That's it—this £9 Essie nail polish shade has officially taken the place of my milky gel manicures.

That's it—this £9 Essie nail polish shade has officially taken the place of my milky gel manicures.

      As a beauty editor with an allergy to gel nails (unfortunately), one of my main challenges is finding nail polishes that can rival the gel products I once adored. It’s not solely about durability and avoiding chips; I also need nail colors that can match the appealing look of gel options. A shade I struggle to find is a good sheer white polish to mimic a milky manicure. Some white polishes are overly opaque, while others turn out too streaky to achieve the desired effect. However, everything changed when I discovered Essie's Allure Nail Polish (£9), which is one of the best alternatives to gel polish I've encountered.

      Essie Allure Nail Polish

      Essie

      Nail Polish in Allure

      Pros: Affordable, sheer milky off-white shade, can be layered in multiple coats

      Cons: Frequently out of stock in-store

      After spotting Essie's Allure shade all over my social media feeds and on the pages of some of London's top manicurists, I knew I had to try it. The color is a very sheer, slightly off-white that gives a delicate tint to your nails. Its sheer quality means it can be layered for increased intensity without turning opaque. It allows your natural nails to shine through while enhancing the nail plate—it's like a BB cream for your nails.

      One Coat

      Here are my nails with a single coat of Essie Allure. It adds a subtle hint of color while remaining nearly completely sheer.

      Two Coats

      Applying two coats of Allure results in a more perfected finish and brightens the nail plate.

      Three Coats

      My favorite might be three coats. After the third application, you achieve a milky finish that makes your nails appear healthy and glossy.

      The Verdict

      Having worn Essie's Allure nail polish for the past few months, I can confidently say I’m very impressed. It’s not only one of the best sheer white polishes I've tried, but it also wears incredibly well when paired with a top coat. I used Essie's Gel Couture Top Coat, and it lasted a week without significant chipping. The color can be built up, allowing you to adjust the coats to your desired opacity. One coat creates a "no-makeup" look for your nails, two coats enhance them further, and three coats give me the milky appearance I’ve been seeking. Additionally, I appreciate that this polish doesn’t present a stark white—rather, it has a cream undertone that flatters all skin tones. I know I'll be purchasing another bottle soon.

      Shop Now:

      Essie

      Nail Polish in Allure

      Why Trust Us

      At Who What Wear UK, we understand that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years, including skincare, makeup, hair, and nails, and collaborate closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, makeup artists, and industry leaders—to ensure that every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant for you. We prioritize formulas that deliver results, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury finds. Our product selections are based on real outcomes, ingredient expertise, and what we would genuinely recommend to a friend.

That's it—this £9 Essie nail polish shade has officially taken the place of my milky gel manicures. That's it—this £9 Essie nail polish shade has officially taken the place of my milky gel manicures. That's it—this £9 Essie nail polish shade has officially taken the place of my milky gel manicures. That's it—this £9 Essie nail polish shade has officially taken the place of my milky gel manicures. That's it—this £9 Essie nail polish shade has officially taken the place of my milky gel manicures. That's it—this £9 Essie nail polish shade has officially taken the place of my milky gel manicures. That's it—this £9 Essie nail polish shade has officially taken the place of my milky gel manicures.

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That's it—this £9 Essie nail polish shade has officially taken the place of my milky gel manicures.

I won't be looking back ever again.