As a beauty editor, I’ve long been on the hunt for the perfect sheer pink polish to achieve a clean-looking manicure. I’ve tried a ton of sheer neutral polishes, but none are more perfect than OPI’s Bubble Bath nail polish. Not only is it a favorite of celebrity nail technicians, it’s also achieved iconic status among those searching for the best sheer pink nail polish of all time. OPI’s Bubble Bath set the stage for soapy nails, milky nails, and “clean girl” nails to become trendy.
In fact, many people joke with their nail technicians about asking for Bubble Bath nails at every appointment, and I don’t blame them. This nail color is timelessly chic, so it’s no wonder people keep coming back to it. “If I could only have one color for the rest of my life, it would definitely be Bubble Bath,” says Poppy Nash, editor-in-chief of Who What Wear UK, who almost always chooses this shade as her nail color of choice. The color looks great on its own or as a base for a French manicure or nail art.
Bubble Bath Nail
OPI’s Bubble Bath Nail Polish is a favorite among celebrity manicurists.
But why are bubble bath nails so popular? With just one coat, they create a sheer veil of color that makes your nails look healthy and well-groomed. Then with two coats, you get a pretty milky pink hue that lets your natural nails show through. They suit all skin tones and come in either a polish version for those who DIY their nails at home or a gel version for those who get their nails done at a salon. They also pair well with other nail colors, and you’ll see many nail artists mixing them with OPI’s Funny Bunny and Bear My Soul nail colors to create custom milky manicures.
Shop OPI Bubble Bath
OPI
Bubble bath nail lacquer
Bubble Bath Nail Polish Alternatives
If you love the look of this nail polish but are looking for a bubble bath alternative, scroll ahead to find the best sheer pink and neutral nail polishes to achieve a similar look at home. We found the exact shades that Instagram’s top manicurists are using and listed them below.
1. OPI Put It In Neutral
Celebrity manicurist Georgia Rae (who did Sofia Richie Grainge’s wedding manicure) often uses OPI’s Put It in Neutral, which has the same beautiful sheer look as Bubble Bath, but in a more neutral, beige tone for those who find Bubble Bath too pink.
Paint with a neutral nail polish
2. Chanel Ballerina
Chanel Ballerina Nail Polish is a little milky, it sets your nails nicely, and it’s also super long-lasting.
Chanel
Ballerina 111 Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color
3. Essie Allure
Allure by Essie is creamier and slightly more opaque, making it the perfect choice for a milky nail polish.
Essie
Five attractive nail polishes
4. Diorlis Snow Pink 800
Dior
Diorlis Abricot Smoothing Perfecting Nail Care
5. Biosculpture Seafoam
If you prefer a sheer, true milky nail polish, BioSculpture’s Seafoam is the perfect choice. It’s sold in both gel and polish form, so you can enjoy it at home or ask a BioSculpture-affiliated nail technician for the gel version.
Biosculpture
Gemini Seafoam Nail Polish
6. Bio Sculpture Sweet Candy Breath
Biosculpture
Sweet Candy Breath Polish
7. Hermes Rose Coquille
How beautiful is this sheer pink shade from Hermes. So chic.
Hermes
Les Mains Hermes Nail Enamel 03 Rose Coquille
8. Bio-sculpted French Rose
I’ve been seeing this color from Bio Sculpture on every celeb nail technician’s feed and I’m obsessed with it.
Biosculpture
french rose polish
See more sheer pink nail polishes
9. Essie Fairley Taylor
Essie
Fairy Tailor Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish
This is by far the longest lasting nail polish I have ever tried. When combined with a matching top coat, the manicure lasts for over a week without flaking. Trust me.
10. Nails Inc. Shining Somewhere
Nails Inc.
Glowing Somewhere Plant Power Vegan Nail Illuminator
It has a slight iridescent sheen to it, giving the impression of a chrome nail polish.
11. Barry M. Cupcakes
Barry M
Cupcake Shaped Breathable Nail Paint
This is a great, affordable option that is also Halal certified.
12. Essie Ballet Flats
Essie
6 pairs of ballet shoes and nail polish
This is an OG favourite that gives your nails a pretty pink veil.