The 18 Best Nude Nail Polishes for Every Skin Tone

Best for Warm-Toned Deep Skin

Butter London Sheer Wisdom Nail

View On Butterlondon.com

To avoid mannequin hands (think: Matching skin and nail color), deep skin with warm undertones should opt for a rich hue — like this chocolatey shade from Butter London. The luxurious dark brown prevents skin from looking dull or washed out the way lighter shades might, and its sheer finish gives nails a crisp, clean look. Similar to a tinted skin moisturizer, it evens out nail color without being too heavy for an elevated take on a basic manicure. 

This polish doesn’t just look natural, though. It also is chock full of repairing ingredients like vitamin E, tea tree oil, and arginine (a strengthening amino acid), so your nails become stronger with wear. Note that because the lacquer is thin, it is more likely to chip than other options. But since the coverage is sheer to begin with, we’re pleased to report that chips, for the most part, go unnoticed. 

Finish: Glossy | Shade: Sheer chocolate with neutral tones | Size: 0.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Neutral-Toned Deep Skin

JINsoon Nail Polish

View On Jinsoon.com

Inspired by your favorite way to wake up in the morning, this cocoa bean dark brown shade completes a nude mani. Its rich-looking color feels extremely grown-up, but a brilliant shine stops it from being boring. And, since this polish is chip-resistant and super durable, you can go gloveless while washing the dishes.

We love that you’ll feel peace of mind applying again and again because it’s free of chemicals (specifically 21) like formaldehyde and parabens. JINsoon also formulates its polishes with a UV filter to protect against fading and yellowing. Keep in mind that it could take around 15 minutes for the polish to dry, but once it sets, it lasts for about a week.

Finish: Glossy | Shade: Cocoa bean brown | Size: 0.37 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Cool-Toned Deep Skin

OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Lacquer

View On Amazon $12

If you looked at this shade and thought you were reading the wrong article, hear us out: We know it has a blue-ish tint, but those who have cooler-toned deep skin are more likely to find their perfect nude by choosing darker, fruit-forward colors like plum or blueberry. When applied against deep skin, the dark brown color provides nails with a moody, neutral shade perfect for standing out just enough to get noticed while still playing the part of a subtle nude. 

We love that it only takes two coats of this polish to achieve opaque coverage, plus it has impressive longevity (on average, you can go a week without experiencing any chips). We’re confident the shade will quickly become a staple in your polish collection — just make sure you’ve done the dishes and styled your hair before applying because it can take a while to dry. 

Finish: Creme | Shade: Dark brown | Size: 0.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Best For Warm-Toned Dark Skin

Orly Nail Polish

View On Orlybeauty.com

White or pinkish undertones accompany so many nude nail polishes, but this warm opaque pick from Orly will complement darker skin tones much better than a sheer choice. Although it almost looks black in the bottle, the smooth espresso shade applies as a rich neutral on warm-toned dark skin. You could even repurpose the coffee-bean brown hue and incorporate it into a camo nail art design by accentuating the color with a green base.

Since Orly formulates the vegan polish with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin C, it’s strong enough to withstand chipping even without a base or top coat. However, keep in mind that some dark colors tend to stain your natural nail, so you may want to apply a base coat just to be safe. 

Finish: Creme | Shade: Dark espresso | Size: 0.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Neutral-Toned Dark Skin

People of Color Nail Polish in Brown Sugar Babe

View On Beyondpolish.com View On Peopleofcolorbeauty.com

Brown Sugar Babe is the nude you’ve been searching for, and once you get it on your nails, you’ll never want to take it off. According to the brand's site, Jacqueline Carrington formed the People of Color after noticing a lack of representation in dark skin tones that modeled nail polish. She has now created several lines of long-lasting lacquers, specifically with BIPOC skin tones in mind, including this brown hue. The vegan formula gives your nails the glow-up they deserve while still keeping things neutral. It takes time to dry between coats, but the results are worth the wait.

Finish: Glossy | Shade: Warm brown | Size: 0.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best For Cool-Toned Dark Skin

Zoya Nail Polish

View On Zoya.com

Celebrity Manicurist and Educator Mimi D explains since many people with dark and deep skin tones have a different color on their hand, cuticle, and very tips of fingers, finding a true nude can sometimes be a challenge. Her trick? Match the polish with your hand color, like her pick from Zoya, which has rich rosy, pink hues that will complement cool blue-purple undertones.

