink and now it looks like your other light pinks. Did you think no one would notice?
type of nail polish userregular/average
helpful?
response from essie:
a year ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there, we wish you could still see the results you were hoping for with the color 'mademoiselle'. It should be a sheer, pale pink. The production of our iconic shades has also advanced over the years – higher quality standards, pure color pigments, and new innovative ingredients allow for a better, more consistent product, but also can result in some color variation from the past.
2 out of 5 stars.
changed formula isn't as good
2 years ago
I'm so sad that they changed the formula of mademoiselle. I just bought a new bottle and it looks completely different than it used to. It used to be warm and sheer, but now it's cool and too pink. It looks just like Sugar Daddy and almost like Hi Maintenance. I like to alternate between my favorite sheer shades and it's no longer one of my favorites. Bring back the old formula!!
type of nail polish userregular/average
helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello catpezLI. Thank you for sharing your experience with your recent purchase of 'mademoiselle'. This color should be a classic sheer pink. Feedback from our consumers is priceless and we appreciate your concerns. The production of our iconic shades has advanced over the years – higher quality standards, pure color pigments, and new innovative ingredients allow for a better, more consistent product, but also can result in some color variation from the past.
1 out of 5 stars.
Colorless
2 years ago
It doesn't have enough color, even after multiple coats.
type of nail polish userregular/average
helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello Cheryl0411! Thank you for trying the color 'mademoiselle'. We are sorry to here this classic, grown-up pink sheer nail polish doesn't have the coverage you were hoping for. To get a similar pale pink in an opaque finish, try the color 'fiji'.
https://www.essie.com/nail-polish/enamel/pinks/fiji
1 out of 5 stars.
Don’t change cult faves!! Just make new!
2 years ago
Like the others, I HATE the new formulation. Too cool pink and too opaque. There are so many Essie “sheers” that were already like this and Mad was the one that wasn’t looking. Totally disappointed.
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish usernail art lover
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello there, thank you for sharing your opinion on the color 'mademoiselle'! The production of our iconic shades has advanced over the years – higher quality standards, pure color pigments, and new innovative ingredients allow for a better, more consistent product, but also can result in some color variation from the past.
1 out of 5 stars.
Color has changed
2 years ago
I have been wearing Mademoiselle form over 10 years. The color has changed. Too opaque now. Please bring back the original share. (And no - it’s not an aged bottle. The color has simply changed). I am so sad. 😟
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello Nail girl 70. Thank you for reaching out about the color 'mademoiselle'. We make every effort to provide the highest quality products for our consumers and want to know whenever a product is not satisfactory. The production of our iconic shades has advanced over the years – higher quality standards, pure color pigments, and new innovative ingredients allow for a better, more consistent product, but also can result in some color variation from the past. We appreciate knowing you prefer this color more sheer.
1 out of 5 stars.
Changed the color
2 years ago
I've purchased several bottles of Mademoiselle (112) over the years. I was suspicious of the new bottle at the store but bought it anyway. I brought it home and it's way pinker and cooler-toned than the last bottle, so I'm returning it. Bring back the old color!
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
helpful?
response from essie:
2 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello MeghanE! We are so sorry to hear your recent purchase of the color 'mademoiselle' does not appear as the sheer pink you are expecting. Aging of polish ingredients may cause color to fade, yellow, or shift over time—so your old bottle may not look like the new one. The production of our iconic shades has also advanced over the years – higher quality standards, pure color pigments, and new innovative ingredients allow for a better, more consistent product, but also can result in some color variation from the past.
5 out of 5 stars.
obsessed!!!
2 years ago
my favorite polish!! im not a fan of lighter colors on my skin tone, but this one is so milky and almost translucent, and it gives my nails a natural & glossy finish with only 2-3 coats. and its super buildable!!! dries quickly, goes on flawlessly and i LOVE how soft the applicator brush is. i wish i could submit a photo to show how beautiful it is. elegant and classy color. cant get enough.
type of nail polish userregular/average
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Flawless French manicures
2 years ago
I live for classic styles, so I always have either a red or sheer pink polish on my nails. This sheer shade is my go-to for the perfect French manicure. After applying a base coat, I swipe Ballet Slippers on my tips and then top with two coats of Mademoiselle and a topcoat, and it stays for a minimum of four days (and that’s with dishes, laundry, chores, and being a mom). My nails look flawless but natural and well groomed.
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Ballet Slippers
favorite essie color family?reds
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
1 out of 5 stars.
