If you want your nails to be the center of the room, white nail polish is a good place to start. It’s a classic color that never goes out of style and can bring just enough pop to make your fingers look fabulous. In fact, there are so many different ways you can use it in your beauty routine that we had no choice but to create this comprehensive roundup of our favorite shades!
First things first, let’s talk about the different types of white nail polish: There’s classic white, which is a crisp and clean shade that’s perfect for a classic French manicure. Then there’s opaque white, which is a bit more vibrant and great for a bold, modern look. And finally, there’s pearl white, which has a subtle iridescent finish that’s perfect for adding some extra sparkle to your nails.
But white nail polish isn’t just for your nails. It’s also a great tool for creating intricate nail art designs. Think of it as the ultimate blank canvas—you can use it as the base for your nail art and then add any colors or designs on top. It’s important to use a good base coat to help the polish adhere to your nails, and you may need to apply two or three coats to get a good, even coverage. But with a little patience and practice, you’ll be a white nail pro in no time.
White nail polish is a staple for every woman’s beauty routine. It’s timeless and classic, but also versatile enough to be worn with every outfit. When you’re at the drugstore or Sephora, it can be difficult to choose which white lacquer you should buy. If you’re looking for the best nail polish, look no further than this list!
- Classic and versatile color
- Smooth application
- Long-lasting
- Prone to stains
When you want to paint your nails white as snow, reach for Essie’s Neutrals Nail Polish in Blanc. This pure snowy white lacquer creates an elegant, smooth line every time. It also provides flawless coverage, outstanding durability, and a high, glossy shine finish that’s perfect for even the most demanding applications.
The brush’s soft bristles make it easy to create a clean line at the top of your nail. Whether you’re creating a French manicure or simply looking for a new way to show off your free spirit, this is the perfect color for any occasion!
“I was looking for the perfect white nail polish for years never really finding one that wasn’t spotty,” explained one reviewer. “Blanc is the perfect white. It’s super opaque on lasts long.”
- Classic and versatile shade
- Smooth application
- Long-lasting wear
- Prone to staining
OPI’s Nail Lacquer Nail Polish in Funny Bunny is a perfectly polished light white nail polish for your neutral polish needs. Its sheer coverage is perfect for layering over other favorites or wearing alone, this top choice will make you think about home sweet home even when you’re away from it!
Up to seven days of wear, and fast-drying formula that can be used on natural nails or artificial enhancements—what more could we ask for?
According to one wearer, “It’s a great neutral and a beautiful white. It’s more subtle than alpine snow. Looks great on all skin tones and goes with all wardrobes.”
- High-quality finish
- Long-lasting
- Unique color
- Expensive
This stunning white nail polish is a high-coverage varnish that covers completely. This nail polish is derived from plants and has a specially designed brush for easy, uniform application of a glossy finish that will last for days.
Applying a little layer is a breeze, and the coating it creates on the nail is smooth, quick-drying, and shiny for days. Vernis À Ongles’ streamlined ribbed grip handle is reminiscent of classic nail polish bottles, and the pear-shaped, transparent glass bottle is topped off with gold Gucci writing.
- Quick drying
- Long-lasting
- Eco-friendly formulation
- Price
If you’re looking for a white nail polish that’s not only gorgeous but also offers a safe and healthy finish, look no further than Dazzle Dry’s White Lightning. With this nail paint, even a mani done at home would seem like it came straight from the salon.
Because of its quick-drying formula, you can avoid making as many errors while painting your nails. You can say goodbye to chipped and peeling manicures for up to two weeks with this revolutionary new technique.
White Lightning is a sheer, marshmallow-like white hue that won’t leave any marks on your skin when you remove it. It’s also free from harmful ingredients like formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.
- Long-lasting
- High shine finish
- Easy application
- Limited color range
Static Nail’s Elixer is the only product you need for the whitest nails possible. This nail polish has natural antioxidants and rich hues that will help your nails stay healthy and strong.
With full coverage that lasts for up to 10 days, this polish is ideal for a professional-looking manicure. Throw it on by itself or layer it beneath a fluorescent hat to amp up the hue.
- High-quality formula
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Extensive color selection
- Price
This stuff is the bomb. It’s a white nail polish that looks like it has real diamonds in it! Yeah, kind of hard to believe, but this stuff is amazing.
The formula is vegan and cruelty-free so if you’re looking for a way to splurge on yourself without harming any animals or people, reach for Zoya’s Nail Lacquer in Genesis.
