Nails
Sep 23, 2021

We're All About No-Fuss Nail Polishes—These Are Our Faves

by Sarah Yang

As much as we love over-the-top statement-making moments, sometimes simple is best. And the best thing about going with something a little bit more subtle and subdued? It goes with just about anything—from outfits to occasions. One way we love to go the simple route is with our nail polishes.

Sure, it's fun to try some unique colors and eye-catching nail art, but for everyday moments or when you have an amazing outfit that you don't want to distract from, a simple, uncomplicated nail polish works best. It can be classic, elegant, chic, and effortless all at once. And the cool thing about going with a simple look is, most of these colors will never go out of style. So, you can potentially find your signature, to-to polish when you try out these hues.

Need some inspiration? See some of our favorite colors below.

Olive and June Nail Polish in CDJ ($8)

This creamy neutral works with all skin tones. It's bound to be a mainstay in your nail polish collection.

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Origandi ($28)

This pinkish-nude can almost blend into certain skin tones. The formula is enriched with bioceramics and ceramides to strengthen and nourish the nails.

Essie Nail Polish in Wild Nude ($7)

Another creamy nude, this one has brown and taupe tones.

Revlon Nail Enamel in Romantique ($4)

Revlon's Romantique is like a mix between nude, brown, and pink. The formula is chip- and fade-resistant.

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Let Nature Sing ($20)

A light almond color, this polish is almost like getting a gel manicure at the salon. It delivers a high-shine finish and has ingredients to promote healthy nails.

OPI Nail Polish in Mod About You ($11)

If you don't want to go the nude route, a light, sheer pink is a pretty and simple hue, too. This high-gloss polish provides up to 11 days of wear.

Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers ($8)

It doesn't get more classic and elegant as Essie's Ballet Slippers. I mean, if the Queen of England is a fan, you know it's classy.

Jinsoon Nail Polish in Nostalgia ($18)

A peachy pink, Jinsoon's Nostalgia polish is almost like a step above a neutral.

NCLA Nail Lacquer in Rose Sheer ($16)

Both creamy and sheer, this polish is delicate, pretty, and works with any skin tone.

Àuda.B Vegan Nail Polish in Pucker Up Baby ($18)

Àuda.B's pretty pink nail polish is a vegan formula that's almost gel-like.

Nails Inc. Plant Power Nail Polish in What's Your Spirituality? ($10)

Grays are also a great neutral option that is still very subtle. This medium-dark, taupe gray is so versatile and works for just about any season.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Greyfitti ($7)

Almost like a dove gray, this polish is another gel-like formula that has staying power. It lasts up to eight days.

Olive and June Nail Polish in AW ($8)

Olive and June's AW is a cross between a gray and a brown, so it's a good option if you want a warmer-toned polish.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Dawn of a New Gray ($8)

A light, cloudy gray, this polish from OPI is both creamy and warm. The formula is naturally sourced and provides up to seven days of wear.

Essie Nail Polish in Chinchilly ($7)

Essie's Chinchilly is another classic and beloved polish. It's the perfect "greige."

Olive and June Nail Polish in JJ ($8)

A "simple" nail polish doesn't mean it has to be a lighter shade. You can go for a sophisticated dark hue, too. This cinnamon brown polish from Olive and June has just the right amount of intrigue without being too flashy.