White Nail Polish Is Always a Vibe—Here Are the 20 Best in Existence

Nail trends come, and nail trends go, but one thing is for sure: White nail polish is a forever mood. For decades, it's been one of those nail polish shades that are almost too good to be true. It fits the bill all year long (that Labor Day rule is totally outdated), is appropriate for any occasion, and looks good on everyone. What more could you want out of a nail polish?

If you're operating under the assumption that white nails are too basic, flat, or even too extra, chances are you haven't found the white polish finish that's right for you. Just ask Lizzo, Rihanna, Victoria Beckham, and the countless other celebrities who can't get enough of their white nails.

Ahead, find our edit of the 20 best white nail polishes, broken down by varying finishes to help you find your new favorite. 

Bright White

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

This classic shade of white is simply stunning. Whether you're coating your nails in an opaque layer of varnish or searching for the perfect shade to help you execute some negative-space nail art, this bright, crisp hue is an all-around winner.

Shop the best bright-white nail polishes:

Milky White

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(Image credit: @oliveandjune)

If you're more into softer white nail shades, look no further than a diffused, milky white. Instead of a high-impact, fluorescent-like pop, you'll get more of a natural finish. It'll give you the perfect balance between an opaque and sheer color.

Shop the best milky-white nail polishes:

Pearly White

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(Image credit: @fongminliao)

Put a chic spin on your classic white manicure with a subtle hint of shimmer. Pearly white polish is perfect for those who want a little something extra without having to commit to the decidedly extra-ness of straight-up glitter.

Shop the best pearly white nail polishes:

White-ish

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

Sometimes white polish can feel too stark. The good news is there are plenty of hues that deliver the same dainty neutrality with just a slight tinge of another color.

Shop the best white-ish nail polishes:

French White

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Love it or hate it, the French manicure is one of the most iconic nail styles of all time. A flat, opaque white might not always be what you gravitate toward, but it's a critical component for creating the perfect classic French tips.

Shop the best French-white nail polishes:

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Associate Beauty Editor

Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.