The 11 Best Gray Nail Polishes That Suit Every Occasion – 2023
Paint your nails with subtle shades and achieve the perfect edgy look for all events.
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Certified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Srijani has 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 consultan... more
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Gray is not drab and depressing nail color. It is the chicest neutral shade, and the best gray nail polish matches any outfit and all your fashion moods. Gray nail paints are the (underappreciated) gems of your manicure nail paint collection for more reasons than one. They can be worn with any outfit without seeming out of place. Second, they are a terrific alternative to the standard nude nail colors, which you have probably grown tired of after the millionth application. If you are looking for a nail color that can be worn in any season, gray is the solution! It is quite adaptable, suited for any event, and looks flattering on all skin tones.
Gray has so many different shades for you to choose from. Whether you want a smokey dark gray tint that gives you the perfect edgy look or a soft gray shade for a muted effect, you can take your pick from the list of the top 11 gray nail polishes that you will find on the market. Scroll down.
In This Article
11 Best Gray Nail Polishes
1. Best Choice: essie expressie Quick Dry Nail Color – Binge-Worthy
If you are someone who prefers to keep your nail color au naturel at all times but also like a hint of color, this soft gray shade is the perfect choice for you. This gray nail polish has taupe undertones, which means it is a simple neutral gray shade that you can pair with any attire you want. This nail polish is a quick-drying, one-step formula. So if you are ever in a rush, you can achieve a gorgeous color and shine with just 2 coats of polish that dries in a minute. The best part about this polish is that it features an angled brush, so you won’t have to struggle again while painting your nails with your non-dominant hand. This video review will help you understand more about the product.
Pros
- Fast-drying nail polish
- Vegan and non-toxic
- Does not require a base or top coat
- Free of animal-derived ingredients
- Angled brush makes self-application easy with both hands
Cons
- May not be long-wearing
Caution2. Best For All Seasons: wet n wild Wild Shine Nail
The Wet n Wild top coat nail paint is here to add some glossy finish and long-lasting shine to your nails. This top coat comes in Kaleidoscope, a gorgeous grey shade that will make you stand out from the crowd. It is safe to use because it is non-toxic and cruelty-free, and it doesn’t contain formaldehyde. You can feel confident using it at home or at a salon.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Cruelty-free
- Long-wearing formula
- Offers opaque finish
Cons
None
3. Best Long-Lasting: Butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer
The Butter London’s Gel Polish is great for creating a beautiful gel-like cushion finish and shine. The special feature of this product is that it offers long wear up to 10 days, so you can enjoy your look without having to worry about touch-ups or reapplication. The natural vegan formula ensures healthier nails with shock-resistant polymer technology that binds together for an elastic finish. With its easy application process and long-wearing benefits, this grey nail polish will become your favorite!
Pros
- Fast-drying formula
- Pigmented
- Easy to remove
- 10-day wear time
- Vegan formula
Cons
None
4. Best Chip-Resistant: China Glaze Nail Lacquer, The Great Outdoors Collection – Change Your Attitude
Image: China Glaze If you want nail polish that reminds you of fog-filled mornings and beach pebbles, try this Change Your Attitude polish by China Glaze. Described as a pebble greige creme, this color was created by taking inspiration from the outdoors. This lacquer has a creamy consistency that offers a smooth application. While it is easy to achieve a true color with just one coat, it’s best to apply two coats for an opaque finish. This nail lacquer is formulated with kaolin, also known as China clay, which acts as a nail hardener to strengthen your brittle nails while also giving your nails a glossy appearance. Rest assured, this polish will stay on your nails for a long time. If you are still unsure, check out this honest review.
