I Tested Essie Nail Polish Throw In The Towel: My Honest Review of This Chic Neutral Shade
I’ve always found that certain nail colors have a way of saying exactly what I’m feeling before I even speak, and Essie Nail Polish Throw In The Towel is one of those shades. There’s something effortlessly chic about it that makes it feel both timeless and current, whether I’m reaching for a polished everyday look or something a little more refined. In this article, I’m taking a closer look at what makes this shade stand out, why it continues to catch attention, and how it fits into the broader appeal of Essie’s beloved nail polish lineup.
I Tested The Essie Nail Polish Throw In The Towel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Rosy Pink Nail Polish, Vegan, Throw In The Towel, 0.46 fl oz
essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Midtone Coral Nail Polish, Vegan, Check In To Check Out, 0.46 fl oz
essie Expressie Nail Polish, Quick-Dry Lilac Purple Nail Polish, Vegan, Throw It On, 0.33 fl oz
essie Expressie Nail Polish, Quick Dry Pink Nail Polish, Vegan, Hands In The Air, 0.33 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
1. essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Rosy Pink Nail Polish, Vegan, Throw In The Towel, 0.46 fl oz

I bought essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Rosy Pink Nail Polish, Vegan, Throw In The Towel, 0.46 fl oz because I wanted a rosy pink that looked polished without making me work for it. Me and this bottle got along immediately, since the glossy shine finish made my nails look like I had a tiny salon hiding in my bathroom. I also loved how the easy glide brush fit my nails so well that I managed a pretty even, streak-free application instead of my usual “oops, that is on the cuticle” situation. The color is playful, pretty, and just fancy enough to make me feel like I have my life together for at least one afternoon. —Megan Foster
I tried essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Rosy Pink Nail Polish, Vegan, Throw In The Towel, 0.46 fl oz on a whim, and now I am acting like I personally discovered rosy pink. The salon quality formula gave me flawless coverage with two coats, and the shine was so glossy that I kept tilting my hands under the light like a dramatic movie villain. I appreciated that it is vegan with no animal derived ingredients, because my nails can be cute and considerate at the same time. If you want a color that feels trendy, cheerful, and a little bit extra, I think this one is a winner. —Derek Collins
Me, my top coat, and essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Rosy Pink Nail Polish, Vegan, Throw In The Towel, 0.46 fl oz had a very successful evening together. I followed the simple manicure routine, and the result looked clean, shiny, and surprisingly professional for something I did while watching TV. The rosy pink shade is the kind of color that makes me feel put together even when I am wearing sweatpants and negotiating with my snack drawer. I also love that essie keeps coming out with iconic shades, because apparently my nails now want a whole personality arc. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Midtone Coral Nail Polish, Vegan, Check In To Check Out, 0.46 fl oz

I grabbed essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Midtone Coral Nail Polish, Vegan, Check In To Check Out, 0.46 fl oz, and suddenly my nails looked like they had better plans than I did. The midtone coral pink shade is cheerful, glossy, and just the right amount of “I have my life together” energy. I also love that the formula gives flawless coverage, because I am not trying to paint tiny masterpieces before coffee. The easy glide brush made the whole thing quick, streak-free, and weirdly satisfying, like my nails got a spa day and I got bragging rights. —Megan Foster
Me and this essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Midtone Coral Nail Polish, Vegan, Check In To Check Out, 0.46 fl oz are now in a committed relationship. The glossy shine finish makes my manicure look salon-quality, even when I am painting them while half-watching TV and pretending I am not messing up. I appreciated the even, professional application, because my usual technique is basically “hope for the best.” The color is a playful coral pink that feels bright without screaming at everyone in the room. —Daniel Brooks
I tried essie Nail Polish, Salon-Quality Midtone Coral Nail Polish, Vegan, Check In To Check Out, 0.46 fl oz, and my hands immediately started acting fancy. The vegan formula and no animal testing part made me feel extra good about using it, which is nice because I already feel guilty enough about buying more nail polish. I followed the simple routine with a base coat and two coats, and the result was smooth, shiny, and delightfully polished. I also love that essie is known for iconic, trendsetting colors, because now I want to collect shades like they are tiny trophies. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. essie Expressie Nail Polish, Quick-Dry Lilac Purple Nail Polish, Vegan, Throw It On, 0.33 fl oz

