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3 min read
Finding the perfect nude nail varnish is one of beauty’s great struggles. So, we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up 11 favourites for every skin tone…
If you’re a fan of a barely-there nail varnish look, you’ll be familiar with the struggle to find that perfect nude nail varnish shade. Because while you might be forgiven for thinking that nude nail polishes are ten a penny (after all, there are millions of nude polish, negative space manis and ‘clean girl’ aesthetic nails on social media), when it comes to shopping for a perfect nude nail varnish, things start to get tricky.
From deciphering the right undertone for your skin to finding the perfect opacity, shopping for the best nude nail polish is like discovering the ultimate red lipstick or signature scent. There are millions of options out there but only one is right for you. So to help you shop smarter, we’ve whittled down an expert edit of the best 11 nude nail polishes on the market – with different levels of transparency and undertones – but all with road-tested longevity and chip-resistant formulas. Keep scrolling for our favourites…
The best nude nail varnishes for every skin tone
Nailberry Nail Varnish in Elegance
If you’re a fan of a semi-sheer finish, this is the pretty polish for you. It has a soft pink undertone that adds a healthy glow to nails – without coating the whole nail in opaque colour. Your natural white tip is left visible, but elevated.
Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Pink Lemonade
For a more opaque colour, this gel varnish is a great option. It has a milky pink tone that brightens nails, adding a soft colour that’s natural and ultra shiny.
Shop Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Pink Lemonade at Sephora, £3.99
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Organdi
This chic nail polish is the perfect ballerina pink shade. Two coats will give total coverage on the nail and the warm, peachy undertone is perfect for olive and darker skin tones.
Shop Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Organdi at Sephora, £24
Nails Inc Caught In The Nude Nail Polish in Maldives Beach
If you’re looking for a caramel-coloured nude, this opaque formula is a brilliant option. It’s ultra shiny, long-lasting and the highly pigmented formula covers the nail completely in just one coat.
Shop Nails Inc Caught In The Nude Nail Polish in Maldives Beach at Cult Beauty, £8
Manucurist Green Flash Varnish in Pale Rose
For a longer-lasting gel manicure, Manucurist is brilliant. This pale rose shade is the ultimate ‘your nails but better’ shade. Simply cure under a UV lamp and you’re guaranteed 10 days of chip-resistant wear. Better yet, Manucurist nail varnishes can be removed with normal nail polish remover for zero damage to the nail. Win-win.
Shop Manucurist Green Flash Varnish in Pale Rose at Cult Beauty, £19
Dior Vernis Couture Colour Gel Shine Nail Lacquer in Muguet
This iconic shade is perfect for a barely-there nail varnish look. It brightens the nail bed, thanks to its peachy undertone, without adding too much intense colour. Simple and chic.
Shop Dior Vernis Couture Colour Gel Shine Nail Lacquer in Muguet at Boots, £22
Mented Nude Nail Polish in Brown & Bougie
This rich brown shade gives just the right amount of colour while keeping things neutral and nude.
Essie Expressie Quick Dry Formula Chip Resistant Nail Polish in Cold Brew Crew
Essie is known and loved for its reliable natural shade range. Cold Brew Crew is a gorgeous caramel toned brown that looks gorgeous on deeper skin tones.
Shop Essie Expressie Quick Dry Formula Chip Resistant Nail Polish at Lookfantastic, £7.99
Essie Original Nail Polish in Not To Do
Promising complete colour in just one stroke – this gorgeous deep brown hue has a high shine finish and totally opaque coverage.
OPI Nail Polish in Dulce de Leche
This gorgeous milky brown shade is great for those with darker nail beds who want a natural-looking manicure shade that’s not too pink. It’s creamy, nude and provides opaque colour in three coats.
Max Factor Nailfinity Gel Nail Polish The Icon
For red carpet ready nails, this one coat Max Factor polish is perfect. It provides instant opaque coverage and a gel-like finish in just one sweep.
Shop Max Factor Nailfinity Gel Nail Polish The Icon at Boots, £7.99
Beauty Pie Wondercolour Nail Polish in Deep Thinker
For a slight sheen on darker nails, this Beauty Pie polish is gorgeous. It’s infused with a really subtle shimmer that works to brighten nails, leaving them with a high shine finish.
Shop Beauty Pie Wondercolour Nail Polish in Deep Thinker, £7
Images: courtesy of brands
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