Described as a “decadent hot chocolate,” we’re tempted to cozy up to this shade all year long, but you can check out the entire trio for several other nudes to wear from winter to summer. One coat of this 10-Free nail polish will give your nails a lovely sheer finish, however, if you’re in the market for more opaque coverage, it could take up to five swipes.

Finish: Creme | Shade: Brown | Size: 0.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best For Warm-Toned Olive Skin

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish

View On Amazon $6 View On Ulta $7 View On Target $6

Who knew any trend with the word potato in it would be the one to stick around through multiple cycles and seasons? The flattering brown and beige color scheme surpasses clothing to include polishes, like this brightening pick recommended by D. She tells us since most people with olive skin have warmer hues, they'll do well using a shade like this one that complements green tones. 

Feel free to swipe this on right before you run out the door because it’ll dry in 60 seconds, making it an impatient person’s best friend. Luckily the rich, pigmented formula only takes one coat because, after a couple of swipes, it starts to look a little clumpy. 

Finish: Glossy | Shade: Beige | Size: 0.31 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Neutral-Toned Olive Skin

Dior Nail Lacquer

View On Dior.com

Where a shade that’s too tan may camouflage itself next to olive skin, a deep mauve, like this one from Dior, enhances the natural nail. With just one coat of this pigmented polish, you have an ultra-shiny and eye-catching manicure. The lacquer doesn’t just look luxurious, though. Dior infused the formula with peony and pistachio extracts to help strengthen your nails. To protect your manicure and avoid premature chips, consider pairing it with Dior’s highly-rated Top Coat Abricot.

Finish: Glossy | Shade: Rosy pink | Size: 0.33 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Best For Cool-Toned Olive Skin

Chanel Nail Colour

View On Nordstrom $30 View On Ulta $30 View On Chanel.com

To ensure your polish doesn’t blend into the yellow tones of olive skin, pick up something closer to pink, such as the stunning Chanel shade. Organdi is as classy as it comes when looking for a new neutral, and against olive tones, it reminds us of the barely-there shade you’d see on a ‘90s supermodel.

Compared to other lacquers on this list, this one comes with a higher price tag. But we think it's worth it seeing how the polish protects your nails with strengthening ingredients (including bioceramics and ceramides) and has a long-lasting formula that allows you to ditch a base and top coat. Perhaps the only area where this polish lacks is the brush size, which is thinner than most standard brushes.

Finish: High-shine | Shade: Neutral pink | Size: 0.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Best For Warm-Toned Tan Skin

Mented Nail Polish

View On Mentedcosmetics.com

If seeing Mented and nude next to each other doesn’t look totally unfamiliar, it’s because the Black woman-owned brand originally stepped onto the scene with a line of nude lipsticks targeted toward complementing every skin tone. The brand's way of thinking extends to its nail polishes, and, as the name suggests, its Yes We Tan shade suits warm-toned tan skin like a dream.

Instead of chameleoning against the skin like some neutrals have a tendency to do, it accentuates warm tones so it won’t go unnoticed. The super-pigmented, vegan formula only takes one coat to provide high-shine and creamy coverage. You’ll want this color to last forever, so make sure to apply a good top coat for extra protection, as it can chip easily.

Finish: High-shine | Shade: Nude | Size: 0.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Neutral-Toned Tan Skin

Cirque Colors Nail Polish in Coffee Talk

View On Amazon $13 View On Beyondpolish.com

We’re no strangers to seeing coffee-color shades in every fall wardrobe, but this medium brown should become your everyday look. If it initially seems too dark for a nude, Makeup Artist Gabrielle Alvarez tells us that “it’s always best to go at least two to three shades darker than the skin tone” to prevent your skin from looking washed out — but there’s no chance of that happening with this warm shade. Think of it as less espresso and more of a cup of coffee with a splash of milk. The chocolatey color lasts around a week, and you only need two coats for full coverage. Bear in mind it does have a slight rosy tint, which we think helps balance the blue-green tones on neutral tan skin.

