In 1981 Essie Weingarten established Essie Cosmetics. As a child she was fascinated by nail polish, and at the age of 12 she had her first manicure. "I think I was my nail technician's youngest client ever, and nail lacquer has been my obsession ever since," confides the always candid Essie. Driven by her passion and her innate ability to key in on the hottest shades, Essie Weingarten and her partner Max Sortino created a wildly successful nail care empire. In the footsteps of cosmetic giants before her Essie created her line slowly, starting with just 12 shades and 3 nail treatments. For over 26 years, Essie continues to build on its reputation that has set it apart from the short-lived trends that have come and gone. Essie conscientiously builds its business the old fashioned way: with hard work, winning colours and a superior product selection.