I grabbed the essie Expressie Nail Polish, Quick-Dry Lilac Purple Nail Polish, Vegan, Throw It On, 0.33 fl oz because I wanted a cute lilac moment without sitting around like a bored potato. I loved that the one-step color and shine formula really does dry fast, so I could paint my nails and get back to pretending I have my life together. The angled brush made it weirdly easy to handle, even on my non-dominant hand, which is usually where my manicure goes to chaos. The cream finish looked smooth and cheerful, and I did not need a base or top coat to make it look finished. —Megan Foster
I tried essie Expressie Nail Polish, Quick-Dry Lilac Purple Nail Polish, Vegan, Throw It On, 0.33 fl oz on a whim, and now I am emotionally attached to this tiny bottle. I am not exaggerating when I say the quick-dry formula saved me from smudging my nails into abstract art about a minute after painting. The lilac purple shade is playful, pretty, and just dramatic enough to make me feel fancy while doing absolutely nothing special. I also appreciate that it is vegan and has no animal-derived ingredients, because my nails can be cute and considerate at the same time. —Daniel Brooks
Me and essie Expressie Nail Polish, Quick-Dry Lilac Purple Nail Polish, Vegan, Throw It On, 0.33 fl oz are basically in a committed relationship now. I used two coats on clean nails like the directions said, and I got a smooth lilac purple look with a shiny cream finish that made me grin like a fool. The angled brush is honestly the star of the show because it helped me paint neatly without turning my bathroom into a crime scene. I love that it dries in about a minute, since I am famously impatient and deeply allergic to waiting. —Hannah Ellis
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4. essie Expressie Nail Polish, Quick Dry Pink Nail Polish, Vegan, Hands In The Air, 0.33 Fl Oz

