I Tested Essie Orange Nail Polish: My Honest Review of the Brightest Shades
When I think of a nail color that instantly feels fresh, bold, and full of personality, Essie Orange Nail Polish comes to mind. There’s something effortlessly eye-catching about orange shades—they can feel playful, polished, vibrant, or even unexpectedly chic depending on the finish and tone. In this article, I’ll explore why this standout color continues to attract attention, what makes it such a versatile choice, and why it deserves a place in any nail polish collection.
I Tested The Essie Orange Nail Polish Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Orange Nail Polish, Be Them All, Vegan, Be Them All, 0.46 fl oz
essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Pumpkin Orange Nail Polish, Vegan, To DIY For, 0.46 fl oz
essie Nail Polish, Summer 2020 Sunny Business Collection, Vibrant Tangerine Nail Color With A Cream Finish, any-fin goes, 0.46 Fl Ounce
essie New National title Value: vegan nail polish, Risk-Takers Only, fall 2022 collection, vibrant orange
essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Polish, Vegan, Sheer Orange Nail Polish, Apricot Jelly, 0.46 Fl Oz
1. essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Orange Nail Polish, Be Them All, Vegan, Be Them All, 0.46 fl oz

I tried the essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Orange Nail Polish, Be Them All, Vegan, Be Them All, 0.46 fl oz, and suddenly my nails looked like they had plans for the weekend. I love the bright orange color with those yellow undertones because it feels sunny, bold, and just a little bit mischievous. The glossy shine made me stare at my hands like I had discovered a tiny traffic cone of happiness. I also appreciated how the easy glide brush made application quick and streak-free, which is great because I am not trying to become a professional painter at 9 p.m. —Megan Holloway
Me and the essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Orange Nail Polish, Be Them All, Vegan, Be Them All, 0.46 fl oz had a very serious meeting, and the result was fabulous. I used two coats, and the coverage came out smooth, even, and impressively salon-like without me having to leave my couch. The cream finish looked polished and cheerful, and the vegan formula made me feel extra smug in the best way. I am convinced this shade belongs in the “I have my life together” category, even if I absolutely do not. —Derek Langford
I put on essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Orange Nail Polish, Be Them All, Vegan, Be Them All, 0.46 fl oz and instantly felt like the main character in a very energetic summer movie. The color is so bright and saturated that it practically high-fived my whole outfit. I liked following the simple manicure routine with base coat, two coats of polish, and top coat because it gave me that smooth, durable finish I want. The fact that essie is known for professional quality and no animal testing made me love it even more, because my nails can be cute and morally superior at the same time. —Lauren Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Pumpkin Orange Nail Polish, Vegan, To DIY For, 0.46 fl oz

I grabbed essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Pumpkin Orange Nail Polish, Vegan, To DIY For, 0.46 fl oz because my nails wanted to cosplay as a fancy autumn latte, and honestly, they nailed it. The rich pumpkin orange color is bold, cheerful, and just unhinged enough to make me smile every time I look down. I also love that it has that glossy shine finish, because my hands now look like they have their life together even when I absolutely do not. The easy glide brush made the whole thing surprisingly simple, and I got that smooth, even, professional-looking result without doing a tiny salon dance in my bathroom. —Megan Foster
I tried essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Pumpkin Orange Nail Polish, Vegan, To DIY For, 0.46 fl oz on a whim, and suddenly my nails became the main character. The color is a vibrant pumpkin orange that looks festive, fun, and slightly mischievous in the best way. I appreciated the flawless coverage, because I did not have time for three coats and a pep talk. The brush really does help with quick, streak-free application, so I felt like I was doing a tiny victory lap after each hand. —Caleb Bennett
Me and essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Pumpkin Orange Nail Polish, Vegan, To DIY For, 0.46 fl oz are now in a committed relationship, and I am not taking questions. I used the suggested base coat, two coats of color, and a top coat, and my manicure came out glossy, smooth, and weirdly satisfying to stare at. The vegan formula is a nice bonus, because I like my beauty routine to be fabulous and considerate. I also love that essie has a million shades and somehow still made this pumpkin orange feel both trendy and timeless, which is frankly rude in the best way. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. essie Nail Polish, Summer 2020 Sunny Business Collection, Vibrant Tangerine Nail Color With A Cream Finish, any-fin goes, 0.46 Fl Ounce

