Essie Russian Roulette: Colors & Swatches
Introduction to Essie's Russian Roulette Collection
What is the Essie Russian Roulette Collection?
The Essie Russian Roulette collection is a captivating line of nail polishes inspired by the thrill of chance and the allure of boldness. Much like the game itself, this collection invites you to take a risk and embrace unexpected color combinations. It’s a sophisticated range featuring shades that evoke a sense of daring and refined beauty. While enjoying the excitement of games like betting on the betpro exchange cricket, choosing a color from this collection is a little gamble in itself – a beautiful one! The collection encapsulates a mood of confident playfulness.
Release Date & Availability
The Essie Russian Roulette collection was released in Fall 2023, coinciding with the seasonal shift toward richer, more evocative hues. It is readily available through a variety of retailers, making it accessible for nail enthusiasts everywhere.
Key Themes & Color Story
The central theme, as the name suggests, revolves around the concept of ‘Roulette’ – risk, anticipation, and a touch of the dramatic. The color story reflects this, presenting a spectrum of deep and alluring shades. From rich burgundies and dusky mauves to shimmering teals and vibrant corals, the collection captures the excitement and mystery of the roulette wheel. You might even feel as lucky as placing a winning bet on betpro after selecting your favorite shade!
Detailed Color Breakdown & Swatches
Dare to Wear (Deep Burgundy)
'Dare to Wear' is a deeply saturated burgundy that exudes sophistication. It looks stunning on all skin tones, especially complementing cooler undertones. The formula is a classic crème, offering full opacity in two coats. Dupes include OPI’s Malaga Wine and China Glaze’s Enough to Eat.
Playing Koi (Sheer Coral)
'Playing Koi’ is a beautiful, sheer coral that adds a subtle wash of color to the nails. It's perfect for a minimalist look or as a base for nail art. For best results, apply three thin coats. A similar shade can be found in Sally Hansen’s Coral-ing Your Feelings.
Fall For You (Dusty Mauve)
'Fall For You’ is a sophisticated dusty mauve – an ideal color for autumn. The crème finish is easy to apply and provides good coverage in two coats. Similar shades include Revlon’s Mauve It Over and Zoya’s Blair. Perhaps consider a shade like this while browsing options on betpro sign up!
Kasbah Crush (Terracotta)
'Kasbah Crush’ is a warm terracotta shade that evokes the sun-baked hues of Morocco. This creamy formula is richly pigmented and offers excellent coverage. It’s a good match for Essie's Angora Cardi and ILNP's Desert Rose.
Seize the Minute (Metallic Teal)
'Seize the Minute’ truly stands out with its metallic teal shimmer. It's a bolder choice that adds a touch of glamour. Though the metallic formula requires a few coats for full opacity, the result is a captivating, eye-catching finish. Look at OPI’s I Believe in Manicures for a similar effect.
Russian Roulette (Deep Wine Red)
The namesake shade, ‘Russian Roulette,’ is a deeply saturated wine red. This richly pigmented crème is sophisticated and striking – a true statement polish. It works well for events, or even as inspiration for a live roulette session! It closely resembles Dior's 999 Rouge Dior.

Formula & Wear Test Results
Overall Formula Quality
The Essie Russian Roulette collection boasts a generally high-quality formula across the board. The crème polishes are richly pigmented and smooth, while the sheer and metallic shades are buildable. The nuances are present though. Sheer shades require more coats, and metallics might need careful application to avoid streaking.
Application Tips & Tricks
For the crème polishes, two coats are generally sufficient for full opacity. For the sheer shades like ‘Playing Koi’, apply three thin coats for a subtle wash of color. Metallics benefit from building up in layers, allowing each coat to dry slightly before applying the next.
Longevity & Chip Resistance
With a good base coat and top coat, the polishes demonstrate good longevity and chip resistance. After five days of wear, minimal chipping was observed. Without a top coat, chipping began to appear after three days.
Best Practices for Nail Preparation
Proper nail preparation is key for optimal polish adhesion. Ensure nails are clean, dry, and free of oils. Lightly buff the nail surface to create a slightly rough texture for better grip. Finish with a dehydrating base coat.
Comparing Russian Roulette to Similar Essie Collections
Russian Roulette vs. Essie Fall Collections
The Russian Roulette collection shares similarities with previous Essie Fall collections, particularly those featuring burgundy and mauve tones. However, it distinguishes itself through its broader color palette, adding unexpected shades like the metallic teal and sheer coral to the mix.
Russian Roulette vs. Other Essie Reds & Burgundies
While Essie offers a wide range of reds and burgundies, Russian Roulette introduces uniquely nuanced shades. ‘Russian Roulette’ itself possesses a deeper, more complex wine tone than many of Essie’s classic reds.
Identifying Similar Shades within the Essie Range
For those seeking dupes within the core Essie line, consider shades like Bordeaux and Wicked for similar burgundy tones.

Styling & Lookbook Ideas
Outfit Pairings for Each Color
- Dare to Wear: Pair with a classic black dress and gold accessories.
- Playing Koi: Complements light-colored summer dresses and denim.
- Fall For You: Looks fantastic with neutral knits and corduroy.
- Kasbah Crush: Pairs well with earth-toned clothing and bohemian styles.
- Seize the Minute: Adds a pop of color to minimalist outfits.
- Russian Roulette: A showstopper with a sleek, black ensemble.
Nail Art Ideas Featuring Russian Roulette Shades
Simple dotting designs, ombre effects using the burgundy shades, and accent nails with the metallic teal are all excellent choices.
Matching Manicures for Different Occasions
‘Dare to Wear’ and ‘Russian Roulette’ are perfect for special events, while ‘Playing Koi’ and ‘Fall For You’ are suitable for everyday wear.
Where to Buy & Pricing
Official Essie Website & Retailers
The Essie Russian Roulette collection is available on the official Essie website, as well as at major retailers such as Ulta, Sephora, and Amazon.
Price Range & Availability
Each bottle of Essie polish typically retails for 11. Availability is generally good, but certain shades may sell out quickly. If you enjoy a little risk you may prefer trying your luck elsewhere, like essie russian roulette or online betting.
Tips for Finding Deals & Discounts
Keep an eye out for sales and promotions at Ulta and Sephora.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
Who is the Russian Roulette Collection For?
The Essie Russian Roulette collection is ideal for those who appreciate sophisticated, on-trend colors and a high-quality formula. It’s perfect for nail enthusiasts who aren’t afraid to experiment with different shades and textures.
Overall Rating & Summary
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Pros: Beautiful color range, high-quality formula, good longevity.Cons: Sheer shades require multiple coats, metallics can be streaky.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely! The Essie Russian Roulette collection is a worthwhile addition to any nail polish collection. The captivating colors and overall quality make it a standout choice for the season.