11 Best White Nail Polish Colors to Take Your Manicure to the Next Level
Get in on the white-hot trend with these milky manicure shades.
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While white nail polish is known to be a summer nail color staple, we think it's time for it to become a go-to shade for any and all seasons — after all, what's more timeless than crisp, clean white? Other than classic red polish, a pristine white mani is a sophisticated look you can't go wrong with, as long as you're choosing the right formula and shade of polish.
Whether you're going for a cool white design or opting for a simple French manicure, it's a color that looks classy and will keep you in a bright mood, no matter the occasion. Choosing the right shade of white for your skin tone isn't always easy, though, so we've rounded up some of the best white nail polish colors for your fingertips this season, from sheer to opaque, snowy white to metallic pearl. Here are the best white nail polishes for your next milky manicure.
Essie Nail Polish in Marshmallow
Not only is Essie's long-wearing formula one of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab's top-tested nail polish brands, it's also a favorite of our Beauty Director, April Franzino. "This Essie shade is slightly off-white, so it doesn't look as harsh on skin, especially skin like mine that's medium to deep in tone," she says.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow
This sheer shade is one of OPI's most popular polishes — it's a timeless pick for a soft, sophisticated white manicure or for classic French tips. To enhance the super-clean look, add a top coat for a high-shine finish.
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in Well, Well, Well
For healthier nails, try this polish from Sally Hansen — the formula is infused with argan oil to nourish and moisturize your nails.
Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer in Porcelain Party
A creamy white color with a glossy finish, this nail polish brushes on smooth. Plus, our Beauty Lab analysts found that on average, this formula lasted the longest of any polish they've recently tested.
This shade of white is as sweet as its name — a gorgeous pearly white with a golden sheen, you'll need just two coats to reach full opacity.
Cover Girl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Snow Storm
White is a color that's unforgiving when it comes to chips, but you can't go wrong with this long-lasting nail polish. In Beauty Lab tests, Cover Girl's formula lasted more than six days without any chipping.
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This shade is a pearlescent white with a slightly metallic finish, a fun twist on classic white. Seriously, who wouldn't love a nail polish color that's designed to look like "diamond dust"?
Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in Regret the Moon
The hint of pink in this 8-free formula from vegan and cruelty-free brand Smith & Cult makes it stand out on fairer skin tones.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Get Mod
Instead of coughing up for a pricey gel manicure, try this formula from Sally Hansen that our Beauty Lab says rivals salon gel treatments. This beautiful creamy shade will quickly become your go-to white.
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Amazing Grace
This long-lasting gel formula from Deborah Lippmann is a rich, strong white that brushes on opaque.
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty La Laque Couture Nail Lacquer in Blanc Arty
If you feel like splurging, this nail lacquer from Yves Saint Laurent is a popular pick — and its long-wear formula is great for strengthening, moisturizing, and protecting your nails.
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