A sheer pink is arguably one of the most timeless and expensive-looking nail colours around, and Helen Mirren's nail polish go-to is the perfect budget-friendly iteration.
If you've been keeping up with the 2025 nail trends, you'll know that milky, sheer nail polishes have been in high demand, topping the must-have spring nail colours, and now summer's too. Despite their surge in popularity this year though, subtle neutral nail colours and creamy pinks are classics that never tire. In fact, we always find ourselves returning to them whenever we require an infallibly chic manicure. Now, if you're in the market for such a reliable shade, the contents of Helen Mirren's beauty bag might just hold the polish you've been missing.
The actor revealed that she uses one, very iconic essie nail polish when doing her nails at home and on the go, and unlike some celeb-loved products, it won't cost you more than a tenner. What it will do though, is instantly elevate your talons with minimal effort involved...
The £9 nail polish Helen Mirren relies on for a chic, every-occasion mani
As mentioned, when it comes to choosing a timeless manicure, neutral nails and milky hues are often the go-to. In fact, we would say that finding a signature, minimalistic nude or a flattering creamy pastel can feel akin to finding the perfect shade of lipstick; it can always be relied upon to elevate your look. Of course, that might sound easier said than done – but Helen Mirren uses this specific essie nail shade that removes the guesswork for a versatile and chic go-to.
RRP: £8.99
This cool, neutral pink is perfect for all occasions. It's subtle, flattering and can also double as a base coat for nail designs like French tips as well as chrome finishes. It can also be mixed with a clear coat for more of a sheer tint.
Sharing the contents of her beauty bag with Harper's Bazaar for its "Inside My Beauty Bag" YouTube series, Mirren revealed that she uses essie's Ballet Slippers, a pale, cool-toned pink. It's subtle, sheer and the ideal hue for those who love the bubble bath nail trend or are looking for the perfect French tip nail or glazed nail base colour.
This classic, affordable shade is also widely rumoured to be a favourite of Kate Middleton's and was also long-reported as the late Queen Elizabeth II's signature shade. The monarch is said to have worn the shade for three decades.
Mirren also shared a good tip for maintaining your manicure on the go: keep whatever shade you're wearing in your handbag for touch-ups, which is exactly what she did in the video.
How to achieve the perfect mani with Essie's Ballet Slippers
To complement this understated hue, you could opt for either an elegant almond shape or an equally minimalistic style like squoval nails. As for the colour itself, apply two to three coats – gradually, to ward off streaks – and follow up with a high-shine top coat, (like this one from Beauty Pie). A cuticle oil is also key to maintaining your nails' health and keeping them looking fresh. As is one of the best hand creams, especially if you are prone to dry and peeling skin around your nails and cuticles.
Our other sheer nail polish picks
Now, if you're already a fan of essie's iconic Ballet Slippers polish and perhaps want to build upon your collection of sheer shades, we have three other popular and luxe-looking options for you...
RRP: £10.99
If you've been loving floral-inspired trends like cherry blossom nails or want something a tad brighter than Ballet Slippers, opt for essie's Sheer Fantasy. It's buildable, ultra-flattering and boasts a glossy gel-like shine.
