Forget the Trends—These Classic Nail Colours Are Quietly Dominating and Always in Style
These minimalist manicures are soft, sheer and go with absolutely everything.
As a beauty editor, I’m used to spotting microtrends and predicting which ones will enter the mainstream, but keeping track of emerging nail trends is becoming a full-time job in its own right. Even more so than makeup and haircuts, manicures move fast, and there's always an impressive amount of nail-art inspiration dominating my social feeds. From creamy cappuccino and rich maroon to cute Bambi-print nails, there are so many playful options emerging from salons right now.
But what about those of us who prefer a more pared-back approach to our nails? Luckily, you’re covered too. Whether it’s minimalist manicures or clear nail designs, one of the biggest nail trends of the last year has been the emergence of "naked nails": a perfectly polished manicure created with a sheer nail colour. And nail experts are obsessed with it, too.
"Sheer manicures are just so effortless; they’re like no-makeup makeup, but for your nails," says nail expert and OPI global ambassador Iram Shelton. Unlike opting for a bright nail colour or an experimental nail-art look, it’s clear that sheer nail colours are also rising in popularity thanks to how versatile and low-maintenance they are. "Sheer nails suit everyone and can easily be created at home with lacquer, too. It looks so clean and minimal," explains Shelton.
So, what are the best sheer nail colours if you want to re-create this understated manicure at home? "OPI Bare My Soul (£16) has been really popular this year," says Shelton. "It’s a sheer nude that will complement all skin tones, and can be worn totally sheer or with a couple of coats to give more of an opaque finish." Plus, nail tints and sheer shades with just a hint of colour are growing in popularity too. "I think the mix of lip gloss and jelly nails will be the next popular thing," predicts Shelton.
Feeling inspired? Ahead, we’ve rounded up eight of the best sheer manicures to inspire your next nail look—and the polishes you need to get the look.
8 of the Best Sheer Nail Colours 2026
1. Milky Nails
The perfect entryway to the sheer nail trend, milky nails provide all the high-gloss, healthy nail finish of a sheer manicure but with an ever-so-slightly cloudy finish. More of a semi-sheer nail, in fact. It’s perfect if you want to minimise the appearance of any ridges or discolouration on your natural nails, too.
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2. Rose Blush
This sheer pink manicure is so subtle, yet undeniably expensive-looking. (Which, perhaps, isn’t surprising considering it was created with an Hermès nail polish.) The polished finish suits every occasion but would look particularly striking as a chic wedding-day manicure.
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3. Lavender Haze
While the beauty of a sheer manicure lies in its minimalist appeal, it doesn't mean that there isn't room to have fun with your colour palette. This soft lavender hue is surprisingly versatile and will be perfect for spring.
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4. Sheer Shimmer
Minimal doesn’t have to mean boring, and sheer nail colours often look incredibly beautiful when imbued with a little texture. Whether that’s a pearlescent finish or a scattering of sparkle like this look, it proves that simple doesn’t have to mean stark.
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5. Pearl Shine
Chrome nails and metallic finishes are going to be a big trend this year, but if you prefer your manicures a little more understated, then a pearl glow looks so chic and elegant.
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6. BB Cream
Much like a BB cream that you’d put on your face, BB cream nail polishes offer a similarly light layer of coverage with a sheer wash of colour. Emerging in salons thanks to Canadian nail brand Gelcare, you can get a similar look at home by opting for a sheer pinky-beige colour with minimal opacity.
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7. Lipgloss Nails
As predicted by Shelton, "lip gloss" manicures are an emerging sheer nail trend, and this one is about as chic as they come. Look for soft colours like peaches, apricots and petal pinks and apply just one thin coat to add a glossy hint of colour without concealing your natural nail beneath.
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8. Pink Glow
Nail tints are hugely popular right now thanks to the way they enhance your natural nails with a subtle pop of colour and boost luminosity. Dior’s Nail Glow is always recommended by nail experts for the way that it imparts a glossy wash of pink for instant polish.
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