As a beauty editor, I've long been in pursuit of the perfect sheer pink nail polish to achieve a clean-looking manicure. I've tried a lot of sheer neutral polishes—but nothing is ever as perfect as OPI's Bubble Bath nail polish. Not only is it a favourite among celebrity nail technicians, but it's reached iconic status amongst those looking for as the all-time best sheer pink nail polish. OPI Bubble Bath walked so soap nails, milky nails and 'clean-girl' nails could run.
In fact, many having a running joke with their nail tech that they always ask for bubble bath nails at every single appointment—and I don't blame them, this nail colour shade is so timeless and chic that it's no wonder we come back to it time and time again. "If I could only wear one shade for the rest of my life, it would 100% be Bubble Bath," Who What Wear UK managing editor Poppy Nash tells me, who chooses this as her go-to nail colour most times. It also looks great alone or as a base for a French manicure or nail art.
Bubble Bath Nails
OPI's Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath is popular amongst celebrity manicurists.
But why are bubble bath nails so popular? One coat gives a sheer veil of colour that makes your nails look healthy and groomed, and two gives a pretty milky-pink hue that still allows your natural nail to shine through. It suits all skin tones, and it comes in both nail polish form if you're DIY'ing your nails at home, and also a gel version if you're headed to the salon for your mani. It also pairs really well with other nail colours—you'll find many nail techs mixing it with OPI's Funny Bunny and Bare My Soul nail shades for a custom milky manicure.
Shop OPI Bubble Bath:
Bubble Bath Nail Polish Alternatives
If you love the look of the polish but are after some Bubble Bath alternatives, scroll ahead for the best sheer pink and neutral polishes that will give you a very similar look at home. I found the exact shades used by Instagram's top manicurists and listed them below.
1. OPI Put It In Neutral
Celebrity manicurist Georgia Rae (who was behind Sofia Richie Grainge's wedding manicure) often uses OPI's Put It In Neutral, which has the same lovely sheerness of Bubble Bath, but with a more neutral beige tone if you find Bubble Bath too pink.
2. Chanel Ballerina
Chanel's Ballerina nail polish is slightly milkier and leaves your nails looking well-groomed. The formula is also long-wearing too.
3. Essie Allure
Essie's Allure is creamier and slightly more opaque, making it a great option for a milky manicure.
4. Diorlisse Snow Pink 800
5. Bio Sculpture Seafoam
If you like a true milky mani that's sheer, Biosculpture's Seafoam is perfect. It comes in both gel and nail polish form, so you can enjoy it at home or head to a nail tech that works with Biosculpture for the gel version.
6. Bio Sculpture Sweet Candy Breath
7. Hermès Rose Coquille
How beautiful is this sheer pink hue from Hermès? So chic.
8. Bio Sculpture French Rose
I keep seeing this shade from Bio Sculpture on every celebrity nail tech's feed, and I'm totally obsessed.
Shop more sheer pink nail polishes
9. Essie Fairy Taylor
This is by far the best long-wearing nail polish I've tried yet—combine it with the matching top coat and your manicure will last for over a week without chipping—trust me,
10. Nails. Inc Glowing Somewhere
This one has a touch of a very subtle iridescent shimmer to it which makes it look like you got a chrome mani.
11. Barry M Cupcake
This is a great affordable option that is also halal certified.
12. Essie Ballet Slippers
This is an OG favourite which gives a pretty pink veil to nails.
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