“Zoya has become my favorite polish brand,” explained one buyer. “It’s cruelty-free and they are considerate of what is actually in the polish also. Secondly, they do every finish so, so well.”
- Long-lasting wear
- Glossy finish
- Variety of colors
- Potential damage to nails
Deborah Lippmann’s nail polish is a non-damaging alternative to gel paint that maintains the shine and comfort of a gel manicure. The decadent mixture is dual-patented and provides maximum health, wear, and shine thanks to 10 special components.
It can be placed over any base coat for a flawless application that lasts for up to 14 days without chipping, and it comes in 20 multiple colors ranging from crisp white to deep red.
The award-winning brand uses only the finest ingredients in its products such as ethyl acetate, nitrocellulose, butyl acetate, and carmine.
- Beautiful pearl finish
- Long-lasting
- High-quality formulation
- High price
As the name suggests, this top coat is meant to set and protect your nail polish for longer wear. The subtle golden-white hue provides a shimmery, milky finish that enhances nails in an elegant way.
It’s the finishing touch to your manicure—and with just one sweep of the ergonomic brush which is designed to apply just the right amount of lacquer on nails, you’ll be ready to take on any occasion.
Your nails will look gorgeous all day long!
- Quick drying
- Long-lasting
- Wide color range
- Thick consistency
Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Fast-Dry Nail Color in White On Time is a 3-in-1 polish that promises it’s fast drying and long-lasting. It has a quick dry formula, making it easy to use time after time.
The no-odor formula dries in one step, leaving you with a shiny finish without the hassle of waiting for your nails to dry. Furthermore, the bottle comes in many different colors so you can find exactly what you’re looking for!
As stated by one reviewer, “I was very surprised with how fast the polished dried. I’m a busy working mom and can paint nails quickly but do have time to let them dry. Reasonable pricing is a great plus too!”
- Quick drying time
- Convenience
- Reduced smudging
- Limited working time
This 2-step, long-wearing nail lacquer is filled with calcium-rich hexanal and magnesium to strengthen nails, making it ideal for a demanding week.
With its innovative broad-hugging brush, which conforms to the nail’s natural shape for a flawless application in just a few strokes, this highly pigmented solution is the secret to a salon-quality manicure in the comfort of your own home.
So, if you’re looking for the best white nail polish to add that little bit of class and sophistication to your nails, check out these options!
How to Choose Nail Polish
Color
The initial aspect to consider when selecting a nail polish is its color compatibility with your skin tone, personal style, and wardrobe. A nail polish that complements your skin tone and matches your outfits will give you a polished and harmonious look. Opt for a brand that boasts an extensive array of shades, which ensures you’ll find the ideal color for any event or mood.
Formulation
The composition of the nail polish is another crucial factor. Many contemporary brands are actively excluding potentially harmful chemicals and focusing on healthier ingredients. Assess the polish based on its eco-friendliness and the ethical practices of the company manufacturing it.
Check for labels such as 3-free, 10-free, or 21-free to understand the safety of the nail polish formula. These labels indicate that the polish is free of specific harmful ingredients, with each label excluding a different number of undesirable components, such as toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, gluten, parabens, and synthetic preservatives.
Durability
A high-quality nail polish should offer long-lasting coverage and resist chipping or fading. Investigate the brand’s reputation for durability and read reviews to find a polish that can withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring your manicure remains fresh and vibrant for an extended period.
Finish
Lastly, consider the variety of finishes and the consistency of the nail polish. The finish can significantly impact the overall appearance, with options like glossy, matte, metallic, glitter, and holographic finishes available. The texture of the polish can influence its ease of application and the number of coats needed for optimal coverage.
Choose a polish with a smooth, even texture for a more manageable application and professional-looking result. Read reviews and search for swatches or images of the polish applied to nails to gauge how the finish and texture will appear once applied, ensuring you select a nail polish that meets your expectations in all aspects.
FAQ
How long should nail polish last without chipping?
Typically, a well-applied manicure should remain chip-free for approximately five to seven days. The longevity of the nail polish relies on two main aspects: the quality of the ingredients and the frequency with which the bottle is opened.
Do nail polishes have an expiration date?
Unopened nail polish can potentially last for several years, especially when stored in a cool, dark environment. However, as nail polish is used, oxygen exposure can cause it to thicken and become more difficult to apply. If the polish reaches this stage, it’s time to dispose of it.
What is the best way to remove nail polish?
Both non-acetone and acetone-based removers are effective for removing regular nail polish. To remove the polish, saturate a cotton ball with the remover and press it against the nail for a few seconds before wiping it away.
