The Best Neutral Nail Shades – Chosen By The Experts
Image: RAELONDONNAILS
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The Best Neutral Nail Shades – Chosen By The Experts

There’s a neutral nail polish out there for everyone – but with so much choice available, finding the right one for your skin tone is easier said than done. To narrow the search, we asked ten top manicurists to name their suits-everybody favourites…
By Rebecca Hull /
Image: RAELONDONNAILS

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Biosculpture French Crème Polish

Rated By: Julia Diogo, @PaintedByJools 

“This is an easy, cream-toned neutral shade that works well for most skin tones. It instantly gives a ‘your nails but better’ finish and has a glossy shine that lasts for days.”

Available at BioSculpture.com

Dior Nail Glow

Rated By: Harriet Westmoreland, @HarrietWestmoreland

“I've used Dior Nail Glow for years, on myself and on clients. It's one of the most used nail polishes I own. It gives the perfect amount of pink while staying super sheer and glossy. It suits all skin tones and gives off such a healthy glow. It's a bit like a tinted moisturiser for your nails. Also, the brush is slightly rounded making it really easy to apply.”

Available at Boots.com

Nailberry L'Oxygene Nail Lacquer in Elegance

Rated By: Megan Evans, @TheBeautyEdits_

“I always have one of these with me. It’s a very sheer polish which gives the nail a soft, pink-y glow. The result is tips that look healthy and polished, but never OTT. The Nailberry polishes are really hydrating, too, which is a bonus.”

Available at SpaceNK.com

Dior Base Coat Abricot

Rated By: Emma Jackson, @EmmaJacksonNailArtist & Saskia Fenwick, @SaskiaFenwick

Emma: “My favourite shade for all skin tones is ‘Abricot’ by Dior. It has a soft, nude tone that hides any imperfections on the nail plate, while giving tips a healthy, glossy appearance. I like to apply two coats followed by Dior’s Top Coat to lock everything down. You get a gel effect finish that looks professional.”

Saskia: “Easy to work with and fast to dry, this is the best polish for smoothing nails and creating a flawless finish. It always gives nails a professional look and lasts for days without chipping.”

Available at Boots.com

Essie Ballet Slippers

Rated By: Sarah, @SarahFalshaw

“It’s a classic for a reason. A beautiful neutral, it has a milky, sheer finish that suits everyone. A staple in my kit, I always have several bottles to hand. It’s also the Queen’s favourite nail polish, which only makes me love it more.” 

Available at Boots.com

OPI Nail Polish in Put It In Neutral

Rated By: Georgia Rae, @RaeLondonNails 

“For me, this is an iconic shade. Soft and sheer, it’s a suits-all pink with beige undertones that works on everyone. I apply one coat to give the nail a wash of colour and blur any unevenness. It gives you that natural but still ‘done’ effect.”

Available at OPIUK.com

Chanel La Base Camelia Polish

Rated By: The Daily Nail, @TheDailyNailOfficial 

“This is the perfect sheer nude. It’s actually a base coat, but it can be layered up for denser coverage. It’s great for a quick, on-the-go refresh when your nails need a visible but fuss-free makeover. Plus, it dries quicker than most. Above any other shade right now, this is the one most often requested by my clients.”

Available at Harrods.com

Essie Nail Polish in Not Just A Pretty Face

Rated By: Michelle Humphrey, @NailsByMH

“I’m a huge fan of a semi-sheer texture. It makes the colour you’re using more adaptable and flattering, plus it blends with the colour of your nailbed. My favourite right now is this one by Essie. It’s buildable, so you can layer it up for more solid coverage. It’s also warm and not too pink or white – it’s just perfect. Ideal for a French mani or negative space nail art – Jodie Comer is a huge fan.”

Available at Boots.com

OPI Nail Polish in Bubble Bath

Rated By: Iram Shelton, @IramShelton 

“OPI bubble bath is my go-to shade; I wear it all year round. It’s the prettiest nude I’ve come across and the best thing about it is that it suits almost every skin tone. I love wearing it on its own for a natural, clean look but I also love using it as a base for French manicures and minimal nail designs. It’s timeless and classy.”

Available at Boots.com

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