15 Best Nail Polishes For Dark Skin Beauties

If you’re someone with dusky or dark skin tone and wondered what nail polish shade would look divine on your skin color – you’ve come to the right place. With the beauty industry booming in the nail polish arena, it could be a daunting task to choose the perfect nail polish shade or brand. We have a list of 15 best nail polishes for dark skin beauties, so you don’t have to be deadlocked on one nail polish shade forever.

Handy Tip: Make sure you complement your sultry, deep skin tone with a pinch of high impact color and never be afraid to experiment!

Let’s look at some of these trendy hues, shall we?

Best Nail Polishes For Dark Skin Tones

1. Maybelline New York Nail Polish, 155 Bubble Gum

There’s nothing like a bright or neon pink to show off your girly side! The Maybelline Super Stay 7 Days nail varnish has a curved brush, giving you precision in your application. Enriched with iron and calcium compounds – this lasts for up to 7 days with top coat touch-ups.

If you want to go pink, go all the way in!

Pros

• Precision curved brush
• Long staying
• Dries quickly
• Rich color and high shine
• Gel finish
• Does not chip off easily
• Enriched with nutrients to promote nail growth

Cons

• Price is slightly high
• Might chip a little from the edges within four to five days
• Its shine slightly fades on the fourth day

 Maybelline New York Nail Polish (155 Bubble Gum) Review 

The shade ‘Bubble gum’ is a bright, bold pink that looks extremely fun and girly. Its pigmentation is great and two coats give you the full bright effect of the color. It does give you the much-desired gel effect that looks really fancy in this specific shade. Pinks can be worn during the spring and summers or whenever you feel like flaunting some Barbie inspired nails.

2. Maybelline Color Show Bright Sparks, Blazing Blue

This is a gorgeous cobalt blue that will look fabulous on dark and dusky skin tones. The Maybelline Color Show Bright Sparks range adds a bright pop of color to your nails. Inspired by the New York Fashion Week, the shades of this range have been hand-picked by India’s top beauty bloggers.

Pros

• Pigmented
• Smooth and glossy texture
• Affordable
• The brush provides easy application

Cons

• Needs touch-ups and top-coat
• Chips if you apply thick coats
• Average staying power

Maybelline Color Show Bright Sparks (Blazing Blue) Nail Polish Review

This cobalt blue shade is so gorgeous; we can’t keep our eyes off it. It comes in the classic Maybelline packaging with a black cap and a transparent bottle. The brush is flat, and it makes application very simple. The consistency of the nail polish is a perfect balance – it’s neither too thick nor too runny which helps provide a smooth finish that is not at all streaky! This color is highly recommended for Fall!

3. Colorbar Luxe Nail Lacquer, Red Enigma

Colorbar brings globally trending runway shades to your fingertips. This luxurious formulation comes in a revamped, fashion-forward and super-premium glass bottle. It is enriched with benefits that look after your nails. The lacquer is long-lasting, non-yellowing, non-carcinogenic and does not transfer onto the nail bed.

Pros

• Long staying
• Smooth and streak-free application
• Specially designed fan-shaped brush
• 100% cruelty-free
• Glossy finish
• Dries quickly

Cons

• Needs top-coat
• Chips with household chores

Colorbar Luxe Nail Lacquer (Red Enigma) Nail Polish Review

‘Red Enigma’ is the classic red that will suit any skin tone beautifully. There is literally nobody that a good old, high-gloss scarlet doesn’t suit. This nail polish by Colorbar is super easy to apply due to its balanced consistency. It is also affordable. Reds look exceptionally amazing on dark skin tones. You don’t even need a specific season to wear red!

[ Read: 10 Best Colorbar Nail Polishes ]

4. Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color, Purple Orchid

The Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist helps create the red carpet luster every day. With its high color delivery and the reflective shimmer finish, they are perfect for any occasion.

This dark berry tint looks sizzling hot on deeper skin tones.