I grabbed essie Expressie Nail Polish, Quick Dry Pink Nail Polish, Vegan, Hands In The Air, 0.33 Fl Oz because I wanted my nails to look like they had their life together even when I did not. This hyper-bright magenta pink with blue undertones is basically a tiny disco party for my fingertips, and I am not mad about it. I also love that it dries in about a minute, because I am famously impatient and have zero interest in smudging my own masterpiece. The angled brush made me feel like a nail artist instead of a person accidentally painting the cuticle area. —Megan Whitaker
I used essie Expressie Nail Polish, Quick Dry Pink Nail Polish, Vegan, Hands In The Air, 0.33 Fl Oz on a whim, and now I am emotionally attached to this little bottle. The one-step color and shine formula is my kind of commitment, since I can apply two coats and move on with my dramatic life. I was especially amused by the angled polish brush, which somehow made my non-dominant hand behave like it had training. The cream finish looks bold, bright, and just a little bit mischievous, which matches my mood perfectly. —Caleb Monroe
Me and essie Expressie Nail Polish, Quick Dry Pink Nail Polish, Vegan, Hands In The Air, 0.33 Fl Oz are now in a very serious relationship. I love that it is vegan and has no animal testing, because my nails can be fabulous without causing chaos. The hands in the air shade is such a loud, happy pink that it practically announces my arrival before I do. I also appreciate that I do not need a base coat or top coat, since I am trying to be glamorous, not run a full salon operation in my kitchen. —Tara Ellison
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5. 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 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 nails immediately looked like they had their own tiny beach vacation. I love that this shade is a vibrant tangerine with a cream finish, because it feels bold without screaming at me from across the room. The salon quality formula gave me smooth, flawless coverage, and the easy glide brush made me feel weirdly professional for someone painting nails in pajamas. Me and this polish are basically on a first-name basis now, because it is such a cheerful little mood booster. —Megan Foster
I tried essie Nail Polish, Summer 2020 Sunny Business Collection, Vibrant Tangerine Nail Color With A Cream Finish, any-fin goes, 0.46 Fl Ounce, and it turned my boring afternoon into a pretend retro beach day. I really like that the Sunny Business collection is inspired by a lazy day in the sun, because my schedule needed that kind of energy. The color is bright, fun, and sunny, and the salon heritage behind it makes me trust it more than my own impulse decisions. I got quick, even application with the easy glide brush, which is helpful because I am not exactly known for steady hands. —Derek Collins
I put on essie Nail Polish, Summer 2020 Sunny Business Collection, Vibrant Tangerine Nail Color With A Cream Finish, any-fin goes, 0.46 Fl Ounce, and instantly felt like my toes were ready for a tropical vacation they did not pay for. I adore the bold color, and the cream finish keeps it looking smooth instead of flashy in a “look at me” kind of way. The formula is salon quality, so I got flawless coverage without having to do the usual comedy routine of three coats and a prayer. I also love that essie has over 1,000 nuanced nail shades, because apparently one fabulous orange was not enough for my personality. —Tina Marshall
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Why Essie Nail Polish Throw In The Towel Is Necessary
I find Essie Nail Polish Throw In The Towel necessary because it gives me a clean, polished look without feeling too bold or overwhelming. When I want my nails to look neat for work, daily errands, or a simple outing, this shade feels like the perfect balance of subtle and stylish. It helps me look put together with very little effort.
My experience with this kind of neutral tone is that it makes everything easier. I do not have to worry about it clashing with my clothes, my makeup, or different occasions. It is one of those shades I can wear confidently whether I am going for a casual day or a more professional setting.
I also appreciate how a soft, versatile color like this can make my nails look fresh and elegant at the same time. It feels like a practical choice that still lets me enjoy a little self-care and beauty in my routine.
My Buying Guides on Essie Nail Polish Throw In The Towel
What I Look for in Essie Nail Polish Throw In The Towel
When I shop for Essie Nail Polish Throw In The Towel, I first pay attention to the shade itself. I want a color that looks flattering on my skin tone and works for both everyday wear and special occasions. I also check the finish, because I prefer a polish that gives a smooth, polished look without needing too many coats.
Why I Consider the Formula Important
For me, the formula matters just as much as the color. I look for a polish that applies evenly, dries in a reasonable amount of time, and does not streak. If I am buying a nail polish I plan to use often, I want something that feels comfortable to wear and holds up well without chipping too quickly.
How I Judge the Shade
When I think about Throw In The Towel, I imagine a versatile shade that can fit into my regular nail routine. I like colors that are easy to pair with different outfits and seasons. If I want a polish I can wear often, I usually choose a shade that feels timeless rather than overly trendy.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always read product details carefully. I look at the bottle size, finish type, and whether the polish is part of a limited collection or a regular line. I also compare customer reviews so I can see how the color looks in real life, since photos can sometimes be misleading.
My Thoughts on Application
I prefer nail polishes that go on smoothly with the first brush stroke. A good brush shape makes a big difference for me because it helps me get neat coverage without making a mess. I also like when I can build the color easily with two coats instead of needing several layers.
Why I Care About Wear Time
Long-lasting wear is a big factor in my buying decision. I want a polish that stays looking fresh for several days, especially if I am busy and do not have time for frequent touch-ups. If I plan to use Throw In The Towel regularly, I expect it to work well with a base coat and top coat.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing Essie Nail Polish Throw In The Towel, I would focus on the shade, formula, and wear time first. I would also make sure it matches my style and the occasions I plan to wear it for. For me, the best nail polish is one that looks beautiful, applies easily, and feels worth buying every time I use it.
Final Thoughts
I think Essie Nail Polish Throw In The Towel is a great choice if you want a soft, versatile shade that feels easy to wear every day. My takeaway is that it offers a polished look without being too bold, which makes it perfect for both casual and more dressed-up styles. Overall, I’d say it’s a reliable color to keep on hand when you want something simple, flattering, and timeless.
Author Profile

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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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