18 Best Nail Colors For Dark Skin That Look Stunning

Try the glamourous nail colors on dark skin tones to add an oomph factor to all looks.

Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English)
Edited by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant  • 

Everyone likes to have perfectly done nails. But, some nail paint shades may suit your skin tone better than others. If you are struggling to find the best nail colors for dark skin, we got you covered. With more and more brands introducing all skin tones inclusive shades, choosing the right one for your nails might become easier and confusing at the same time. Fret not, we have enlisted the 18 best nail colors for dark skin for you to pick the one that fancies you most! Keep scrolling to check out their reviews.

Top Picks
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Cirque Colors Facets Collection – Zircon
Price on Amazon
Essie expressie Quick-Dry Nail Color – 200 In The Time Zone
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ILNP Boutique Nail Lacquer – Aria
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O.P.I Nail Lacquer – Alpine Snow
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CND Vinylux Longwear Polish – Clay Canyon
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COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss – Fuchsia Flame 45
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Gellen Soak Off Nail Gel Color Flavor’s – Rainbow Candy
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REVLON Super Lustrous Nail Enamel – 660 Divine
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Duri Nail Polish – Atomic
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Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure – Pearly Whites
Price on Amazon

18 Best Nail Colors For Dark Skin Tones

1. Cirque Colors Facets Collection – Zircon

4.5
Cirque Colors Facets Collection – Zircon Image: Cirque Colors

This Cirque Colors Facets Collection features nail polishes with holographic flakes. Zircon is a vibrant gemstone-inspired aqua blue shade that can be used as holographic glitter to create celebrity-inspired nails or applied in two coats for an opaque effect. The formula is 10-free, i.e., it does not contain DBP, toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, phthalates, and fragrances.

Color: 24K Affair | Product Dimensions: 1.13 x 1.13 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 0.37 Ounces

Pros

  • 10-free
  • Full coverage
  • Vibrant color
  • Handmade
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-toxic

Cons

  • Takes time to dry.

protip_icon Did You Know?
The history of nail polish dates back to China circa 3000 BC.
Beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, and vegetable colors were among the components.

2. Essie expressie Quick-Dry Nail Color – 200 In The Time Zone

4.3

This Essie expressie nail polish in the shade In The Time Zone is a quick-drying, vegan formula in cute and peppy pastel pink. This color perfectly complements almost all skin tones. It comes with an angled brush for easy application on both hands. The 8-free formula dries up in a minute and does not need a topcoat.

Color: 18 in the time zone | Product Dimensions: 11.83 x 10.06 x 4.19 inches | Weight: 0.8 Ounces.

Pros

  • Quick-drying
  • 8-free
  • Easy-glide brush
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Chips easily

protip_icon Did You Know?
Nail polish was even employed to indicate social class in ancient Egypt. While upper society painted their nails red, the lower class frequently wore nude and light colors.

3. ILNP Boutique Nail Lacquer – Aria

4.5
ILNP Aria - Sky Blue Ultra Holographic Nail Polish Image: Ilnp Cosmetics, Inc.

The ILNP nail polish in the shade Aria is a stunner. This soft sky-blue shade has an intense holographic sparkle that lights up in the sun. The long-lasting nail color has a smooth texture, offers a glossy finish, and does not need a topcoat. The non-toxic, 7-free formula is chip-resistant and safe to use by all.

Color: AriaItem Weight: 2.5 Ounces

Pros

  • 7-free
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Non-toxic formula
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Expensive

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 8,487 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

Cirque Colors Facets Collection – Zircon
Essie expressie Quick-Dry Nail Color – 200 In The Time Zone
ILNP Boutique Nail Lacquer – Aria
Color 24K Affair 18 in the time zone AriaItem Weight
Dimensions 1.13 x 1.13 x 2.75 inches 11.83 x 10.06 x 4.19 inches-
Weight 0.37 Ounces 0.8 Ounces.-
Rating
Reviews1,0338,3118,487
Price$14.5$4.74$10.0

4. O.P.I Nail Lacquer – Alpine Snow

The O.P.I Nail Lacquer in the shade Alpine Snow is a white polish perfect for French manicures. It gives the tips a shiny creme finish and lasts up to 7 days without chipping. The paint requires a base coat and a protective topcoat to elongate its life.

Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 1.05 x 6 inches | Weight: 0.53 Ounces

Pros

  • Quick-drying
  • Easy to remove
  • Chip-resistant
  • Highly pigmented

Cons

  • May streak
  • Expensive

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 592 reviews claiming its efficacy.

5. CND Vinylux Longwear Polish – Clay Canyon

4.2

The CND Vinylux Longwear Polish is a one-step nail paint treatment infused with keratin, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. These ingredients offer nourishment and protection to the nails and easily keep the color from chipping. Clay Canyon is a beautiful sandy brown shade that enhances your skin tone and works as a perfect ground for nail art. This earthy-tone nail paint complements your skin and makes it appear brighter.

