While Korean jelly nails and lavender milk nails are fun, don’t overlook the power of a great nude polish. A reliable nude that matches your skin tone can save you from decision fatigue when you’re unsure what to wear. But choosing the right nude is an art—not all shades are the same. Nude doesn’t have to be boring or barely noticeable. Some lean mauve-beige, others are soft and sheer with hints of pink or peach, while deeper options feature rich brown undertones or mimic your natural nail color.
### 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 in 212 Annabel Rose, $35
– Best Warm Brown: J. Hannah Nail Polish in Hepworth, $22
We asked three nail artists for their tips on choosing the perfect nude, their go-to shades, and 12 top picks from beloved brands.
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### Chanel Le Vernis in Faussaire
$33 | CHANEL
Why We Love It: Chanel is a timeless choice for fashion, fragrance, and beauty. Nail artist Lila Robles recommends Faussaire, a creamy, buildable nude with a pink undertone. “It’s versatile for everyday wear,” she says. The formula offers rich coverage and smooth application, thanks to Chanel’s redesigned brush.
Type of Nude: Mauve beige
Size: 0.4 fl oz
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### Hermès Les Mains Hermès in Rose Coquille
$59 | NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Celebrity nail artist Sonya Belakhlef calls this her on-set secret. “I repurchase it constantly—it gives a gel-like finish,” she says. It’s also perfect for the soap nails trend without salon visits. Vogue’s senior shopping editor Talia Abbas swears by Rose Baltique for her skin tone.
Type of Nude: Rose pink
Size: 0.5 fl oz
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### OPI Nail Lacquer in Bare My Soul
$12 | AMAZON
Why We Love It: Originally from OPI’s bridal collection, this sheer nude is now an everyday staple. Belakhlef loves its gel-like finish and chip-resistant wear (up to seven days). Apply two coats with a top coat for best results.
Type of Nude: Sheer, pinky-nude
Size: 0.5 fl oz
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### OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath
$12 | AMAZON
Why We Love It: A cult favorite, this milky pink is perfect when you can’t decide—or layered with Funny Bunny for a soft look. Robles calls it a “tried-and-true polish” that flatters most skin tones. “If you don’t have this in your kit, repack it,” she says.
Type of Nude: Sheer, milky pink
Size: 0.5 fl oz
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### Zoya Nail Polish in Nude Perfector
$12 | AMAZON
Why We Love It: Ideal for naked manicures, this shade is designed for beige-toned nail beds. Belakhlef recommends the collection for anyone who loves a natural look.
Type of Nude: Sheer, neutral
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Essie Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers
$9 ($8 on Amazon)
Type of Nude: Pale pink
Size: 13.5 mL
Why We Love It:
“When designers ask for a ‘clean nude nail,’ they often reference Ballet Slippers,” says Belakhlef. While we may not live like celebrities, there’s no reason we can’t have the same polished look. “This shade truly resembles a ballet slipper,” she adds—and it looks just as elegant on toes as it does on fingers.
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Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in 212 Annabel Rose
$35 (Nordstrom)
Type of Nude: Warm beige
Size: 0.33 oz.
Why We Love It:
Celebrity manicurist Mazz Hanna describes this polish as a soft, refined, and effortless warm beige nude. “It’s a luxurious polish with vintage-inspired packaging that delivers both style and substance,” she says. “The creamy formula glides on smoothly, and the brush fans out for full coverage in just a few strokes.” It’s a foolproof choice when you want something elegant yet natural.
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Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil in Apricot Beige Tint
$20 (Amazon)
Type of Nude: Sheer, warm peach
Size: 0.4 fl oz.
Why We Love It:
This breathable, lightweight polish has a subtle peachy glow, perfect for a no-makeup manicure look. “I love how it lets your natural nail peek through while still giving a polished finish,” says Hanna. As expected from Londontown, the formula is clean, free of 21+ harsh chemicals, and lasts five to seven days without chipping.
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Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Brand New Day
$20 (Amazon)
Type of Nude: Sheer, natural beige
Size: 0.5 fl oz.
