essie wicked Swatches + Review

Updated 2025.11.28. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this post, you’ll find swatches and a review of one of essie’s classic shades - essie wicked.

wicked was first released in the early 1990s and it’s been a fan-favorite since then. It’s especially popular as a vampy nail polish for the fall and winter months.

essie wicked #352 is defined by essie as a “deep, dark sinister red.” It’s a blackish red that can look black with burgundy undertones, dark warm brown or a deep, cozy red, all depending on how the light hits it.

Ranked by Editorialist as the #4 best essie shades of all time. It is almost completely opaque in one coat, though two coats offer a smoother finish to cover any nail imperfections if you have them.

While this color is one of the best fall shades from essie, it has since been released in another variation; as a shade called wicked fierce, discontinued but the original remains. Below you will find essie wicked swatches:

Now for a side-by-side look with another popular fall icon.

How does essie wicked compare to OPI Lincoln Park After Dark?

When comparing essie wicked VS OPI Lincoln Park After Dark ~

• wicked is a dark red that leans deep brown, where Lincoln Park After Dark is a rich black with purple undertones.

• essie wicked is warm-toned, where Lincoln Park After Dark is cool-toned.

essie wicked (top) VS OPI Lincoln Park After Dark (bottom):

Both are gorgeous in their own right, both are dark nail polishes perfect for autumn, the main differences are simply the undertones and base colors - wicked is more of a warm, dark, red brown, Lincoln Park After Dark is more of a cool, dark, purple black.

To end, essie wicked is a classic for perfect fall nails.

It’s a deep, rich color that looks more like a red-black in some lighting, looks great as either a manicure or pedicure, and it offers smooth, full coverage in two coats. 

If you’ve never tried wicked, and you love dark colors, during the cooler seasons or year-round, it’s worth checking out. 

Get essie wicked at Ulta For best results with either shade, wear them with a base and top coat. Check out my favorite high performing base and top coats on Amazon.

Other Articles You May Enjoy:

• essie wicked VS licorice

• essie expressie now or never Review

• OPI Lincoln Park After Dark Review And Swatches

• OPI Black Onyx Review (Plus essie licorice Comparison)

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