I’ve always been devout about glossy, buffed, and well-manicured nails. Which is why I have been relying on clear nail polishes for a while now. Even if your nails are not colored, a coat of the best clear nail polish can be a game-changer for your entire look. They make your nails appear healthy and look beautiful irrespective of what you are wearing.

If you are a sucker for a minimalist yet chic style like me, then you can again rely on sheer nail polishes. Nonetheless, they are also a good choice for people who like colored nails, as transparent nail enamels work well as a base coat and a top coat. While the base coat ensures that your colored polish glides smoothly and stays for longer, the top coat fixes its blotchy and streaky imperfections. To top it off (even in the literal sense), they give a stylish, plump, gel manicure-like finish to nails that I just can’t get enough of.

In my search for the best clear nail polish, I came across several products with advanced formulations, nourishing ingredients, easy application, and stunning results. With this article, I have shared my favorite products and their features along with a buying guide, so you can make an informed purchase. Keep scrolling to find out more.

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  Best Overall

  ILNP Holographic Nail Polish Topper - My Private Rainbow

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This holographic nail polish by ILNP is a dazzling choice for days when you’re confused about what you want to wear. Its veneer contains shimmery particles with a prismatic effect wherein you can see all colors of the rainbow, which makes it look good with every outfit. You can use this nail polish as a top coat on solid-colored or gradient nails, or you can wear it as it is to sport a minimalist style. I love the starry effect that this product gives and apply it before evening parties to suit the mood. In addition, the product is safe to use as it is free from toluene, triphenyl phosphate, parabens, formaldehyde, or xylene.

2

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

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If your nail paint peels easily like mine, then layer it with this strong, clear nail polish by Seche Vite. It has an advanced formula that permeates the base lacquer, strengthens it, and makes it last longer. So, you can strum your guitar, cook a meal or play a video game without ruining the look of your nails. The product makes a manicure session hassle-free as it does not require UV/LED light exposure. It is free from parabens and sulfate. Also, it has a vegan formulation and has not been tested on animals, so you can indulge in a guilt-free beauty regime.

3

Sally Hansen XTREME WEAR

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With this awesome nail lacquer by Sally Hansen, you can forget about your nail color fading or losing luster. The product has an advanced formulation that gives a gorgeous, shiny look to your nails after 2-3 coats. While it is ideal for a top coat, I often use this nail polish on my bare nails to spruce up their look. It has a micro-shine complex that provides a stunning gloss without compromising its natural, minimalist look (which is my favorite part). Also, the product is free from DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde, which makes it safe to use.

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Best for Easy Application

Sally Hansen GOOD. KIND. PURE. HARDENER

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This clear nail polish by Sally Hansen has a plant-based formula made with bamboo and marine algae extract that not only strengthens your base coat but also nourishes your nails. And it is free from formaldehyde resin, toluene, acetone, phthalates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. The product lasts for a long time and gives a freshly buffed look to your nails. As I am very clumsy with nail polishes, I love how its applicator brush has tapered edges, so I can layer it on the nail bed without smearing the excess.

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Wet n Wild FAST DRY AF NAIL COLOR

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For a brilliantly shiny gel manicure, I strongly recommend this clear nail polish by Wet n Wild. Its built-in base coat formulation not only strengthens your nails, but also gives them a gorgeous, plump look. What makes this product more convenient than others is its quick drying formula, which dries in just 40 seconds but stays on for up to 5 days. Also, a little goes a long way, as you need no more than a single coat on your nail bed for the complete look. The product saves you the hassle of applying a hardener and a top coat, unless you’re using this to enhance your colored base coat.

6

REVLON Super Lustrous Nail Enamel

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This clear nail polish by REVLON is enriched with vitamin E to keep your nails nourished while enhancing their appearance. Its formula goes on smoothly over the nails, without causing bubbling or streaking. I’ve never had to use more than a single coat of this nail polish to achieve a gorgeous, smooth-edged finish. The product has advanced chip-resistant technology that prevents it from peeling and makes it last longer. What makes this product incredible is that its ShadeLock technology makes the color of the base coat stay vibrant and prevents yellowing.

