White Chrome Nails

Updated 2025.09.12. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Some products were sent as samples, but all opinions are my own.

White chrome nails are trending right now and for a good reason, they really do look quite pretty. 

In this post, you’ll learn how to get the pearlescent white chrome nails look, but without the pearl brushstrokes you see in regular nail polish, since we’ll be using chrome powder to achieve the effect.

To get started you’ll need these main nail supplies:

• White chrome powder
• essie marshmallow
• Dusting brush
• Soft cloth

The dusting brush can be a blush brush or a foundation brush. You just need a light, feathery cosmetic brush for powders. Shown is a Beetles Gel Polish brush as that is what was on hand - thank you to Beetles for sending it! You can use a specific nail dusting brush or any spare, soft and fluffy beauty brush you have on hand.

For the soft cloth, a smooth clean rag, a lint-free wipe or a microfiber cloth will work.

The white chrome nail powder used for this post is DND Pearl Chrome Effect in White Silk, which is compatible with both regular nail polish and gel nail polish, but you can use any chrome powder.

White Silk is a silvery white micro-fine glitter and it can be applied with just the pad of your finger.

How To Use White Chrome Powder

1 - Apply 2 coats of essie marshmallow as your base.

2 - Wait until it is sticky to the touch.

3 - Dip your fingertip pad into the powder and gently pat the powder on to cover the nail. Don’t worry about the powder getting on your skin, it’ll clean off easily when you’re done.

4 - Repeat until you have all your nails covered in chrome powder. 

5 - Return to each finger and again, gently press down the chrome powder to lock it in.

6 - Using a dusting brush, now dust off the excess powder from the nails.

7 - Wait for your nails to fully dry. 

8 - Once all nails are fully dry, using a soft cloth, gently wipe the nails in a circular motion to remove any final excess chrome powder. Use the same light pressure you’d use to polish water spots off fine glassware.

9 - Apply your favorite quick dry top coat.

10 - Wait for your top coat to dry, then wash your hands and apply cuticle oil.

You’re done! 

Below is what your final manicure will look like:

Now that your manicure is complete:

• Carefully reseal the white chrome powder, replacing the foam cap liner under the lid, which helps prevent the powder from spilling when opened again.

• Return the white chrome powder to the small plastic bag it arrived in, so the micro powders on the jar won’t get on your other nail supplies in storage.

• Using a lint-free wipe or DIY polish remover pad and acetone, clean the neck of your nail polish bottle and tightly screw back on the lid.

To try this manicure yourself: 

Get essie marshmallow at Ulta and White chrome powder at DND. If you don't yet have a favorite top coat, my favorite top coat is a quick dry top coat and it creates a beautiful plump, glossy finish. It's the essie gel couture top coat.

Other Articles You May Enjoy:

• Pearl Nails

• Milky White Nail Polish

• essie marshmallow Comparisons

• OPI Glazed N' Amused Nail Polish Swatches

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