Miss the old shade #112 of Mademoiselle
3 years ago
I’ve used Mademoiselle #112 for years. Such a sheer, nude polish with just a hint of pink. The new Mademoiselle is much more opaque. ☹️
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
3 years ago
consumer care center
1. Hi there! We want to understand what you’re seeing in your color just as much as you do. The color ‘mademoiselle’ should be a classic sheer pink. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845
1 out of 5 stars.
To clear
5 years ago
It takes me about 10 coats to get a nice thick colour the first coat is almost clear
type of nail polish userprofessional
great to wear foreveryday
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
5 years ago
consumer care center
Hi there Ishacrylics! We wish you could see the results you were hoping for with the shade “mademoiselle”. This color is a classic, grown-up pink sheer nail polish. See our collection for crème finish colors that are more opaque for a more intense result.
5 out of 5 stars.
My go to color...
5 years ago
What I like most is that it's more beige than pink. It has a sheer pink-ness, no shimmer. My nail bed is not pink, so this one appears shiny, yet shows off a great manicure.
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear forwork
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
One of my favorites!
6 years ago
The polish goes on very sheer but that allows for a very natural look which was what I was going for. Great product! It stays looking nice for a long time (I used a base coat and top coat).
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
1 out of 5 stars.
Rip off
6 years ago
I love a sheer polish such as ballet slippers, but this polish is clear not sheer! Pics are after 2 coats and 5 coats. After 5 coats I still felt it was too sheer but the polish was so thick it started wrinkling. Anyone who say so they use less than 4 coats is lying. I have gotten better nail polish from the dollar store; I can’t believe I paid $10 for this!
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
no, I do not recommend this product.
helpful?
response from essie:
6 years ago
consumer care center
Hi there Emily! We want to understand what happened just as much as you do...The "mademoiselle" should be a pale sheer pink nail polish. f you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845
5 out of 5 stars.
wonderful sheer pink
6 years ago
I was looking for a sheer light pink and this does the job wonderfully. 2 coats bring a gentle healthy glow to the nails, while 3 make it a nice sheer pink. Perfect on my super short nails. So pretty and simple yet elegant.
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Classy natural look
7 years ago
No streaking! Makes nails look naturally healthy and beautiful!
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect for all lengths
7 years ago
I have been using this color for years. It’s my go to color. Great for everyday!
Q: goes great with this shade
A: Marshmallow & Waltz
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
yes, I recommend this product.
helpful?
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Love all of essies nail selections the polish is super durable and lasts long!! Also easy to find at stores
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love this formula and the color is perfect. Lasts a long time too! Easy to apply! And good price.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Love this color so much, and the formula of essie is really really good, such a great quality, love it so much
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I just used this color a couple weeks ago and it is so beautiful!! I love fall colors so much, and I found this color to be perfect!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
One of my favorite Essie colors for my nails. Long lasting & easy to apply even with the light color.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Love the range of colors this brand has. And the nail polish itself is great and it doesn’t chip easily
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Make sure to read directions, let dry well between coats, use the matching clear coat to activate the color coat. it cures with natural
Originally posted on influenster.com
4 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Essie Nail Color Polish in Mademoielle is a beautiful soft color! Goes on great and lasts! Huge fan of this brand!
Originally posted on influenster.com
3 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
One of my to-go-to colors and its great for everyday or for any occasion. This brand has never failed me and their wide range of colors always make me happy. The color might have chipped a few times but it might be because of the activities done in the day and the weather.
Originally posted on influenster.com
response from essie:
7 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi Sarah! Thank you for your feedback on our mademoiselle! We are so happy you enjoy this product and hope you continue doing so with great satisfaction!
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
So my first favorite color is Fiji and this would probably be my second. If I want to go for more of a pink color, I would use this color. It’s still a light pink but has more of a pinker tint to it. Perfect for the summer.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Love this color! It’s so pretty and looks great after a few coats. Would definitely recommend it. Goes on easily and stays on well.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I love Essie nail polish! They have such a wide variety of shades and so many pretty pinky nudes!
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
Mademoiselle with marshmallow make the perfect French manicure. Mademoiselle alone makes an excellent nude polish. Essie is my all time favorite polish because it goes on smooth and lasts a long time. It doesn’t chip either.
Originally posted on influenster.com
5 out of 5 stars.
7 years ago
I lovee this polish its also such a beautiful shade. If you use your hands alot it does chip after a little bit. But its a very pretty color. Its also such a beautiful shiny shade. It goes on super easily.
Originally posted on influenster.com
9 – 38 of 41 reviews