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.
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 5 years
Chaitra has a triple main bachelor’s degree in journalism, communicative English, and economics from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication fro... more
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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 dark metallic purple shades; it has got it all for those in the mood to try something new. We have curated a list of some of our top picks of purple nail polish colors that you need to add to your nail paint collection.
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 polish from Sally Hansen. Get professional, ultra-shiny finish in the comfort of your own home with this formula that has been 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.
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
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 shade ‘Go Ginza’ does exactly that. The brush glides easily on every nail size and offers great coverage. For a flawless manicure, use cuticle oil and then a base coat before applying 2 coats of this light purple 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.
Pros
- Durable
- Dries quickly
- Limited edition color
- Streak-free application
- Comes in multiple nuanced shades
Cons
- Formula may be a bit thick for some
3. Best Cruelty-Free: Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Color – 240 IRL
If you are applying nail polish at the last minute, before heading to a party then this 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 is your best bet.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan formula
- Available in 40 shades
- No base of top coat needed
- Angled brush
Cons
- May not be chip-resistant
4. Best Fast-Drying Formula: Orly Nail Lacquer – Purple Crush
If you are looking for a fuchsia purple nail polish, the Purple Crush shade from Orly Nail is a godsend. It delivers a perfect finish and is a vibrant shade 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.
Pros
- Durable
- Sophisticated color
- Smooth application
- Fast-drying formula
- Streak-free coverage
Cons
- The smell may be a bit overwhelming for some.
5. 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 of nail art 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.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Slight shimmer
- Available in 200+ shades
- Offers up to 7 days of wear
Cons
- May leave streaks
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.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Non-toxic formula
- Environmental-friendly
- Made of high quality materials
Cons
- May not dry quickly
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. It 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
Cons
- May leave streaks
8. 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 so that the nail polish stays longer. The top coat seals in the integrity of the color and offers a shiny texture. So, if you have been looking for a premium-quality purple nail color, this Smith & Cult Nail Polish is undoubtedly one of the best in the market. This video will 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
9. Best Chip Resistant: China Glaze Gelaze – That’s Shore Bright
Were you the search for a nail polish that delivers a shiny finish? 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.
Pros
- Durable
- Trendy color
- Chip-resistant
- Does not need a top coat
Cons
- Formula may be a bit thick for some
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. 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 consistent glow throughout the nail, so you don’t have to worry about an uneven finish with this dark purple nail polish.
Pros
- Low odor
- Lasts long
- Non-toxic formula
- Made with natural resins
- Compatible with all nail types
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
11. Best Easy-To-Remove: ILNP Cosmetics Boutique Nail Lacquer – Hi-Fi
Need a 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
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, it is a must-have in every vanity bag.
Pros
- Lasts long
- Dries quickly
- Easy to remove
- Easy application
- Toxin-free formula
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 gorgeous nails right in the comfort of your home. This lavender color nail polish 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.
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 eye shadow 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 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 spoilt with an array of purple shades to choose from, including olive and bronze tones. Embrace nail colors that are pigmented and have grape or plum 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.
A good nail paint can instantly take your basic manicure up by multiple notches. There are multiple colors and their respective shades of nail polishes out there. If 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 colors. Purple is available in multiple shades, right from lovely hues of lilac and lavender to dark metallic purple. These are available in multiple finishes too! While a holographic purple nail polish delivers a sparkle glitter shine a gel finish offers the perfect glossy look. These nail polishes are easy to apply, long-lasting, vegan, and cruelty-free. Be wary of nail paints that chip away easily, have harmful chemicals that might affect your cuticles and nails, and do not dry quickly.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Our author, Chaitra Krishnan, 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.
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