Maybe it's because I painted my nails with White Out all of middle school (a beauty gal through and through!), but to me, bright white polish just feels a tad juvenile. Don't get me wrong, I love a white nail moment when it's milky and sheer, and I will forever adore creamy French tips; I'm also one to sport a pearly, glazed-donut finish every so often. There's just something about a full coat of frosting white that reads a little… outdated. Recently, though, I saw Rihanna's bright white pedicure (paired with a similarly polarizing Canadian tuxedo), and I've officially changed my tune. Her polish looks expensive, creamy, and perfect for summer, so I've decided to compile all the inspo.
(Image credit: Backgrid)
On Sunday night, the singer and pop-culture icon (and, ahem, self-made billionaire) stepped out for a late-night dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica wearing a full denim-on-denim outfit with strappy sandals—a warm-weather uniform practically begging to be paired with a bright, summer-coded pedi. On Rihanna, the stark white polish instantly brightens her ensemble (similar to butter yellow tips) yet still appears minimalist chic. It makes a statement without going full neon or bright pink, and rest assured, it suits every color outfit and shoe selection, though I must say, it does look extra expensive against a pair of sleek leather flip-flops.
In case it's giving too Wite Out, you'll be happy to know that you don't have to opt for bright, brilliant white to hop on the trend. Ivory, eggshell, vanilla, and antique white look just as classy, so feel free to choose whichever hue best suits your undertones; just make sure you apply two or more coats for an opaque, creamy finish. I, for one, will be copying Rihanna with a snow-white version, but these luxe iterations below have also been consuming my brain space.
More White Pedicure Ideas for Summer
(Image credit: @millymason_)
Glossy and elegant.
(Image credit: @sylviemus_)
See? A white pedicure looks striking against black leather sandals.
(Image credit: @annelauremais)
Here's some more evidence.
(Image credit: @smythsisters)
I rest my case.
(Image credit: @millymason_)
This pearl moment is just so pretty.
Shop White Nail Polish
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow
You can't go wrong with this classic OPI shade.
Essie
Nail Polish in Blanc
This Essie number is also a staple.
Dior
Dior Vernis in Jasmin
Dior's white polish has the glossiest finish.
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Funny Bunny
Funny Bunny is a cult favorite for a reason! One coat will deliver a dreamy, milky finish, while two or more coats reads creamy and opaque.
Sally Hansen
Insta-Dri Nail Color Polish in White on Time
This bright white lacquer dries in just 60 seconds.
CND
Vinylux Studio in White
Glossy, bright-white gel nails will always look chic.
Orly
Nail Lacquer in French Manicure White Tips
Technically, this polish is marketed for French tips, but you can give your entire nail plate a coat if you please.
Ella+Mila
Nail Polish in Icing on the Cake
Aptly named Icing on the Cake, this white polish has a creamy, frosting-like finish.
Sunday Studio
Nail Polish in No. 01
Here's another opaque lacquer I'll use for at-home French tips but looks stunning as a full mani. Plus, it's 10-free and long-lasting.
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