Best White Nail Polish [Review] in 2022
written by nail expert Jess Rowley
OPI Nail Lacquer, White Nail Polish
TOP CHOICE
ZOYA Nail Polish in Snow White
OUR PICK
Essie Nail Polish: Blanc
RUNNER UP
White nail polish has been a timeless classic for years now, from a summer color staple to any season classic. We can all agree when I say that white will always be a mood.
But are you here to add another shade to the collection or run out of your go-to white nail polish and looking to try something new?
Nothing can beat a crisp classic white to compliment your outfit. Getting that right formula is so crucial, lucky for you that’s what I’m here to do, I’ve scoped a wide range of best white nail polishes and broken them down into my favorite picks.Â
Finding the right formula and color can be a challenge at times, we can all agree the color ivory is much different from eggshell. It’s all down to the formula, color, and application to give you the most beautiful finishes.Â
Now:Â
To make things easier for you, I rounded up the top best white nail polishes you can buy, that will leave your nails with the finish you’re craving, whether that’s snowy, opaque, or pearl metallic white.Â
Here’s a tip, it’s all about the base: make sure you apply a good base and topcoat in order to get the most out of your whites. With a great base for the white to adhere it will improve the durability and overall appearance of the manicure.Â
With so many different shades of white, it can be tricky, but my first pick was way too easy.
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The Best White Nail Polish for pretty tips
OPI Nail Lacquer, White Nail Polish
Whether you’re looking for an elegant soft white manicure or classic french tips then nothing beats OPI. You’ll never go wrong with their signature nail polishes that will complete every look. Â
Alpine Snow will give you crisp shiny tips every time, with the creamy formula, it is super buildable and versatile depending on how many coats you decide to add.
Their heavily-pigmented formula is super rich, long-lasting, chip-resistant for up to 7 days of wear, it even includes a ProWide brush for easy and flawless application.Â
You will be shocked by the results
All you need to do is apply with OPI’s natural base coat, two coats of this nail polish, allowing a couple of minutes between each layer, and finishing with OPI’s top coat. This shade screams elegant while standing out from the crowd.
This crispy white hue seals the number one spot for both performance and the gorgeous color it will add to those pretty nails.
- Crispy white shade
- Perfect for french manicures
- Easy to apply
- Lasts up to 7 days chip-free
- May chip if not applied with base coat and top coat
Latest deal:Â OPI White Nail Polish
ZOYA Nail Polish in Snow White
Zoya gives you a healthier, flawless finish and is a white nail polish that is loved by pregnant and health-conscious women all over the world. Zoya’s award-winning, vegan, and long-wearing natural nail polish is beautiful and 10-free.Â
Zoya’s opaque white nail polish is in the purest white color that looks like freshly-fallen snow. Top off a new white set or a flattering french manicure with this shade.Â
It will give maximum performance with minimal effort, all you need is two swipes after your fave base coat, top off with a top coat and you’re good to go for a long-wear manicure.Â
But I’m dying to tell you more
Zoya focuses on healthy, natural solutions for natural nails that everyone can love, giving the highest quality available at your fingertips- pun intended.Â
Zoya has been a lover of many celebrities in New York and even in Europe, praised by the top fashion magazines and users. You will feel like you’ve just walked off the runway with this crispy white hue.Â
- Gorgeous snow like hue
- Long-lasting
- Maximum performance with minimal effort
- Vegan, natural and 10 free
- None so far
Latest deal:Â ZOYA Nail Polish in Snow White
Essie Nail Polish in Blanc
I will always love Essie for their glossy shine finish and unmatched durability. They will give your manicure and I am hooked on their white shades.Â
There’s nothing I hate more than getting a new white nail polish that applies streaky and takes about 4 shades to build up, but with Essies formula and easy glide brush, those streaks will be history.
Everyone deserves a perfect manicure every time, all you need is some cuticle, Essie’s base coat, 2 coats of this gorgeous white polish, and seal the deal with a topcoat.
But why stop there.
Stand out from the crowd with this gorgeous, crispy white, with quick-drying, long-lasting formulas, you cannot get better than this, your manicure will be looking dreamy.
This is white nail polish perfect for toes and your pretty finger tips and must add this to your collection ASAP.
- Long-lastingÂ
- Only takes 2 coats to achieve an opaque finish
- Streak-free application
- Quick-dry formula
- None
Latest deal: Essie Nail Polish in Blanc
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish in Get Mod
- High potency lacquer that will repair nails
- UV protected
- Dries in a matter of minutes
- Creamy sheer white nail polish
- Would still advice to use a base coat
Latest deal: Sally Hansen Miracle GelÂ
Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer in Porcelain Party
If you’re looking for a crispy white color that just won’t quit, Maybelline’s chip-resistant formula will leave your nails with a show-stopping shine that makes you feel like you’ve just walked off the runway.Â
This creamy white color gives a glossy finish and the formula works a dream, lasting you the whole week.Â
It’s super easy.
