The 15 Best Dark Nail Colors For A Gorgeous Finish – 2024
You are going to love these rich, dark hues that are perfect for gleaming, edgy nails.
Simone de Vlaming is a beauty expert and founder of Beautymone.com. She specializes in makeup, skin care, fragrances, and nails. Simone decided to start a beauty blog during her graduation to find an outlet for her passion. She also worked as a beauty advisor in a beauty store/perfumery.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Dark nail polish compliments every look and makes your hands appear attractive. They look richer in cooler climates and luxuriant at night. But choosing the best dark nail color that matches your skin tone is demanding. Emerald green, wine reds, and midnight blues are some startling dark shades that make your nails appear elegant. The nail colors may have shimmer and matte finishes that make the color even more vibrant. Any statement-making dark nail polish indicates authority and boldness .A perfect dark nail color makes an impact, and if you apply it carefully and precisely, it looks ton-worthy.
If you enjoy matching the nail color as per your mood or weather, you are in the right place. In this article, we have curated a list of the 15 best dark nail polishes that go well with any skin tone. These vibrant nail colors are perfect for all occasions. Scroll down to check them out and add them to your collection!
In This Article
The 15 Best Dark Nail Polish Colors To Complement Your Outfit In 2024
1. Best For Olive Skin Tone:O.P.I Nail Lacquer – Malaga Wine
O.P.I has always been a go-to nail polish brand for millions around the world, receiving continued positive reviews, and for good reason too! Their variety in shades and finishes is unmatched and will definitely set your nails apart from the rest of the crowd. The Malaga Wine is a classy dark burgundy nail polish that is quite up there in the shine category. It is best-suited for deeper and olive skin tones, but worry not as this shade is made to flatter every skin type. Many reviewers have noted that your O.P.I dark maroon nails will be the talk of the town when worn to a high tea or a sundowner event especially during the fall or winter months.
Pros
- Gives a creme finish
- Adds shine and depth
- Provides up to 7 days of wear
- Richly pigmented
- Chip-resistant
- Easy application and removal
Cons
- Might stain nails after removal
StyleCraze Trivia2. Best For All Skin Types:Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish – Wild For Violet
If you’re addicted to painting your nails without a break, the name Sally Hansen would more than ring a bell. The Miracle Gel Nail Polish is your best bet to getting a salon-style gel manicure but at home! It’s perfect for when you’re on vacation or don’t have the time to book parlor appointments. Wild For Violet is a dark purple nail polish variant that can grace medium skin tones and is ideal for the colder months of the year. Reviews on Amazon indicate that the dark plum nail polish makes for a great option when you’re switching up your nail routine. We think Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel line should be the next addition to your self-care routine as you won’t even require a UV lamp!
Pros
- Chip-resistant
- Quick-dry
- Long-lasting wear
- Suited to all skin types
- Gives a glossy finish
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Nails may need to be prepped before application.
3. Best Formaldehyde-Free:China Glaze Nail Lacquer – Liquid Leather
Black nail polish always takes us back to jamming to Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi for the 8th time, but it has made its place as a classic color now. China Glaze’s formula features a special blend of polymers that help maintain color and shine with resins enhancing flexibility and adhesion. The China clay infused into the lacquer strengthens your nails and saves the polish from chipping away. Many reviewers are of the opinion that the Liquid Leather is a dark nail polish that suits all skin tones and is ideal for casual wear or when you want to add a little grunge element to your look to spice things up. A staple that’s like the LBD of our popular dark nail colors collection!
Pros
- Strengthens nails
- Gives a glossy finish
- Chip-resistant
- Rich pigment
- Clump-free formula
- Free of toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde
Cons
- Needs more than 1 coat for maximum opacity
Pro TipO.P.I Nail Lacquer - Malaga Wine Best For Olive Skin Tone | Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish - Wild For Violet Best For All Skin Types | China Glaze Nail Lacquer - Liquid Leather Best Formaldehyde-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Malaga Wine | Wild for Violet | Black |
| Dimensions | 1.3 x 1.05 x 3.25 inches | 1.38 x 1.38 x 3.13 inches | 1.38 x 1.38 x 3.35 inches |
| Weight | 0.53 Ounces | 3.2 Ounces | 1.76 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 26,069 | 16,174 | 273 |
| Price | $10.79 | $7.99 | $7.42 |
4. Best For Long-Wearing:Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Enamel – Divine
A glossy and shimmering burgundy is a staple in many nail polish collections, and that’s exactly what the Divine hue is! Revlon, a well-known name in the world of makeup artistry, includes an angled tip brush for its nail polishes to ensure precise application so you can get beautiful nails in a mess-free manner. The formula is enriched with vitamin E to deeply nourish your nails and add a chip-resistant film so your nail stays put. Revlon’s dark red nail polish adds an elegant touch with a lustrous finish to fair to medium skin tones and looks absolutely stunning in the night time!
