15 Best Nail Polishes For Dark Skin Beauties In India

Paint your nails in vibrant colors and get that long-lasting bold and sophisticated look!

Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English) Baishali Bhattacharya MA (English) linkedin_icon
Last Updated on

Want to make your nails pop with some stunning colors but can’t find a shade that will complement your dark skin tone? What if we tell you that your sultry, deep skin tone is a blessing because every high-impact nail polish is meant for you? You might think that experiments with shimmery or subtle shades are out of the question, but trust us, that’s a misconception.

This post lists the 15 best nail polish colors for dark skin beauties, which will enhance the look of your hands and perfectly match your dusky skin tone. Scroll down to check them out!

Top Picks
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Lakmé True Wear Color Crush Nail Color – Shade 43
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Faces Canada Glossy Splash Nail Enamel – Purple Rain 19
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Lakmé Color Crush Nail Art – G9
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MINISO Pittura Nail Polish – 26 Dark Red
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DeBelle Gel Nail Lacquer – Glamorous Garnet
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Lakmé 9To5 Primer+Gloss Nail Color – Caramel Case
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REVLON Super Lustrous Nail Enamel – Bewitching
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Lakmé Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color – Beige Nude
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L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Le Vernis à L'Huile Gel Nail Polish – 440 Cherie Macaron
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JUICE Long Stay Nail Polish – Pack of 3 (Sun Kissed / Dusty Coral / Camel NUDE)
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15 Best Nail Polishes For Dark Skin

1. Lakmé True Wear Color Crush Nail Color – Shade 43

The Lakmé True Wear Color Crush Nail Color has a chip-resistant formula that contains resins with Color Lock technology to offer a lasting stay. Shade 43 is a bright and peppy dark pink shade that offers a shimmery finish to your nails and gives them a vibrant look. This nail polish goes on smooth and strengthens your nails.

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Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Non-fading
  • Smooth application
  • Dries quickly

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Cons

None

2. Faces Canada Glossy Splash Nail Enamel – Purple Rain 19

This high-performance nail enamel from Faces Canada is formulated without harmful plasticizers. It offers rich color payoff and smooth application. The chip-resistant formula provides a flawless finish and dries in no time. This nail polish for dark skin tone comes with a round-cut, fan-shaped brush for full coverage and effortless application.

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Pros
  • Quick-drying
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Full coverage
  • DBP-free
  • Camphor-free
  • Toluene-free
  • Formaldehyde-free

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Cons
  • Needs at least two coats to get the real shade.

3. Lakmé Color Crush Nail Art – G9

This glittery nail polish from Lakmé’s Color Crush range adorns your nails with a peppy shimmery finish. It features a unicorn chrome effect with the infusion of glitter particles in various shapes that make your nails look dazzling. You can mix and match with other shades to create trendy nail art designs.

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Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Holographic glitters
  • Smooth application
  • Chip-resistant

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Cons
  • Not quick-drying
  • Requires 2-3 coats

4. MINISO Pittura Nail Polish – 26 Dark Red

The MINISO Pittura Nail Polish has a long-lasting and chip-resistant formula. This nail polish for dark skin tones contains no harmful chemicals, strengthens the nails, and dries quickly. The vibrant shade is suitable for a wide range of occasions and comes with a flat applicator brush to provide a smooth and perfectly intense finish.

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Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Quick-drying
  • Smooth application
  • Intense matte finish
  • Harmful chemical-free

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Cons
  • Needs multiple coats

5. DeBelle Gel Nail Lacquer – Glamorous Garnet

The DeBelle Gel Nail Lacquer has a gel-based formula that offers a metallic finish and a lasting stay. It is infused with seaweed extract and healthy minerals to strengthen the nails and provide a natural shine. Glamorous Garnet is a dark maroon shade that can complement your outfit, no matter the occasion. The highly pigmented formula imparts a gorgeous and sophisticated finish to offer manicure-like results. This nail polish features a flat yet broad application brush, and its gel finish works great for stamping and nail art.

