Thinking white is just a neutral? Reconsider that idea.
No matter if you’re working in an office or enjoying a vacation, white nail polish will make your hands look amazing. White is the must-have color, replacing pastels and even black.
White Nail Polish Trend
White nails are trending again, but this isn’t my first encounter with the pale shade. Back in 1996, a maths class and some TippEx led to a headmaster’s visit. Now, white nail polish is everywhere! It’s been seen on runways like Rag & Bone (2014/15) and Rachel Fulton (2015/16). Celebrities like Beyoncé, Scarlett Johansson, and Emmy Rossum are also sporting the look. It seems my past “crime” is now a popular trend.
Celebrity Inspiration
If this style feels a bit “school chic” to you, let the celebrities change your mind. When icons like Emma Watson and Cara Delevingne embrace a trend, you know it’s incredibly popular.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest
Top Tips
Achieve flawless white nails with these simple tips! Keep your manicure clean, sophisticated, and elegant. Avoid the “TippEx” look, we promise!
PHOTO CREDIT: The Nail Luxxe
Tip One: Get Ready
Forgetting a base coat is similar to skipping sunscreen. It’s crucial! A base coat stops staining and preps your nails for polish. It creates a smooth surface and helps the color adhere better. This is especially true for white nail polish, which tends to streak. We recommend Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat. It’s simple to use, dries quickly, and prevents yellowing.
Pro Tip: Always prep your nails with nail polish remover before applying base coat, even if you don’t have old polish on. This removes oils and ensures a longer-lasting manicure.
Tip Two: Nail Shape
White nail polish offers a clean, vibrant look, reminiscent of fresh snow or bright sunshine. However, its starkness can highlight imperfections. To avoid this, ensure your nails are neatly clipped and filed before application. Short, rounded nails are ideal for white polish, letting the color make a bold statement.
Tip Three: Master the Art of Layering
Apply nail polish patiently. Use thin, even strokes for each layer. Most white polishes need at least two coats for full coverage. Don’t rush! Let each coat dry completely before applying the next. Keep a cotton swab or correcting pen nearby to fix errors. Once dry, add a glossy top coat. This is essential because chips are very visible on white polish. We recommend Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. It applies quickly, adding shine and making your manicure last longer.
Types of Finish
Confused by nail polish terms? Shellac, shatter, foil, flecked, crackle, creme – it’s a whole new world! While there are roughly 20-25 different finishes (reach out on Twitter if you’re curious about the others), here are five top white polishes to begin your nail journey.
Creme
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest
Creme remains the top varnish finish in 2025. It’s likely the type you use most often. This is polish at its simplest: a creamy, milky liquid color. It contains no glitter, shimmer, or extra pigments. The finish is glossy and smooth. It can range from sheer to fully opaque.
Matte
PHOTO CREDIT: Adjusting Beauty
Matte nail polishes are super popular right now. They ditch the shine for a flat, modern look. A matte white polish is a fantastic way to refresh your style. Heads up: the non-glossy texture can be tricky to apply. Also, they tend to chip easily since you can’t use a shiny top coat for protection.
Textured
PHOTO CREDIT: Black Bride
Nail polish doesn’t have to be boring! Elevate your manicure with crystals, gems, or sequins. This adds a luxurious touch, perfect for weddings and other special events.
Sparkly
PHOTO CREDIT: Manicurator
Glitter nail polishes offer a dazzling, eye-catching look. They’re ideal for celebrations and essential for the holiday season! Glitter particles range in size, from fine shimmer to larger, bolder pieces. Always apply a top coat over white glitter polish. This will create a smooth finish and prevent the glitter from snagging.
Shatter
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest
Shatter nail polish, often called crackle, creates a unique cracked effect as it dries. It exposes the base color underneath. White shatter polish is highly adaptable and complements almost any base coat. It’s a fantastic and easy way to refresh your nail style in 2025.
Top 10 Best Nail Polish Brands for White Nails
OPI Alpine Snow – £12.50 (2025 Edition)
A true cult favorite! OPI’s top-selling Alpine Snow is an ultra-white nail polish. Apply it as a full-coverage color for a bold statement. Alternatively, use it to create crisp, clean French tips.
Rimmel White Hot Love – £3.69 (Updated 2025 Price)
This shimmering white creme polish, a collaboration with Rita Ora, boasts a subtle pearl finish. It’s a fantastic and affordable option readily available on the high street.
Burberry Optic White – £15 (Updated 2025): A timeless, crisp white for a polished look.
This limited-edition nail polish, a highlight of Burberry’s Spring/Summer 2016 Velvet & Lace collection, offers impeccable quality. Its wide brush is a fantastic feature, ensuring a swift and effortless application.
Nails Inc Kensington Church Street – £16 (Updated 2025 Price)
This Nails Inc polish is packed with micro-glitter and sequins. It will give your nails a stunning, snowflake-like finish. Apply it solo or layer it over a clean white base for extra impact.
Sally Hansen White On – Now only £5.20!
This durable lacquer offers great value. We especially love it as a crisp white polish for toenails.
Zoya Snow White – Now £8.95 (Updated 2025 Price)
Excellent name, excellent polish! This pristine white creme mirrors the brilliance of new snow. Plus, this vegan polish, like all Zoya products, is free of harmful chemicals.
Ciaté London White Heat – £9 (Updated 2025)
This stunning white hue amplifies your tan and delivers full color in a single application. It’s perfect on its own or layered with glitter for a dazzling finish.
Essie Blanc – £7.99 (2025 Edition)
Achieve a sophisticated manicure with this Essie white nail polish, delivering a coveted, snow-white appearance. Its buildable formula makes it ideal for experimenting with the trend. Plus, it’s perfect for creating flawless white tips.
NARS Ecume White – £15 (2025 Edition). This classic white shade offers a crisp, clean look for your nails. Get yours today!
Elegant white nail polish designed for sophisticated women. It offers effortless application, flawless color, and excellent coverage.
Barry M Classic White – Just £2.99!
Don’t let the low price fool you! Barry M’s white nail polish delivers vibrant color and a beautiful shine. It’s an excellent choice if you’re experimenting with white nail polish for nail art.
