6 Best Black Nail Polishes In 2023 – Our Top Picks

It is time to ignite your inner Gothic vibe with these must-have nail colors.

Written by Jyotsana Rao
Edited by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, Certified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Asmita De  • 
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Black is the most attractive and intoxicating nail color. It goes well with every outfit. The best back nail polishes make you stand out from the crowd when paired with a stunning personality. It looks chic, and you can use it as a base color for nail art. Black is the preferred color with glitter polishes. It’s not just for goths but everyone. This color also creates an illusion of a lighter complexion. We have curated a list of the best black nail polishes that make your hands look elegant and beautiful. Check them out below!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best With A Creme Finish:Jordana Black
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best With A Glossy Finish:Essie Licorice
Price on Amazon
Best Durable:Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color Black Out
Price on Amazon

6 Black Nail Polishes Designs And Shades In 2023

1. Best With A Creme Finish:Jordana Black

4.3

This is my all time favourite jet black polish. And I mean it because I have finished up three bottles till date. The polish is intense black in colour in a creme finish so that you can almost get away wearing a single coat if you are short of time. The finish is very glossy. Requires two coats.

Color: BlackItem Weight: 1.28 ounces | Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 1.3 x 2.95 inches.

Pros

  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Chip-resistant
  • Long-lasting results
  • Creamy finish

Cons

None

2. Best With A Glossy Finish:Essie Licorice

4.5
essie Nail Polish Glossy Shine Finish licorice Image: Essie

Licorice is a deep black colour in a creme finish. The polish is so glossy, it almost looks like you are wearing a topcoat over it. This is a characteristic of most of Essie’s polishes. Be ready to shell out the moolah though. The color works with fine silver holographic glitter to make a cosmic pattern on your nails.

Color: 37 licorice | Product Dimensions: 1.14 x 1.14 x 2.78 inches | Weight: 1.6 Ounces

Pros

  • Offers glossy shine
  • Flawless coverage
  • Hydrating formula
  • Long-wearing color
  • Streak-free application
  • Glides easily
  • Quick-dry formula
  • Suitable for home manicures

Cons

  • Chips easily
Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has received 14,503 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
Price at the time of publication: $7.0

3. Best Durable:Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color Black Out

4.4
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color Black Out Image: Sally Hansen

The Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color Black Out gives your nail an intense black color with a shiny finish in just one swipe. This long-lasting nail paint is quick drying and won’t fade easily. It provides your nail with extra durable protection with the exclusive flexiglass complex to prevent breakage and thus make your manicure last longer. This is best when you want to dress up for an occasion.

Color: Black Out | Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 3 inches | Weight: 0.35 Ounces

Pros

  • Easy to wear
  • Strengthens nails
  • Anti-fading
  • One swipe coverage
  • Glossy finish
  • Can last up to 10 days

Cons

  • Takes time to dry
  • Some may find the brush very thin
Price at the time of publication: $2.53

4. Best Long-Wearing:OPI Nail Lacquer, Black Onyx, Black Nail Polish

The OPI Nail Lacquer, Black Onyx, Black Nail Polish is designed with a high quality, long-lasting formula that gives a super rich color to your nail and lasts up to a whole week. This polish for statement nails provides a glossy finish and seals the nail to prevent peeling. You can even use it on nail extensions. A perfect nail varnish for special occasions, it also comes with a wide brush applicator that makes the paint glide smoothly over your nail for a flawless finish.

Color: Black Onyx | Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 1.05 x 3.25 inches | Weight: 0.74 Ounces

Pros

  • Shiny finish
  • Chip-resistant
  • Long-lasting
  • High-quality formula
  • Streak-less finish

Cons

  • May stain your natural nails
  • Extremely thick formula

protip_icon Quick tip
Add a twist to your traditional French manicured nails by creating a thin line on your black nails with silver or platinum polish.

5. Best With A Matte Finish: Orly Matte Vinyl

4.3

If you want to add something extra to your regular black shade, this matte black is the way to go. Matte Vinyl is a trendy polish in a pure matte finish. The matte finish gives a completely different look and would look fabulous if you add some glitter over it. You can also add tiny silver shimmers for that stark look. Requires two coats.

Color: Liquid Vinyl | Product Dimensions: 1.25 x 1.25 x 3.06 inches | Weight: 2.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting coverage
  • Sparkling opaque finish
  • Suitable for everyday wear
  • Ultra-smooth application
  • Durable paint brush
  • Rich color-payoff
  • Fade-proof
  • UV-protected

Cons

  • Stains the nails
  • Difficult to remove
Price at the time of publication: $8.04

6. Best Overall: China Glaze Liquid Leather

4.4
China Glaze Nail Polish Image: China Glaze

If black is what you wear frequently and are quite particular about quality, no harm in investing in this one. Liquid Leather is just a long-lasting black creme in a super glossy finish. Requires two coats.

Color: Black | Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 1.38 x 3.35 inches | Weight: 1.76 Ounces

Pros

  • Glossy finish
  • Creamy coverage
  • Long-lasting effect
  • Chip-resistant
  • Quick-dry formula
  • Strengthens the nails

Cons

  • Thick consistency

protip_icon Quick tip
You can notice skin imperfections more when your nails are darker. So, moisturize your hands regularly after wearing your black nail enamel to keep them looking smooth and healthy.

Price at the time of publication: $5.47

Infographic: Beginner-Friendly Tips To Rock Your Black Nail Color For A Long Time

Black nail polish is evergreen. This goth color is not just trendy and edgy, it is also incredibly elegant. While many people steer clear of black in their makeup, sporting the color in the form of nail paint is not a bad idea if you keep certain tips in mind. Check out the infographic below to know more!

Beginner-Friendly Tips To Rock Your Black Nail Color For A Long Time (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Black nail polishes are definitely the shizz! If you want to style your nails for a glamorous event, or a romantic date, black nail paints can be your way to go! The Jordana Black offers a premium, creamy finish, the Essie Licorice allows for good coverage with streak-free application, and the OPI Nail Lacquer Black Onyx has a rich black formula that is also fade-resistant. These nail paints can also go best with glitters or simple gems. If you want to purchase black nail polish, you should make sure that you choose one that doesn’t need many coats. Black nail paints should also offer seamless finishes without any leaks or spills. However, avoid nail paints that have weak bristles because they can get messy easily.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

Jyotsna Rao is a product writer and skin care and makeup enthusiast. She uses her research skills to present informative and objective content on the top products in the market. In this post, she has presented a list of the best black nail polishes based on quality, finish, and user feedback. She has also included a buying guide to help you make the right decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is black nail polish in style?

Yes, black nail polishes are in trend; they symbolize boldness and rebellion, making it a favorite color for every young soul. It adds uniqueness to your nails and looks very appealing.

Are black nails professional?

Yes, black nail polish works very well with every look, whether casual, neutral, or professional.

Can black nail polish stain nails?

Yes, with regular usage, the black or dark shade polishes can leave stains on the nails.

Can you wear black nail polish to a wedding?

Yes, black nail polish will compliment any outfit you wear to a wedding event.

Does black nail polish look good on dark skin?

Yes, it gives a very bold impression.

How can I take off black nail polish?

Simply put your nails in a bowl filled with nail polish remover and start rubbing cotton swabs over them to remove the stains.



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