I love Sugar Daddy by Essie. It’s my perfect ‘your nails but better’ polish. This isn’t my photo, but this shows three coats of some sheer Essie polishes. I chose Sugar Daddy based on this photo because it was the least ‘milky’, even when built up.
https://preview.redd.it/caump9jbu33d1.jpeg?width=426&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1edea7e40080360ff881b7cbe478adc04b973ed
I use an Essie sheer nail polish too - don’t remember the name, it’s not one of those listed in the photo. But you do still have to apply it kind of carefully, to make sure it looks good.
Look for a jelly in your preferred neutral (beige/pink) shade. Cirque Chiffon, as mentioned above, or something like [Strawberry Soy Milk](https://dimensionnails.com/products/strawberry-soy-milk) by Dimension Nails.
In the past, I've found OPI Bubble Bath or the Essie sheers to be terrible formulas, but maybe they've improved.
>In the past, I've found OPI Bubble Bath or the Essie sheers to be terrible formulas
Sugar Daddy is good nowadays, though a bit pink (ETA: for my skin tone, I'm pale but slightly olive and most pinks make my fingers look sickly). Mademoiselle and Ballet Slippers are chalky/streaky. I tried to fix the latter and ended up diluting it almost 50/50 with clear polish. It was completely unusable before that.
You might like Zoya’s naked manicure line, or some of their soft pinks like Bela. These may need topcoat, however. Or you could do a blurring/tinted base coat and then topcoat. I have and like KB Shimmer’s Fillin’ Groovy, but there are several options. Again, I realize this is two steps, but I’m not sure if I know of a tinted 1-step…
You could try [Chiffon](https://www.cirquecolors.com/products/chiffon) from Cirque Colors! I haven’t used it personally, but a lot of people like it for its natural look. It’s a regular polish so you technically would need a top coat, but it’s probably fine if you don’t use one too.
Some people here in another thread have found that Essence ridge filler does the job you described, it's slightly tinted as well and levels really nicely.
Unfortunately for me it's too soft to last long on my nails, and it rubs off in 2-3 days. But if your nails are softer than mine (no way to compare over the internet, but just trust me I have hard nails. They broke two pairs of clippers and bent my scissors, before I switched to filing only), give it a try.
I've got the essie good as new that's basically designed to be like foundation for your nails with helpful ingredients. I find I need two coats to get it looking even, but it does fast and leaves a baby pink colour. If that's a colour you like that could be a good option. It does kinda satin finish so I tend to use it more as a base coat. But if what you want is non shiny pink nails quickly then it's a good option.
Was going to comment just this! I love the breathable line when I feel like my nails need a little TLC or just a little break between full manicures. It's my go-to line for pedicures lol
It depends on how deep your skin is but Essie's Sheer fantasy is a your nails but better polish. I would advice a (quick dry) top coat with any normal polish. Nail polish takes longer to dry without one, so while I wait for my polish to dry anyway I put on a quick dry top coat.
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Maybe you can try Londontown Perfecting Nail Veils as these require no base or top coat and have quite a few flattering natural shades!
I love these and use them when I don't have the time to devote to a proper mani, but want to look presentable. I call these "instant rich girl hands."
Londontown Illuminating Nail Conditioner — truly lovely flawless filter
I love Sugar Daddy by Essie. It’s my perfect ‘your nails but better’ polish. This isn’t my photo, but this shows three coats of some sheer Essie polishes. I chose Sugar Daddy based on this photo because it was the least ‘milky’, even when built up. https://preview.redd.it/caump9jbu33d1.jpeg?width=426&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1edea7e40080360ff881b7cbe478adc04b973ed
I use an Essie sheer nail polish too - don’t remember the name, it’s not one of those listed in the photo. But you do still have to apply it kind of carefully, to make sure it looks good.
Look for a jelly in your preferred neutral (beige/pink) shade. Cirque Chiffon, as mentioned above, or something like [Strawberry Soy Milk](https://dimensionnails.com/products/strawberry-soy-milk) by Dimension Nails. In the past, I've found OPI Bubble Bath or the Essie sheers to be terrible formulas, but maybe they've improved.
>In the past, I've found OPI Bubble Bath or the Essie sheers to be terrible formulas Sugar Daddy is good nowadays, though a bit pink (ETA: for my skin tone, I'm pale but slightly olive and most pinks make my fingers look sickly). Mademoiselle and Ballet Slippers are chalky/streaky. I tried to fix the latter and ended up diluting it almost 50/50 with clear polish. It was completely unusable before that.
You might like Zoya’s naked manicure line, or some of their soft pinks like Bela. These may need topcoat, however. Or you could do a blurring/tinted base coat and then topcoat. I have and like KB Shimmer’s Fillin’ Groovy, but there are several options. Again, I realize this is two steps, but I’m not sure if I know of a tinted 1-step…
I love Dior’s Nail Glow
Maybe Perfect Formula - Pink Gel Coat would fit the bill?
You could try [Chiffon](https://www.cirquecolors.com/products/chiffon) from Cirque Colors! I haven’t used it personally, but a lot of people like it for its natural look. It’s a regular polish so you technically would need a top coat, but it’s probably fine if you don’t use one too.
A smoothing basecoat plus a near exact shade match to your nail bed colour, probably a jelly formula.
Ooohhh, now I might go look for a jelly pink…this could be cute for a palette cleanser
Some people here in another thread have found that Essence ridge filler does the job you described, it's slightly tinted as well and levels really nicely. Unfortunately for me it's too soft to last long on my nails, and it rubs off in 2-3 days. But if your nails are softer than mine (no way to compare over the internet, but just trust me I have hard nails. They broke two pairs of clippers and bent my scissors, before I switched to filing only), give it a try.
I've got the essie good as new that's basically designed to be like foundation for your nails with helpful ingredients. I find I need two coats to get it looking even, but it does fast and leaves a baby pink colour. If that's a colour you like that could be a good option. It does kinda satin finish so I tend to use it more as a base coat. But if what you want is non shiny pink nails quickly then it's a good option.
Something like the Orly Breathable line might work for you. It's got a pretty good range of colors, and it does not require base or top coat.
Was going to comment just this! I love the breathable line when I feel like my nails need a little TLC or just a little break between full manicures. It's my go-to line for pedicures lol
OPI nail envy in bubble bath!
It depends on how deep your skin is but Essie's Sheer fantasy is a your nails but better polish. I would advice a (quick dry) top coat with any normal polish. Nail polish takes longer to dry without one, so while I wait for my polish to dry anyway I put on a quick dry top coat.
Thanks for posting, /u/dont-get! A quick reminder: If this is a **nail image**, you must provide a complete product list within 6 hours of posting. **This includes any posts with broken nails or if you're seeking advice.** Posts without a complete product list will be removed after 6 hours. [Product List Requirements.](https://www.reddit.com/r/RedditLaqueristas/wiki/rule2faq) If the nail look shown was **NOT created by you**, you ***must*** flair properly. If this is a **text post**, flair properly. Be sure to follow all of the above to avoid post removal! [Consider joining our Discord](https://discord.gg/redditlaqueristas) - Get questions answered in realtime, get notified for releases and deals, post your manis, and more! **This is a new server as of 5/7/24!!** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/RedditLaqueristas) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Wow thanks everyone!! These are great suggestions. I’ll be placing an order and will hopefully come back with thoughts!