Best Sheer Nail Polish of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Sheer nail polish is a popular choice for those who want a subtle and natural look for their nails. This type of polish is transparent and allows the natural color of the nails to show through. It is perfect for everyday wear and can be worn alone or as a base for other nail art designs. Sheer nail polish is also great for occasions when a bold or bright nail color may not be appropriate. It is easy to apply and dries quickly, making it a convenient choice for busy individuals who want to keep their nails looking neat and polished.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

essie Cheeky Jelly Nail Polish Cover#TOP 1
essie Cheeky Jelly Nail Polish
ftb score rating icon9.9
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish Cover#TOP 2
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish
ftb score rating icon9.8
Modelones Jelly Nail Polish Set Cover#TOP 3
Modelones Jelly Nail Polish Set
ftb score rating icon9.6

Top 10 Sheer Nail Polish

#TOP 1

essie Cheeky Jelly Nail Polish

0095008060965
12 CHEEKY JELLY
essie Cheeky Jelly Nail Polish Cover
essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Nail Polish, Vegan, Sheer Neutral Nail Polish, Cheeky Jelly, 0.46 Fl Oz
ftb score rating icon9.9
FTB Score

essie Cheeky Jelly offers a delightful rosy neutral shade with a translucent finish that allows for a sheer wash of color on your nails. Its easy glide brush ensures a smooth, streak-free application, making it simple for you to achieve a professional look at home. You can wear it alone for a subtle touch or layer it to create a creamy manicure. Additionally, you have the option to blend and layer different shades, enabling you to customize your nail art to your liking. With essie, you can enjoy endless creative possibilities without needing a salon visit.

What We Like
Vegan formula
Easy application
Layering options
Customizable nail art
Translucent finish
#TOP 2

Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish

30230310536
My Sheer
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish Cover
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Lacquer Nail Polish, My Sheer, 0.5 Fl. Oz.
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

Sally Hansen Color Therapy is a nail polish designed to revitalize your nails while adding a vibrant touch. The unique argan oil formula nourishes your nails, giving them a healthy look and feel. You’ll appreciate the instant moisturizing effect that helps to keep your nails feeling soft and hydrated. This product not only enhances the beauty of your nails but also treats them with care, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine color and nail health in one application.

What We Like
Nourishing argan oil formula
Instant moisturizing effect
Vibrant color options
Restorative nail treatment
#TOP 3

Modelones Jelly Nail Polish Set

A1-Jelly Park
Modelones Jelly Nail Polish Set Cover
Modelones Jelly Nail Polish of 6 Colors Sheer Nude Mini Nail Polish Set Natural Jelly Red Pink Brown Colors Quick Dry Nail Polish Kit for DIY Valentine's Day Nail Art Salon Home Gift for Women Girl
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

The Modelones Jelly Nail Polish offers a quick and convenient way to achieve beautiful nails. With no need for UV curing, you'll enjoy a manicure that dries in just 1-2 minutes, perfect for those busy days. The quick-drying formula is designed to save you time, drying 30% faster than many other brands. This polish is gentle on your nails, promoting their health with every application. Ideal for both beginners and experienced users, it allows for easy application and endless creative possibilities for stunning nail art.

What We Like
Quick drying
Gentle on nails
User-friendly
Long-lasting wear
#TOP 4

OPI Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer

22777194085
Bubble Bath
OPI Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer Cover
OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish | Sheer Light Nude Pink Crème Chip Resistant Nail Polish | Vegan, Fast Drying, Streak Free
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

OPI Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer is a fun nude color nail polish that adds shine and protection to your nails. It is perfect for both your toes and fingers as it won't chip or peel easily. This nail lacquer is designed to provide a fabulous color that lasts long and is perfect for any occasion.

