Looking for the Best White Nail Polish? Here are 12 You Need to Add to Your Collection ASAP

Best Overall

It really isn’t any surprise that OPI has one of the best white polishes out there. With a cult following, the brand consistently delivers vibrant, on-trend shades that we absolutely love—and Alpine Snow is no different. One of our favorite things about this pick is how buildable the formula is. So, whether you’re looking for a semi-sheer look or a full-coverage finish, this little gem can do it all. When dry, it has a pretty eggshell finish that’s neither too glossy or too matte and is perfect to wear year-round.

Best Gel

If you love a gel manicure because of their shiny finish (and no dry time) but would rather pass on the potential for nail damage, let us present you with this polish. With a crisp, linen white shade, it also delivers a plush finish—just like those salon manicures. The dual-patented formula lasts for up to two weeks and is infused with nourishing ingredients like omega-6 fatty acids, biotin and green tea extracts.

Best Quick-Dry

Ask practically anyone what their least favorite thing about painting their nails is and they will most likely say it’s how long it takes to dry their polish—and we completely agree. There’s nothing more frustrating than using a shade that needs five coats for full coverage, but then becomes goopy and full of air bubbles. A solution to this problem? Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri nail colors. A single coat literally dries in 60 seconds or less and “White On Time” is a classic ivory shade that you’re going to want to use over and over again.

Best Metallic

If your basic white polish just doesn’t do it for ya, opt for a shimmery color that adds a touch of sparkle to your digits instead. This glistening pick from Smith & Cult delivers a creamy white finish with the smallest sparkles in it for a diamond-like effect.

Best Glitter

If you want to take it in the opposite direction and rock a full-on glitter, reach for a shade like Zoya’s “Genesis.” Once it dries, this baby takes on a super sparkly finish that shines in every light.

Best Sheer

If you’re looking to dip your toe into the world of white polish, we suggest starting off with a forgiving shade like Essie’s Marshmallow, which has a slightly sheer finish but isn’t so sheer that it’s translucent. Despite being on the thinner side, the formula still delivers great coverage that’s buildable and is long-lasting. (And it truly does look like the fluffy deliciousness that is marshmallow—without the stickiness.)

Best Budget

This is an attention grabbing white. It’s the sort of shade you wear on your nails all summer long because it makes your tan pop even more and goes with every one of your bikinis. It’s also the kind of white that delivers the same full coverage as those White Out manis we gave ourselves in elementary school—without the mess. Besides that, the formula is also free of formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals and the wallet-friendly price is just the cherry on top.

Best Matte

China Glaze’s formula not only gives you an opaque mani in two coats (or less), but it also dries down to a matte finish that looks absolutely gorgeous during the fall and winter months.

Best Cream

Meet the creamy white color that dries to a porcelain finish and is never too over-the-top. It gets an extra gold star for its budget-friendly price point and long-lasting formula.

Best For French Tips

French Manicures are one of the biggest nail trends we’ve been seeing for a while. And while some are opting to paint their tips in various pastel colors or earthy tones, we still love the classic look of a white tip. Orly’s French Manicure delivers just that with its bright white shade that goes on smoothly thanks to the professional grade 220-stand brush that makes application that much easier. The formula is infused with China clay and special hardeners to prevent breakage and help keep your nails nice and strong.

Cleanest Formula

If your biggest concern with polishes is finding formulas that aren’t packed with harsh ingredients and toxic chemicals, we recommend this gentle pick. The formula is 10-free, which means it’s made without any of the ten most common chemicals that are found in polishes like toluene, DBP and formaldehyde.

Best For Damaged Nails

If you’re someone who tends to bite and pick at your nails (whether by habit or because the past year and a half has been stressful to say the least), you need to snag Sally Hansen’s Color Therapy polish ASAP. The shade is a dreamy, cloudy white and the formula contains argan oil and other ingredients that help nourish and strengthen your nails over time.