EasterBlack-owned or founded brands at TargetGroceryClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesBabyHomeFurnitureKitchen & DiningOutdoor Living & GardenToysElectronicsVideo GamesMovies, Music & BooksSports & OutdoorsBeautyPersonal CareHealthPetsHousehold EssentialsArts, Crafts & SewingSchool & Office SuppliesParty SuppliesLuggageGift IdeasGift CardsClearanceTarget New ArrivalsTarget Finds#TargetStyleTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores

Sponsored

essie Gel Setter Top Coat - gel-like finish - 0.46 fl oz

essie Gel Setter Top Coat - gel-like finish - 0.46 fl oz - 2 of 4essie Gel Setter Top Coat - gel-like finish - 0.46 fl oz - 3 of 4essie Gel Setter Top Coat - gel-like finish - 0.46 fl oz - 4 of 4
essie Gel Setter Top Coat - gel-like finish - 0.46 fl oz - 1 of 4
$10.99 when purchased online
Target Online store #3991

About this item

Highlights

  • Essie gel setter top coat: high shine clear nail polish top coat that provides a plumped gel-like finish.
  • High-gloss formula: seals in color and provides a sleek high performance, gel-like shine finish.
  • Gel-like manicure: for your most plumped gel-like manicure, finish with this top coat for gel-like shine plus long-lasting protection.
  • The art of the manicure perfected: high performance essie top coats, base coats and treatments, for every detail of your manicure. the perfect compliment to any essie nail polish color.
  • Vegan nail polish formula: zero animal derived ingredients and no animal testing
  • Essie, america’s nail salon expert: essie is the go-to nail brand for celebrities, beauty professionals, fashion icons and the color obsessed

Description

the art of the manicure perfected from america's nail salon expert: high performance essie top coats, base coats and treatments, for every detail of your manicure, the perfect compliment to any essie nail polish color.bring the salon experience home with essie Gel setter, our high-gloss top coat formula that seals in color and provides a sleek, high performance, vibrant finish. the result: our most plumped, gel-like manicure and long-lasting protection.

for the perfect manicure, apply one coat of any of our essie base coats on nails. follow with two coats of essie original nail color. finish with gel setter top coat. use with essie apricot cuticle oil.
Health Facts: Animal By-Product-Free, Formaldehyde Resin-Free, Vegan, Formaldehyde-Free
Color Finish: Gloss
Color Palette: Translucent
Product Form: Liquid
Includes: Nail Polish
Beauty Purpose: Shine Enhancing, Nail Care
Net weight: .46 fl oz (US)
Features: High Shine
TCIN: 16868461
UPC: 095008016948
Item Number (DPCI): 052-06-0627
Origin: Assem USA w/foreign/dom. parts
If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Ingredients:

ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, alcohol denat., cellulose acetate butyrate, sucrose benzoate, trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate, isopropyl alcohol, nitrocellulose, tribenzoin, benzophenone-1, dimethicone, ci 60725 / violet 2, f.i.l. d218651/1

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 3.59 inches length x 1.88 inches width x 1.34 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.13 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Alaska, Hawaii

Return details

This item must be returned to any Target store.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

Q: Is this real gel nails polish that needs to be cured with light? Or just a “gel like nail polish”?

submitted by NC - 5 years ago
  • A: Hi NC! This clear top coat gives nails gel-like shine. It does not need to be cured with a light. Hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 5 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi there NC! We agree, the gel-setter top coat, gives your nails gel like shine and long wear...but no need for special UV lamps or difficult removal. Comes off with you usual polish remover as well.

    submitted byEssie Team - 5 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Hi! Is this top coat a ticker formula or thin. I am looking for something that encapsulates glitter and other sparkles.

submitted by Hypnautical - 1 year ago
  • A: Hi there! Thank you for reaching out to us about the Gel Setter Top Coat, this is a quick drying top coat that seals and helps protect, to magnify shine for an ultra-glossy flawless finish. We suggest checking out the quick drying top coat that seals and helps protect, to magnify shine for an ultra-glossy flawless finish. We hope you give it a try!

    submitted byEssie Team - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

Q: Would you say this top coat has a longer no chip wear time over the gel couture top coat paired with the gel couture nail enamel? Looking for the longest weartime for my mani!

submitted by Deb - 2 years ago
  • A: Hi there Deb! The gel-setter top coat is made to give intense, gel-like shine to nail colors that take a top coat. The gel couture top coat was made specifically to be used over the gel couture colors, and together, they provide the longest wearing manicure.

    submitted byEssie Team - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: What's the difference between this product & essie Gel Couture Top Coat? ( https://www.target.com/p/essie-gel-couture-nail-polish---gel-couture-top-coat---0-46-fl-oz--no-aasa/-/A-50637455 ) Thanks!

submitted by Laura - 2 years ago
  • A: Hi there Laura, great question! The gel-setter top coat was made to give your nails a gel-like shine, used alone or over any nail enamel. While the gel couture top coat was made specifically to be paired with the gel couture nail enamels to seal in and extend the long wear. This quick drying top coat helps protect and to magnify shine for an ultra-glossy longwear finish.

