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The Nail Polish Worn By Queen Elizabeth For Over 30 Years
ByJosee Ng
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"I have to be seen to be believed," Queen Elizabeth II famously said, as quoted in the biography "Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch." Throughout her rule, the queen seemed to dress with that purpose in mind. Aiming to get spotted easily with her petite figure, the monarch always clothed herself in vibrant and festive colors with matching gloves for public appearances. From the cobalt blue gown she wore when welcoming President John F. Kennedy to Buckingham Palace in 1961 to the pink cape she sported during a 1970s equestrian event that recalls "Harry Potter" character Dolores Umbridge, the queen never failed to impress the crowds with her rainbow-packed wardrobe. A 2012 Vogue studyreveals that black and beige seemed to be the queen's least favored hues, as she was captured wearing them on only 4% and 1% of the occasions, respectively (via theDaily Mail).
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The truth is out: the late monarch believed in making a statement with bright colors. But if you look closer into her ensembles throughout the year, you will notice that the queen's obvious preference for vibrant hues didn't apply to every part of her iconic looks. Take, for example, her nails. Interestingly, the nail polish worn by Queen Elizabeth for over 30 years isn't as bold as some might think.
Ballet Slippers was the queen's favorite nail polish
The nail polish sported by QueenElizabeth on many grand occasions throughout three decades was Ballet Slippers, a pale pink nail polish that you can get from Essie for only $10. According to illustrious nail polish brand Essie, in 1989, founder Essie Weingarten received a letter from Queen Elizabeth's hairdresser asking for a bottle of the shade Ballet Slippers. And it was "the only color" the queen would wear since then, the website claims. Boasting a delicate, gossamer-like finish, this unassuming shade made an ideal accompaniment to the vibrant-colored outfits worn by the queen, giving her getup an extra touch of elegance.
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The queen was in good company, too, as she wasn't the only one in the royal family who fell for the low-key charm of this drugstore nail polish. This nude-pink shade also got a shout-out from her granddaughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, who has also been spotted wearing the nail color, perTown & Country Magazine. This royalty-approved nail color also graced the fingernails of Meghan Markle when she walked down the aisle of St. George's Chapel, confirming the widely spread rumors that Ballet Slippers is a staple on the dressing desks of the British royal family's women.
818 bottles of Ballet Slippers were sold every day in the U.S.
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As it turns out, Ballet Slippers has truly lived up to its description as "an iconic color for all seasons." According to Lots of Lacquer, about 818 bottles of Battle Slippers were sold every 24 hours in the U.S alone in 2019. Not only did this shade earn a seal of approval from the queen but it was also the color that the demanding magazine editor Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada" advised the Vogue staffers to wear underneath a coat of Marshmallow. A red carpet favorite, this shade has also been spotted on A-list celebrities like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez. This shade even won CEW's Iconic Consumers' Choice Beauty Award in 2019.
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The light pink shade of Ballet Slippers is quite close to your natural blush nails, which makes it a suitable accompaniment to almost any outfit. Lightweight and sheer, this shade can be added as a second coat on top of the first coat for a velvety, finished look without making your nail look heavy. You can wear this ever-sophisticated nail color to work, a date, or your own wedding. Although Ballet Slippers has been around for quite some time, it's not showing any signs of going out of style anytime soon. Shiny without being distracting, affordable yet monarch-approved, Ballet Slippers is a flawless addition to a variety of ensembles and occasions.
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As a seasoned beauty and fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of the industry, I can confidently attest to the significance of Queen Elizabeth II's fashion choices, particularly her preference for the nail polish that has adorned her fingertips for over 30 years. My extensive knowledge in beauty trends and historical fashion evolution allows me to shed light on the iconic nail polish that became a staple in the Queen's wardrobe.
The nail polish in question is Essie's Ballet Slippers, a pale pink shade that exudes elegance and simplicity. This choice of nail polish might seem surprising given the Queen's penchant for vibrant and festive colors in her clothing. However, as an expert, I can explain that this deliberate choice allowed the Queen to maintain a sense of sophistication and understated charm, complementing her colorful outfits without overshadowing them.
The historical context is crucial in understanding the significance of Ballet Slippers in Queen Elizabeth's beauty regimen. In 1989, Essie Weingarten, the founder of Essie, received a letter from the Queen's hairdresser requesting a bottle of Ballet Slippers, and it became the only nail color the Queen wore since then. This firsthand detail establishes the authenticity of the Queen's long-standing preference for this specific nail polish.
Essie describes Ballet Slippers as having a delicate, gossamer-like finish, making it an ideal choice to enhance the Queen's regal appearance. The subtle nature of the pale pink hue provided a graceful accompaniment to her vibrant wardrobe, adding an extra touch of sophistication to her overall look.
Moreover, the influence of Ballet Slippers extends beyond Queen Elizabeth II. Members of the royal family, including Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, and Meghan Markle, have also embraced this nude-pink shade. This widespread royal approval reinforces the timeless and versatile nature of Ballet Slippers.
The commercial success of Ballet Slippers further underscores its status as an iconic color. With approximately 818 bottles sold every day in the U.S. alone in 2019, this shade has become a consumer favorite. Notably, it earned the CEW's Iconic Consumers' Choice Beauty Award in 2019, highlighting its widespread popularity and recognition within the beauty industry.
Ballet Slippers' versatility is evident in its use by A-list celebrities like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez. The shade's popularity in both royal circles and Hollywood demonstrates its universal appeal and adaptability to various occasions.
In conclusion, Ballet Slippers has not only stood the test of time but has also become a symbol of sophistication, elegance, and timeless beauty. Its consistent presence in Queen Elizabeth II's wardrobe for over three decades, coupled with its commercial success and celebrity endorsem*nts, solidifies its status as a classic and iconic nail polish that transcends trends and remains relevant in the ever-evolving world of beauty and fashion.
