Top 20 Sheer Nail Polishes

I am so excited to be sharing my Top 20 Sheer Nail Polishes with you today. I’ve only recently become a fan of sheer polishes, and now I’m obsessed. I review a few helpful tips to applying sheers in the video below, but I also want to share here with you. If you purchase any of the Essie polishes in store, make sure they have a wide brush. The wide brush makes the application 10 times easier. If you purchase from Beyond Polish, and receive a skinny brush, you may return for a wide brush if the polish is unused.

Another application tip is to be sure to apply the polishes in thin coats. Thicker coats tend to make the polish appear way too thick, and makes application messy.

Alright, let’s get to the polishes. Keep scrolling for swatch photos, or watch the video for more info!

1. Sheer Luck

‘Sheer Luck’ is a “classic sheer pink.” I’m not sure if my bottle is just old, or if the Essie description is off, but this polish is definitely white on me. It also has a very fine shimmer. This polish was released with the ‘Celebration/#essielove Moments’ Collection in 2019.

2. Bubble Bath

Opi ‘Bubble Bath’ is an absolute classic sheer polish. This sheer peachy pink polish was released in 2001. I’m not sure if the formula/color have changed or what, but I have heard people say that their version is more pink. This polish is currently available at Beyond Polish (Affiliate link).

3. Vanity Fairest

‘Vanity Fairest’ is an absolutely irresistable sheer. This is a white/pink sheer with shimmer as well. It applies like heaven and is a must have for all skin tones! I’m not sure when this polish was released, so if you know, leave a comment down below.

4. Sugar Daddy

‘Sugar Daddy’ is another polish that is described as a pink, but it leans peachy on me. With this polish, you have to be sure to float your brush on that last coat to really eliminate any streaks. Once you do that, it’s pure heaven! This polish is currently available at Beyond Polish (affiliate link).

5. Sheer Fantasy

‘Sheer Fantasy’ is a sheer pink that was released with the original Essie Gel Couture 42 piece Collection in 2016. This beauty applies very easily, and gives your nails a ‘your nails but better’ look.

6. Skinny Dip

‘Skinny Dip,’ is a sheer peachy pink released with the Essie Wild Nude Collection in 2017. THAT collection had some great polishes, and this was no exception. My notes on this one say, “great formula…like A LOT.’

7. Mademoiselle

Now we get to a TRUE sheer pink, Essie Mademoiselle. Essie’s website says, “say bonjour to the most classic grown-up pink.” This beauty is currently available at Beyond Polish (affiliate link).

8. Bunny Slope

Next up, we have a ‘not really a sheer’ sheer. Lol. Olive & June ‘Bunny Slope’ is a “winter white ivory” released in the 2021 Holiday/Winter Collection. ‘Bunny Slope’ is opaque in 2-3 coats…so probs not a sheer, but I wanted to include it anyways. This polish can be purchased at Olive & June (affiliate link).

9. Funny Bunny

Oh, Opi ‘Funny Bunny,’ you started my love and obsession for sheers. You are perfection and I love you, you “soft elegant white with a sheer finish,” you.

10. BEB

Olive & June certainly makes some fabulous polishes, and this sheer is no exception. BEB is a perfect sheer white that looks great at one, two or three coats. This beauty can be purchased at Olive & June (affiliate link).

11. Tuck it in my Tux

My fave white sheer everrrrrr! ‘Tuck it in my Tux’ was released in the Essie 2014 Collection, along with ‘Jiggle Hi, Jiggle Lo’ and ‘Double Breasted Jacket.’ I was sooo not excited about this polish when it was released because I really disliked sheer polishes. My view on this polish clearly has changed. Lol.

12. Marshmallow

Essie ‘Marshmallow’ is another classic sheer. ‘Marshmallow’ is another stunning, squishy white polish, but you really need to apply this one in THIN coats. I had this polish years ago and hated it because it looked so thick. I have since learned that the key to this beauty is applying very thin coats. Thin coats equal ‘Marshmallow’ perfection.

13. Ballet Slippers

Essie ‘Ballet Slippers.’ Do I really need to say any more? It’s classic. The wide brush takes away the streaks that used to occur. PICK THIS ONE UP! ‘Ballet Slippers’ is currently available at Beyond Polish (affiliate link).

14. Gossamer Garments

The most perfect sheer pink ever!!! Have I already said that about another polish? Sorry…can’t pick a fave. Essie ‘Gossamer Garments’ is so beautiful. It will make the ugliest nails looks like princess nails. It’s currently available at Beyond Polish (affiliate link).

15. Bodice Goddess

Essie ‘Bodice Goddess’ is the only lilac sheer in this bunch. It looks more pink than lilac really. It will basically make your hands look like mannequin hands but better. Another must have sheer.

16. BBF Best Boyfriend

This polish is actually a new fave. I found this stunner at Nordstrom Rack last month and fell in love. ‘Best Boyfriend’ is the most perfect “nude with subtle pink undertones.” Drive to your Nordstrom Rack now and cross your fingers that this beauty is there!!

17. Fairy Taylor

Essie ‘Fairy Taylor’ is another absolutely stunning peachy sheer. I believe this was also released with the initial Essie Gel Couture collection release. Another stunner, another must have sheer. This beauty is currently available at Beyond Polish (affiliate link).

18. HGC

Can you tell I love Olive & June? HGC is another beautiful sheer white. This was one of the polishes that led me to fall in love with sheer polishes…this one and Opi ‘Funny Bunny.’ HGC can be purchased at Olive & June (affiliate link).

19. Hi Maintenance

Ok…no…this is my fave pink sheer. Essie ‘Hi Maintenance’ is perfection. No lie…perfection. It’s on sale at Beyond Polish for only $5.44 at the writing of this post. Go get it now!! Lol.

20. Mimosas for Mr. and Mrs.

Opi ‘Mimosas for Mr. and Mrs.’ was a recent Marshall’s find that I immediately fell in love with. It’s a beautiful “neutral nude with a sheer finish.” This will look good on any skin tone!!

Congrats on reaching the end of this post! Let me know what you think of my top 20 sheer nail polishes!! If you’re interested in seeing new collection releases, check out my posts here.