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—you’d never see me with any other color on my fingertips. I still love making a statement with bold nail polish colors, 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 colors. These nail colors, particularly in sheer washes, go with absolutely everything. Sheer nail polish is perfect for any occasion, it goes with everything in your closet, and it’s kind of like a filter for your nails—they’ll look low-key but still polished.
Keep reading for the best-selling and editor-favorite sheer nail polishes, separated into categories for every color.
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 color 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.
Beige-toned pink is the ideal hyper-feminine polish. Jin Soon nail polishes last almost as well as a gel manicure, which is reason enough to try this polish out.
A jelly pink is a fun ’90s take on sheer nail polish.
This chestnut-leaning warm nude packs a major punch on your nails.
Consider this sheer nude your nails but better.
This almond nail color has a hint of shimmer for an eye-catching detail.
This super-sheer brown was formulated to enhance your natural nails. Plus, the formula is blended with nourishing ingredients that keep your nails healthy.
Formulated with argan oil for moisturizing benefits, this sheer nude also gives the dreamiest pearl touch.
This sheer tan color looks good on absolutely everyone.
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’s essentially a Chanel bag for your nails.
If you want your nails to mimic pearls, this is the nail polish for you. In the right lighting, it flashes gold.
This soft, sheer white will make your nails look perfect.