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O.P.I. Start To Finish 3-in-1 Treatment

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For a single-coat solution to your nail concerns, you should try out this clear nail enamel by O.P.I. as it provides the benefits of a base coat, lacquer, and top coat nail polish. Unlike other artificial-looking nail polishes, this product gives a gorgeous, natural look. What I really like about the product is that it is infused with hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium that improves nail health and is gentle on the cuticles. Hence, it is an incredible choice for a nourishing base coat as well as a standalone varnish.

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Best for Comfortable Feel

Karma Organic Halal Certified Breathable Nail Polish

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What I love the most about this nail polish by Karma is that it has a breathable formula that allows oxygen to penetrate its surface. This way, your nail beds, and cuticles feel more comfortable and can keep the coat on for longer. It also allows water to permeate, which helps keep the nails clean. Another excellent feature of this product is that it provides UV protection to your nails. The product is made with safe ingredients and is suitable for pregnant women and children.

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Best for Nourishing Ingredients

essie Treat, Love & Color Nail Polish

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With this clear nail polish by essie, you get buildable coverage on your nails for a professional look. It is infused with calcium and camellia extract that improves the quality of your nails and helps reduce damage without being too harsh on your cuticles. The product also contains collagen that promotes nail growth and strengthens brittle nails. It does not require a base coat, as this single product works effectively in hardening your nails. You can see an improvement in the appearance of your nails in just a week.

So, these are my favorite clear nail polishes so far. Now, let’s understand about types of nail polish and factors to consider before buying.

Gel Nail Polish:

These are the kind of nail polishes that appear smooth and fluid-like but are actually hardened, chemical-resistant coats on nails. Gel nail polishes cannot be dried on their own. They need to be hardened or cured under UV or LED light and last for up to three weeks. You should get a gel manicure to keep your nails undisturbed if you want to sport the same look for weeks. 

Classic Nail Polish:

Classic nail polishes are drugstore nail products that you use to spruce your nails. They are easy to apply and dry quickly, which makes them perfect for DIY use. Even after drying, classic nail polishes are softer than acrylic/gel-based products and easily come off with rubbing some acetone. 

Breathable Nail Polish:

As the name suggests, breathable nail polishes have a texture that allows air and water to penetrate the surface. For people who always like to sport glossy, sophisticated nails, it is a good idea to switch to breathable nail polishes. This way, you will prevent your nails from chafing and allow them to recover from damage. Also, with such products, you don’t have to remove the lacquer when you moisturize them. 

Versatile-use Nail Polish: 

There are several advanced veneers that not only polish and beautify your nails, but also strengthen and nourish them. These versatile-use polishes prevent nails from splitting, which allows them to grow properly. They are beneficial in resurfacing your nail and holding it better in case the nail bed gets scratched.

Here are a few factors to consider when looking for a clear nail polish:

Lasting Power: Look for a product that does not chip or peel easily, and the coat lasts flawlessly for at least a week. Also, ensure that the luster does not fade or become dull over time. And while most clear nail polishes are vulnerable to yellowing, a product that resists such discoloration is the way to go.

Finish: I have always blamed my poor nail polish skills every time a layer is too streaky, blotchy, or bubbly. Only after trying and testing multiple products did I realize that the finish has a lot to do with the product quality. For instance, polishes that contain high amounts of acetone are too runny and difficult to control and give a flimsy finish. Hence, always look for products that give a smooth, plump, and glossy finish.

Applicator: While this is a rare feature in drugstore nail polishes, look for brush applicators that are tapered at the edges. This helps in an easy, error-free application and prevents smearing excess product on your cuticles.

Formulation: Ensure that your product is free from harmful substances such as formaldehyde, toluene, parabens, and DBP that cause flaking and yellowing of nails while emitting toxic fumes. For a guilt-free indulgence, look for products that are explicitly labeled as cruelty-free, environment-friendly, or responsibly sourced. Products that contain nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E and plant extracts are always the best pick.

Versatility: If you do not like hoarding nail products, then look for a clear nail polish that serves different purposes as a base coat, top coat, and lacquer. Nonetheless, it is better to prioritize quality over versatility.

Finding the right nail polish considering many factors can be tricky. Fortunately, that’s no more a problem for you as the above-mentioned products not only fit most of these criteria but are also cost-effective and highly reviewed by other users on Amazon. I hope that sharing my take on clear nail polishes will help you shop better. Ensure you check the ingredients list of the product to stay away from allergens and make an informed purchase. Happy shopping!