    submitted byEssie Team - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can i use regular non gel nail polish with this?

submitted by Esther - 6 years ago
  • A: Hi, Esther! Yes, the Essie Gel Setter Top can be used with any nail polish. Hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 6 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Does this come off with non acetone remover or do you need acetone to remove? If acetone is needed does it come off easily?

submitted by aliciafre - 6 years ago
  • A: yes it's a normal top coat and it comes off easily!

    submitted bysydney - 6 years ago

Summary of reviews

The Essie Gel Setter Top Coat offers a salon-quality gel-like shine and extends the life of manicures for many guests. It is praised for its quick-drying formula and ability to prevent chipping for up to a week. However, some guests experienced issues with the product thickening over time and peeling off. Overall, it is a popular choice for those seeking a glossy, long-lasting finish without the need for a UV lamp.
    Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
    4.2 out of 5 stars with 336 reviews
    quality: 3.91 out of 5
    easy to apply: 4.65 out of 5
    value: 3.75 out of 5
    long lasting: 3.82 out of 5
    easy to remove: 4.63 out of 5
    67% would recommend
    83 recommendations

    Awesome

    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    sabedi - 3 months ago, Verified purchaser
    I love using this after using non toxic nail glue and nail art.
    quality: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Peel away

    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    Neka - 3 months ago, Verified purchaser
    Peeled like an item from a kid’s nail kit. I would not recommend.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 3 months ago
    Hi there! Thank you for your feedback on the Gel Setter Top Coat. We are sad to hear that you did not see the results you expected and you had peeling. We will share this information with our production and development teams, and we hope that you will continue to try and use our products in the future with satisfaction.
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 1 out of 5
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Didn’t even last two days

    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    bbybarbz - 4 months ago
    I got this because of the reviews. I needed my mani to last a while since I was going to a wedding. Two days after application I look down and see it started to crack and flake off. I’ve never had a top coat do that before. The one from the dollar tree works better.
    quality: 1 out of 5
    long lasting: 1 out of 5
    easy to apply: 3 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Pretty but malfunctions

    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    gammafam - 4 months ago, Verified purchaser
    This definitely makes the polish shine like gel, but then it peels off. I've tried it alone and on top of other polish, and it peels off as soon as it dries.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 4 months ago
    Hi there! Thank you for your feedback on the Gel Setter Top Coat - gel-like finish. We are sad to hear that you did not see the results you expected and you had peeling. We will share this information with our production and development teams, and we hope that you will continue to try and use our products in the future with satisfaction.
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?

    Goopy

    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    Star Wars Mama - 5 months ago
    Used a few times and it was great. Maybe the 4th time went to use it and it had thickened so much it was so goopy and gross and not even usable anymore. Disappointed
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 4 months ago
    Hi there! Thank you for your feedback on the Gel Setter Top Coat. We are sad to hear that you did not see the results you expected with this top coat. We will share this information with our production and development teams, and we hope that you will continue to try and use our products in the future with satisfaction.
    Did you find this review helpful?

    Game changer

    5 out of 5 stars
    Mcm135 - 5 months ago
    originally posted on essie.com
    This top coat is a game changer for me! Regular mani with the gel look- it stays chip free for a whole week, and it also is easy to remove unlike actual gel. I talk this up to all my friends, completely worth the impulse buy!
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?

    My nails still chipped I don't know if this worked right

    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    aclark - 6 months ago, Verified purchaser
    I don’t know if I should write this a three or four. I don’t understand exactly what it’s supposed to do. I guess is my issue I used it. It did set, but it didn’t like a gel. Not the length I was expecting, but that’s OK. I’m talking about the shine level. It was just me and my nails chipped within two days. I get my nails done a lot, so maybe I just don’t understand what a topcoat supposed to be doing, but I thought it was supposed to extend the life of my nail polish which just did not seem to do at all.
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    value: 2 out of 5
    quality: 3 out of 5
    long lasting: 2 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Never fully dries...

    2 out of 5 stars
    Sxp89 - 6 months ago
    originally posted on essie.com
    I really want to love this because it really does give your nails the gel manicure look.... But my gosh, it's like it NEVER completely dries! Maybe it's just me, I don't know. It also creates a lot of air bubbles when you put it over a sheer/jelly formula.
    1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 6 months ago
    Hello Sxp89. Thank you for sharing your experience with the gel-setter. Something doesn't sound right with the bottle you have, and we want to understand what happened just as much as you do. 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 guest found this review helpful. Did you?

