I don’t wear nail polish often, but I’ve found that nowadays when I do, I gravitate towards more timeless colors. I’m talking reds and pinks and nudes. A couple of years ago, I would have probably said, “Yawn!” because she really liked gem-colored nails. I don’t know if it’s because I’m older or because I don’t paint my nails as often, but yup, I’m more drawn to those hues.
That’s especially true if I’m buying nail polish, too. Because I don’t keep an extensive collection of polishes and prefer a more pared-down approach, I tend to buy colors that will never go out of style. And for me, that’s the reds, pinks, nudes, and most importantly, sheer polishes. I’ve been really into sheer polishes lately because they’re perfect for any occasion, a bit low-key but still eye-catching, and pretty low-maintenance.
Take a look at some of the best-selling and editor-favorite sheer nail polishes below as inspiration for your next mani.
This sheer is a high-shine formula, so it just kind of looks like your natural nails but better.
NCLA’s soft pink is so pretty and delicate. You can build the color if you want something that’s not too sheer.
The tricky part about sheer nail polishes is that streaks can really show, so it’s great that this one from OPI is streak-free.
This sheer pink kind of camouflages with your natural nail color. The formula is chip- and fade-resistant and has high shine, so it’s like getting a gel manicure at the salon.
Sheer polishes don’t have to be boring. This greige one from Deborah Lippmann has a dash of sparkle.
And sheers don’t have to be just pinks or nudes, either. Cirque Colors’ Dove Jelly is a sheer gray that looks good on all skin tones.
If you want something super long-lasting, try this one from CND. The formula has strong adhesives so the color will stick for up to seven days. It’s chip-resistant and doesn’t fade at all.
If you prefer a non-opaque white polish look, OPI’s Funny Bunny is a soft and sheer white that’s buildable.
This pink-beige is a total classic. According to Jin Soon Choi, it’s inspired by “old movies from the ’50s.”
This super-sheer neutral is great alone, but it also works well as a base for nail art. The formula is made with argan oil for moisturizing benefits.
This sheer ivory is so chic and understated. The polish is enriched with bioceramics and ceramides to strengthen the nails.
Orly’s Sweet Serenity is a hint of pink that works well alone for a natural look or pairs well with a French tip, which seems to be making a comeback now.
This is a warmer beige nude with chestnut tones, so it had a little bit more color than other neutrals on this list.
Olive and June’s CHM is a sheer tan that’s so versatile and goes with just about any outfit and works for any occasion.
For a creamier shade that’s still sheer, try this blush-pink option. The formula has 10 active ingredients to add gloss and cushion, much like a professional gel manicure would.
You’ve got everything you need here for a professional-level manicure. The kit has 18 tools for both hands and feet.
Jinsoon’s cuticle oil is enriched with 20 natural ingredients to hydrate and restore dry, damaged, and/or brittle nails.
If your nails need a little break and some TLC, this treatment works to repair the nails thanks to five rich oils. It also leaves a hint of color for a nice finish.
Deborah Lippmann’s Cuticle Lab kit will get your cuticles back in shape. It contains a cuticle oil, cuticle remover, cuticle repair cream, and a pusher tool.
Great for on-the-go manis, this kit has the essentials to preserve your manicure: a top coat, cuticle serum, and a nail file. Next, We’re Just Going to Say It: These 13 Gel Polish Brands Rival a Salon Manicure
