All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
Freshly manicured nails are an instant pick-me-upthough repeated trips to the saloncanhave some downsides.
Source images: Courtesy of brands; Collage: Laneen Wells forAllure
This is where the best nail whiteners come into play.
Ever taken off your last coat ofgel nail polishto find yellowed, stained nails lurking underneath?
Theres (likely) a quick fix for that.
(And thatcherry-red manicurelooked so innocent.)
Staining can arise withaging nails, too.
She explains that the main ingredient, potassium hydroxide, works as a mild bleach.
I recommend not leaving it on the skin too long.
But it has benefits beyond that.
Rinse the stain remover off with warm water, and voila: sparkling-clean nails and tidy cuticles to match.
Always use a base coat, says Streets.
With a pearlescent finish, the brightening product is another staple in Streetss kit.
The formulation also contains a dash of linden extract, which moisturizes and strengthens the nails.
All the while, it leaves the nails with a pretty white sheen, Streets says.
It works by infusing proteins directly into the nail plate, she says.
Its great for rebuilding nail health, especially if your nails are yellow from polish overuse."
The product can be used on its own, or as a top or base coat for manicures.
The brand recommends leaving it on for one week, then removing it and applying a fresh coat.
A longtimeAllure-editor favorite, the sunshine-colored salve also comes recommended by celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik.
It keeps cuticles smooth and helps polish last longer,he previously shared.
Its ideal for addressing surface discoloration due to polish or environmental factors."
Prevention is always better than cure, says Streets.
Her favorite tips for reducing staining and discoloration include:
What makes yellow nails white again?
With the nails properly buffed, whitening products can come into play.
However, thats not always the case.
Its important to assess your nail to ensure youre using the best product to treat it.
For a solid assessment, check in with your dermatologist.
Do nail whiteners work?
Nail whiteners absolutely work!
However, she issues some gentle caveats.
As mentioned above, its essential to ascertain the cause of staining before applying any treatments, she says.
Its even more important to follow whatever you use with generous and consistent applications of cuticle oil.
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?
Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?
Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase.
