This season has no shortage of mani trends to offer. From the bold to the barely-there, we've seen it all—textured tips, ombré color schemes, jelly nails, the works. And while we love a loud lacquer moment, sometimes what you need to feel your best is a classic nude manicure.
Neutral nail polishes are a timeless choice for any season or occasion, and they seemingly always make their way into the spotlight. Whether your version of neutral nails is baby pink or beige nude, the sentiment still stands: a clean, neutral manicure pairs well with literally every outfit and event.
However, finding the one (as in, the nude nail polish that seems made for your skin tone) can involve years of less-than-aesthetic applications. So, we set out to provide you with a shortcut to perfection in the form of the 10 top-rated nude nail colors below.
Here’s Why You Should Trust Our Top 10 Lists
While we’ll take a TikTok recommendation from time to time, typically, we prefer our shopping decisions to be research-backed. That’s why we use our data-powered ranking algorithm to vet products before featuring them in our Top 10 content. Using information from reviews, social media, best-seller lists, and other sources, this tool finds and scores products in a given category in order to determine which options deserve to be crowned the best. So, now that you’re in the loop, let’s find out which nude nail polishes made the final cut.
July 30, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish In Beachin
Overall Score
4.2
10
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish In Beachin
4.36
1110 User Reviews
3.1
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Nude Gel Nail Polish
WHY YOU NEED IT
If you’ve never tried Deborah Lippmann nail polish, this shade should definitely be your first. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a creamy, gel-like finish.
WHAT TO KNOW
Just as the name suggests, this nude nail polish embodies some of the exact hues you would find at the beach.
Olive & June Nail Polish In MM
Overall Score
4.25
09
Olive & June Nail Polish In MM
4.6
147 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Long-Lasting Nude Nail Polish
WHAT TO LOVE
Olive & June’s MM shade is a slightly-toasted take on a classic neutral tone. And because this color is named after Mandy Moore, you know it’s going to convey class and charm.
MORE DETAILS
This nude nail polish provides a gel-like finish while still being easy to swipe away with standard nail polish remover.
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish In Re-Nude
Overall Score
4.25
08
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish In Re-Nude
4.48
8582 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Strengthening Nude Nail Polish
FORMULA FACT
Thanks to the addition of argan oil in Sally Hansen’s Color Therapy Nail Polish, using this product can actually help strengthen weak, brittle nails.
WHAT ELSE
Re-Nude will give your nails a taupe-like top coat (that’s a tongue twister) that’s glossy and resistant to fading and chips.
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour In Particuliere
Overall Score
4.3
07
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour In Particuliere
4.47
573 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Luxury Nude Nail Polish
WHAT TO LOVE
Chanel’s luxurious Le Vernis line of nail polishes provides long-lasting, high-shine color. Their Particuliere shade is a dark nude nail color similar to the hue of a creamy cup of coffee, and much like your morning caffeine routine, it’s everyday-approved.
MORE DETAILS
This polish is formulated with nourishing bioceramics and ceramides so that it can help strengthen and improve the quality of your nails over time.
Cirque Colors Creme Nail Polish In Coffee Talk
Overall Score
4.35
06
Cirque Colors Creme Nail Polish In Coffee Talk
4.89
7569 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clean Nude Nail Polish
FORMULA FACT
Did you know that small-batch nail polishes are a thing? Meet Cirque Colors, the Brooklyn-based nail-care brand that’s creating vegan, non-toxic, long-lasting cream polishes for those of us who want color without the long list of concerning ingredients.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
Coffee Talk is a medium-brown shade that’s flattering on all skin tones. For peak pigmentation, apply two to three coats of Coffee Talk, then swipe on a top coat to prevent chips.
Essie Nail Polish In Topless And Barefoot
Overall Score
4.4
05
Essie Nail Polish In Topless And Barefoot
4.6
33760 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Nude Nail Polish For All Skin Tones
WHAT TO LOVE
We’d be concerned if Essie hadn’t landed somewhere in our list, because they’ve been dominating the nail polish industry for some time now. Topless and Barefoot is their best-selling nude nail polish, and like the name implies, this shade is made for embracing your most-natural self.
REVIEWER EXPERIENCE
“I got the Topless and Barefoot color, which is a pastel-ish pale pink. It’s beautiful and so neutral that I wear it to work with my business-casual attire. This color is also great for a night out, or just lounging around in the house. It’s that kind of shade of pink. It’s just BEAUTIFUL. I put a clear base coat, two coats of this color, and a clear top coat, and it’ll last about four days before starting to chip, but that’s because I do a lot of chores around the house. Pampered hands would last over a week, I’m sure.”
OPI Nail Lacquer In Coconuts Over OPI
Overall Score
4.45
04
OPI Nail Lacquer In Coconuts Over OPI
4.36
601 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Nude Nail Polish For Medium Skin
FORMULA FACT
OPI promises seven days of fade-free wear from their Nail Lacquer’s formula. Plus, their ProWide Brush (a brand-exclusive applicator) makes every swipe of polish smooth, glossy, and smudge-free.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
Coconuts Over OPI is a nude-pink nail polish shade that’s subtle enough to catch some second glances. Because of its light color, you likely don’t need a base coat, but we recommend layering a glossy top coat on for a high-impact look.
OPI Nail Lacquer In Samoan Sand
Overall Score
4.5
03
OPI Nail Lacquer In Samoan Sand
4.46
2487 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Nude Nail Polish For Fair Skin
WHAT TO LOVE
Different from Coconuts Over OPI, OPI’s Samoan Sand color is a warm, beige-pink nude nail color. Something to note is the brand mentions this particular shade is opaque, so you might have to apply several coats in order to get the pigmentation level you’re looking for.
REVIEWER EXPERIENCE
“I love this color. When I think of nude, this is the exact color that I imagine. I’m not sure why it’s so hard to find nail polish that's nude without looking too pink. This is it! It stayed on really well."
OPI Nail Lacquer In Barefoot In Barcelona
Overall Score
4.55
02
OPI Nail Lacquer In Barefoot In Barcelona
4.6
879 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Pinkish Nude Nail Polish
WHAT TO LOVE
Have you ever imagined running barefoot through the streets of Barcelona? Well, it turns out that fantasy is closer than you think. OPI’s Barefoot in Barcelona Nail Lacquer is a warm take on taupe that looks great on all kinds of skin tones and nail shapes.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
According to OPI’s website, nail lacquer is thicker than typical nail polish formulas, which is why it’s a more durable and chip-resistant option.
Essie Nail Polish In Wild Nude
Overall Score
4.55
01
Essie Nail Polish In Wild Nude
4.6
33699 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Nude Nail Polish Overall
WHAT TO LOVE
Described as a warm tan tone with a wash of white, Essie’s Wild Nude Nail Polish color is the perfect way to achieve the shimmery, natural manicure of your dreams—especially since it comes with the brand’s easy-glide brush applicator.
REVIEWER EXPERIENCE
"If you need proof that this is actually the best nude nail polish money can buy, here’s a review from a (reformed) fellow skeptic: “Never wore nude polish because I couldn’t find a shade that looked good on me. I have fallen for Essie’s Wild Nude #1005, and I am now the proud owner of five bottles!”
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