Nude nail polishes are my ultimate chic accessory – I adore everything from a bridal appropriate nude to a mannequin-hand nude (I might be alone on that one… it’s very FASHUN). Here are my current top 5 nudes, a little something for everyone.

I swear my cuticles look neat in person, my camera is an a-hole. From thumb to pinky…

Marc Jacobs – Fluorescent Beige

Fluorescent Beige is one of the more unique nudes on the market, it can be described as a dusty mauve infused with vibrant pink micro shimmer that lends an slight lilac tone. The shimmer is very muted; only in direct sunlight can one catch the sparkle but it’s a clever touch.

I think this one would translate well on a variety of skintones as it’s on the deeper side of the nude spectrum. Opaque in two coats, I only wish it had a wide brush but that’s a matter of preference 🙂

OPI – Tickle My Francey

An oldie but a goodie, Tickle My Francey registers as quite a greige nude on my hands, I adore a stone grey undertone and a good dash of mauve makes this one more wearable. A very chic, off-beat nude that is opaque in two coats. Wide brush too, woot!

YSL – Beige Leger

At first glance, Beige Leger resembles Marc Jacobs Fluorescent Beige but it’s a dash warmer and not at all lilac. My favourite of the YSL offerings, this one can sometimes look mauvey and sometimes more cafe au lait… To me, it reminds me of an expensive pair of pumps although that’s an entirely irrational analogy.

While some nudes strike me as fluffy and a waste of time, Beige Leger is rich in tone and looks fabulous on an array of skintones (warmer skintones in particular, where cool toned nudes can resemble frostbitten hands). This formula is absolutely exceptional: super smooth, self levelling and potentially a one-coater (although I do tend to apply two coats). The brush is uber wide, one swipe and you’re good to go!

OPI – Coney Island Cotton Candy

Coney Island Cotton Candy is one of the old-school OPI shades, I’d call it a peachy nude and it’s the palest of the bunch. Super sheer formula – a lot of reviews I’ve read complain that it requires 4 coats to achieve full opacity and I totally agree! I generally apply two coats and let some of my natural nail shine through but if you’re looking for complete coverage, this shade will likely p*ss you off.

If you have a lot of pink on your paws, Coney Island Cotton Candy might read a bit yellow on you but those with warm undertones will appreciate a peachy alternative in a sea of sheer pink polishes. If you’re not one for mannequin hand, be wary – at 3 coats it can veer in that direction.

essie – Not Just a Pretty Face

A spinoff from the stock standard pale polish, this essie number is the nail equivalent of a warm pinky nude lipstick. It is slightly brightened; a flattering pick when my hands are lookin’ a little grey. Not Just a Pretty Face is sheer (although less so than Coney Island Cotton Candy), I find two coats retains a whisper of the natural nail below and three coats achieves full opacity, as worn in the shot above.

It’s a no brainer shade, particularly if you have a soft spot for salmon pinks.

What are your favourite nude polishes? Let me know in the comment section below 🙂

xxkarima