What We Like
Long-lasting color
Won't chip or peel
Provides lots of shine and seal to protect nails
#TOP 5

Modelones Jelly Nail Polish Set

A1-Jelly Pink
Modelones Jelly Nail Polish Set Cover
modelones Jelly Nail Polish Set 6 Colors Sheer Nude Pink Milky White Neutral Nude Nail polish Kit Neutral Pink Quick Dry Transparent Manicure DIY Nail Art Salon Home Gift for Women Girl
ftb score rating icon9.3
FTB Score

The Modelones Jelly Nails offer a delightful selection of six shades, perfect for any occasion or outfit. You’ll appreciate the quick-drying formula that allows you to finish your manicure in just about 15 minutes, giving you more time to enjoy your day. Furthermore, this polish is designed for long-lasting wear, resisting chips and peeling, so your nails look stunning for longer. Made with toxin-free ingredients, it ensures a healthier experience for your nails, eliminating harsh chemicals and strong odors. Enjoy beautiful nails with peace of mind!

What We Like
Quick drying time
Long-lasting wear
Toxin-free ingredients
Versatile color selection
#TOP 6

modelones Sheer Nude Nail Polish

2AUS-MOAS-03255
A2 Dewy Ranunculus
modelones Sheer Nude Nail Polish Cover
modelones Sheer Nude Nail Polish, Clear Translucent Semi-Transparent Nude Pink 15 ml Quick Dry Nail Lacquer Strengthener Long Last Finger Toe Nail Art DIY Manicure Gift for Women Girls 0.5 Fl Oz
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

modelones Quick Dry Polish offers a hassle-free manicure experience with its innovative quick-dry formula, allowing you to achieve flawless nails in just 90 seconds. The anti-chip and anti-peel properties ensure your manicure lasts longer, giving you a stunning shine for over eight days. The 150° wide brush makes application smooth and easy, providing a streak-free, salon-quality finish. Plus, this polish is perfect for all your nail art needs, whether you prefer minimalist styles or intricate designs. Enjoy the convenience of a gentle, eco-friendly formula that cares for your nails while you express your creativity.

What We Like
Quick drying time
Smooth, streak-free application
Long-lasting shine
Eco-friendly formula
#TOP 7

OPI Nail Lacquer, Put it in Neutral

22995100265
Put it in Neutral
OPI Nail Lacquer, Put it in Neutral Cover
OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish | Sheer Light Nude Crème Chip Resistant Nail Polish | Vegan, Fast Drying, Streak Free
ftb score rating icon8.9
FTB Score

Get the perfect neutral nail polish for subtle manicures with OPI Nail Lacquer in Put it in Neutral. This soft beige pink shade with a hint of pink never stalls out and provides up to 7 days of wear. Apply two coats of nail polish color and finish with OPI top coat for best results. OPI Nail Lacquer is available in 150 plus polishes including OPI's most iconic nail polish and gel nail polish shades.

What We Like
High-quality formula
Smooth and easy to apply
Long-lasting wear
Beautiful neutral color
Shiny and radiant finish
#TOP 8

Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish

884486303639
03 SHEER FANTASY
Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish Cover
Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Sheer Pink, Sheer Fantasy, 0.46 fl oz
ftb score rating icon8.9
FTB Score

This longwear nail polish in sheer pink provides chip and fade-resistant color with gel-like high shine. No UV lamp needed. Apply 2 coats of gel couture longwear nail color and top with Gel Couture Top Coat for gel-like shine and protection. Remove gel couture nail polish with any acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover. Precise, even application with patented swirl-stem and curve-hugging brush. essie is a nail color authority and leader in nail luxury, committed to high quality standards the full nail polish portfolio is a vegan formula with no animal derived ingredients and no animal testing.

What We Like
Long-lasting and chip-resistant
Gel-like high shine without UV lamp
Easy to apply in 2 steps
Removes like regular polish
Precise, even application with patented brush
#TOP 9

GAOY Jelly Nude Pink Gel Nail Polish Set

Pinkish Jelly Nude
GAOY Jelly Nude Pink Gel Nail Polish Set Cover
GAOY Jelly Nude Pink Gel Nail Polish Set, 6 Transparent Sheer Colors Soak Off UV Light Cure Gel Polish Kit for Salon and Nail Art DIY at Home
ftb score rating icon8.8
FTB Score

Enjoy the nail art from the comfort of your own home with GAOY Jelly Nude Pink Gel Nail Polish Set. This set includes 6 gel polish colors of 0.25 fl.oz (7.3ml) each, allowing you to build up the color from clear translucent to solid opaque with several layers. The gel polish is long-lasting and can last around 4 weeks if properly buffed your nail bed and applied base coat & top coat. It is also lower in odor compared to traditional nail polish, and all ingredients are in strict compliance with FD&C Act and SGS certified. Additionally, GAOY offers top-notch customer service to ensure a trouble-free shopping experience.

