Save on royal-loved Essie nail polish this Black Friday
You can currently save on royal-loved Essie nail polish this Black Friday – find out the Queen's favourite shade below...
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to W&H Newsletter Newsletter

Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
- The Queen has reportedly worn the Essie shade since the eighties
- The Duchess of Cambridge is also thought to be a fan of the brand
- In other royal news (opens in new tab), The Duchess of Cambridge is under "extra pressure", according to a body language expert (opens in new tab)
It's very well-known that Queen Elizabeth favours a classic shade of Essie nail polish for her manicure-of-choice.
According to HELLO!, Her Majesty has worn the very subtle Ballet Slippers shade since 1989. And it makes total sense, as the monarch reportedly likes a neutral nail, and this is a chic and understated colour.
Ballet Slippers, a very light, sheer pink, is an excellent go-to as it's guaranteed to go with any outfit and any occasion – for a little added "something". Even better, it's currently on sale as part of the ASOS Black Friday deals (opens in new tab).
Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers, was £7.99 now £5.55, ASOS (opens in new tab)
The Duchess of Cambridge (opens in new tab) is also thought to be a firm fan of the brand, choosing Essie for her wedding day manicure. Duchess Catherine's manicurist, Marina Sandoval from the Jo Hansford (opens in new tab) salon, shared the exact shades of polish that she blended for the royal wedding on the Daily Mail.
Sandoval mixed Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine Nail Enamel in Rose Lounge, a barely there pink (now discontinued), with Essie Allure ($9, essie.com (opens in new tab)), a sheer beige tone.
Essie Nail Polish in Allure, was £7.99 now £5.55, ASOS (opens in new tab)
The Queen's hands are rarely on show as she often chooses to wear a set of gloves. However, when Her Majesty's bare hands are on view, you can pretty much guarantee that you'll never see a bright nail colour.
Essie nail polish was launched in 1981 by Essie Weingarten and, according to the brand's website, the Queen has been wearing the Ballet Slippers shade since 1989.
It adds that Queen Elizabeth's hairdresser sent a letter to the brand requesting that specific shade because it was the only colour Her Majesty would wear. It's described as "an iconic colour for all the seasons" – and rightfully so.
In fact, the Queen's rule has become somewhat of a tradition for all female members of the royal family (opens in new tab) since then. It is thought to be protocol that Catherine, Meghan, Beatrice, Eugenie and co tend to avoid bright shades of nail polish in order to maintain the royal sense of formality.
Little is known about the Queen's beauty secrets, but over the years there have been few rumours.
Her favourite flowers are reportedly carnations and, while the exact scent of perfume she buys has not been revealed, she is thought to be a regular of Floris London, which was first granted the royal warrant 1820.
The brand maintains a level of discretion when it comes to exactly what the Queen orders but they did reveal to the Telegraph that the Queen orders from across the core range. Fragrances start from around £55.
When it comes to the Queen's lips, she is partial to the odd pop of colour. But her go to brand is thought to be Elizabeth Arden. The brand has held a royal warrant for over 50 years. The Telegraph speculates that Elizabeth Arden's Beautiful Colour Moisturising Lipstick Matte Finish Extension in Bold Red is a firm favourite of the Queen. She is also a reported fan of this best selling skincare product (opens in new tab).
While the Queen clearly likes to keep her beauty secrets under wraps, but we do know that her nail polish of choice remains unchanged. Why not treat yourself to the same shade? If it's good enough for Her Majesty...
Lucy is a UK-based beauty journalist who has written for the likes of Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, OK!, Women's Health and more, as well as contributing to woman&home. Her work covers everything from expert skin and haircare tips to the latest product launches and the show-stopping beauty looks spotted backstage at London Fashion Week. During her career she's interviewed some seriously famous faces, from Little Mix to Drag Race royalty The Vivienne, as well as chatting to the industry's leading hairdressers, dermatologists and make-up artists.
-
-
Pamela Anderson on why she gained 25 pounds while writing her much anticipated memoir
The star of a new Netflix documentary, Pamela Anderson noted she "had a physical reaction to telling my story" while writing her recent memoir
By Anna Rahmanan • Published
-
Weekly horoscope: 2 astrologers' predictions for Monday January 30 - Sunday February 5
Curious to know what the week has in store for you?
By Penny Thornton • Published
-
The viral styler you need to replicate Adele’s voluminous blow-dry is better than half price!
Replicate Adele’s voluminous blow-dry with this viral Revlon styler
By Caitlin Elliott • Published
-
Diptyque Cyber Monday 2022 is here and these are our favorite deals still available to shop
How to score a last-chance saving on Diptyque Cyber Monday – we've found luxury perfumes, scented candles and skincare
By Fiona McKim • Published
-
Cyber Monday perfume deals 2022: Where to find the best offers and discounts on designer scents
We've tracked down the best Cyber Monday perfume deals including discounts on fragrance from Chanel, Gucci, Dior, YSL and more
By Hannah Holway • Published
-
We've spotted new deals and extra free gifts in the Jo Malone Cyber Monday sale 2022
Last call to snap up a Jo Malone Cyber Monday deal! Here are the very best offers we've found at every retailer
By Fiona McKim • Published
-
Where to find the best Clinique Cyber Monday deals in 2022 - with new 60% discounts added since Black Friday
Our edit of the best Clinique Cyber Monday deals kicking off now – plus Black Friday deals and discounts still available
By Fiona McKim • Last updated
-
The best Olaplex Black Friday deals 2022, including 47% off cult favorites
We've found the best Olaplex Black Friday deals available in 2022, with discounts running across the whole product range this weekend, including the Bonding Oil and No.3
By Hannah Holway • Published
-
These are the best ghd Black Friday deals of 2022 available to shop right now
We've tracked down the best ghd Black Friday deals - including 30% savings on hair dryers, straighteners and more
By Aleesha Badkar • Published
-
Where to find the best Molton Brown Black Friday deals and discounts to shop today
The Molton Brown Black Friday deals have begun for 2022, with as much as 70% off some of the brand's most popular products...
By Kenedee Fowler • Published