Color: Clay Canyon #164 | Product Dimensions: 1.39 x 0.98 x 3.1 inches | Weight: 2.08 Ounces

Pros

  • Contains essential oils
  • Chip-resistant
  • Fast-drying
  • No base coat needed

Cons

  • Peels off easily.

6. COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss – Fuchsia Flame 45

4.2

The Covergirl Outlast Nail Gloss has a fast-drying, 3-in-1 formula that comes with a built-in topcoat to gives the nails a glossy finish. Fuchsia Flame is a deep plum tint that suits darker skin tones. The curved brush allows easy application of the nail polish on both hands. The bold shade stays up to seven days without chipping or fading and can be used to create various statement-making manicures.

Color: Fuchsia Flame 45 | Product Dimensions: 1.06 x 1.06 x 2.56 inches | Weight: 2 Ounces

Pros

  • Precision curved brush
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Does not fade
  • Glossy finish
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Contains chemicals

7. Gellen Soak Off Nail Gel Color Flavor’s – Rainbow Candy

The Gellen Gel Nail Polish Kit consists of six rainbow candy color tones. These peppy and bright colors have a shiny mirror finish and stay on for two weeks. They can be used to create numerous celebrity-inspired manicures. The formula is made of natural resin and has good tenacity. It cures under LED light in 30-60 seconds and UV light in 2-4 minutes.

Color: ON SALES SET#2

Pros

  • Dries fast
  • Does not chip
  • Glossy finish
  • Non-toxic
  • Environment-friendly

Cons

  • Not long-lasting

8. REVLON Super Lustrous Nail Enamel – 660 Divine

4.4
Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Enamel – Divine Image: Revlon

This deep and luscious reddish-brown shade from REVLON’s Super Lustrous Nail Enamel range is a chip-resistant formula with anti-fade technology. It gives a bubble-free and glossy finish to the nails. The quick-drying nail paint remains vibrant and smooth for almost a week without retouches.

Color: 660 Divine | Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 1.22 x 1.22 inches | Weight: 0.52 Ounces

Pros

  • Goes on smooth
  • Chip-resistant
  • Fade-resistant
  • Highly pigmented
  • 5- free

Cons

None

9. Duri Nail Polish – Atomic

Duri Nail Polish in the shade Atomic has a mysterious and mischievous aura attached to it. The full-coverage nail paint in vibrant citrine neon yellow offers a matte finish when used without the topcoat. The topcoat gives the polish a glossy appearance. This statement-making nail polish offers full coverage and comes with a brush for smooth and mess-free application.

Color: Neon Yellow | Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 2.4 Ounces

Pros

  • 7-free
  • Long-lasting
  • Paraben-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Chips too fast

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 4,137 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

10. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure – Pearly Whites

4.3

This nail polish from Sally Hansen is an all-in-one formula that nourishes your nails. It is infused with a keratin complex that strengthens the nails and prevents them from breaking. The shade Pearly Whites adds elegance to your nails and makes them look super chic. It can be used in combination with any other shade to create stunning, celebrity-inspired manicures. The product comes with a precision brush for easy, even, and smooth application.

Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 1.2 x 3 inches | Weight: 2.65 Ounces.

Pros

  • Chip-resistant
  • Easy application brush
  • Long-lasting
  • Streak-free

Cons

  • Needs multiple coats to achieve full color.

11. Daisy DND Soak Off Well All In One – 424 Lemon Juice

4.5

The Daisy DND Soak Off Well nail paint duo is a set of gel polish and matching varnish in a bright lemony tint that will remind you of summers. The shade Lemon Juice looks extremely attractive on dark skin, as mentioned in multiple reviews online.

Color: 424 Lemon Juice

Pros

  • Chip-resistant
  • Long-lasting
  • Vibrant
  • Non-streaky

Cons

  • Difficult to take off.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has garnered over 854 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.

12. Venalisa Nail Gel Coat Color – 1012 Natural Deep Beige

4.2
Venalisa Nail Gel Coat Color – 1012 Natural Deep Beige Image: Venalisa

The Venalisa Nail Gel in the shade Natural Deep Beige is a beautiful nude pink color, perfect for minimalist styling. The soak off color is made of environment-friendly natural resins. It comes with a proper applicator for a neat finish. The nail gel can be cured under a UV or LED lamp for 90 to 120 seconds and requires a base and topcoat.

Color: 1012- Natural Deep Beige

Pros

  • Non-toxic
  • Long-lasting
  • Vibrant

Cons

None

13. L’Oréal Paris Nail Color – Tangerine Crush

L’Oreal Paris Nail Color brings you a gorgeous coral shade that looks stunning on dark skin tones. The ultra-fine pigments in the formula provide brilliant coverage and color payoff. This nail polish from L’Oreal, a popular celebrity-endorsed brand, contains polymers that form a film over the nail and make it stay for up to 10 days. The crystal acrylics in the formula add a luxurious shine to the nails. A perfect warm color for you to flaunt with grace!