Just apply a clear base coat, that won’t yellow your nails, sweep this gorgeous color in the middle of the nail and work it from base to tip, apply to the rest of the nail, and repeat. Finish off with your trusty topcoat and you will love the results.
White will compliment every look, you won’t be able to stop looking at those pretty talons.Â
- Long-lasting
- Glossy formula
- Easy application
- Super affordable
- More creamy than white
Latest deal:Â Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer
6.
Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer
Now I thought I’d finish off with this beauty, Morgan Taylor’s Artic freeze will look flattering on a french manicure. This formula was designed to remove all barriers of color expression, this beautiful white is breathtaking.Â
This color is inspired by luminous pearls, raw gems, semi-precious stones, and even radiant gold from, the earth. All pigments are saturated, pure, and finely milled for luminous metallics, shimmers, creams, sheets, and glitters.Â
But here’s the kicker.
This will give you a smooth, even, long-lasting color with a salon finish we all love. It is also completely free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, and DBP, a win-win.
- Flawless, salon finish
- Free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, and DBP
- Long-lasting
- Easy application
- Pricey
Latest deal:Â Morgan Taylor Professional Nail LacquerÂ
Here's what makes the best white nail polish
If I know anything about white nail polish it blurs the line’s between natural and bold. It’s subtle enough to be considered natural but you can really stand out from the crowd and make a statement.
It universally flatters any skin tone, can be worn all year round, on any length or style of the nail- it will be flattering on anyone.
If you have multiple different white shades you will agree with me when I say that they’re all a slightly different hue. All white nail polishes will leave your nails with different finishes: from metallic to sheer to even a matte finish, for one color the variations are massive.
You can’t get enough of it, no matter that trends pass the white manicures are here to stay, and we all agree they are beautiful.
However, you need to keep an eye on the formula of white nail polish, with the wrong base coat your once flawless manicure may turn into a yellow mess- gross. Or it takes ages to build up the color- time consuming and annoying.
But that’s what I’m here for, lets break down all the confusing features so you know exactly what to look for in white nail polish.
You may also like our guide on: Black Nail Polish or Nude Nail Polish
What to look for in white nail polish
Durability:Â
When buying white nail polish you need to check for durability. We all love white nail polish but any cracks, chips or stains will be much more obvious than any other color, pairing a strong nail polish with a trusty topcoat will help prevent this, keeping your white nails pretty for longer.
Pigment:
The pigment is another thing to look for, the color can be deceiving but when you apply you find that you can see your natural nail underneath, even after 2 layers. This is the number one thing to check, especially with colors like white. Streaking is another issue I often find with white nail polish, as the pigment isn’t strong enough sometimes.
Lucky for you all of the white nail polishes I’ve listed today only need a couple of layers to complete the look.
Nontoxic Formulas:
When buying any nail polish, not just white I would try to go for non-toxic formulas, you will often find this as 3-free. 8-free or 10-free and they are free of harmful chemicals, especially formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate.
8-free formulas are free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, triphenyl phosphate, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene.
It continues, 10-free is also free of parabens, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide.
I know you may be looking at this having not a clue what most of those chemicals, don’t panic. These formulas are free of these toxic chemicals that could be harmful to your health and should be avoided if you can.
Nail Brushes:
Not all brushes are the same, when buying white nail polish, a wider, square brush provides more coverage in one stroke which is ideal for white nail polish but if you have small nails it may not be the best option. However, a flat, skinny brush is better to maneuver, allowing you to create sharper lines- for example for a detailed french tip.
Here’s a guide as to how to apply white nail polish like a pro.Â
Frequently asked Questions
Can nail polish cause nails to turn white?
No, if you notice some white spots on your nails or discoloration this may be the start of fungal toenail infection, this can be caused by having darker nail polish on for longer periods of time without removing.
If you use the right base coat, this will reduce the likelihood of nail polish staining the nail, which is unlikely anyway with white nail polish.
How do you keep white nail polish clean?
Finish your nails under a UV light to keep the white polish from getting muddy. If you don’t have a UV lamp, use a trusty base coat and top coat, that will prevent yellowing or staining.
Check out my guide on how to keep white nail polish clean for more tips.Â
What is the best white nail polish for a french manicure?
For a french manicure, I would recommend getting OPI’s Nail Lacquer.  It is brilliant for the most detailed edges of a french mani-pedi and not to mention the colors are beautiful.
Summary
In this guide today we have gone through the very best white nail polish that will not only complement even the most daring of outfits but also built to last.
I have also selected the best white nail polish that will give you the best coverage without streaking. Be ready for every occasion and stand out with these stunning colors.Â
Check out how to apply white nail polish like a pro.Â
Jess Rowley
Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert
ABOUT
Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.
