After a tumultuous, challenging, and socially-distanced couple of years, many of us are blowing the cobwebs off of our closets, vanities, and bathroom counters. Dresses are being steamed, shoes are being polished, and makeup expiration dates are being checked. Our nail routines are also undergoing a metamorphosis of sorts. Perhaps you’re sticking to a minimalist, acrylic-free look after abandoning your tips…and actually enjoying it. Maybe you’ve grown tired of naked mani-pedis and instead swore your allegiance to intricate nail art and nail kits. Or, you’re simply looking for a new color to sit in between the nail strengthener and top coat in your stash.
Right now, the shade du jour—at least, according to rising Google searches—is silver. The metallic, chrome finish of this color almost resembles the reflection of a mirror. It glitters, it shines, and it demands attention. Silver nail polish is also universally flattering; a shade that looks good on everyone in just about any variation. Plus, unlike pastels that trend through spring and earthy tones that sell out in the fall, metallic shades like silver are in for all seasons.
Still, silver nail polish has a spectrum all its own, with many different versions of the color to choose from. Fortunately for you, we’ve found the most talked-about options so you can spend less time shopping and more time polishing.
How We Found The Best Silver Nail Polishes
As always, we couldn’t have done it without our ultra-smart and unbiased algorithm. Using a diverse range of data, including expert reviews and social media buzz, the proprietary tool identifies standout products. Keep reading to see what we found this time.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Base Coats. Opening image: oliveandjune.com
April 21, 2022
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish In Silver Storm
Overall Score
4.2
10
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish In Silver Storm
4.3
6186 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Sally Hansen’s Xtreme Wear line is a strengthening, chip-resistant, and waterproof formula with staying power. This silver is on the lighter end of the spectrum feels more sparkly than chrome.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: This formula mimics a salon gel manicure.
Cruelty Free
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish In WOW
Overall Score
4.2
09
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish In WOW
4.42
450 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Deborah Lippmann’s polish is a vegan, 10-free formula enriched with ingredients that promote optimal nail health. It’s also an alternative to the traditional gel manicure, minus the tools and lights.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: If you’re using a base coat, stick with one very thin layer.
Cruelty Free
Zoya Nail Polish In Trixie
Overall Score
4.25
08
Zoya Nail Polish In Trixie
4.52
312 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Zoya is also a clean nail polish brand that prides itself on excluding formaldehyde, toluene, lead, and other harmful chemicals from its ingredient list. This silver is described as a “light silver with a sparkling metallic foil finish.”
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: Zoya is also considered a top healthy choice for pregnant women.
Cruelty Free
Ella+Mila Nail Polish In Moonshadow
Overall Score
4.3
07
Ella+Mila Nail Polish In Moonshadow
4.7
251 User Reviews
2.7
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: It isn’t uncommon for vegan or clean nail polish brands to be 10-free or made without 10 of the most widely use harmful nail polish ingredients. Ella+Mila takes things up a notch with a 17-free list and vegan, quick-dry formula.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: What sets Moonshadow apart from other silver polishes is its purple undertone.
Cruelty Free
Olive & June Nail Polish In Exclamation Point
Overall Score
4.3
06
Olive & June Nail Polish In Exclamation Point
4.4
135 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Olive & June’s take on silver is the equivalent of a disco ball for your nail beds. The silver holographic shade is a multidimensional feast for the eyes, where you’ll be able to spot a rainbow of tones that make up the silver finish.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: The formula is gel-like but still easy to remove without having to soak for hours in acetone.
Cruelty Free
OPI Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer In Silver On Ice
Overall Score
4.3
05
OPI Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer In Silver On Ice
4.7
1819 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: This shimmery silver has more of a uniform look with a glossy finish. Use this one alone or as part of the brand’s three-part system (Shine Primer, color, and top coat) for gel-like wear that promises to last up to 11 days.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: Without the primer and top coat, your manicure will still last an impressive seven days.
Paintbox Nail Lacquer In Like Future
Overall Score
4.3
04
Paintbox Nail Lacquer In Like Future
5
2 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Paintbox is known for its standout studio designs and long-lasting nail polishes. Like many other brands, it’s also 10-free, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: Like Future is described as an “icy silver” whose glitter fragments add “megawatt depth,” almost resembling expensive jewelry.
Cruelty Free
Ella+Mila Nail Polish In Mirror Mirror
Overall Score
4.35
03
Ella+Mila Nail Polish In Mirror Mirror
4.64
339 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Mirror, mirror on the wall, this silver is the fairest of them all. A true standout on this list, Mirror Mirror has a sexy chrome finish that gives more shine than glitter.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: Shoppers love how stunning and rich the color looks with just one layer.
Cruelty Free
Essie Luxeffects Nail Polish In Set In Stones
Overall Score
4.4
02
Essie Luxeffects Nail Polish In Set In Stones
4.69
1417 User Reviews
3.1
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: The Luxeeffects line is less polish and more top coat; a multidimensional touch for any solid color. Still, it can also be worn alone, though you may have to apply a couple of coats for full coverage.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: Set in Stones is a silver-gray glitter hybrid.
Olive & June Nail Polish In Ojpas
Overall Score
4.45
01
Olive & June Nail Polish In Ojpas
5
56 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Named after the brand’s second salon in Pasadena, CA, OJPAS is a “pure platinum” silver with a classic metallic finish. Not too light and not too dark, its neutral tone is probably why so many people love it. Additionally, some reviewers suggest painting on top of Exclamation Point, another O&J polish on this list.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: “Listen. There is not a single better nail polish brand on the planet. Every single polish is perfect. The applicator is *chefs kiss*—I have never had a metallic go on so effortlessly. I’ll never buy another brand of polish again.”
Cruelty Free
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