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CND Shellac is one of the best-known names in salon gel color, and many clients ask for it by name. With a long list of shades and several base and top coat options, it helps to know how the range is organized before you build a color wall or pick a shade.
This guide covers CND Shellac colors by color family, how the Shellac system works, which base and top coats to use, how to apply and remove Shellac, and how to choose shades for clients. It is written for nail techs and salon owners first, and it works just as well for anyone using Shellac at home.
Quick Summary
CND Shellac colors come in 0.25 oz (7.3 mL) bottles and are used as part of a four-step system: Shellac base coat, two thin coats of Shellac color, and a Shellac top coat, all cured in an LED lamp. The range covers sheer pinks, nudes, whites, reds, berries, blues, greens and deep darks.
- Four steps: base, two color coats and top coat.
- Use the Shellac system: CND base and top coats are designed for Shellac color.
- Base options: Shellac Base Coat or Wear Extender Base Coat.
- Top coat options: Original, Xpress5, Duraforce or Matte.
- Removal: soak off with remover and wraps, never peel.
Here are some CND Shellac colors by family.
| Color family | Shellac shades we stock | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer pinks | Clearly Pink, Romantique | Natural and French manicures |
| Nudes | Uncovered, Cashmere Wrap, Nude Knickers | Everyday neutrals |
| Whites | Studio White, Negligee | French tips and soft whites |
| Pinks | Pink Pursuit, Blush Teddy | Fresh, feminine color |
| Reds and berries | Wildfire, Rouge Rite, Berry Boudoir, Bordeaux Babe | Classic and seasonal reds |
| Blues, greens and darks | Denim Patch, Olive Grove, Eternal Midnight | Fall, winter and statement sets |
Want to see every shade? Browse our Shellac colors collection.
What is CND Shellac?
CND Shellac is CND's soak-off gel color system. Shellac colors are applied over a Shellac base coat, sealed with a Shellac top coat, and cured in an LED lamp. The system is built to work together, so salons usually keep the base, top coat and colors from the same range.
| Shellac vs | Key difference |
|---|---|
| Regular nail polish | Shellac is cured in a lamp and lasts longer; polish air dries |
| Other gel polish | Shellac is CND's own system with matching base and top coats |
| CND Vinylux | Vinylux is CND's long-wear regular polish that air dries |
If you want a CND air-dry option for pedicures or quick changes, see our CND Vinylux colors collection.
Is Shellac the same as gel?
Shellac is a type of gel color. It is cured in a lamp and soaks off like gel, but it is CND's own formula and system, so it is best used with CND base and top coats.
Which CND Shellac colors are best for nudes and natural nails?
For nudes and natural nails, start with Shellac's soft neutrals such as Uncovered and Cashmere Wrap, and sheer shades such as Clearly Pink, which is described as a light sheer pink. These shades flatter most hands and grow out softly between appointments.
- Uncovered: a soft peach nude.
- Cashmere Wrap: a soft taupe neutral, versatile for any occasion.
- Nude Knickers: a nude option for everyday wear.
- Clearly Pink: a light sheer pink for natural and French looks.
For choosing nudes by undertone, see our guide to nude nail colors for every skin tone.
Cashmere Wrap is a soft taupe that works as an everyday neutral.
Which Shellac whites and pinks suit French and clean manicures?
For French tips and clean manicures, use Studio White for a crisp white tip and Clearly Pink or Romantique as a sheer base. Negligee gives a softer, pearly white, and Pink Pursuit adds a fresh pink.
| Look | Shellac shades |
|---|---|
| Classic French | Clearly Pink base with Studio White tips |
| Soft French | Romantique base with Negligee tips |
| Clean pink | Pink Pursuit or Blush Teddy |
| Bridal | Romantique, Clearly Pink or Negligee |
CND also sells a Shellac French Manicure Collection with Base, Xpress5 Top, Studio White and Clearly Pink in one set. See our Shellac collection sets.
What are the best Shellac reds and berries?
Shellac's reds range from bright reds like Wildfire to deeper reds like Rouge Rite, with berry and burgundy shades such as Berry Boudoir and Bordeaux Babe for richer looks. Bordeaux Babe is described as a deep, rich burgundy.
- Wildfire: a bright red.
- Rouge Rite: a deeper red.
- Berry Boudoir: a rich, deep berry.
- Bordeaux Babe: a deep, rich burgundy.
For choosing a red by undertone, read our guide to the best red nail polish.
Berry Boudoir is a deep berry shade for a bold, polished look.
Which Shellac blues, greens and darks work for fall and winter?
For fall and winter, Shellac's muted blues, greens and deep darks add depth without looking harsh. Denim Patch is a dusty denim blue, Olive Grove is an olive green, and Eternal Midnight is a deep purple.
| Season | Shellac shades to try |
|---|---|
| Fall | Olive Grove, Toffee Talk, Bordeaux Babe |
| Winter | Eternal Midnight, Denim Patch, Berry Boudoir |
| All year | Uncovered, Cashmere Wrap, Clearly Pink |
For more seasonal ideas, see our guide to fall nail colors, and browse past Shellac collections in our post on CND Shellac In Fall Bloom.
Which Shellac base and top coat should you use?
