Essie Bubbles Only Swatches, Review + Comparisons
Published 2026.10.23. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Use my link to shop online at CVS.com for all your beauty, health and wellness needs and pickup in store for free! #CVSPartner #ad
There's a reason it's lasted that long. It's quick-drying, impressively long-wearing, and unlike most regular nail polishes, it doesn't require a base coat.
Before we get to the swatches and comparisons with OPI Big Apple Red and Essie Bordeaux, let's acknowledge one thing:
Burgundy nails are classy.
If you're a fan of Red Nail Theory, you might be wondering if there's a Burgundy Nail Theory—and there is.
Think of it as the moodier, more autumnal version of red nail psychology.
Burgundy nails still project confidence and command attention, but with a more sophisticated, understated edge that ties in perfectly with the "rich girl nails" trend.
If "rich girl nails" are all about quiet luxury, then burgundy is the fall and winter version of the trend. It's elegant, timeless, and makes a statement without being loud.
I also think burgundy nails have the same versatility as a classic red manicure. They're polished enough for the office, bold enough to make a statement, and perfect for evening plans.
When I first started this blog, burgundy was one of the only nail colors I wore.
Since then, I've tried countless shades, formulas, and brands, but Bubbles Only is still the one I keep coming back to.
Gel by Essie Bubbles Only Swatches
Okay, so now that we are refreshed on the beauty of this long lasting burgundy red nail color, let’s look at how it compares to two other shades.
Gel by Essie Bubbles Only VS OPI Big Apple Red
Another key difference is the range of formulas available.
In comparison, Gel by Essie Bubbles Only is only available in the Gel by Essie air-dry, long-wear formula. While it doesn't offer the same variety of formats, it provides extended wear without the need for a UV lamp.
Gel By Essie Bubbles Only VS Essie Bordeaux
Essie Bordeaux is the deeper, darker shade of the two, making it a great choice if you prefer a rich, classic burgundy.
Gel by Essie Bubbles Only is slightly lighter while still delivering a sophisticated wine-toned finish.
The biggest difference is the formula.
Bordeaux is part of Essie's classic nail polish line, so it performs best when used with both a base coat and a top coat. Since Bubbles Only is part of the Gel by Essie line, a long-wearing polish that only requires a top coat—no base coat is needed.
Together, they help extend the wear of Essie's classic nail polish formula and improve chip resistance.
I’ve worn this base and top coat pairing while doing home renovations, while sweating, picking at adhesives and all, and my nails lasted.
Final Thoughts
It's one of those shades that looks polished with almost any outfit and feels just as appropriate for the office as it does for dinner or holiday parties. I love wearing it as a pedicure, as much as I love it as a manicure.
But if you're after a rich wine-red that leans more sophisticated than vibrant, Bubbles Only is hard to beat.
The long wear, fast drying time, and no-base-coat formula make it one of the most reached-for polishes in my collection.
If you're building a fall or winter nail polish wardrobe, this is definitely one shade I think deserves a spot.
Pick up the polishes mentioned in this post at CVS:
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