Why We Love It:
Hanna recommends Brand New Day for a sheer beige crème that subtly brightens nails for a fresh, healthy look. “The gel-like formula smooths ridges and wears well over time, making it great for a low-maintenance look with extra staying power,” she says. The glossy, 10-free formula is gentle on hands (and feet).
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J. Hannah Nail Polish in Hepworth
$22 (Amazon)
Type of Nude: Opaque, warm brown
Size: 0.5 fl oz.
Why We Love It:
Inspired by carved wood, this shade is ideal for those new to nudes who still want something noticeable. It’s a mid-tone warm brown that feels grounded yet distinctive. All J. Hannah polishes are non-toxic, cruelty-free, and made in the USA. For a flawless, chip-free finish (lasting up to a week), apply two thin coats followed by a top coat.
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Manucurist Green Nail Polish in Shell Beige
$14 (Amazon)
Type of Nude: Opaque, light pink beige
Size: 0.5 fl oz.
Why We Love It:
Belakhlef calls this an “opaque light pink beige,” perfect for those who prefer a softer nude. Manucurist’s formulas are made in France with up to 84% plant-based ingredients and are 9-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. “I love their classic lacquer and Green Flash line,” she adds.
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JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Muse
$18 (Amazon)
Type of Nude: Sheer milky pink
Size: 0.5 fl oz.
Why We Love It:
“I love this shade for creating custom nudes on set,” says Belakhlef. “Muse is a super sheer milky pink—it won’t ever be opaque, so if you’re looking…”
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If you want to enhance the blush tone of your nails, this is perfect for you. For something to layer with it, try Pixie by JINsoon—a true sheer pink. To make your polish last longer, pair it with the brand’s base coat and top coat.
Type of Nude: Sheer, milky pink
Size: 11 mL
### CND Vinylux Longwear in Nude Knickers
Price: $12 (Amazon)
Why We Love It:
“CND Vinylux Longwear in Nude Knickers is a semi-sheer light nude that looks like your nails, just more polished,” says Hanna. She adds that the soft, neutral shade is versatile and flattering on a wide range of skin tones year-round. The formula includes Vitamin E, keratin, and jojoba oil, so it not only looks good but also helps keep nails strong and healthy.
Type of Nude: Sheer, peachy cream
Size: 0.5 fl oz
### How to Choose the Right Nude Nail Polish
Hanna suggests considering both your skin tone and undertone when picking a nude polish.
– Fair skin: Soft pinks or ivory beiges
– Light skin: Peachy or pink-based nudes
– Medium skin: Caramel, tan, or beige shades
– Deeper/dark skin: Mocha, espresso, or rich caramel tones
Your undertone also plays a role:
– Cool undertones: Pinks, mauves, or taupes
– Warm undertones: Yellow-based, peachy, or golden browns
– Neutral undertones: Most shades work well
Sheer finishes are a great starting point since they let your natural nail color peek through for a customized look. Ultimately, the best nude is the one that makes you feel good—skin tone guidelines are just a helpful starting point.
### What Nude Polishes Do Nail Artists Recommend?
Nail artists agree: the best nudes are easy to apply, universally flattering, and give a clean finish.
“I recommend translucent shades with a slightly gummy finish,” says Robles. “They’re easier to apply and always look amazing. Opaque, chalky colors can be tricky and show mistakes if you’re not a pro.” She also suggests looking for thicker, fanned-out brushes that cover the nail in one swipe.
Hanna adds, “Artists look for self-leveling, streak-free formulas that wear well.” A great nude should enhance your natural nails without feeling heavy. Depending on the look, sheer finishes or creamy full-coverage shades work best.
### Meet the Experts
– Lila Robles – Manicurist and nail artist based in the Bay Area.
– Sonya Belakhlef – Celebrity nail artist (clients include Mary J. Blige, Ashley Graham, and Natasha Lyonne).
– Mazz Hanna – Celebrity nail artist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood.
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Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!