This Is the $9.00 Nail Polish Queen Elizabeth II Always Wears

By Brian Delpozo

When people think of the British Royal Family, certain images come to mind. Huge palaces, extravagant opulence, crown jewels, … and $9.00 nail polish? Believe it or not, one brand at that price-point is Queen Elizabeth II’s go-to.

The nail polish color preferred by her royal majesty is the light pink color known as Ballet Slippers, which retails for $9.00 in the United States and United Kingdom. Manufactured by Essie — itself a brand from French makeup giant L’Oréal — it has been used by Queen Elizabeth II since at least 1989, when her personal hairdresser requested a bottle directly from the manufacturer, as it was the “only color her majesty would wear.”

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly is a fan of the color’s neutral shade, as it matches any color of clothing she chooses to wear. And it’s light enough that it doesn’t show through her ceremonial white gloves.

Although 94-year-old Elizabeth is reaching the end of her reign, it seems Ballet Slippers will remain the palace’s color of choice, as Duchess Kate Middleton — whose husband Prince William is second in line to the thrown — reportedly is a big fan of the color.

Queen Elizabeth II isn’t the only royal to influence fashion.