13 Best Purple Nail Polish Colors That Will Serve You All Year-Round
From plum to lilac, find a finish that you love, be it metallic, gloss, shimmer, or matte.
Shamina J. Di MauroNail Artist
Shamina J. Di Mauro is a seasoned nail artist with 39 years of experience. She offers a range of innovative nail services to a varied clientele, and her expertise includes creating sleek overlays, sculptured nails, and medical-grade pedicur... more
srijita deMA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
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 ... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant
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 ce... more
Image: istock
If you have been alternating between the same three shades of purple nail paint and are on the hunt for some of the best purple nail polish shades, you are at the right place. Nail polish rotation is a struggle, and once you find the shade that captures your vibe and style, it is natural to get stuck wearing the same color in the same way. However, it is fun to get out of your comfort zone and experiment with nail paints, even if you are not too keen to keep up with the ever-changing trends.
One of the most underrated nail paint shades, purple offers a plethora of colors — from lovely hues of lilac and lavender to the timeless beauty of dark metallic purple shades; it has got it all for those in the mood to try something new. We have curated a list of our top picks of purple polish colors that provide exceptional results and you need to add to your nail paint collection. Set aside your average nail polish and check these out!
In This Article
13 Best Purple Nail Polish Colors For Every Occasion
1.Best Shine:Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish
Are you still perfecting that salon manicure finish? Your search ends here with this bright purple nail color from Sally Hansen. Get a professional, statement-making ultra-shiny finish in the comfort of your own home with this purple that has been expertly crafted with high-quality ingredients. You don’t need a UV/LED light system or any other fancy salon equipment to get shiny and glossy nails with this nail polish. The precise brush helps you achieve flawless nails with just one easy coat of this vibrant purple nail polish as it slides effortlessly. Reviews on online forums attest that it is truly a gem for anyone looking for a perfect everyday wear purple nail polish. Nail artist Shamina J. Di Mauro suggests, “Take advantage of using the tip of the nail brush to outline the strokes around the cuticle area before brushing down. This could eliminate as many streaks as possible.”
n a base coat before applying 2 coats of this light purple nail polish. You can top it off with an Essie top coat
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Lasts up to 8 days
- Dries in 5 minutes
- Quick precision brush
- Available in 80 other shades
Cons
- May leave streaks
"I like the gel-like shine of this polish. The application process is a breeze with the quick-drying formula and a brush that covers with one swipe. It's a good polish to maintain glossy nails at home."
2. Best Durability:Essie Glossy Nail Polish – Go Ginza
We all know how lovely glossy nail polishes look when they offer good coverage. This Essie Glossy Nail Polish in the statement-making shade ‘Go Ginza’ does exactly that. The brush glides easily on every nail size and offers great coverage. For a flawless purple manicure, use cuticle oil and then a base coat before applying 2 coats of this light nail polish. You can top it off with an Essie top coat for that lusty hue and dramatic nails. Watch this video to get a detailed review of the product. Reviewers rave about the quick drying and streak-free application that helps you flaunt beautiful nails without fearing smudges.
Pros
- Durable
- Dries quickly
- Limited edition color
- Streak-free application
- Comes in multiple nuanced shades
Cons
- Formula may be a bit thick for some
"I like this pastel hue and how versatile it is for both casual and special wear. A single thick coat often suffices and it dries quickly. It also lasts a solid week, even with hands-on tasks."
3.Best Cruelty-Free:Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Color – 240 IRL
If you are applying nail polish at the last minute or are a beginner, then this expertly crafted 1-step Essie Expressive Quick Dry Nail Color is exactly what you need! The fast-drying formula delivers shine and does not smudge like other nail polishes in the market after application. It just takes a minute for this aztec purple nail polish to dry! So, if you are a fan of purple nail polish colors and are highly impatient when it comes to waiting for it to dry then, this fall purple nail polish for beginners is your best bet. Reviews on online forums highly praise its angled brush that ensures easy application of the polish on the corners of your nails. You can also use this purple shade to upscale a classic French manicure, instead of using a regular pink polish.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan formula
- Available in 40 shades
- No base of top coat needed
- Angled brush
Cons
- May not be chip-resistant
"I've tried this nail polish and like its quick-drying nature and glossy finish that you can achieve with just one coat. The formula lasts long but a top coat is necessary to extend wear time beyond a couple of days. It's a glamorous shade of purple, suitable for casual wear."
