Nail Colors That Look Luxurious Are My Expertise—This £9 Polish Is Among The Best Available.

      Although sheer nails have been one of the standout nail trends this year, they have been my preferred choice for quite a while. Over the past year, I've consistently asked for them. Instead of frantically flipping through the nail wheel, I’ve started bypassing the more opaque colors altogether and gravitating towards sheer nail shades that provide a subtle layer of coverage. Sheer polishes are a reliable way to achieve manicures that appear both sophisticated and understated.

      One polish that I recently discovered is Essie Mademoiselle nail polish. Since finding it, I've learned that it's a favorite among beauty editors for creating a soft, sheer pink, slightly milky nail appearance. The brand describes it as the quintessential classic pink polish, one that is perpetually stylish and adored by many. While these claims may sound grand, having tried it myself and discussed it with others who love the ultra-sheer soft pink, I tend to agree.

      Essie’s Mademoiselle is a pink that is warm, approachable, sheer yet buildable, and classic without being dull. It’s a universally appealing shade, which explains why it is the brand's second best-selling color (following the royal-favorite Ballet Slippers). I appreciate how it enhances the appearance of my nails while still letting my natural nails show through, making it my go-to for when I’m taking a break from gel and BIAB nails, as well as for a simple, elegant pedicure color.

      While Essie’s Mademoiselle can certainly be worn alone, that’s not the only option for this sheer shade. The brand also presents Mademoiselle as the ideal color for pairing with French tips. For inspiration, check out this nail design created by celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein.

      As I mentioned earlier, I have been on a quest to find the best sheer nail polishes this past year. While I can confidently say that nothing quite compares to Essie’s Mademoiselle, if you’re looking for a sheer pink polish with cooler undertones, more opacity, or a longer-lasting gel finish, there are some excellent alternatives available.

      And if you’re new to sheer polishes, feel free to layer them until you reach your desired look. The beauty of this style is that you can customize it to suit your taste—believe me, there’s a sheer pink polish for everyone.

      Here are more polishes similar to Essie Mademoiselle:

      Chanel

      Le Vernis Nail Colour in Ballerina

      Leighton Denny

      High Performance Nail Polish in 3 Times a Lady

      This is a lovely warm-toned pink.

      Barry M

      Sheer Strength Nail Paint in Sheer Grace

      Barry M's formula is crafted to strengthen nails while providing color.

      OPI

      Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in Bubble Bath

      A fantastic sheer pink gel formula.

      Manucurist

      Green Nail Polish in Pale Rose

      Manucurist's Green polish is designed to be gentler on nails.