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Pros
  • Quick-drying
  • Highly pigmented
  • 5-free
  • Cruelty-free

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Cons
  • Not chip-resistant

6. Lakmé 9To5 Primer+Gloss Nail Color – Caramel Case

Lakmé’s 9To5 Primer+Gloss Nail Color offers intense color payoff with a glossy shine. It is infused with primer to provide a vibrant and intense finish. This long-lasting nail paint dries quickly and glides smoothly onto the nails.

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Pros
  • Highly pigmented
  • Dries quickly
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant

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Cons
  • Thick texture

7. REVLON Super Lustrous Nail Enamel – Bewitching

This nail enamel from Revlon has a chip-resistant formula that keeps the color intact for up to nine days. Its quick-drying formula features panthenol and vitamins A and E to condition and protect the nails. The nail paint comes with a broad applicator brush that offers full coverage and a smooth matte finish. It does not contain DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, or camphor.

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Pros
  • Quick-drying
  • Long-lasting
  • Fade-resistant
  • No bubbles or streaks
  • 5-free

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Cons

None

8. Lakmé Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color – Beige Nude

The Lakmé Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color provides high shine and a gel-like glossy finish. This beautiful nail polish for dark skin offers a smooth and intense finish with just a single swipe. It is perfect for both party and casual looks and comes with a stylish applicator brush that provides a smooth and seamless finish.

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Pros
  • Smooth texture
  • Gel-based formula
  • Easy application
  • Full coverage

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Cons
  • Runny consistency

9. L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Le Vernis à L’Huile Gel Nail Polish – 440 Cherie Macaron

This nail polish from L’Oreal Paris is infused with a blend of micro-oils like argan, rose, camellia, and lotus flower to offer glossy mirror shine and rich color payoff. Its intense color pigments provide an elegant look and accentuate the beauty of your hands. This nail color is equipped with a flexible, wide stroke brush with over 400 bristles to offer quick and precise application. Its drip-resistant formula ensures the perfect finish.

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Pros
  • Pleasant smell
  • Quick-drying
  • 5-free
  • Paraben-free

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Cons
  • Difficult to remove

10. JUICE Long Stay Nail Polish – Pack of 3 (Sun Kissed / Dusty Coral / Camel NUDE)

This combo pack from JUICE includes irresistible nail polish shades for dark skin tones that offer a classic, rich, and nude finish. These iconic shades provide intense shine and stay intact for up to seven days. Each nail lacquer is equipped with a flexible brush to offer easy, precise, and smooth application.

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Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Highly pigmented
  • Easy application

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Cons
  • May fade easily.

11. Coat Me Bonjour Paris One Stroke Nail Lacquer – Pack Of 3

These nail polishes from Coat Me Bonjour Paris are infused with nail hardener to ensure a long-lasting stay. They have a creme base and impart a smooth, professional finish. These nail polishes come with super flat applicator brushes to paint the nails easily.

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Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Full coverage
  • Highly pigmented
  • Quick-drying

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Cons

None

12. HOUSE OF MAKEUP Matte Nail Polish – Chocolate Brown

This matte nail polish from HOUSE OF MAKEUP offers a professional finish and provides incredible results without UV or LED lamps. This long-lasting and quick-drying nail paint is formulated with nourishing vitamin E and does not smudge or chip. Its opaque and ultra-durable pigments prevent the transfer and provide intense color payoff in just a single stroke. This bold nail polish features a 480 U-cut bristle brush to reveal a smooth and seamless finish.

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Pros
  • Vegan
  • Smudge-free
  • Non-fading
  • Long-lasting
  • Easy application
  • Crack-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Chemical-free
  • Cruelty-free

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Cons
  • May cause yellowing of nails.

13. Colorbar Nail Lacquer – Berry Nice

Colorbar’s Nail Lacquer has a new luxurious formula to offer end-to-end opaque coverage to your nails. It is formulated with nail caring ingredients and prevents the nails from yellowing. This chip-resistant and non-transferring nail polish stays intact for up to five days and features a round, fan-shaped brush to provide effortless and smooth application.