Color: 400-Tangerine Crush | Product Dimensions: 1.08 x 1.08 x 2.88 inches | Weight: 0.16 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Highly pigmented
  • Intense shine

Cons

  • Requires multiple coats.

14. AIMEILI Gel Polish – 028 Burgundy Plum

4.4

Burgundy Plum from AIMEILI is a dark purple shade that works as a perfect base for your nail art. The color suits both dark and light skin tones. It is smudge- and chip-resistant and gives the nails a neat, smooth, mirror-shine finish. The high-gloss nail paint stays on up to 21 days.

Color: Burgundy Plum Dark Purple | Product Dimensions: 1.26 x 0.79 x 2.76 inches | Weight: 1.27 Ounces

Pros

  • High-gloss finish
  • Long-lasting
  • Smudge-resistant
  • Chip-resistant
  • No nicks

Cons

  • Needs multiple applications to get the desired color.

15. wet n wild Fast Dry AF Nail Color – Throwing Shade

4
wet n wild Fast Dry AF Nail Color – Throwing Shade Image: Wet & Wild

The wet n wild nail color is a fast-drying formula that provides a brilliant pop of color in a single swipe. Throwing Shade is a gorgeous black lacquer that fully covers your nails and gives them a vibrant definition. The rich color dries in 40 seconds and stays on for around 5 days without chipping or fading.

Color: Throwing Shade

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Brilliant shine
  • Dries fast
  • Full coverage
  • Highly pigmented
  • Toluene-free
  • Camphor-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • May stain the nails.

16. Kleancolor Nail Lacquer – Black

4.2
Kleancolor Nail Lacquer – Black Image: Kleancolor
Now 53% Off

The Kleancolor Nail Lacquer is a matte black nail polish with super-flat, no gloss texture. It glides on the nails easily and gives them a velvety smooth finish without the shine. The nail polish can be used in combination with any other shade to create statement-making manicure looks.

Color: Black | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 3.3 x 1 x 1 inches; 1.6 Ounces

Pros

  • Fast-drying
  • Opaque finish

Cons

  • May stain the nails.

17. Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint – Black Cherry

4.3
Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint – Black Cherry Image: Barry M

The Barry M Nail Paint in the shade Black Cherry has a high-shine gel effect and provides an extra glossy finish. This nail color is perfect for dark and medium skin tones.

Color: Acai Smoothie

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Chip-resistant

Cons

  • Shine fades away.

18. Veronni Charm For You Soak Off Gel Polish – 02 Snow Champagne

4.2

Veronni Charm Explosion Diamond nail gel in the shade Snow Champagne has a sparkling gold reflective effect. The shiny powder is made of micro-diamond bits that reflect light . The highly pigmented, deep tone color is easy to apply and dries fast under UV or LED lamps. The gel is made of natural resin and lasts up to 2-3 weeks.

Material: AcrylicColor: 02 | Product Dimensions: 2.76 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches | Weight: 1.45 Ounces.

Pros

  • Easy to apply
  • Non-toxic
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Difficult to remove

Every woman loves having a nail color that complements her skin tone. Each shade suits a particular skin tone, whether bright, nude, opaque, or glittery. Bright colors, neon shades, and creamy rich hues look exceptional for dark skin tones. Furthermore, vibrant hues always complement any skin tone and make your nails look appealing. The products reviewed in the article are perfect for dark skin tones and some of them are even vegan and not tested on animals. You should prefer nail colors that are chip-resistant, non-toxic, long-lasting, and quick-drying while avoiding those that peel off or crack easily. Further, if you are tested for gluten allergies, it is also a good idea to opt for gluten-free nail colors.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Baishali Bhattacharya is certified in makeup artistry and has a keen eye for various makeup products. She says that nail colors are a must-have to impart elegance to your hands. The list of best nail colors for dark skin is curated after extensive research and reading customer reviews on trusted online forums. These nail colors are perfect for dark skin tone and help enhance your manicured hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should toes and nails match?

Matching toes and nails are an absolute no-no in the modern fashion world of nail arts and trendy nail paint colors.

Do white nails look good on dark skin?

Yes, white nails look beautiful on dark skin. The color pops against your skin tone and makes your manicure look bright and vibrant.

What nail colors go well with dark skin?

For a dark complexion, opt for white, khaki, dark or eggplant purple or plum, olive green, dark emerald green, deep red, charcoal gray, teal, light blue, shades of orange and peach, like burnt orange, amber, etc., gold, and shades of pink, like deep pink, pastel pink, etc.

Does dark nail polish make hands look older?

Dark polishes have the potential to make hands appear less young since they highlight any skin dullness or dark patches caused by sun damage. However, they look popping on young hands.

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