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Contains vitamin E for nourishment and anti-chip
- Features an angled tip brush
- Non-streaking
- Shock-absorbing film protects nails
- Long-lasting wear
Cons
- Some may find the consistency to be thin
5. Best Streak-Free:essie Nail Lacquer – Wicked
No nail polish list is ever complete without a mention of the fan-favorite essie, is it? Wicked is not for the faint-hearted as it is a sinister dark blood red nail polish almost bordering on black and complements every skin tone despite being one of the vampy shades. The expertly crafted polish delivers a high-shine finish and flawless coverage with a streak-free application making this formula a must-have in every vanity. An exclusive glide brush makes application easy and you’ll be on your way to sexy and sensational nails with this sinister shade!
Pros
- Streak-free
- Clump-free
- Glossy finish
- Easy application
- Provides full coverage
- Free of formaldehyde and toluene
Cons
- Might be messy during removal
Pro Tip6. Best Vegan:Orly Breathable Treatment + Color – Namaste Healthy
Namaste Healthy is a creamy brick red formula that is just what you need to turn up the ‘wow factor’ for your date nights! Orly’s best dark red nail polish features a breathable formula that prevents your nails from chipping away and keeps them healthy. This dark maroon nail polish is infused with an enriching blend of argan oil, pro vitamin B5, and vitamin C to strengthen and condition your nails so that they don’t get brittle. The product is not tested on animals, which makes it ideal for people seeking ethically conscious makeup choices. With an advanced oxygen technology, the Orly Breathable Treatment + Color penetrates deep into your dark colored nails to keep them moisturized. Oh, did we also mention that you won’t even need a top or base coat?
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Contains moisturizing ingredients
- Anti-chip and breathable formula
- Doesn’t require base or top coats
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Nail strengthener
Cons
- Might be difficult to remove
7. Best Non-Toxic Formula: Cirque Colors Creme Nail Polish – The Devil Wears Cirque Colors (Medium Red)
The Cirque Colors Creme Nail Polish in the shade “The Devil Wears Cirque Colors” is a rich and luxurious medium red nail color, perfect for adding a touch of glamor to your manicure. This creme polish delivers a smooth and opaque finish that looks stunning on any skin tone, allowing for diverse and well-loved celebrity-inspired looks.
The long-lasting formula is easy to use and dries quickly to allow for multiple coatings. This shade is a must-have for anyone looking for classic red nails.
Pros
- Non-toxic formula
- 10-Free formula
- Long lasting
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Thick consistency
- May not be chip-resistant
8. Best Easy-To-Remove:ILNP Boutique Nail Lacquer Ultra Chrome – Eclipse
How about a lunar eclipse right at your fingertips? ILNP’s Eclipse is a black to red Ultra Chrome nail polish that will leave you speechless at its transformation. Inspired by the night sky, the black slowly melts into a fiery red color. And depending on the angle that your fingertips are placed at, there might even be hints of orange, teal, and gold! If you’ve been looking to improve your nail game, try this multichrome nail color to add a little ‘oomph’ to your day’s look. Ethically conscious consumers are obsessed with this product because it does not undergo any animal testing. We don’t know about others, but we’re sure you won’t be able to stop admiring your own nails!
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Anti-chip
- Easy removal
- Quick-drying
- No staining on nails
Cons
- May require multiple coats to achieve desired color
9. Best Matte Finish:Kleancolor Nail Lacquer – Black
We can all agree that you can never have too much of black in anything— be it shoes, jeans, and even nail polishes! Black really is the best dark nail polish out there when you’re too lazy to choose a shade for your next manicure. This versatile shade screams simplicity, elegance, and confidence all at once. Kleancolor’s Nail Lacquer offers a matte finish that is a must-have if your style is on the edgier side. The formula goes on ultra-smooth and dries quickly to give your nails the salon-like makeover without all the fuss!