Pros

• Gel finish
• Easy to apply
• Brush is easy to use and makes application easy
• Long staying
• Removal is easy

Cons

• Expensive
• Takes forever to dry
• Does not retain its shine for long

Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color (Purple Orchid) Review

The shade ‘Purple Orchid’ is a deep plum shade. It’s a rather feminine alternative to black or navy blue. This Lakme nail polish comes in a transparent 15 ml bottle with a black cap. It’s easy to apply and gives a gel-like finish, but the only issue I had with it is how it takes a very long time to dry. However, Purple Orchid is definitely a great shade for winter and fall.

5. SUGAR Tip Tac Toe Nail Lacquer, 030 Purple Passion (Matte Pastel Lavender)

Lavender nail polish suits dark skin tones very well. It’s subtle and perfect for any season. The Sugar Nail Lacquer nail range will make sure that your tips are always in top shape. It’s specially formulated in Italy to give you a 100% opaque finish that dries even before you can spell your date’s name!

Pros

• Streak-free formulation
• Long staying
• It contains high reflection resin system formula
• Does not chip easily
• Affordable

Cons

• Needs at least three swipes to achieve full color
•  Matte effect wears out in a few days

SUGAR Tip Tac Toe Nail Lacquer Review

For darker skin tones, a pasted purple or a muted grayish-purple looks the most-balanced and the prettiest. It has a wide brush that makes application easy and gives you a burst of polish in one go. Sugar nail polishes also contain UV filters and are completely toxin-free in its formulation. Do give this shade a try!    

6. Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color, Electric Orange

Orange may seem a little too bold, but on dark and dusky complexions, it looks super fun and eye-catching. The Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist helps create the red carpet luster every day. With its high color delivery and the reflective shimmer finish, these are perfect for any occasion.

Pros

• Pigmented
• Non-streaky formula
• Gel finish
• Long staying
• Removal is easy even though it’s gel-based

Cons

• Price is on the higher side
• The shininess fades within four to five days with daily, household chores
• Needs top-coat

Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color (Electric Orange) Review

This ‘Electric Orange’ is vibrant and fun. Nothing says summer like a bright orange on your tips and toes! The Lakme nail polish comes in a 15 ml transparent bottle with a black cap. It’s easy to apply and gives you a gorgeous salon-like gel finish. If you don’t wish to go for an all-orange shade, you can also pick a red-orange or one with coral undertones!

7. Maybelline Color Show Nail Enamel, Coral Craze

It’s time to show your true colors with Maybelline’s vivacious range of Color Show Nail Lacquers. The runway-inspired range of colors helps you stand out and make a bold style statement. The glossy texture looks opaque in a single coat.

Pros

• Easy to apply
• Highly-pigmented
• Non-streaky formula
• Chip resistant
• Affordable
• Flat brush and glossy finish

Cons

• Needs top-coat
• Needs two-three swipes of color
• Looks worn out in a few days with day-to-day chores

Maybelline Color Show Nail Enamel (Coral Craze) Review

This subtle golden-orange or coral shade will pop just as much as its counterpart – Electric Orange. This shade is a great color for summers. The only issue with shades like these is that they need to be applied with extra care and precision or they will appear streaky and patchy. So careful during application.

8. Colorbar Luxe Nail Lacquer, Pina Colada

Yellow looks very flattering on dark skin tones. Colorbar brings globally trending runway shades to your fingertips. This luxurious formulation comes in a revamped, fashion-forward and super-premium glass bottle. It is enriched with benefits that look after your nails. The lacquer is long-lasting, non-yellowing, non-carcinogenic and does not transfer onto the nail bed.

