A trend I am excited to weave into my warm weather style is the white nail. It was all over the spring runways and when I saw how fab it looked on Taylor, I knew I needed to get my bright white tips in order. This mani will be everything against bronzed skin (I say that and hope you know I mean faux…real sun is frenemy). Abandon any notion of “white out” nail, and take note!
The first rule of a white mani is HYDRATION. You think a scraggly cuticle ruins the appearance of your manicure? Well, it’s all sorts of skanky with white nails. The wind did a number on my hands the other day and I was horrified by how magnified my dry skin looked against a white mani. To remedy, I’ve been carrying around this OSEA Malibu rollerball around with me for dedicated cuticle moisture blasts. It’s a very hydrating blend of argan oil, undaria algae, chamomile, grape oil and vitamin E. I love the no-fuss rollerball app and, bonus: I can use it as a face touch-up, too.
The next rule? Over apply. I did three coats of L’Oreal Colour Riche in “I Will!” and I’m wishing I’d had the patience for a fourth. The goal is full opacity. The L’Oreal applies smoothly and evenly, so I could have added another coat no problem. Not bad for $6!
Last, never skip the base and top coat. This goes for all manis. It might seem like an unnecessary extra step – especially when you’re already wearing 3-4 coats of actual color – but it protects your nails, gives it a glossy finish and helps it last (way) longer. The butter LONDON base/top duo is my newest discovery and I’m so impressed with how well my manicure holds when I use.
note: sample of the OSEA provided for editorial consideration.
I love white polish on tanned skin- the only thing I hate is having to apply so many coats to get a nice finish!
Hi Laurie, I love this! White tips are so clean and fresh — perfect for spring 🙂
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Love this Laurie! Can’t wait to use some of these tips for my next mani! Also, I love the L’Oreal nail polishes!
Hey Stephanie — I agree, the L’Oreal polishes are great. The consistency is easy to work with (I’m anti thick and goopy!)
Hi Laurie, thank you for the link love, your very sweet. I love your white mani! The Osea oil sounds lovely, I love Argan Oil for the cuticles and pretty much everything else 🙂
Hi Laurie, I love the white mani. Can’t wait to give it a try!
Jessica, definitely give it a try! The more coats the better:)
I love the look of a white manicure but it always turns out a little uneven when I try it at home. I’m going to use your tips here and try it again soon!
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Oh girl! I’ve done the many coats o’ white (Essie’s Marshmallow) but something was missing! Base and top coat it is 😉 I will try it next time! Great blog, great advice
Yes! Sandra, I’m like the preacher of the base coat. It has totally saved my nails and nothing ever stains them, now!
I love a white mani, too! Looks so boss on tan/dark skin. OPI Alpine Snow is my fave white polish as it’s opaque in 2 coats.
kristen @ glambunctious recently posted…MUA Undressed Palette + Undress Me Too Palette – Comparison, Review + Swatches
Kristen – I like the sound of only two coats! Thanks for the rec!
Any time, peaches! 🙂
kristen @ glambunctious recently posted…MUA Undressed Palette + Undress Me Too Palette – Comparison, Review + Swatches
This white nails polish looks awesome! you did an excellent job and only two coats of light color? that is great!