I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: My biggest beauty gripe is chipped nail varnish. And I’m saying this as I sit here typing away with bright, poppy red nails that are well overdue removal (I’m a hypocrite, okay?!). However, the first thing on my agenda this evening when I clock off is to get this varnish off my nails and repaint them so that they look fresh, neat and, well, polished.
You see, the problem with opting for bright nails is that it doesn't wear particularly well. And that is the very reason that around two years ago I swapped my signature red polish for a more understated look. I discovered that opting for a blush shade that is close to my natural nail colour creates a fresh, pretty, glossy finish that, most importantly, doesn’t show any obvious chips or smudges.
Since discovering my love for bare-look nails, it’s fair to say that I have amassed quite the collection of blush nude polishes. However, there is one particular polish that I find myself reaching for more often than not, and that is Essie Ballet Slippers (£8). Glossy, long-lasting and incredibly easy to apply, Essie formulas have been a favourite of mine for years, and Ballet Slippers is no exception.
A little bit pink but a little bit beige at the same time, I find Ballet Slippers matches the natural colour of nails almost perfectly, like a custom nude. For when I don’t have the time to perform a full-blown manicure, I always reach for Ballet Slippers. The natural-looking blush pigment means that application doesn’t have to be particularly precise and any mistakes are barely visible.
And it turns out that I am not alone in my love for Ballet Slippers, it’s a royal favourite too. Always opting for a natural-looking blush polish (presumably for the same reasons I have outlined above), rumour has it that Ballet Slippers is also the Queen’s go-to. And when it comes to Ballet Slippers, it’s a full royal affair, with both Meghan and Kate also opting for it on occasion.
So although I fancied experimenting with a brighter look this week, you better believe that the unsightly chips I have been left with will have me reaching for that well-loved Essie bottle this evening.
Shop More Blush Nail Polishes
OPI's Bubble Bath shade is a 'clean girl nail' essential.
This muted blush shade is vegan friendly, halal and cruelty-free, too.
A mushroom toned nude transcends the seasons.
A peach-toned beige brightens the nails, and Gucci Beauty's formula's are super glossy and have a long-lasting formula.
Whether long or short, a classic blush pink looks good on all nails.
With a sheer pink tone, this nail varnish brightens nails with a veil of subtle colour for healthy-looking nails.
For more depth, opt for a muted rose brown shade.
Lilac toned neutrals always look chic on nails.
Rosy tones not only brighten your nails, but they add colours while still sitting within neutral territory.
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