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While Korean jelly nails or lavender milk nails are a lot of fun, the best nude nail polishes aren’t to be glossed over. Having a reliable nude that complements your skin tone can help you avoid decision paralysis when you’re not sure what to pick. But there’s actually an art to nude polish, because not all nudes are created equal. Nude doesn’t have to mean boring, nor does it mean you need a magnifying glass to tell you’re wearing polish. Some shades lean mauve-beige, others are soft and sheer with a hint of pink or peach, and some go deeper with rich brown undertones or closely mimic the natural color of your nail beds.
Vogue’s Favorite Nude Nail Polishes:
- Best Mauve Beige: Chanel Le Vernis in Faussaire, $33
- Best Sheer Nude: OPI Nail Lacquer in Bare My Soul, $12
- Best Rose Pink: Hermès Les Mains Hermès in Rose Coquille, $59
- Best Pale Pink: Essie Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers, $9
- Best Warm Beige: Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in 212 Annabel Rose, $35
- Best Warm Brown: J. Hannah Nail Polish in Hepworth, $22
Below, we asked three nail artists to break down how to choose the right nude nail polish for you, share the shades they recommend most, and highlight 12 of our favorite picks from beloved brands.
Chanel Le Vernis in Faussaire
- Why We Love It: Chanel is always a classic choice, whether you’re shopping for fashion accessories, fragrance, or beauty staples. Nail artist Lila Robles recommends Faussaire, an opaque, creamy nude that’s buildable for added depth. “It has a nice pink undertone that’s still versatile for everyday looks that call for a nude,” she says. Chanel’s formulas also stand out for their rich coverage and smooth application, especially with the brand’s newly redesigned brushes.
- Type of Nude: Mauve beige
- Size: 0.4 Fl oz.
Hermès Les Mains Hermès in Rose Coquille
- Why We Love It: Shh! Don’t tell anyone, but this is celebrity nail artist Sonya Belakhlef’s on-set secret. “I use this shade all the time—it’s the one I repurchase from Hermès over and over again. It really gives you a gel-like finish,” Belakhlef says. And if you’re looking to try the viral soap nails trend without committing to gel polish or a trip to the salon, this shade is your answer. Vogue’s senior shopping editor Talia Abbas is a fan of the formula too—and swears by shade Rose Baltique for her skin tone.
- Type of Nude: Rose pink
- Size: 0.5 Fl oz.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Bare My Soul
- Why We Love It: What was once part of the brand’s bridal collection has now become a staple for everyday wear (though it’s still perfect for weddings). Belakhlef explains that its ultra-sheer formula—never fully opaque—makes it a beautiful option for a gel-like finish. It’s also chip-resistant and offers up to seven days of wear. The brand recommends applying at least two coats and finishing with a top coat for best results.
- Type of Nude: Sheer, pinky-nude
- Size: 0.5 Fl oz.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath
- Why We Love It: A staple in my book, this is the shade I always reach for when I can’t decide on a color, or I’ll layer it with a coat of OPI’s Funny Bunny for a soft, chic finish. You might recognize it too, and for good reason. According to Robles, it’s a “tried-and-true polish” that flatters a wide range of skin tones thanks to its neutral, sheer base with a subtle pink undertone. “As an on-set manicurist, this is a staple in my nail kit,” she says. “If you don’t have this in your kit, then you need to repack your kit.”
- Type of Nude: Sheer, milky pink
- Size: 0.5 Fl oz.
ZOYA Nail Polish in Nude Perfector
- Why We Love It: Are naked manicures your signature? This Zoya shade could be the perfect addition to your rotation. Designed with beige-toned nail beds in mind, Belakhlef notes that the collection is great for anyone who loves to play with layering, allowing you to adjust the tone to be softer or more nude depending on your preference. Plus, the formula is free from many of the harsh chemicals found in traditional polishes and even helps strengthen nails with ingredients like panthenol and keratin.
- Type of Nude: Beige
- Size: 0.5 Fl oz.
Essie Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers
- Why We Love It: “When designers are asking for a ‘clean nude nail,’ they will usually reference Ballet Slippers,” says Belakhlef. And while our everyday lives aren’t exactly celebrity photo shoots, there’s no reason you can’t look the part. “This shade literally resembles a ballet slipper,” she adds—and it looks just as chic on your toes as it does on your fingers.
- Type of Nude: Pale pink
- Size: 13.5 mL
Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in 212 Annabel Rose
- Why We Love It: Gucci Vernis à Ongles in 212 Annabel Rose is a warm beige nude that feels soft, refined, and effortless, according to celebrity manicurist Mazz Hanna. “It’s a great luxury polish with vintage-inspired packaging that has both style and substance,” she says. “The creamy formula works beautifully with the brush, which fans out for full coverage in just a few strokes.” It’s a fail-safe pick when you want something that feels elevated but still natural.
- Type of Nude: Warm beige
- Size: 0.33 oz.
