White Nail Polish: The 2022 Best
There’s nothing quite as classic as white nail polish – a lacquer that looks stunning whether it’s stark or sheer, coating the entire nail or just the tips for a timeless French. What is it that makes white nail polish different? “The number one thing to look for in a great, high-quality nail lacquer is the pigmentation,”Heather Reynosa (Director of OPI Global Education Design) “Rich pigment [and] solid color that doesn’t streak is imperative.”
But you don’t have to be Hailey Bieber to get the perfect “glazed donut” manicure or a KarJenner to have flawless nails thanks to PEOPLE’s lengthy search for the best white nail polish. In fact, we’ve found tones to satisfy any preference – from the iciest whites to delicate, sheer shades.
However, you’ll want to be a little generous with your spending when shopping for the perfect shade, as white polishes have formulas that are tricky to work with when the quality decreases. “Bright white lacquers have a large amount of titanium dioxide, and that can make your polish thicken a little faster than most,” Reynosa shares. “So this is one color in your collection that’s best to shop for based on quality, not on price.”
These were 8 of 22 polishes tested by PEOPLE. Read on to discover which bottles you’ll be reaching for next time you want to switch up your mani-pedi.
Check These Things Before You Make a Purchase
Shade
When you think of white nail polish, shades comparable to Wite-Out may come to mind, but there are in fact many options for a white manicure if you don’t (or do) want the paper-white effect. Many tones were tested including opaque and snowy whites, as well as translucent, gray-toned colors. Amazing results in color, texture, and transparency were achieved. You can also opt for a shade that’s buildable, like a semi-sheer white (think OPI’s Funny BunnyYou can increase the amount of coats you use to get your desired look.
These are the features
Every lacquer is unique, with its own features such as super-pigmented or luminous shimmer. If you identify the most significant features that are important for your requirements, it will help to select the best white nail polish. A few testers prefered the more opaque shades. Some testers preferred a nail polish that dried within 20 minutes. Others prefer building the color up and then waiting to dry. However, Reynosa recommends being wary of fast-drying polishes, as they can create some chaos in your manicure if you aren’t careful. “Fast-drying can actually work against you, especially if you are trying to even out the application — it can leave streaks and actual marks [or] dents from the brush strokes.”When you search, remember this!
Ingredients
Just like many beauty products, it is also a product of the modern day. “clean”There are many products on the nail market. If you are someone who strives to use good-for-you products, then you’ll want to keep an eye on the ingredients listed on the label of your nail lacquer. Some nail polishes do not suit sensitive skin. Deborah Lipmann’s Gel Lab ProThey are also vegan. They do not contain dibutylphthalate, toluene or camphor, toluene, toluene, toluene, toluene, toluene, toluen, toluene, toluene, toluene, toluene or dibutylphthalate, formaldehyde amide, formaldehyde nitrate, formaldehyde sylamidesylamidesylamidesylamidesyle tosylamidesylamidesylamidesylamidesyle tosyle tosyle tosydehyde xyle tosylamide and parabens This ingredient can cause skin irritations or other problems. Look out for the 10-free indicator if you have concerns about what ingredients you’re putting on your skin.
We tested white nail varnish
Our testers were able to test the range of 22 white nails colors by bringing along acrylic-free and polish. One coat of each nail polish was applied to each tester’s right hand. Then, it dried for two minutes. The tester then applied another coat of the assigned nail polish to their right hand and could evaluate if it needed another coat. Based on the tester’s desired level of opacity, they determined how many coats would be required. The average was 2 to 3 coats. Let the polish dry for about 30 minutes. The testers checked for any smudging and tacky areas after 30 minutes. Their nails were also evaluated. They then gave each nail a rating and repeated the process with another polish.
Is it People Tested?
PEOPLE TESTED is a seal of approval that helps you select the best products. We use our unique method to evaluate products in 3 labs throughout America as well as with home testers from across the country to determine their durability and effectiveness. Based on these results, we rate products and make recommendations.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. Companies are welcome to apply for the PEOPLE Tested Seal of Approval. NeverGet our recommendation. Their products deserve it.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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