Kate Middleton's shiny, bouncy, freshly-highlighted princess hair looks like a scene out of a shampoo commercial. Her crisp, white, ribbed off-the-shoulder gown practically begs for a feverish Google search. In stark contrast, the Duchess of Cambridge's manicure of choice is down-to-earth and functional — and basically bare.
The operative word here is "basically," because a close-up proves that the royal no-mani mani is no forgotten variable, but just as posh as a double-coat of the Queen's favorite Ballet Slippers: clean, simple, and purposefully unassuming. Though the Duchess always steers clear of colored polish, we highly suspect there's something glossed over the top of her fingernails to give them that naturally healthy sheen. Our money's on a trusty clear polish.
Ahead, we've broken down the best transparent nail polishes on the market, so with a little buffing, shaping, and your glossy topper of choice, you too can sport the perfect no-mani mani, à la Middleton. The classy white Barbara Casasola number to pair it with? That's on you.
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Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock - Nail Strengthening Base & Top Coat
If your nails are weak or brittle when they're completely naked, this strengthening polish will help rehab any cracks, peeling, or white spots while coating the nail in a blanket of glossy shine.
Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock - Nail Strengthening Base & Top Coat, $20, available at Barneys New York
Smith & Cult Basis of Everything Nail Lacquer
Like a tinted lip gloss for your fingers, this baby pink-tinted polish actually goes on completely clear, giving you a subtle your-nails-but-better glow.
Smith & Cult basis of everything nail lacquer, $18, available at Bluemercury
Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Treatment
The soy protein complex in this treatment-base hybrid will strengthen your nails from within, encouraging length while giving you a natural shine on the surface.
Sally Hansen Sally Hansen Nail Treatment 45103 Nail growth Miracle, $8.49, available at Target
OPI Nail Lacquer Top Coat
Like other top coat polishes, this clear bottle by OPI was designed to seal in your color polish and extend the life of your manicure. But because of the diamond dust infusion inside, it can also be used to give a bare nail a super-charged shine boost.
OPI OPI Nail Lacquer Top Coat, $10.5, available at Amazon
Essie Gel Couture Platinum Grade Finish Top Coat
If you're looking for a clear gloss that wears like a Shellac polish without scheduling a salon appointment, this heavy-duty formula from is your easy, at-home option. Plus, it will make your nails look rich with whatever ring you're wearing — even if it's not a blue sapphire.
Essie essie Gel Couture Platinum Grade Finish Top Coat, $9.02, available at Walmart
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