Pros

• Long staying
• Smooth and streak-free application
• Specially designed fan-shaped brush
• 100% cruelty-free
• Glossy finish
• Dries quickly

Cons

• Needs top-coat
• Chips with household chores

Colorbar Luxe Nail Lacquer (Pina Colada) Review 

The shade ‘Pina Colada’ is a gorgeous, bright neon-yellow that screams summer. Its shiny pop adds funk to your nails. You can also opt for a sunny yellow if you’re not a big fan of the lemony neon shade. The nail polish comes in the classic Colorbar packaging – a chunky glass bottle with a metallic jar. It has a nice gel-like texture, and it’s easy to apply, as the brush is efficient and fan-shaped. This is such a happy and vibrant shade that screams zeal!

9. Maybelline New York Nail Polish, 265 Divine Wine

This rich wine colored nail polish is classy and elegant. The Maybelline Super Stay 7 Days nail varnish has a curved brush, giving you precision in your application. Enriched with iron and calcium compounds – this lasts for up to 7 days with top coat touch-ups.

It’s a great shade for both fall and winter.

Pros

• Precision curved brush
• Dries quickly
• Long staying
• Gel finish
• Rich color and high shine
• Does not chip off easily
• Enriched with nutrients to promote nail growth

Cons

• Tends to chip a little from the edges within four to five days
• Its shine slightly fades on the fourth day
• Price is slightly high

Maybelline New York Nail Polish (265 Divine Wine) Review

This shade by Maybelline is a deep and rich wine color with purple undertones. It will complement dusky and sultry skin tones so well. It’s heavily pigmented and looks very retro. Definitely a modern classic.

10. Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color, Gold Glaze

If you’re in the mood for a warm and festive manicure, a gold nail polish is a classic option to glam up your hands. The Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist helps create the red carpet luster every day. With its high color delivery and a reflective shimmer finish, these are perfect for any occasion.

Pros 

• High quality
• Gel-like finish
• Easy application
• Long-staying
• Removal is easy

Cons

• Takes a lot of time to dry
• Expensive when compared to competitors
• The shine fades in four to five days with daily chores

Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color (Gold Glaze) Review 

The shade ‘Golden Glaze’ is the crown of the shimmer range. It comes in the classic Lakme Absolute 15 ml glass bottle with a black cap. The brush is of high quality and makes application very simple. You need to apply two coats of the nail color and finish it up with a top-coat. This shade will look stunning on dark and dusky complexions!

11. Maybelline New York Color Show, Big Apple Nail Paint, 204 Juicy Red

A trend that’s straight from the runways! Get swept off your feet with a gorgeous gel-like finish that stays. Let your fingers do the talking as the biggest fashion range meets the Maybelline-born beauty.

Pros

• Long-staying
• Quick drying
• Saturated color
• Affordable
• Travel-friendly

Cons

• Tends to chip from the edges
• Needs top-coat

Maybelline New York Color Show, Big Apple Reds Review

The shade ‘Juicy Red’ has a fabulous metallic finish. It gives opaque color in one swipe and dries quickly. The shade like its name suggests, is indeed a juicy red – much like an apple. Its packaging is identical to the Maybelline Color Show packaging with a black cap and cylindrical glass bottle. This shade will look great on dusky skin tones and is perfect for fall!

12. O.P.I Nail Lacquer, Samoan Sand

If you want to keep it simple and casual – a nude nail color is an ideal choice for your hands. This warm beige-pink shade by O.P.I is a super rich, chip-resistant and heavily pigmented lacquer that offers you a luxury you certainly deserve.

Pros

• Long-lasting wear
• High shine and high gloss for up to 7 days
• Does not contain harmful ingredients like Toluene
• Easy application

Cons

• Expensive
• It’s a little difficult to remove

O.P.I Nail Lacquer (Samoan Sand) Review 

The shade ‘Samoan Sand’ is a classic nude and a favorite of many celebrities. It’s the perfect nude for dark skin tones as it won’t make your hands look washed-out. These nail polishes come in big pot-like bottles – the brush being of medium length makes application a whole lot easier. A must-try nude shade!