4.Best Fast-Drying Formula:Orly Nail Lacquer – Purple Crush
If the plain color purple doesn’t do it for you, this fuschia shade sure will! If you are looking for a statement-making fuchsia purple nail polish, the Purple Crush shade from Orly Nail is a godsend. It delivers a perfect finish and is a vibrant summer color of purple that glides effortlessly on your fingernails. You won’t have to rush to a salon next time to get your nails done once you perfect applying this deep purple nail polish. It has UV inhibitors that prevent it from fading and offers a natural pearl shine. Reviews on online forums have thrown heaps of praise on the durability of this nail polish. It is also a favorite of nail artist, Shamina J. Di Mauro.
Pros
- Durable
- Sophisticated color
- Smooth application
- Fast-drying formula
- Streak-free coverage
Cons
- The smell may be a bit overwhelming for some.
"I like the rich hue and good lasting quality of this polish. The vibrant pigmentation makes for a cheerful summer statement. The chip-resistant formula ensures that the polish lasts on my nails without needing reapplication on every third day. This has a spot in my rotational polishes."
Quick Tip5.Best Easy-To-Apply:O.P.I Nail Lacquer – Samurai Breaks A Nail
Transform your nail color game with OPI’s Tokyo collection that blends traditional colors with an ultramodern finish. This Samurai Breaks A Nail shade of this gel purple nail polish is a bright and stunning purple shade that will turn heads. It offers you endless possibilities for nail art designs with its smooth brush. Just apply 2 coats of this lacquer color, then finish it off with an OPI top coat and let it dry to get a gorgeous finish. Here’s a video to help you know more about this product. The reviewer’s experience in this youtube video can shed some light on the available shades and application of the nail polish.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Slight shimmer
- Available in 200+ shades
- Offers up to 7 days of wear
Cons
- May leave streaks
"The formula is consistent and long-lasting. It gives a perfect playful pop of color suitable for a variety of events. The application is a breeze and the coverage is good in just one coat. It also dries fairly quickly."
6.Best Non-Toxic Formula:Onus Mis Cheering Healthy Nail Color
Powered with holographic pigments, this nail paint color shifts based on the angle you view it from. This holographic purple nail polish delivers a sparkle glitter shine with high gloss, leaving you with beautiful nails at the end of your DIY manicure within the comfort of your home. The formula of this is thinner than most and hence, is more breathable and offers minimum effort and hassle while painting your nails. If you are looking for nail polish for statement-making gradient nails, this is the one for you.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Non-toxic formula
- Environmental-friendly
- Made of high quality materials
Cons
- May not dry quickly
"I love the polish's holographic shimmer that truly shines in sunlight, creating an eye-catching effect. It requires patience for three coats, but the end result is durable and striking. It is worth trying, especially if you love a subtle indoor shine that transforms dramatically outdoors."
7.Best Vegan:Duri Nail Polish – Sleeping Beauty Indigo
Are you looking for that pastel shade of light purple nail polish? This Duri Nail Polish – Sleeping Beauty Indigo, a favorite salon lacquer, is your perfect match. It gives a chic and beautiful glossy finish without ever being over the top. If you are not using a top coat, it delivers a semi-matte finish for a more subtle look, making it the perfect nail polish for office. This shade of timeless beauty does not require a base coat, a UV lamp, or a soak off, all it takes is 2 steps of application, and you’re good to go.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting formula
- No parabens, DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, or camphor
- Smooth nail polish texture
Cons
- May leave streaks
"I like this polish but it usually takes three coats to get the advertised shade. A good top coat enhances the longevity of the polish and it lasts for a good while. The formula's quick-drying and vibrant results, with a matte finish, attract compliments."