Finish: Glossy | Shade: Medium brown | Size: 0.37 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best For Cool-Toned Tan Skin

OPI Nail Polish in Put It In Neutral

View On Ulta $11 View On Walmart $11

The girls that get it, get OPI. At least, that’s according to TikTok, whose users love this viral shade for how it gives nails a fresh, clean look you can take to work and out to dinner dates. The sheer, almost silvery-pink undertones will bring out the best of your cool complexion, and its creamy finish gives you something similar to the milky nails sported by celebs like Lizzo and Kim Kardashian. It’s pretty sheer, so if you’re looking for something a little more eye-catching, try overlaying it with Bubble Bath, another internet favorite, for a stunning neutral that flatters everyone but shines especially bright against tan skin.

Finish: Cream | Shade: Pinkish Beige | Size: 0.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Best For Warm-Toned Medium Skin

Essie Nail Polish

View On Walmart $8

If you have warmer-toned medium skin, you probably already know to go for gold when picking jewelry and clothing. But when it comes to your manicure, you’ll do best finding a nude nail polish with creamy beige coverage. Although we love this lacquer because it’s particularly flattering on warm-toned medium skin, many reviewers say it’s the Skims slip dress of nude polishes for how it flatters seemingly every skin tone. Since lighter lacquers tend to be a bit streakier, be sure to watch a TikTok or two in between applying shades because you’ll want to wait for the first coat to completely dry before adding another for a smooth finish.

Finish: Glossy, high-shine | Shade: Beige | Size: 0.46 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Neutral-Toned Medium Skin

Olive and June CDJ

View On Oliveandjune.com View On Walgreens $10

With just a smidge of warmth, this overall cool shade couldn’t be a better fit for those with neutral undertones. The near-lilac tint complements medium skin tones beautifully and leans the color toward gray without venturing into totally chilly territory. 

All Olive + June products use a vegan and cruelty-free formula that gives you a gel-like look without hours in the salon chair, and this pick is no exception. Many customers who purchased Mani System got over a week’s worth of wear before noticing chipping, but on its own, the polish could peel after a few days.

Finish: Cream | Shade: Gray beige | Size: 0.46 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best For Cool-Toned Medium Skin

Nails.INC Scented Nail Polish

View On Target $8 View On Walmart

Looking for a nude nail polish that will melt into your cool-toned medium skin rather than pop out against it? Well, we found it: No Fear Chocolatier from Nails Inc. It appears a little gray right out of the bottle but stands out as a beautiful brown on medium skin. The vegan and highly pigmented formula carries the dessert-core theme right down to the scent, which, although reviewers did say faded once the polish dried, could be unpleasant to some if you’re sensitive to this type of thing. 

Finish: Gloss | Shade: Beige | Size: 0.46 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best For Warm-Toned Fair Skin

Essie Nail Polish

View On Amazon $7 View On Ulta $10 View On Walgreens $10

For fair-skinned people who’ve felt overwhelmed staring at an endless amount of nude options at the nail salon, one easy rule will change your life: Peachy pink skin should reach for a peachy pink nail color. This sweet shade from Essie is beautifully sheer with a shiny finish that looks incredible against warmer tones. And, as long as celebs like Selena Gomez are bringing back the trend, we think it could make the perfect shade for an OG french manicure. We’d just be wary of what errands you run after applying because although the polish seems to dry quickly, we still found smudges and imprints after a couple of hours.

Finish: Sheer, High-shine | Shade: Pink | Size: 0.46 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Neutral-Toned Fair Skin

Gucci Beauty Nail Polish

View On Net-a-Porter

Nothing makes me feel expensive quite like uncapping this pear-shaped, old Hollywood-style bottle of Gucci nail polish. The delicate rosy color is an ultra-luxe neutral against those with neutral undertones.

Ok, we know it’s a splurge, but you can save by skipping your next mani because it’ll last around a week (some reviewers say even longer) and has opaque coverage in one coat. Thanks to a thick brush that makes application super easy, even your non-dominant hand will look professionally manicured. That said, we wish we would get more product out of each bottle since it’s pretty pricey.

Finish: High Shine | Shade: Pink blush | Size: 0.33 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No