[ Read: 15 Latest OPI Nail Polish Shades And Swatches ]

13. L’Oreal Paris Nail Paint, 550 Rouge Sauvage

The L’Oreal Paris nail paint comes with intense color and an elegant oil-shine. It’s enriched with a blend of precious oils for the most sophisticated color and a shine-in-one stroke. Its flexible brush gives the easiest and most precise application.

Pros 

• Oil-shine based nail color
• Intense color pigment
• Drip-resistant
• Long-staying
• High quality

Cons 

• Needs top-coat
• Tends to chip at the edges
• The formula tends to get thick after a few uses
• Price is on the higher side

L’Oreal Paris Nail Paint (550 Rouge Sauvage) Review

The shade Rouge Sauvage is the perfect red that looks classy and chic all round the year! It’s one shade that will look beautiful on all skin tones. The best part about this nail polish is its gorgeous, glossy finish that looks like you just stepped out of the salon. Highly recommended! Make sure you check out other shades in this range because they’re all so pretty!

14. Faces Splash Nail Enamel, Tropical Green 59

For those of you all who live in the fashion fast lane, these mini nail enamels provide unbeatable full colors and smooth application.

Pros

• Free from harmful ingredients
• Easy application
• Gel-like finish
• Value for money
• Travel-friendly

Cons

• Requires more coats
• Takes time to dry

Faces Splash Nail Enamel (Tropical Green 59) Review 

The shade ‘Tropical Green’ is a deep emerald green that will look sizzling on dusky and dark skin tones. This nail polish comes in a miniature sized bottle with a black cap. The brush is small, so application gets slightly tricky. It tends to chip from the edges if you work a lot but otherwise, it stays on for four days without looking worn out.

15. Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color, Burgundy Blast

The Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist helps create the red carpet luster every day. With its high color delivery and the reflective shimmer finish, these are perfect for any occasion.

Pros 

• Pigmented
• Non-streaky formula
• Gel finish
• Long staying
• Removal is easy even though it’s gel-based

 Cons 

• Expensive
• Needs top-coat

Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color Review

This shade combines burgundy with shimmer. It’s ideal for festive occasions or parties! The combo is the ‘it’ trend of the season. The color will complement dark skin tones beautifully. It has a gel finish that is long-staying!

*(Amazon Prices May Vary) 

The nail polishes listed above work best on dark skin tones. However, you need to consider a few factors before buying any of them.

What To Consider When Buying A Nail Polish For Dark Skin Tone

• Color

The nail color is the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind when talking about nail polishes. It is essential to choose a shade that goes well with your skin color. If you have dark skin, opt for shades like deep red, pink, and neon. These blend well with dark skin tones and offer vibrant looks.

• Quality

It is essential to pick a nail paint that meets all the quality criteria. When we talk of quality, it is not directly related to the brand or price. Instead, it is related to factors like dry time, finish, pigmentation, and nail paint texture. If your nail paint dries quickly, gives a smooth and glossy finish, and does not chap off quickly, you have got a product of quality.

• Finish

Nail paints come in two types of finish – glossy and matte. A glossy nail paint gives your nails shine, whereas a matte nail paint remains plain without any shine. Irrespective of your skin tone, you can choose any finish for yourself.

• Brand

The brand is vital when it comes to nail paint. Always go for a well-known and dependable brand so that you do not have to compromise on the quality. Cheaply made nail paint can damage your nails and make them turn pale or yellow.

• Price

Nail paints do not usually cost much. You can get any nail paint of your choice within your budget. However, it is important not to opt for cheap products as they compromise on quality.

According to top nail experts, the darker your skin tone, the wider variety of colors you can wear. Be bold, go nude or flaunt your metallics and express your style through those nails! However, steer clear from very light shades of nail polish as these will give your hands a washed-out look.

*Subject to Availability

Those were the brands of 15 best nail polishes for dark and dusky skin tones. Do you have a favorite go-to shade that you just can’t get enough of? Do share with us in the comments below!

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