Seriously—This Chic £10 Nail Polish Has Replaced My Gel Manicures

As a beauty editor, alongside researching Wholesale Replica Bag nail trends and trending nail colours, I've been on a secret side quest to find the ultimate sheer nail polishes. Specifically, the very best sheer pink nail polish.

Sheer pink manicure

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Since giving up gel manicures after having a reaction a few years ago, I've been seeking the best gel nail alternatives and nail polishes that leave my nails looking like I've just left the salon. Now, I've tried several sheer pink nail polishes, from the most expensive, luxurious brands all the way through to drugstore polishes, and I'm pleased to confirm that I've finally found the perfect sheer pink shade that's universally flattering, and it's one of my favourite nail polishes ever. And did I mention that it's only £10?

Essie Sugar Daddy Nail Polish

Essie Sugar Daddy nail polish

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

One Coat of Essie Sugar Daddy Nail Polish

1 coat of Essie Sugar Daddy nail polish

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

One coat evens out my nail colour, subtly brightens and adds a healthy lustre while remaining natural-looking.

Two Coats of Essie Sugar Daddy Nail Polish

2 coats of Essie Sugar Daddy nail polish

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

Two coats provides a little more coverage while still ticking the sheer your-nails-but-better look I love.

Three Coats of Essie Sugar Daddy Nail Polish

3 coats of Essie Sugar Daddy nail polish

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

Three coats is the sweet spot for me, which adds a more opaque pink tint that remains sheer.

The Verdict

Essie Sugar Daddy nail polish

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK)

It's safe to say I love this nail colour. It's like a tinted moisturiser or subtle blush for your nails, which instantly makes them look healthy so, so shiny. I recommend three coats for the best result, but you could easily add more if you want to enjoy a bit more pink. While this is a sheer polish, the overall hue is quite bright, so you can really dial up the intensity with this.

I will say it's not the most long-lasting polish on its own, but since I've been using it with my all-time favourite top coat (the Essie Gel Couture To Coat), I've found it can last for up to a week without chipping. Since wearing it, I've also found that it leaves my nails looking and feeling brighter even after removing it, which is a big plus. The fact that it's £10 and rivals more expensive £20+ nail polishes I've tried means I'll be stocking up on this nail polish for good.

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Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.