What We Like
Includes 6 gel polish colors
Long-lasting and can last around 4 weeks
Lower in odor compared to traditional nail polish
All ingredients are in strict compliance with FD&C Act and SGS certified
Top-notch customer service
#TOP 10

essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, Ballet Slippers, 0.46 fl oz

B1863003
16 BALLET SLIPPERS
essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, Ballet Slippers, 0.46 fl oz Cover
essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish, 8-Free Vegan, Sheer Pale Pink, Ballet Slippers, 0.46 fl oz
ftb score rating icon8.7
FTB Score

Get a classic, glossy, pale pink nail color with essie's Ballet Slippers. The salon-quality formula provides even, streak-free coverage with every brush stroke. Achieve the perfect manicure by using essie's base coat, nail polish, and top coat offerings. With over a thousand shades, essie takes inspiration from fashion and cultural trends. Plus, essie is committed to high quality standards with a vegan formula and no animal testing.

What We Like
Glossy shine finish
Easy glide brush for even and professional application
Wide range of iconic and trendsetting colors
Vegan formula with no animal derived ingredients and no animal testing
Buying Guide Image

Best Choices of Sheer Nail Polish for You

How to Choose the Best Sheer Nail Polish for You

When it comes to nail polish, there are numerous options available in the market. From glossy to matte, from bright colors to subtle, there is a type of nail polish for every occasion. However, when it comes to daily wear, sheer nail polish is a popular choice. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your nails without being too flashy. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for you? Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect sheer nail polish.

Consider Your Skin Tone

When choosing a sheer nail polish, it's essential to consider your skin tone. If you have a fair complexion, go for light and delicate shades. Neutral shades like beige, peach, and light pink work well on fair skin tones. If you have a medium skin tone, you can go for warmer shades of pink, coral, or peach. For darker skin tones, opt for sheer nail polish in darker and bolder shades like plum or burgundy.

Check the Consistency

The consistency of the nail polish plays a significant role in the final look. Sheer nail polishes are meant to be translucent, but they should not be too runny or watery. A good sheer nail polish should be easy to apply and have a smooth consistency. It should also dry quickly and not chip or peel easily.

Consider the Finish

Sheer nail polishes come in different finishes, such as glossy, matte, and shimmer. When choosing a finish, consider your personal style and the occasion. If you're looking for a subtle look for the office or a formal event, go for a glossy finish. If you want to add some sparkle to your nails, opt for a shimmer finish. And if you want a more understated look, go for a matte finish.

Look for Brands with Good Reviews

When it comes to choosing a sheer nail polish, it's always a good idea to look for brands with good reviews. This will help you ensure that you're getting a high-quality product that has been tried and tested by other users. Some popular brands for sheer nail polish include Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen.

Test the Color

Before you buy a sheer nail polish, it's always a good idea to test the color. You can do this by applying a small amount of the polish on your fingernail or on a piece of paper. This will give you an idea of how the color looks on your skin tone and whether it suits your personal style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best sheer nail polish for you depends on several factors, including your skin tone, the consistency of the polish, the finish, and the brand. By considering these factors and testing the color before buying, you can ensure that you choose the perfect sheer nail polish that will add elegance and sophistication to your nails.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the point of sheer nail polish?

It's almost like no-makeup makeup, except that it's now on your nails. And it's appropriate for any occasion. Gel nail fans, sheer colours are also a great way to soften the look of harsh lines that usually appear when you're growing your nails out.

2. What is transparent nail polish called?

- Clear nail polish is just like any other nail polish. It is as vulnerable to chipping and peeling as any common polish just that is is devoid of colour. - Top coat is applied after you are done with colouring your nails. It hardens as it dries which is why it protects nail colour from scratches, chipping and peeling.

Editor's Notes

During our sheer nail polish research, we found 48 sheer nail polish products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 333,015 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sheer nail polish list. We found that most customers choose sheer nail polish with an average price of $6.40.

The sheer nail polish are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sheer nail polish, including essie, Sally Hansen, modelones, OPI, GAOY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.