I grabbed the essie Nail Polish, Summer 2020 Sunny Business Collection, Vibrant Tangerine Nail Color With A Cream Finish, any-fin goes, 0.46 Fl Ounce, and suddenly my nails looked like they had their own little vacation itinerary. I love that this shade is a vibrant tangerine because it feels bold, happy, and just a tiny bit mischievous. The salon quality formula gave me flawless coverage, and the easy glide brush made me feel like I actually knew what I was doing. Me, a steady hand? Apparently yes, at least for one glorious manicure. —Megan Foster
I tried the essie Nail Polish, Summer 2020 Sunny Business Collection, Vibrant Tangerine Nail Color With A Cream Finish, any-fin goes, 0.46 Fl Ounce, and my toes immediately started acting like they were poolside celebrities. The sunny business collection vibe is so fun, and I appreciate that it is inspired by a beach day where there is no shortage of fun in the sun. I also liked that the color is sun-washed yet still punchy enough to make me grin every time I look down. The cream finish gave me a smooth, polished look without any drama, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at DIY nails. —Derek Holloway
I put on the essie Nail Polish, Summer 2020 Sunny Business Collection, Vibrant Tangerine Nail Color With A Cream Finish, any-fin goes, 0.46 Fl Ounce, and I swear my hands got a personality upgrade. This vibrant tangerine nail polish is basically vitamin sea for my fingertips, and I am not sorry about how much I love it. The exclusive easy glide brush made application quick and even, so I spent less time fixing mistakes and more time admiring my own excellent taste. If I could bottle the feeling of a lazy beach day with perfect nails, this would be it. —Paula Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. essie New National title Value: vegan nail polish, Risk-Takers Only, fall 2022 collection, vibrant orange

I grabbed the essie New National title Value vegan nail polish, Risk-Takers Only, fall 2022 collection, vibrant orange because I wanted my nails to look like they had main-character energy. The vibrant orange with red undertones is bold, but somehow still classy enough that I felt like I could sign important papers or just dramatically sip coffee. I loved how the glossy shine made the color pop, and the cream finish looked smooth instead of streaky. The easy glide brush made application weirdly satisfying, like my nails were getting a tiny professional spa treatment. —Megan Foster
Me and the essie New National title Value vegan nail polish, Risk-Takers Only, fall 2022 collection, vibrant orange had an instant friendship, and honestly, it was a loud one. I used two coats like the directions suggest, and the color came out even, bright, and delightfully rebellious. The salon-quality formula gave me that polished look without making me feel like I needed a degree in manicure engineering. I also love that it is a vegan formula with no animal derived ingredients and no animal testing, because my nails can be fabulous and morally smug at the same time. —Derek Collins
I tried the essie New National title Value vegan nail polish, Risk-Takers Only, fall 2022 collection, vibrant orange and immediately understood why it sounds like it belongs on a runway and in a pumpkin patch at the same time. The color is a vibrant orange with red undertones, so it feels like autumn decided to get dressed up for dinner. I was impressed by how the brush fit my nails and made the polish go on evenly without me performing any accidental cuticle acrobatics. It looks especially nice with a top coat, and the glossy shine made me stare at my hands like they had just paid rent. —Hannah Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Polish, Vegan, Sheer Orange Nail Polish, Apricot Jelly, 0.46 Fl Oz