Pros
- Offers a matte finish
- Opaque formula
- Quick-dry
- Smooth formula
- Smudge-proof
Cons
- May not be very long-lasting
10. Best Shimmery Finish:LECHAT Dare To Wear Nail Lacquer – Maroonscape
When you want to flaunt some dark burgundy nails, look no further than Maroonscape by LECHAT. The high-quality and high-performance color stays on your eye-catching nails for a long time and can be worn in any season. With its shimmery finish, you can add an ounce of glam for fun nights out with your girls. The brush goes on smoothly and provides full coverage with a mess-free application.
Pros
- Offers a shimmery finish
- Smooth-gliding brush
- Long-lasting formula
- Highly pigmented
- Provides full coverage
Cons
- May not be fast-drying
11. Best Breathable:ZOYA PixieDust Professional Lacquer – Elphie
Green is a color that represents envy, and Elphie by the celebrity-endorsed brand ZOYA is definitely going to make everyone around you super envious! If you have a cool skin tone and fancy a bewitching green to france your fingernails, look no further. Part of ZOYA’s PixieDust Matte Sparkle formula, this shade is among the fresh and vibrant dark matte nail colors and adds character. The textured finish with a muted sparkle is unique and definitely a game changer if you’re up for trying different varieties in nail polish. With this evergreen shade, it looks like we’re sorted for the holiday season!
Pros
- Matte and textured finish
- Suitable for cool undertones
- Breathable formula
- Free of toxins
- Doesn’t dry nails out
Cons
- May not be ideal for longwear
12. Best Gluten-Free:Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer – Lover’s Creep
For fingernails as luxurious as Smith & Cult’s packaging, try their unbeatable nail formulas. Lover’s Creep is an enchanting wine shade that will make your romantic rendezvous even more so. This dark red nail color offers even coverage, is chip-resistant, and gives a shine like no other. Many online reviewers agree on the superior quality of this dark polish that makes for iconic nail dos. A dark burgundy nail color is intoxicating and suitable for any occasion. We think it is something every woman needs in her nail polish collection!
Pros
- Chip-resistant
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Offers a glossy finish
Cons
- Some may find the formula a little sheer.
13. Best Smooth-Finish: L.A. COLORS Craze Nail Polish- Wired
The L.A. COLORS Craze Nail Polish in the shade “Wired” is a vibrant and bold nail color. This statement-making shade allows you to express your unique edgy style. This high-shine formula delivers a flawless and long-lasting finish that keeps the nails looking stunning for days. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or just want to add a pop of color to your everyday look, this electric blue polish is a must-have. The brush is easy to use and applies the polish smoothly and evenly. Plus, the compact bottle is perfect for easy touch-ups on the go. Simone de Vlaming, a beauty expert says, “The trendiest dark nail colors like burgundy, mahogany, chocolate brown, forest green, and dark purple. So, try bold, new colors to find your style.”
Pros
- Long lasting
- Chip-resistant
- Smooth finish
- Affordable
- Travel-friendly size
Cons
- Takes long to dry
14. Best Gel Formula: OneDor One Step Gel Polish – 16-BlackBerry
The OneDor One Step Gel Polish in the shade “16-BlackBerry” is a rich and bold nail color that is perfect for creating an edgy manicure look. This gel polish delivers a flawless and long-lasting finish without the need for a base or top coat. The formula is easy to apply and dries quickly under LED or UV light, making it the perfect low-maintenance product for busy individuals who want a beautiful manicure without spending too much time at the salon. It is also chip-resistant, which means that you can enjoy your stunning manicure for longer.
Pros
- Chip-resistant
- Odor-free
- Easy to apply
- Easy to remove
- Self-leveling
- Smudge-proof
- Harsh adhesives-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Solvent-free
- Acetone-free
Cons
- Thin consistency
15. Best Cruelty-Free: wet n wild Wild Shine Nail Polish – Burgundy Frost
The wet n wild Wild Shine Nail Polish in the shade Burgundy Frost exudes sophistication and elegance. The shade is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a formal event or a night out with friends. Its deep and rich hue pairs well with any outfit and ensures an enhanced beauty look.