Londontown in Apricot Beige Tint
- Why We Love It: Breathable and lightweight, this sheer warm nude polish has a subtle peachy glow that Hanna describes as perfect for an effortless, no-makeup manicure vibe. “I like how it lets your natural nail show through just enough while still creating a polished look,” she says. And as you’d expect from Londontown, the formula is clean, 21+ free, and lasts anywhere from five to seven days without chipping.
- Type of Nude: Sheer, warm peach
- Size: 0.4 Fl oz.
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Brand New Day
- Why We Love It: Hanna suggests Brand New Day if you’re looking for a sheer, beige crème that subtly brightens the nail for a fresh, healthy-looking finish. “The gel-like formula smooths out ridges and wears well over time, making it a solid choice if you’re after that clean, low-maintenance look with a bit more staying power,” she says. The formula is glossy and 10-free, so your hands—and feet—are in good hands (and feet).
- Type of Nude: Sheer, natural beige
- Size: 0.5 Fl oz.
J. Hannah Nail Polish in Hepworth
- Why We Love It: Described by the brand as being inspired by carved wood, this shade is perfect for anyone just stepping into the world of nudes but still wanting something with presence. It’s an opaque, mid-tone warm brown that feels both grounded and noticeable. All of the brand’s polishes are non-toxic, cruelty-free, and made in the USA. For a flawless finish—up to a week of chip-free wear—apply two thin coats followed by your favorite top coat.
- Type of Nude: Opaque, warm brown
- Size: 0.5 Fl oz.
Manucurist Green Nail Polish in Shell Beige
- Why We Love It: Best described as an “opaque light pink beige,” this shade is a top pick for anyone who prefers a lighter nude, according to Belakhlef. Manucurist’s formulas are made in France (oui oui!) with up to 84% plant-based ingredients, and they’re 9-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. “I love Manucurist’s formulas—both in their classic lacquer and their Green Flash line,” Belakhlef adds.
- Type of Nude: Opaque, light pink beige
- Size: 0.5 Fl oz.
JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Muse
- Why We Love It: “I love this shade for creating custom nudes on set,” says Belakhlef. “Muse is a super sheer milky pink. It will never be opaque, so if you’re looking to brighten the blush tone of your nails, this is perfect for you.” If you want something to layer with it, she recommends Pixie by JINsoon, calling it “a true sheer pink.” To maximize wear time, pair your polish with the brand’s base coat and top coat.
- Type of Nude: Sheer, milky pink
- Size: 11 mL
CND Vinylux Longwear in Nude Knickers
- Why We Love It: “CND Vinylux Longwear in Nude Knickers is a semi-sheer light nude that looks like your nails, just a bit more polished,” says Hanna. She adds that the neutral tone is soft and versatile, making it easy to wear year-round and flattering on a wide range of skin tones. The formula includes Vitamin E, keratin, and jojoba oil, so it doesn’t just look good—it helps keep nails feeling strong and healthy too.
- Type of Nude: Sheer, peachy cream
- Size: 0.5 Fl oz.
Everything You Need to Know
How to Choose the Nude Nail Polish for You
Hanna explains that when choosing a nude nail polish, it’s helpful to consider both your skin tone and undertone. For fair skin, she suggests soft pinks or ivory beiges. Light skin tones tend to suit peachy or pink-based nudes, while medium skin tones often pair well with caramel, tan, or beige shades. Deeper and darker skin tones look beautiful in mocha, espresso, or rich caramel tones.
Your undertone, whether cool, warm, or neutral, can also help guide your choice, says Hanna. Cool undertones tend to complement pinks, mauves, or taupes, while warm undertones pair nicely with yellow-based, peachy, or golden browns. If you have a neutral undertone, you can usually wear a wide range of shades with ease.
Sheer finishes are also a great starting point, as they allow your natural nail color to show through for a more customized effect. Ultimately, nude polish is personal. While skin tone and undertone can be useful guides, Hanna says the best choice is always the one that makes you feel good.
What nude nail polishes do nail artists recommend?
Nail artists are in agreement: the best nude polishes are the ones that are easy to apply, flattering across skin tones, and deliver a clean, effortless finish. “I recommend nudes that are translucent and have a bit of a gummy finish,” says Robles. “These shades are much easier to apply, and the finish always looks amazing. Chalky, opaque colors tend to be trickier and show every little mistake if you’re not a seasoned pro.” She also suggests paying attention to the brush. “Thicker, fanned-out brushes are made for easier application and can often cover the nail in just one swipe.”
Hanna adds, “Nail artists look for formulas that are easy to apply, self-leveling, and long-wearing, especially ones that don’t streak.” She notes that a great nude should enhance the natural nail without feeling too heavy or overly opaque. “Depending on the look you’re going for, artists often reach for sheer finishes that let a bit of the natural nail show through, or creamy, full-coverage shades that give a clean, polished effect in just a couple coats.”
Meet the Experts
- Lila Robles is a manicurist and nail artist based in the Bay Area.
- Sonya Belakhlef is a celebrity nail artist who has done manicures for the likes of Mary J. Blige, Ashley Graham, and Natasha Lyonne.
- Mazz Hanna is a celebrity nail artist and the CEO of Nailing Hollywood.