Seriously—This Chic £10 Nail Polish Has Replaced My Gel Manicures

By Kim BrowneFebruary 22, 2025

As a beauty editor, alongside researching the latest nail trends and trending nail colours, I've been on a secret side quest to find the ultimate sheer nail polishes. Specifically, the very best sheer pink nail polish.

Since giving up gel manicures after having a reaction a few years ago, I've been seeking the best gel nail alternatives and nail polishes that leave my nails looking like I've just left the salon. Now, I've tried several sheer pink nail polishes, from the most expensive, luxurious brands all the way through to drugstore polishes, and I'm pleased to confirm that I've finally found the perfect sheer pink shade that's universally flattering, and it's one of my favourite nail polishes ever. And did I mention that it's only £10?

Essie Sugar Daddy Nail Polish

Essie

Nail Polish in Sugar Daddy

Best for: A natural, sheer manicure that's low maintenance

Since discovering this nail polish, I've been wearing it on repeat. Sugar Daddy, apart from being a great name for a nail polish, is easily one of my favourite Essie nail polishes right up there with Ballet Slippers. It's a very sheer yet bright pink, which turns out is a very versatile nail colour.

One coat gives my nails a healthy shine and tint (a great foundation for a french manicure), two coats subtly brightens and three coats—my personal favourite—gives a beautifully healthy hue and gloss to my nails.

For

Sheer pink shade suits everyone, can be layered for a pinker finish, affordable nail polish

Against

Can chip quickly if not finished with a top coat

One Coat of Essie Sugar Daddy Nail Polish

One coat evens out my nail colour, subtly brightens and adds a healthy lustre while remaining natural-looking.

Two Coats of Essie Sugar Daddy Nail Polish

2 coats of Essie Sugar Daddy nail polish

Two coats provides a little more coverage while still ticking the sheer your-nails-but-better look I love.

Three Coats of Essie Sugar Daddy Nail Polish

3 coats of Essie Sugar Daddy nail polish

Three coats is the sweet spot for me, which adds a more opaque pink tint that remains sheer.

The Verdict

It's safe to say I love this nail colour. It's like a tinted moisturiser or subtle blush for your nails, which instantly makes them look healthy so, so shiny. I recommend three coats for the best result, but you could easily add more if you want to enjoy a bit more pink. While this is a sheer polish, the overall hue is quite bright, so you can really dial up the intensity with this.

I will say it's not the most long-lasting polish on its own, but since I've been using it with my all-time favourite top coat (the Essie Gel Couture To Coat), I've found it can last for up to a week without chipping. Since wearing it, I've also found that it leaves my nails looking and feeling brighter even after removing it, which is a big plus. The fact that it's £10 and rivals more expensive £20+ nail polishes I've tried means I'll be stocking up on this nail polish for good.