    Get it! Will not disappoint!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    CarolinaA - 7 months ago, Verified purchaser
    This is the holy grail of top coats! It took my basic nail polish to the next level and looks like a salon-quality gel manicure. Highly recommend, 10/10!
    value: 4 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 4 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Not a fan

    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    Luna_star - 8 months ago, Verified purchaser
    I did not like this nail polish at all. Actually, it was one of the worst nail polishes that I’ve used. It peeled off my nails one at a time, not in small pieces, instead the entire nail of clear polish came off of each nail.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 8 months ago
    Hi there! Thank you for reaching out to us about the essie Gel Setter Top Coat - gel-like finish. We are sad to hear that this Top Cost did not meet your expectations and peeled off your nails. We will share this information with the rest of our team and we hope that you will continue to try and use our products with satisfaction in the future.
    long lasting: 1 out of 5
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Don't waste your money!

    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    Nc - 11 months ago, Verified purchaser
    It peels off within a day tops.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 11 months ago
    Hi There! Thanks for reaching out and sharing your experience with our essie Gel Setter Top Coat. Feedback from our consumers is very important to us and helps us improve all our products. We are sorry to hear that this product is not your new favorite. We thank you for giving this product a try and hope you continue to explore our other products with confidence.
    5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Pick up in store.

    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    Disappointed - 11 months ago, Verified purchaser
    On delivery the box was crushed and I was surprised that the bottle was not cracked. Only communication was this review.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 11 months ago
    Hi there! Thank you for reaching out to us about your experience with the delivery of the Essie Gel Setter Top Coat - gel-like finish, and that the container was damaged, we ar eglad to hear that the bottle was good. We know that this is frustrating, and we will share this information with our distribution partners. We suggest returning this to your local Target store, if you need further assistance, please call us direct at 1-800-322-2036 M-F between the hours of 9:00 am – 5:30 pm ET we will gladly assist you.
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?

    Great top coat!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Ginas_nail_hobby1 - 1 year ago
    originally posted on essie.com
    I just wanted to take a moment to give credit where credit is due. I bought this gel-setter topcoat by at the drugstore. I applied two coats over my three coats of regular crème polish. I used it on my vacation nails and my manicure lasted 11 days with minimal chipping. To me, this is outstanding because during my vacation I was in the ocean and the hot tub. I built Sandcastles. I did anything and everything I wanted to do, so I feel that they held up fairly well. So kudos to you Essie!
    7 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Gel nails at home!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    Andrea - 1 year ago
    Lovely top coat! Makes my polish last much longer. Wearing Essie’s “meet me at midnight.”
    value: 5 out of 5
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Salon quality

    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    Toddler Mom - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
    Takes nails from diy to salon quality.
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Essie Gel Setter Top Coat - gel-like finish

    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    Olivia - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
    I have been using Essie Gel Setter Top Coat ever since I saw it recommended on a beauty article. It keeps my pedicure and nails looking great until the next visit. Inexpensive and really does the job. I take it with me every time I get my nails done. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. See for yourself.
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Best top coat EVER!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    HarleysMom - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
    Really is the best top coat!!!. Totally recommend.
    easy to apply: 5 out of 5
    easy to remove: 5 out of 5
    long lasting: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Caution

    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    CJ - 1 year ago
    I loved this top coat and used it regularly for the past several months. I started getting really sick this year, and never would have guessed this product was the cause. If you're getting mysteriously sick with the flu, hives, respiratory issues, etc. look into this. Turns out I was getting sick every time I did my nails. I thought it was nail polish, and it took a while, but through lots of trial and error, and finally discovered this was the culprit. If you're getting mysteriously ill, you'll want to check it out as a cause. It's a shame because it works so well and was my holy grail topcoat, but not worth being so sick that my life gets turned upside down for months.
    1 reply from Essie Team team - 1 year ago
    Hi there! Thank you for your feedback on the Gel Setter Top Coat - gel-like finish. We are sorry to hear about your experience and we would like to speak to you directly. Please call us at 1-866-313-7845 M-F between the hours of 9:00 am – 5:30 pm ET. We look forward to speaking to you.
    value: 1 out of 5
    easy to remove: 1 out of 5
    long lasting: 1 out of 5
    easy to apply: 1 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    14 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Okay!

    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    AsbesOfRoses - 1 year ago
    If it gets thick, add polish thinner. Not polish remover!
    6 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Great product

    5 out of 5 stars
    Irene23 - 1 year ago
    originally posted on essie.com
    It’s a great product! My nail polish lasts longer and my nails look amazing.
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?

    Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

    Privacy policy

    Footer

    About Us

    About TargetCareersNews & BlogTarget BrandsBullseye ShopSustainability & GovernancePress CenterAdvertise with UsInvestorsAffiliates & PartnersSuppliersTargetPlus

    Help

    Target HelpReturnsTrack OrdersRecallsContact UsFeedbackAccessibilitySecurity & FraudTeam Member Services

    Stores

    Find a StoreClinicPharmacyOpticalMore In-Store Services

    Services

    Target Circle™Target Circle™ CardTarget Circle 360™Target AppRegistrySame Day DeliveryOrder PickupDrive UpFree 2-Day ShippingShipping & DeliveryMore Services
    PinterestFacebookInstagramXYoutubeTiktokTermsCA Supply ChainPrivacyCA Privacy RightsYour Privacy ChoicesInterest Based AdsHealth Privacy Policy