For most of my life, I've been a red nail polish devotee. There was a time when I only ever painted my nails red and you'd never see me with any other colour on my fingertips. I still love making a statement with bold nail polish colours and eye-catching nail art but in the past few years, I've learned to embrace softer, more subtle nail polish shades.
While I'd argue that when it comes to nail polish, red is a neutral, there's something to be said for truly neutral nail colours. These nail shades, particularly in sheer washes, go with absolutely everything. Sheer nail polish is perfect for any occasion, it goes with everything in your wardrobe, and it's kind of like a filter for your nails—they'll look low-key but still polished and it won't look super obvious as they grow out.
Keep reading for the best-selling and editor-favourite sheer nail polishes, separated into categories for every colour.
1. Sheer Pinks
This baby-pink nail polish is also streak-free, so you'll get an even coat.
If gel manicures are your usual vibe, this petal-pink nail polish is chip- and fade-resistant, mimicking an in-salon manicure.
This chip-resistant colour will last you for at least seven days, so if chips are your downfall, this is the perfect nail polish for you. It's also the perfect shade of cool pink.
This might possibly be the perfect transparent pink. It's sheer but leaves nails with a healthy-looking tint. It's like tinted moisturiser for your nails.
If you have an at-home gel kit, then good news. Mylee has introduced more shades to it's builder gels, which offer so many flattering semi-sheer tones and also help your nails to grow stronger.
2. Sheer Nudes
This chestnut-leaning warm nude packs a major punch on your nails.
Dior's polish not only looks pretty on your dressing table, but it cloaks nails in a perfecting neutral tone while smoothing over ridges on your nails.
This super-sheer beige is formulated to enhance your natural nails. Plus, the formula is blended with nourishing ingredients that keep your nails healthy.
This warm-toned sandy sheer nude makes a perfect base for nail art designs.
Looking for a perfect match? Nails Inc. has plenty of options to suit all skin tones.
3. Sheer Whites
This is one of the shades Hailey Bieber uses as the base for her glazed donut nails—and it truly lives up to the hype.
This sheer ivory is understated but looks so sophisticated. It also has a pearlescent finish, making it a great way to tap into the glazed nail trend.
This instantly adds a vibrant sheer white wash to nails with a long-lasting formula.
This soft, sheer white will make your nails look perfect.
This translucent white instantly brightens up and evens out your natural nails.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
I'm Bored of Red Christmas Nails—I'm Trying This Expensive-Looking French Manicure InsteadSparkle all the way.
-
Experts Say These Chic Nail Colours Look Even More Stylish on Your ToesHello, party feet!
-
From Elegant Colours to Glossy Details, These 7 Nail Trends Are About to Dominate 2025Watch this space.
-
It's Official—This Elevated Winter Nail Trend Is Dethroning the Glazed ManicureIf you're wearing it, I know you're chic.
-
10 Editors on Their 2025 Beauty Vision BoardsSelect your vibe.
-
Christmas Nails Can Be a Little Tacky, But These 13 Festive Manicures Are Elegant and Very ChicNo post-salon regret here.
-
The Elegant Nail Colour I Rely On to Make At-Home Manicures Look More ExpensiveOne for the minimalists.
-
The Glowdown: Nicola Coughlan Shares the Beauty Secrets We All Want to KnowYou won't want to miss this.