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Pros
  • Full coverage
  • Non-yellowing
  • Non-carcinogenic
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Non-transferring
  • Cruelty-free

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Cons

None

14. Faces Canada Hi-Shine Glossy Nail Enamel – Lavender

This Hi-Shine Glossy Nail Enamel from Faces Canada is formulated with rich pigments to offer intense color payoff and gloss in a single coat. It provides optimum hardness and adhesion to the nails to offer a lasting stay without chipping.

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Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Non-chipping
  • Full coverage
  • Harmful plasticizer-free

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Cons

None

15. Swiss Beauty Super Shine Nail Polish – Shade 04

Swiss Beauty’s Super Shine Nail Polish has an extended stay formula and delivers a classy finish. This nail strengthening nail paint uses resins with Color Lock technology to offer an intense color payoff. It features a patented flex brush that allows the precise and effortless application.

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Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Easy application
  • Full coverage
  • Chip-free
  • Dries quickly

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Cons
  • Strong chemical smell

Let’s now look at the factors to keep in mind while buying a nail polish for darker skin tones.

What To Consider When Buying A Nail Polish For Dark Skin Tones

  • Color

Opt for shades like deep red, pink, and neon. These blend well with dark skin tones and offer a vibrant finish.

  • Quality

It is essential to pick a nail paint that meets all the quality criteria. Quality is not directly related to the brand or price. Instead, it is related to factors like drying time, finish, pigmentation, and nail polish texture. If your nail polish dries quickly, gives a smooth and glossy finish, and does not chip off quickly, you have got a product of quality.

  • Finish

Nail polishes offer two types of finishes – glossy and matte. A glossy nail polish gives your nails shine, whereas a matte nail polish remains plain without any shine. You can choose any of these finishes depending on your taste and preferences.

  • Brand

Always go for a well-known and dependable brand so that you do not have to compromise on the quality. Cheaply made nail polishes can damage your nails and make them turn pale or yellow.

  • Price

Nail polishes do not usually cost much, and you can get one of your choice within your budget. However, it is important not to opt for cheap products as they compromise on quality.

According to top nail experts, the darker your skin tone, the wider the variety of colors you can sport. Be bold, go nude, or flaunt your metallics and express your style through those nails. However, steer clear of very light shades as these will give your hands a washed-out look.

These were some of the handpicked nail polish shades for dark-skinned beauties. They offer lasting stay, intense color pay off, and a luxurious finish without fading or chipping. Pick the color you love and glam up your nails today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do gel nail polishes differ from regular nail polishes in terms of application and longevity?

Gel nail polish is applied using a UV or LED lamp and can last up to two weeks without chipping, whereas regular polish air-dries and typically last for a few days before showing signs of wear. Gel polish has better longevity and is less prone to chipping or peeling compared to regular polish.

How often should nail polishes be replaced or discarded for hygienic purposes?

The most important thing is to check the nail polishes’ PAO, indicated by a number and a letter. Typically, polishes have a PAO of 12M or 24M, meaning they should be discarded after 12 or 24 months of opening. Note the date opened and dispose of the product when it reaches this date.

How does using a nail polish thinner help restore older or thickened nail polishes?

Using a professional nail lacquer thinner is recommended to restore older or thickened nail polishes. Add 2-3 drops of thinner into the polish, and if needed, add more until the desired consistency is achieved. Mix the formula by rolling the bottle between your hands, and test the consistency by applying it to a nail. If it flows smoothly, it is ready to use, otherwise, add more drops of thinner and test again.

What are the best practices for applying nail polish to achieve a smooth and even finish?

Follow these tips to achieve a smooth and even finish when applying nail polish:

  • Clip and file your nails.
  • Clean them with nail polish remover.
  • Apply a thin layer of base coat.
  • Swipe the brush smoothly from the base to the tip.
  • Repeat the process for every nail.
  • Allow the first coat to dry before applying more.
  • Apply a thin layer of top coat.
  • Clean up any mistakes with nail polish remover.

How do earthy or warm-toned nail polish colors appear on darker skin tones?

Earthy or warm-toned nail polish colors can enhance the beauty of darker skin tones by offering rich and vibrant looks that complement the natural warmth of

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Baishali Bhattacharya
Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

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