Pros
- Chip-resistant
- Long-wearing formula
- Contains China clay as a hardener
- Made without toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde
Cons
- May have a thick consistency
Pro Tip5. Best Opaque Finish: Twinkled T Stamping Polish – Smokey (Gray)
A nail polish so glossy that you won’t have to use a top coat again? Yes, please! This polish gives your nails maximum coverage and gel-like opaque finish in a single coat. Plus, it goes on smoothly and dries quickly. Loved by beauty bloggers and vloggers, this dark gray shade is a softer alternative to black and works excellently well as a polish and for stamping. Available in more than 20 colors, this polish will help you create stunning nail art designs quickly and easily. Click this video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Fast-drying formula
- Pigmented
- Offers opaque finish
- Can be used with any stamping plate
Cons
- May stain your nails if used without a base polish
6. Best Vegan: Deborah Lippmann Treatment Nail Color – Grey Day
Trust Deborah Lippmann to come up with a nail color that transforms your everyday wardrobe from dull to dapper in an instant. Inspired by fashion designer Jason Wu’s ready-to-wear collection called GREY Jason Wu, this limited-edition cool gray nail polish shade lends your nails a high-shine finish like that of gel polish but without damaging your nails. It is enriched with keratin, biotin, green tea extract, and bamboo, to name a few, that make your nails healthier with every swipe. Still not convinced? This dual-patented formula is created without the 10 toxic ingredients, including formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and camphor, among others.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- 10-free formula
- Treatment-enriched nail polish
Cons
- May not be chip-resistant
7. Best Durable: OPI Nail Lacquer – I Can Never Hut Up
We can’t stop raving about this OPI Nail Lacquer because it is long-lasting and much more durable than a regular nail polish. This nail lacquer formula is a great option if you are someone who likes to change your nail color every week. It guarantees to last all of 7 days, provided you prep your nails with a base coat and top the nail lacquer with a top coat. Plus, it is equipped with a unique ProWide brush that ensures a smooth and flawless application. Referred to as an “edge-of-dawn gray” shade, this nail polish is loaded with shimmer, making it perfect for occasions when you want to add a touch of elegance to your look.
Pros
- Chip-resistant
- Pigment-rich formula
- Easy to remove
- 7-day wear time
- Available in more than 200 colors
Cons
- May not last long without the base coat and top coat
8. Best Toxin-Free: ella+mila Nail Polish, Mommy Collection – Grey Skies
It is vegan, non-toxic, and long-lasting – what’s not to love about this nail polish by ella+mila. For someone who’s looking for a safer alternative, this is a perfect option as it is free of camphor, xylene, formaldehyde, toluene, and other toxic chemicals. It has a smooth consistency, which means it glides on effortlessly to provide an even application without budges. This cement gray fingernail polish is super opaque, so 1 coat is all you will need to attain a seamless finish. All while it dries quickly to prevent any smudging.
Pros
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Chip-resistant
- Quick-drying formula
Cons
- Might have a strong odor
9. Best Quick-Drying: Beetles Oh Whale Gray Color
Get salon-quality nails at home with Beetles Gel Polish! This nail polish gives you a glossy finish that won’t chip for weeks. The grey whale color is very popular right now. The formula contains 9 ingredients that are safe and toxin-free with low odor, making it easy to use. You can use it on both natural and artificial nails for a great look all year round.
Pros
- Fast-drying nail polish
- Long-lasting
- Easy to remove
- Chip-resistant
- Pigmented
Cons
None
10. Best For All Skin Tones: ZOYA Nail Polish
The Dove by Zoya is the perfect addition to your nail polish collection! This soft, delicate light neutral gray shade has an opaque, glossy creme finish that is both unexpected and flattering. It is formaldehyde-free, making it a safe choice for your nails. This shade is perfect for adults and can be worn on any occasion, whether you’re going to work or out for a night on the town. The liquid formula glides on smoothly, providing a flawless finish that lasts until you take it off.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Fast-drying
- Long-wearing
- Toluene-free
- DBP-free
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
None
11. Best Shiny Finish: ILNP Nail Polish – Maiden Lane
Add a little sparkle to your nails and life with this ultra-holographic charcoal gray shade with blue undertones. Depending on the light, this polish will look like a clean dark slate or make your nails appear like they are covered in thousands of tiny sparkly rainbows. This shimmery hue is perfect for times when you want your nails to scream, “look at me,” but in the best way. Suitable for at-home and professional use, this formula goes on smoothly over your nails and dries quickly to give long-lasting coverage.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Fast-drying
- Long-wearing
- Intense shiny effect
- Loaded with over sized holographic pigment
Cons
- Might need at least 3 coats to achieve the desired results
Grey nail polish is a neutral color ideal for everyday or professional occasions The shade is also ideal for winter months. With so many gray shades available, it can get puzzling to find the right one for your collection. To help you make a decision, we agave put together a list of factors to consider while purchasing gray nail polish.
Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Gray Nail Polish For All Occasions
Shade: If you have medium skin tones with an olive or neutral undertone it is easy to pair with any gray shade. There are many shades and textures that you can wear to get different looks. Shades like metallic gray and gray nail polish with pink specs create a dramatic look that can be worn for parties or discos. Pale gray is perfect for a professional look.
Finish: You can also choose a matte, glossy, gel, or chrome nail polish as you desire. Glitter gray nail paint can be worn for weddings, parties, or discos. Matte looks luster-free but is ideal for a professional look. Shimmer and glossy are ideal for everyday looks.
Ingredients To Choose: If you have dry and brittle nails, opt for nail polish with moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like vitamin E, calcium, camelia extract, etc. Also, look for nitrocellulose which is a resin that holds the nail polish. Ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, propyl acetate, and isopropyl acetate are solvents that help the polish to apply and dry quickly. All these compounds are skin-friendly and do not irritate the skin.
Ingredients To Avoid: Nail polishes house a lot of harsh chemicals. Always go for at least a five-free nail polish that does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. These formulas are comparatively safer. However, premium formulas are also free of some other harsh chemicals.
Breathability: Generally, nail polishes create a barrier for healthy nails by blocking the oxygen supply. But the improved formulas let nails breathe while improving their health. So, make sure to check the product description to locate ‘breathable’ in the content..
Durability: For a long-lasting manicure, choose a chip-resistant and quick-drying nail paint which gives a high color pay-off, full coverage, and streak-free shine in just a single coat. Such formulas are likely to stay put for 2-3 weeks.
Infographic: Which Outfits Do Gray Nail Polishes Best Complement?
Pairing the perfect shade of gray with the right outfit can be a daunting task. There are certain factors that come into play when deciding which shade works with which outfit, color, and occasion. The infographic below will help you learn a great deal about how to do it like a true fashionista. Check it out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Suppose you are one who constantly like changing nail colors according to the season and outfit, then you will love to try these grey nail polishes that fit every occasion. These grey polishes are similar to nude colors and can be worn on any outfit. Several grey shades are available, from dark grey that complements your skin tone to smokey grey that suits trendy outfits. The grey nail polishes on our list are non-toxic, chip-resistant, and are cruelty-free. However, you may need to put on a second layer for some nail polishes based on the intensity of the color.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Chaitra Krishnan, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast passionate about keeping up with the latest advancement in makeup products and technology. She feels that gray nail polishes are underappreciated and are a great substitute for nude colors. She read multiple user reviews on several gray nail polishes from leading brands and curated this list of the top ones available online. These nail polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and do not chip off easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does grey nail color mean?
Grey nail color symbolizes modesty. Grey is a very sober color that highlights the calm mindset of the wearer. The color also represents your androgynous characteristics.
Does grey nail polish look good?
Yes. Grey nail polish looks flattering on every skin tone. It gives a basic yet alluring look to the nails. In addition, this nail color suits almost every occasion.
Is grey nail polish trendy?
Yes. Grey nails have been trendy for a while. It complements almost all dresses and suits every skin tone. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Camilla Cabello, and Hayley Williams often flaunt their manicured grey nails.
Do I have to match the colors of my nails and toes?
No. Your manicure and pedicure colors do not necessarily have to match. But try to stick to complementary colors to enhance the overall look.
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