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   ![The Best Nail Illuminators For Subtle Colour](https://media.sheerluxe.com/jyBXCCiW3vFcovrod_2ZNq2GYsI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F04%2Fnew-nail-illuminators-thumb.png?itok=ZYx-P74y)

  

 

 



 

  Image: LUMINA/STOCKSY UNITED 

 

 

 

[Hair &amp; Nails](/beauty/hair-nails)

 /  05 April 2023  

#  The Best Nail Illuminators For Subtle Colour  


For a barely-there mani, you need an illuminator. Here are 7 that will give you a polished look, in both sense of the word...  


BySapna Rao

  /  

[ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/36113)

 

  Image: LUMINA/STOCKSY UNITED 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 



 

 

 

 


  [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/sKeMd2tl_bjILYE8fE_Vmdx07Zg=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F04%2Fnew-opi-gel-break.png?itok=5Oz_NTG2)

 

 ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.lookfantastic.com/opi-gel-break-sheer-too-tan-tilizing-15ml/12594505.html) 

 

 

 

## FOR DAMAGE REPAIR 



 

[Gel Break Sheer Too Tan-Tilizing, £16.90 | OPI](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fopi-gel-break-sheer-too-tan-tilizing-15ml%2F12594505.html)

If you’re a gel devotee whose nails need a break, this is the colour for you. With a strengthening formula infused with vitamins and essential minerals, it revives thin and brittle nails while offering a subtle touch of colour. If your nails are on the drier side, this will hydrate both the nail bed and tip for a neater feel overall.

Available at [LookFantastic.com](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fopi-gel-break-sheer-too-tan-tilizing-15ml%2F12594505.html)



  

 

 

 



 

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  [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/8zYGkl2FRCnFu0kSY0YvvPrfM90=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F04%2Fnew-nails-inc-base-coat.png?itok=nT0vC6lY)

 

 ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=29063&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.cultbeauty.co.uk/nails-inc.-back-to-life-recovery-treatment-and-base-coat-14ml/11373784.html) 

 

 

 

## FOR HYDRATION 



 

[Back To Life Recovery Treatment And Base Coat, £15 | Nails Inc](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=29063&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cultbeauty.co.uk%2Fnails-inc.-back-to-life-recovery-treatment-and-base-coat-14ml%2F11373784.html)

Formulated with rich active oils that will repair seriously damaged nails, this product will mend dry, brittle nails within three weeks. Its hydrating ingredients encourage fresh nail growth, while offering a flattering tint. Use it as a base coat before applying other shades, or wear it on its own for a sheer nude look.

Available at [CultBeauty.co.uk](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=29063&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cultbeauty.co.uk%2Fnails-inc.-back-to-life-recovery-treatment-and-base-coat-14ml%2F11373784.html)



  

  [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/YVir3LYwdH9eFoyphL-PU9HxYEw=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F04%2Fnew-manicurist-carnation.png?itok=nT7kNzGH)

 

 ](https://uk.manucurist.com/products/green-nail-polish-carnation) 

 

 

 

## FOR A PEARLY FINISH 



 

[Nail Polish, £14 | Manucurist](https://uk.manucurist.com/products/green-nail-polish-carnation)

For something a little more pigmented, this pearly, pinky sheen is such a winner. The formula is seriously impressive, using up to 84% bio-sourced ingredients which are also vegan and free from toxic chemicals. Ideal if you want a bit more impact, it won’t dry out or damage your nails in the process either.

Available at [Manucurist.com](https://uk.manucurist.com/products/green-nail-polish-carnation)



  

 

 

 



 

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  [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/JN28X9BJMGmcYlvGLKLKNEjdmKs=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F04%2Fnew-jl-nailberry-almond.png?itok=WnfzBse1)

 

 ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.lookfantastic.com/nailberry-l-oxygene-nail-lacquer-almond/11577258.html) 

 

 

 

## FOR A NATURAL FORMULA 



 

[L'Oxygene Nail Lacquer, £15 | Nailberry](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fnailberry-l-oxygene-nail-lacquer-almond%2F11577258.html)

Prioritising nail strength, this product harnesses Nailberry’s patented vegan, halal and oxygenated formula to promote healthier nails. And the luxuriously creamy off-white nude makes for the perfect everyday colour.

Available at [LookFantastic.com](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fnailberry-l-oxygene-nail-lacquer-almond%2F11577258.html)



  

 

 

 



 

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  [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ligBfKF7NNGZkzZChUXLdcpCTfU=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F04%2Fnew-dior-base-coat-apricot.png?itok=7lLFKkQz)

 

 ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.boots.com/dior-base-coat-abricot-protective-nail-care-base-fortifying-and-hardening-10ml-10161714) 

 

 

 

## FOR GUARANTEED RESULTS 



 

[Base Coat Abricot Protective Nail Care Base Fortifying &amp; Hardening, £27 | Dior](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fdior-base-coat-abricot-protective-nail-care-base-fortifying-and-hardening-10ml-10161714)

There’s a reason this is one of the most recommended base coats, strengtheners and illuminators on the market. From its unique texture – which smooths, hardens and lasts – to its flattering peachy nude colour, this is a nailcare hero. Most nail artists will use it as a base, but we recommend adding two coats for a glossy, chic wash of colour.

Available at [Boots.com](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fdior-base-coat-abricot-protective-nail-care-base-fortifying-and-hardening-10ml-10161714)



  

  [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/EHdM6Mo42kxfbuAN2tQTxoAdX_c=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F04%2Fnew-niche-glitte-nail-hghlighter.png?itok=RCO2X2YP)

 

 ](https://www.niche-beauty.com/en-gb/products/gitti-nail-highlighter/606-068) 

 

 

 

## FOR A BIT OF SPARKLE 



 

[Nail Highlighter, £21 | Gitti](https://www.niche-beauty.com/en-gb/products/gitti-nail-highlighter/606-068)

Gitti’s vegan nail highlighter is a quick and easy way to add a little something to bare nails. We love that you can tailor the pigment to your preference – either build it up for a dramatic, glittery effect, or go light with one coat for a little touch of sparkle. While you don’t need to go overboard with a top coat, an extra layer will help it last longer.

Available at [Niche-Beauty.com](https://www.niche-beauty.com/en-gb/products/gitti-nail-highlighter/606-068)



  

 

 

 



 

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  [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/AGkh2I_-MGkYeLRhXs2qfTA-Dos=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2023%2F04%2Fnew-desert-cart-london-nail-concealer.png?itok=mV1_2v30)

 

 ](https://www.londontownusa.com/products/illuminating-nail-concealer) 

 

 

 

## FOR BRIGHTENING 



 

[Illuminating Nail Concealer, $20 | LONDONTOWN](https://www.londontownusa.com/products/illuminating-nail-concealer)

Promising to instantly lift dull or discoloured nails, this one offers a sheer veil of colour that smooths the nail surface to give a radiant finish. Universally flattering, it dries quickly and lasts, making it a reliable go-to for nails in need. It’s also vegan and has an impressive toxin-free formula.

Available at [LondonTownUSA.com](https://www.londontownusa.com/products/illuminating-nail-concealer)



  

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

  

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