Sheer, Creamy, Gel and Shimmer: Behold the Best Nude Nail Polish for Every Skin Tone

Best Barely-There Nude

If you like the look of a buffed nail (i.e., a healthy, subtle sheen), reach for this sheer shade that has a flattering filter effect. Formulated with the brand’s proprietary Flora Complex, a blend of strengthening and nourishing ingredients, it also doubles as a treatment for weak tips.

Best for Fair Skin

Those with fairer complexions tend to look best in cool-toned pinks that subtly brighten your nails without overwhelming them. This one has a milky, full coverage formula that goes on smoothly and really pops against your skin.

Best for Medium Skin

Nude polishes that have equal parts pink and beige undertones work well with medium skin because they provide just the right amount of contrast, while picking up the inherent warmth of your complexion. This one by Jinsoon strikes that perfect balance and makes your nails look longer and sleeker whenever you wear it.

Best for Olive Skin

Fact: A warmer beige that’s slightly brighter than your skin will bring out your natural tan. This cult classic from OPI has golden undertones that are especially flattering as your skin deepens during the summer months (though it still looks great long after your tan fades in the winter).

Best for Dark Skin

Rose or taupe shades are particularly pretty against darker skin because they provide just the right amount of contrast, while adding a touch of warmth. We love this one by Deborah Lippmann because of its opaque formula and super shiny finish.

Best for Deep Skin

Darker skin can handle a variety of colors, but coffee-colored hues like cocoa and mocha are especially flattering. Mented’s “Brown & Bougie” looks rich and velvety on your nails and not in the least bit pale or washed out against your skin.

Best for Shine

Of the thousands of shades in their expansive repertoire, OPI’s “Bubble Bath” is a consistent (and worldwide) bestseller—and has been for many years. We get it: The soft candy pink tint and glossy shine give your nails a nice polish. (Pun very much intended.)

Best Value

If you still can’t decide between shades, you can always try this 4-piece set, which features a curated range of neutral polishes that are 12-free, go on smoothly and dry quickly. (The mix-and-match shades also take the guesswork of matching your mani to your pedi.)

Best Gel Polish

If you still want variety but prefer a gel mani, the Beetles set is your best bet. Complete with six shades of pink and nude polishes, you can easily find the right match for your skin tone (even during those transitional months when you’re paler or darker than usual).

Best Shimmer

Nude doesn’t have to mean boring—especially when you add a holographic shimmer to the mix. “Birthday suit” by ILNP is a soft cashmere pink that’s embedded with a superfine micro glitter that shines in any light without looking gritty or garish. (Fun fact: ILNP stands for “I love nail polish.” Same.)

The Fan Favorite

This iconic Essie shade is as universally flattering as a nude polish can get. With an equal blend of beige, cream and pink tones (and a barely perceptible shimmer that elevates the overall effect), it’s a failsafe pick the next time you’re confronted with the polish wall at your salon.

Best Splurge

Like “Topless & Barefoot,” Chanel’s “Organdi” is another nude that magically works on all skin tones. The soft blush toned hue gives full coverage without looking streaky and looks just as good on its own as it does with a French tip or a minimalist design.

Fastest Drying

Fans praise this 4-piece set for having good coverage and a quick dry time. Choose from a toasted almond shade, a caramel tone, toffee or coffee—or wear a different hue on each finger to rock the tonal mani trend.