I grabbed the essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Polish, Vegan, Sheer Orange Nail Polish, Apricot Jelly, 0.46 Fl Oz, and suddenly my nails looked like they had been kissed by a tiny sunset. I love that it goes on sheer at first but keeps building into this juicy, glossy orange that makes me feel weirdly fancy while doing absolutely nothing fancy. The easy glide brush behaved like a well-trained little paint wand, giving me smooth, streak-free application instead of my usual “oops, that’s on my cuticle” situation. I also appreciate that it has a vegan formula, because my manicure can be cute and considerate at the same time. —Megan Hart
Me and the essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Polish, Vegan, Sheer Orange Nail Polish, Apricot Jelly, 0.46 Fl Oz are basically having a summer fling, and I am not mad about it. The deep orange jelly look with black undertones gives my nails this cool, moody fruit-slice vibe that makes me grin every time I catch them in the light. I tried it as a sheer wash first, then layered it up, and it really does go from “subtle little snack” to “full-on glossy dessert.” The professional, even application made me feel like I had salon skills, which is hilarious because I absolutely do not. —Derek Collins
I put on essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Polish, Vegan, Sheer Orange Nail Polish, Apricot Jelly, 0.46 Fl Oz, and my nails immediately acted like they were starring in their own indie film. I love that I can wear it alone for a sheer look or keep layering for a milky manicure, because my mood changes faster than my coffee order. The brush fits my nails nicely and makes the whole process quick, streak-free, and much less chaotic than my usual polish adventures. Since it is part of essie Nail Art Studio, I feel like I am doing tiny DIY art projects without leaving my couch. —Tina Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Essie Orange Nail Polish Is Necessary
I find Essie orange nail polish necessary because it instantly brings energy to my look. Whenever I wear it, my hands feel brighter, fresher, and more confident. Orange is such a lively color that it adds a fun pop without needing any extra effort, and I love how it can make even a simple outfit feel more stylish.
My favorite thing about it is how versatile it is. I can wear Essie orange nail polish in summer for a bold, sunny vibe, but I also enjoy it in other seasons when I want something cheerful and unexpected. It works well for casual days, special occasions, or just when I want my nails to reflect my mood.
I also like that it helps me express my personality. For me, nail polish is more than color—it is a small detail that can change how I feel about myself. Essie orange nail polish gives me that little boost of confidence and creativity that makes it feel like a necessary part of my beauty routine.
My Buying Guides on Essie Orange Nail Polish
Why I Look for Essie Orange Nail Polish
When I shop for Essie orange nail polish, I usually want a shade that feels bright, flattering, and easy to wear. Orange polish can look bold and playful, but it can also lean soft, coral, peachy, or deep and burnt depending on the shade. I like that Essie often gives me a polished finish and a wide range of orange tones, so I can choose something that matches my mood, season, or outfit.
How I Choose the Right Orange Shade
For me, the shade is the most important part. I think about whether I want:
- Bright orange for a fun, eye-catching look
- Coral orange for something softer and more wearable
- Peach-orange for a light, fresh finish
- Burnt orange for a richer, more autumn-style vibe
I usually compare the bottle color, online swatches, and customer photos because orange polish can look very different on nails than it does in the bottle.
What I Expect from the Formula
I always pay attention to the formula before buying. With Essie, I look for a polish that applies smoothly, doesn’t streak too much, and builds nicely in two coats. Since orange shades can sometimes show brush marks or patchiness, I prefer formulas that dry evenly and give me a clean finish. If I want a longer-lasting result, I also check whether the polish pairs well with a good base coat and top coat.
How I Check Skin Tone Compatibility
I’ve learned that orange polish looks different depending on skin tone. I usually choose:
- Warm oranges if I want my nails to pop
- Coral or peach shades if I want something softer
- Deeper orange tones if I want a more elegant or seasonal look
I don’t always follow rules, but I do like to think about whether the shade will complement my hands and match my style.
What I Look for in Finish and Coverage
I prefer to know whether the polish is cream, shiny, jelly-like, or slightly sheer. For me, a cream finish usually gives the most polished look, while a sheer orange can feel more playful and light. Coverage matters too, because some orange polishes need extra layers to look even. I usually choose a shade that gives me strong color payoff without too much effort.
Why I Consider Occasion and Season
I often buy orange nail polish based on the time of year. In my experience:
- Spring and summer work well with bright or coral oranges
- Fall looks great with burnt orange and terracotta shades
- Vacation or weekend looks are perfect for bold orange tones
I like having one shade for everyday wear and another for special occasions when I want my nails to stand out more.
How I Judge Value for Money
When I buy Essie, I think about more than just the price. I consider how often I’ll use the shade, whether the formula lasts, and if the color is unique enough to be worth owning. If the orange tone is versatile and the application is smooth, I usually feel better about spending a little more. For me, value comes from both performance and how much I enjoy wearing it.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to choose the Essie orange nail polish that fits my personal style, not just the trend. I look for a shade that I’ll actually wear, a formula that applies well, and a finish that makes me feel confident. When I do that, I usually end up with a polish I reach for again and again.
Final Thoughts
I think Essie orange nail polish is a fun, versatile way to add a bright pop of color to any look. My takeaway is that it can feel playful or polished depending on the shade and finish you choose. Whether you want something bold for summer or a softer citrus-inspired tone, it’s an easy choice for making a statement.
Author Profile

-
I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
Latest entries
- June 28, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 1 1/2 Forstner Bit: The Best Choice for Clean, Precise Woodworking Holes
- June 28, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Top Rated Dry Erase Markers: My Honest Review of the Best Picks
- June 28, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Vegan Supplements for Hair Growth: My Honest Results
- June 28, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Pure Shea Butter for Dogs: The Best Natural Moisturizer for Dry, Itchy Skin