Quick Tip8.Best Gluten-Free:Smith & Cult Nail Polish
This nail polish delivers a glossy finish and high shine. The different and various shades of this purple nail polish give vibrancy and are gracefully refined. They have an ultra-adherent base coat to prep your nail surface, which increases the nail polish’s longevity. The top coat seals in the integrity of the color offer a shiny texture. So, if you have been looking for a premium-quality statement-making purple nail color, this Smith & Cult Nail Polish is undoubtedly one of the best in the market. This video of the reviewer’s experience will also help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Smooth coverage
- No harmful chemicals like phthalates, formaldehydes, etc.
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"I like how this polish applies smoothly and lasts for a good two weeks with a top coat. It's a good choice for those looking for a quality manicure with a good shiny finish."
9.Best Chip Resistant:China Glaze Gelaze – That’s Shore Bright
Are you on the search for a nail polish that delivers a shiny finish with exceptional results? Powered with China clay, this China Glaze Gelaze – That’s Shore Bright offers a porcelain finish. Formulated with innovative color treatments, this 2-in-1 gel and base combination and nail lacquers containing hardeners are indeed a blend of modern technology and quality materials. So next time you are looking for a glossy finish in a purple shade, you know you can count on this gel purple nail polish this spring.
Pros
- Durable
- Trendy color
- Chip-resistant
- Does not need a top coat
Cons
- Formula may be a bit thick for some
"I like how easy it is to wear and remove this polish. The vibrant color gives off the perfect holiday vibes. The formula applies smoothly and dries quickly without clumping. It is also hip-resistant and helps avoid unattractive peeling off from the nail edges"
10.Best Low Odor:Rarjsm Professional Gel Polish – Dark Purple
Powered with holographic pigments, this gel-based nail polish goes with all kinds of looks and gives you exceptional results. After application, it needs to be dried under UV/LED lamps to dry. Its holographic effect allows it to change colors depending on which angle you are looking from. It spreads evenly on your nail and does not shrink near the edges like regular nail colors in the market. The formula offers a consistent glow throughout the nail, so you don’t have to worry about an uneven finish with this dark purple nail polish. Flaunt this pretty nail polish at parties.
Pros
- Low odor
- Lasts long
- Non-toxic formula
- Made with natural resins
- Compatible with all nail types
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
Did You Know?11.Best Easy-To-Remove:ILNP Cosmetics Boutique Nail Lacquer – Hi-Fi
Need a statement-making bright purple and matte purple nail polish finish? This ILNP Cosmetics Boutique Nail Lacquer in the shade ‘Hi-Fi’ will suit you best. Unlike other shimmery nail polish in the market, this will not leave glitter residue all over your hands or clothes. It is a beautiful electrifying shade of purple that is developed with premium ingredients to give you a finish that will turn heads wherever you go.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Dries quickly
- Easy to remove
- Fully opaque in 2 to 3 coats
Cons
- Color may be a bit too intense
"I love its glitter finish and long-lasting color. The richly pigmented formula covers the nail with just one coat. The vibrant finish makes my manicure look chic and trendy. Whether you're dressing up for the holidays or want a bold, magnetic effect, this polish is perfect."
12.Best Toxin-Free Formula:Zoya Professional Lacquer – Abby
The right shade of purple can make anyone’s nails go from drab to fab in minutes. This one from Zoya is a subtle yet lovely shade of pastel purple and has a classy finish unlike any other. It offers a salon and spa-style manicure glow that you cannot resist. Made from a cream-based formula that is gentle and safe for all skin types, it works well for everyday use. Easy to apply and remove, this classic spring manicure color is a must-have in every vanity bag. “The color is not for everyone, but it’s perfect for color-shy people who prefer a pop instead of a bang!”, says Shamina J. Di Mauro.
Pros
- Lasts long
- Dries quickly
- Easy to remove
- Easy application
- Toxin-free formula
- Cream finish
Cons
- Color may be a bit pale for some
13. Best Skin-Safe:Beetles Gel Polish – K – Viola Violet Purple
Beautiful nails don’t mean taxing and expensive trips to the salon. Now, you can get statement-making gorgeous nails right in the comfort of your home. This lavender color nail polish for summer offers flawless coverage and a gorgeous sheen. It ensures you have a hassle-free application process with its precision brush that is long-lasting. After applying your last coat, cure it under LED/UV light for about 120 seconds. Made with high quality material, this gel-based nail polish is resistant to chipping, offering exceptional results.