The nourishing formula provides a long-lasting finish that keeps your nails looking beautiful for days. It dries quickly, so you can apply multiple coats without waiting too long in between. The wide brush is also easy to use and provides an even and smooth application.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Long lasting
- Quick-drying
- Affordable
- Formaldehyde-free
- Toluene-free
- Phthalates-free
Cons
- May not be chip-resistant
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 1,699 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best dark nail colors out there, let’s dive into how you can choose the best one for your skin tone.
How To Choose The Right Dark Nail Polish For Your Skin Tone
Light skin tones
If your skin tone is on the lighter side, you can pull off almost any dark color. Reds with blue undertones and purples are perfect to add a vibrant contrast to showcase your moody nails but if you prefer something a little daring, don’t hesitate to try a blood red or burgundy. Multichrome nail colors can also add a unique look to your fingertips and they can complement any fall outfit. Choosing dark colors with hints of pink to create contrast can help offset the blue undertones in lighter skin tones. Grays have cool notes that look flattering on pale skin.
Medium skin tones
If your skin tone is medium or olive, wine or burgundy, smoky blues, and pinks will look great on your skin as most colors would look flawless. Stay away from golden or rust shimmers, though, as they can wash out your complexion. Dark sand or coffee colors will add an elegant touch, and reds with orange undertones will make olive skin look like a million dollars. Cool-toned greys will also look fantastic on your skin and you can always opt for a darker and smokier shade for something a little dramatic and sexy.
Deep skin tones
A rich plum shade, dark oranges, and greens look good on darker skin tones. Greys with hints of mauve or purple undertones can bring the greyness in deeper skin to light. A wine color is a classic and will definitely set your hands up for major compliments. A vibrant violet shade can give off the illusion of younger-looking hands and a deep navy makes your nail beds look smaller.
You can’t ever go wrong with a deep dark nail polish color as it can add a dose of classic elegance and edge to your overall look. Dark nightfall shades don’t always have to mean black, but whatever your favorite color, it has a friend that’s from the underworld. Summers are ideal for a light pastel pink or blue but winters and fall months need you to match the weather with popular nail colors that match the season yet remain trendy and fashionable. The next time you’re prepping for sweater weather, ensure to keep a lush and bold color ready for your next manicure. Dark colors pack a punch with rich pigments and as you choose between matte, shimmery, metallic, and glossy shades, we’re sure you’ll find your signature. After all, there’s a dark nail polish color for everyone.
Infographic: Dark Nail Shades For All Seasons
Dark nail polish colors have a unique charm. They can range from jet black to emerald green and lend a clean and sophisticated look to your nails. You can flaunt these shades any time of the year, be it harsh summers or cold winters. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the dark nail color palette for different seasons.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
There is something different about wearing the perfect, dark nail color. Besides black, you get to choose from a range of rich browns, emeralds, midnight blues, and endless other shades. These nail colors will look bold and vibrant no matter what finish you go for, shimmer, matte, or satin. The O.P.I Nail Lacquer – Malaga Wine is a classic and elegant colour with a long-lasting, glossy finish, while the China Glaze Nail Lacquer – Liquid Leather offers a timeless look that dries quickly and does not chip. If you want a unique color that is perfect for day look as well as a night out, opt for the essie Nail Lacquer – Wicked for a streak-free application. Before applying these nail colors, make sure your nail beds are clean, free of any polish, and properly filed. Also, apply a base coat first for a gorgeous-looking finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dark nails classy?
Dark nails look very classy and chic. Black, the darkest color, looks the most elegant and sophisticated.
How do you wear dark nail polish?
Dark nail polishes look best when you use a base and top coat with them. This way the color will not leave any stains on the nails.
Is it OK to wear dark nail polish in the summer?
Many people think that dark nail polishes are meant to be used in the winter and autumn seasons. However, you can wear them all year round. With the right outfit and accessories, you can pull off any dark color polish in the summer.
Does dark nail polish make hands look older?
No. In fact, dark nail polishes make your hands look younger. However, dark hues may highlight darkened spots on the hands caused by aging and sun damage.
Can you wear dark red nail polish in the summer?
Yes, a dark red nail polish is a summer appropriate color.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Srijani Roy Chowdhury, is a makeup enthusiast who lives and breathes makeup. She has tried out different dark nail polishes and curated a list of the best ones in the market that are perfect for any skin tone. This well-researched list of dark nail polishes has shades with a perfect matte finish that makes them ideal for any mood, weather, or occasion.
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