Use a Shellac base coat under Shellac color and a Shellac top coat over it. CND offers a standard Base Coat and a Wear Extender Base Coat, plus several top coats for different finishes and needs.
| Product | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Shellac Base Coat | The standard foundation for Shellac color |
| Shellac Wear Extender Base Coat | A base designed for longer wear; the bottle states up to 3-week wear |
| Shellac Original Top Coat | Standard Shellac top coat |
| Shellac Xpress5 Top Coat | A Shellac top coat formulated to work with Shellac color |
| Shellac Duraforce Top Coat | A top coat described as adding a durable, protective layer |
| Shellac Matte Top Coat | A matte finish over any Shellac color |
Our guide to base coat and top coat explains why each layer matters. See all Shellac bases and tops in our Shellac treatments collection.
Xpress5 Top Coat is a Shellac top coat made to work with Shellac color.
How do you apply CND Shellac?
To apply CND Shellac, prep the nail, apply a thin Shellac base coat and cure, apply two thin coats of Shellac color, curing each one, then apply the Shellac top coat and cure. Keep every layer thin and cap the free edge each time.
- Prep: shape, push back the cuticle, remove shine and cleanse.
- Base coat: thin layer, cap the edge, cure.
- First color coat: thin and even, cap the edge, cure.
- Second color coat: thin again for full color, cure.
- Top coat: seal and cap the edge, cure.
- Finish: wipe if your top coat needs it, then apply cuticle oil.
The CND LED Lamp has preset controls for each service step, a five-finger cure and a removable plate for pedicures, according to its listing. For general lamp advice, see our UV vs LED nail lamp guide.
How many coats of Shellac do you need?
Two thin coats of color are standard. Sheer shades such as Clearly Pink can be built up for more coverage, while pigmented shades may look complete in two.
What are common Shellac application mistakes?
Most Shellac problems come from a few habits that are easy to fix once you know them.
- Thick coats: they can wrinkle or cure unevenly, so keep each layer thin.
- Product on the skin: it lifts and peels, so leave a tiny gap at the cuticle.
- Skipping the edge: cap the free edge with every layer.
- Mixing systems: use Shellac base and top coats with Shellac color.
How long does CND Shellac last?
CND Shellac typically lasts around two weeks or more with good prep and thin, fully cured coats. The Shellac Wear Extender Base Coat bottle states up to 3-week wear. Real wear depends on the client's nails and lifestyle.
- Prep well: oil and shine on the nail cause most early lifting.
- Cap the edges: with base, color and top coat.
- Thin coats: thick layers can wrinkle or chip.
- Daily oil: keeps cuticles neat. See our guide to the best cuticle oil.
How do you remove CND Shellac?
Remove CND Shellac by soaking it with remover and wraps until it softens, then gently pushing it off. Do not pick or peel Shellac, because that pulls layers off the natural nail.
- Prepare wraps: CND Foil Remover Wraps hold remover against the nail.
- Apply remover: use a nail polish remover suited to gel, such as CND Offly Fast.
- Wait: let the Shellac soften fully.
- Push off gently: with a wooden stick or pusher.
- Rehydrate: wash hands and apply cuticle oil.
Shop CND Foil Remover Wraps, and see our full guide on how to remove gel polish and acrylic nails at home.
How do you choose Shellac colors for clients?
Choose Shellac colors by starting with the client's lifestyle, nail length and undertone, then adding a seasonal shade if they want something new. A small core of neutrals and reds covers most bookings.
- Everyday clients: Uncovered, Cashmere Wrap or Clearly Pink.
- French and bridal: Clearly Pink, Romantique, Studio White, Negligee.
- Classic red lovers: Wildfire or Rouge Rite.
- Seasonal changers: Bordeaux Babe, Olive Grove, Denim Patch, Eternal Midnight.
- Match the toes: offer a CND Vinylux or lacquer shade for pedicures.
Comparing brands? Our guides to the best OPI colors and DND gel polish colors cover other popular salon ranges.
Frequently asked questions
How many CND Shellac colors are there?
CND offers a wide Shellac range, and new shades are released in seasonal collections. Our Shellac colors collection shows the shades we currently carry.
What is the most popular CND Shellac color?
Soft neutrals and sheer pinks such as Uncovered, Cashmere Wrap and Clearly Pink are classic salon choices because they suit most clients.
Can you use Shellac color with another brand's base or top coat?
Shellac is designed as a system, so CND Shellac base and top coats give the most predictable results.
What size is a bottle of Shellac?
Standard Shellac color bottles hold 0.25 oz (7.3 mL). Some base and top coats also come in larger sizes.
Does Shellac need a UV or LED lamp?
Yes. Shellac must be cured. CND makes its own LED lamp designed for Shellac services.
Is Shellac good for weak nails?
Shellac is a thin color layer, so it adds light protection. For weak nails, gentle prep and removal matter most. See our guide to the best nail strengthener.
Can Shellac be matte?
Yes. Apply Shellac Matte Top Coat over any Shellac color for a soft, velvet finish.
How do you make Shellac last longer?
Prep carefully, keep coats thin, cap the free edge, use a Wear Extender base if you need longer wear, and oil cuticles daily.
Can you do French tips with Shellac?
Yes. Use a sheer pink like Clearly Pink as the base and Studio White for the tips, then seal with a Shellac top coat.
Ready to build your Shellac wall? Browse the full CND collection.
About the Author
This guide was written by the Universal Nail Supplies Pro Team. Universal Nail Supplies is a professional nail supply store based in Glendale, California, serving salon owners, licensed nail technicians, students in training and home users across the United States. We carry brands including OPI, CND, Harmony Gelish, DND, Kiara Sky, Aprés, Luxio, Staleks and Young Nails.