Pros
- Toxin-free
- Long lasting
- Safe for skin
- Resists fading
Cons
- May take a while to dry
Now that you are caught up with the 13 best purple nail polish colors, here is how you can pick the best one depending on your skin tone.
How To Choose The Best Purple Nail Polish For Your Skin Tone?
You must be thinking, purple is such a bold color to be part of my daily wear. We are here to break that myth that purple only suits certain occasions or skin tones. Fortunately, today’s beauty world is experimenting with several shades of purple, be it in an eyeshadow palette or your nail color. From a berry base that compliments every skin tone to lovely purple shades of lilac and lavender that suit fairer skin tones, there is a purple nail color for everyone out there.
- Fair skin tones
If you have fairer skin, then the best kind of purple nail color for you is with pastel or blue undertones. You do not want a purple nail polish that competes with your skin tone. Hence it is best to opt for cooler pigments of purple to go on your nails.
- Medium skin tones
When it comes to medium skin tone, you are spoiled with an array of purple shades to choose from, including olive and bronze tones. Embrace nail shades that are pigmented with grape or plum purple colors in their formula. It is best to stay away from pastels.
- Dark skin tones
Deep purple and pastels look gorgeous on darker skin tones. It leaves you with a luminous and shimmer finish when you experiment with purple with a dark berry tint. You can also play around with deep raisin and indigo or jewel-toned shades.
Shamina J. Di Mauro, says, “ Look for the undertone apart from the visual color of the skin tone. Two dark complexions are not the same! For example, one dark-complexioned person may have red undertones while the other may have blue. Blue undertones can manage cool colors while red undertones can rock warmer colors. Or if the goal is to warm the cool complexion, try a warm or complementary color. In order to confirm the tone to the chosen color, do a swatch on the fingernail to compare.”
The Bottom Line
A good nail paint can instantly take your basic manicure up by multiple notches compared to a regular polish. There are multiple colors and their respective shades of nail polish out there. If you love changing nail colors according to the latest trends, you must know the appeal of good purple nail paint. Although it looks gorgeous, purple is the most underrated nail paint color. It is available in multiple shades, right from lovely delicate colors like lilac and lavender to deep, intense hues like dark metallic purple. The Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish is highly recommended for its long-lasting formula and gel-like finish without a UV lamp. For a glossy finish and streak-free application, the Essie Glossy Nail Polish – Go Ginza is a perfect pick. The O.P.I Nail Lacquer – Samurai Breaks A Nail offers a smooth application and excellent color payoff. These are available in multiple finishes too! While a holographic colored shade of purple nail polish delivers a sparkle glitter shine a gel finish offers the perfect glossy look. These nail polishes for different skin tones are easy to apply, long-lasting, vegan, and cruelty-free. Be wary of average nail polishes that chip away easily, have harmful chemicals that might affect your cuticles and nails, and do not dry quickly. Go try these beautiful purple polishes and achieve that flawless manicure you desire!
Why Trust Stylecraze
Our author, Srijita De, is a makeup enthusiast and got you this list of the best purple nail polishes you may want to try. She has curated this list after conducting thorough research and checking user reviews on trusted online forums. She picked only the top-rated products for the list that are easy to apply and dry faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does nail polish last?
An opened nail polish bottle lasts up to six months, while an unopened one has a shelf life of 2-3 years.
How long does it take for Essie nail polish to dry?
It takes a minimum of 15 minutes to dry Essie nail polish for a perfect finish.
How long after painting my nails can I shower?
Wait for an hour, at least after painting your nails, before showering.
How long after painting nails can I go to bed?
Depending on the number of coats you have applied and how quickly your polish dries, wait for 30 minutes to two hours before going to bed.
How does vinegar make nail polish last longer?
Yes. The acetic acid in vinegar makes the polish stick to the nails longer.
How can I make my nail polish stay on without chipping it?
Begin with clean nails using a nail polish remover, and follow up with filing your nails in one direction. Next, apply a long-lasting base coat and chip-resistant nail polish. Avoid using too much polish at once, and wait for the layers of polish to dry after you finish.
