If you’re anything like us, chances are you step into the nail salon with the best intentions of trying something new, but end up walking out with a fresh coat of ‘Bubble Bath’. We’ve all been there. Because let’s face it – there’s nothing quite as chic and versatile as a classic pink manicure.
Much like a sleek, elegant bun, a coat of pink nail polish will never go out of style. Whether you’re a fan of the barely-there milky pink or statement Barbie fuschia, pink nails have cemented themselves as a firm manicure go-to.
And sure, you can embrace the nail art renaissance. But the ‘my nails but better’ look has remained a classic fallback and isn’t going away anytime soon ( or ever, we hope).
So if sheer, lipgloss nails or opaque cremes are what you seek, look no further. We’ve rounded up the best pink nail polishes to deliver the mani of your dreams…
The best pink nail polishes in Australia
OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Bubble Bath’
We say: There’s a reason this polish is a staple in manicurists’ colour arsenal. As one of OPI’s most popular shades to date, this soft nude pink can be spotted on almost every red carpet and is a bridal manicure favourite. Better yet, the sheer, no-streaks formula can be built up depending on your favoured opacity.
You say: “I am a nail technician and when I apply acrylic nails these are the nail polishes that I use. The colours are amazing and you generally only need to apply two coats, sometimes three depending on the colour or your personal preference.” – yvetttereuby
Want to know more? Read more OPI Nail Lacquer reviews…
$20.95 at Adore Beauty
Essie Nail Polish in ‘Ballet Slippers’
We say: This iconic shade is the ultimate pale pink polish. Believed to be a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, it delivers the ultimate understated wash of colour that’s not quite nude but not quite pink. Perfect for the low-maintenance-lovers, ‘Ballet Slippers’ will do you no wrong.
You say: “No vibrant pigments here…..Ballet Slippers (6 Sheer Pink) is a cute really soft pink like you would expect to find from the name. I think it would suit all skin tones and it goes with all of my clothing colours (day and night)! The formula is easy to apply and the brush is great too!” – Sparkle 77
Want to know more? Read more Essie Nail Polish (Pinks) reviews…
$15.99 at Adore Beauty
PAX Polish Nail Colour + treatment in ‘128 Melinda Neutral Pink’
We say: This treatment-colour combo delivers the ultimate punch of neutral pink with an added dash of nail-loving strength. The ideal in-between pink, this shade is the perfect choice for those who tend to steer clear of bright or baby pinks.
$32 at Sephora
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in ‘Tickled Pink’
We say: If you’re in need of a long-wearing pink, look no further. Sally Hansen’s Xtreme Wear formula, as the name suggests, ensures the longevity of your manicure, helping to prevent chipping and peeling to keep you mani fresh for up to seven days. As for the shade?‘Tickled Pink’ leans towards a pastel pink, so if you’re looking to step out of your neutral-nude comfort zone, this is your time to shine.
You say: “I recently tried the Xtreme Wear nail polish from Sally Hansen and I was not disappointed. To start with it was a great price considering how some of the nail polishes have doubled in price. I tried the pink shade with sparkles. It was easy to use the brush worked well for me.” – Sandyt
Want to know more? Read more Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear reviews…
$7.95 at Chemist Warehouse
OPI Barbie Nail Lacquer in ‘Hi Barbie!’
We say: We’re in the throes of the Barbiecore movement, and what better way to embrace all things pink nails than with a Barbie-themed crèmepolish? It’s high-shine, long-lasting and guaranteed to turn heads. Upon applying a coat of this punchy pink shade, you’ll be just about ready to step out of your Malibu dreamhouse.
$22.95 at Adore Beauty
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in ‘113 Faussaire’
We say: Hello, bougie nails in a bottle! Like your favourite nude lipstick, Chanel’s ‘Faussaire’ is an unmatched and totally understated, polish. Formulated with camellia eco-ceramides, this long-wearing polish strengthens and revives your nails, with flawless coverage every application.
$45 at Myer
Smith & Cult Nail Polish in ‘Pillow Pie’
We say: This semi-sheer powder pink shade will have your nails looking as fresh as a daisy. Housed in a luxurious gold-topped bottle, even your application process will be enjoyable. The vegan, cruelty-free formula also boasts a chip-resistant finish to keep your claws flossy and flawless for days.
$32 at Adore Beauty
Main image: @iramshelton
Have you tried any of these pink nail polishes? What’s your go-to shade of polish?
Such a pretty colour, I use Ballet slippers.
I really like the first two colours!
Sally Hansen nail polish.
Some beautiful Pink Nail Polishes 💗
All of them are lovely, light pink and nothing to rash.
Love these colours 🙂
My kind of nail polish! Beautiful.
The OPI Barbie is cute as!
I don’t wear nail polish but they are all pretty colours
chanel 504 is my favourite
I like last 2!
Pink is not my colour anywhere
They’re all very pretty but just not for me.
I like the Barbiecore shade
I like the Barbiecore shade!
I prefer black or blue (like my senseofhumour, haha!)
I expect Barbie pink will be everywhere with the new Barbie movie.
I haven’t done my nails for years
Pinks and nudes are my favourite nail colours. They look fresh and clean.
I like the bright Barbie pink much more than the subtle colors, though they have their place.
I don’t usually go for pink, but im in love with all the Barbie colabs
I love OPI Tickle Me Francey, Makes Men Blush and Dulce de Leche!
I love the look of the Smith and Cult bottle.
All so pretty. Pale or nude colours are usually a bit more forgiving of less than perfect application. I rarely do my fingernails but my toes are usually bright colours (except right now when they are Ciate ‘Pillow Fight’).
I love all the shades of pink.
One cheap one all the others are expensive. Do you think the more expensive ones are worth it??
I have the extreme wear and it’s quite good
When I wear nail polish I usually choose pink. All of these are pretty.
I adore nude nails, as well as dark colours! They should do a gel polish one too!
I am using ballerina from Chanel now, its pretty too, but the nude one looks awesome too