A polish-free way to create a classic white french tip.
The Details
Our Whitening Pencil is the essential tool for a modern, paint-free French manicure. Designed to brighten the nail tip, this water-based pencil provides a "bump of white" that defines your natural nails without the harsh chemicals or drying time of traditional polish.
This pencil offers a subtle, semi-permanent effect — this hint of white enhances the contrast of your natural nails, leaving them looking healthy, intentional, and bright. Think of this as makeup for your nails.
The Choice is Yours: Purchase this pencil as a standalone essential to brighten your tips, or experience the complete ritual with The Bare French Manicure Kit, which includes our signature Glass Polisher, Cuticle Oil, and Czech Crystal File for a total professional-grade transformation.
How To Use
Achieving a clean, professional-looking edge is a matter of technique:
- Preparation: Ensure your nails are shaped and clean — free of all lotions and oils. For the best results, use our Czech Crystal File to refine the free edge first.
- Application: Lightly dampen the pencil tip before drawing underneath the nail. This intensifies the pigment for a crisp, bright white.
- Clean Up: If any pigment gets onto the skin of your fingertip, simply use paper to wipe it clean.
The Bare Hands Tip: For the ultimate "Dry Gloss" finish, pair this with The Polisher. The combination of a high-shine nail plate and a brightened tip creates a sophisticated, salon-quality finish without a drop of polish.
The Ingredients
Kaolin, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Talc, Sodium Stearate, Cellulose Gum, Oleth-20, Calcium Pantothenate, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491)
Note: We partnered with an established manufacturer for this new pencil, and although the performance quality is the highest available, their formula contains a preservative ingredient (Phenoxyethanol) that is widely used in clean formulas but isn’t completely risk-free. We believe that the temporary nature of this product (the fact that it washes away and does not stay in your skin) still makes it a safer alternative to plastic-based polishes that do stay on your skin and leach into your bloodstream. We consider this one more step forward in the evolution of this product, and welcome your feedback as we continue to refine.
the bare french manicure
Learn the method
Creating a paint-free french look has changed quite a bit from your grandmother's day! Watch our video on how this wet pigment method works. If you love the transformative results of a Dry Gloss Manicure shine, turn it up to the next level with this whitening pencil.
Q+A
How long does it last?
The white effect is similar to makeup in that it will fade over the course of 24 hours. Re-apply daily for full intensity.
Does it wash off?
Yes. This water-soluable formula is what makes it safer for you than a traditional lacquer (oil-based) paint. It will wash off in 3 or more hand-washes.
Is this white as intense as what I get at the salon?
If you're looking for an effect that looks as perfect as a retouched image, this pencil may not be for you. And that's ok! If you're looking for a quick, natural way to boost your natural nail, then you've come to the right place.
Reviews
- RCRebecca C.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars3 weeks agoSuch a neat tool for a classic look!
I’ve very much enjoyed experiencing with this pencil to get that classic look. The concept is awesome, but sometimes the application is a little hard to execute well, in terms of the color sticking to the underside of my nail. My body naturally produces a lot of oil, so I don’t know if that’s the cause, or if it’s how I’m applying it, or what. Always such phenomenal products from Bare Hands that I’m confident to recommend & delighted to use.
BHBare Hands3 weeks agoHi Rebecca! Most folks get a good application from washing hands first, then applying the pencil to slightly damp nails. For your skin, you might try washing and then using an alcohol wipe to make sure you get a clean surface before you apply the pigment..
- MTMarion T.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars6 days agoWhitening pencil
Love this pencil… after struggling with cheap knock-offs. It is wonderful finding one that works as it should!
- ABalex b.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month agoGreat item!
I was concerned I wouldn’t like this but bought while on sale and I love it! So easy to use and lasts a lot longer than expected! I love that it makes my nails look nice without harsh chemicals.
- LBLori B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month agoWhitening Pencil
The pencil is easy to use and creates a clean French manicure appearance w/o polish. Love it!
- LMLisa M.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month agoA reminder of my mother’s nail care
I am nearly 60, and I remember my mother having whitening pencils when I was very young. She’d buff her nails, dampen the pencil, and rim the underside of her nails before going out. I am so glad to find this, and enjoy a clean version of a French manicure.