Top 10 Dark Nail Polishes

WHO IT'S FOR
If you're sick of sporting your usual deep reds and merlots, switch things up with this award-winning midnight blue. It's so dark that it almost veers black, but it feels a little fresher and more feminine.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Smith & Cult's nail polishes are seriously long-lasting and shiny. One reviewer even claimed she typically goes nine days without a single chip.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Created over a decade ago for Narciso Rodriguez's Fall 2011 show, this stormy grey shade is edgy but feels airier, softer, and more minimal than black. "All of the supermodels backstage were trying to grab the bottles and put them in their purses. You know it’s a hit when the models want it because they never want to get their nails done," Deborah said.

INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
The formula also includes strengthening biotin and green tea to encourage overall nail health.

WHO IT'S FOR
Part of Olive & June's brand new collection for fall 2022, this rich espresso shade screams fall. Not too dark but not too light, it's perfect for those that want something moodier without commiting to black.

HELPFUL TIP
This one is perfect for trying out Hailey Bieber's iconic chocolate glazed donut nail trend.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Bordeaux is an absolute classic come the fall season, and this Chanel shade is one of the most iconic of all time. The reddish-black made its first debut on the Chanel runways in 1994, and it's been a staple ever since.

AS SEEN ON
Go for an unexpected French look a la celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein, using Rouge Noir as the base and a shimmering gold shade for the tips.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Aside from the unique, deep sea blue shade, reviewers love this polish for its gorgeous formula. It's so smooth and opaque that you can get away with just one coat, and it dries to the glossiest, chip-free finish.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Essie's unique Gel Couture formula provides up to 14 days of glossy, chip-free wear and requires no base coat.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Is it really fall if you don't sport at least one black mani? Equal parts classic and cool, this iconic Essie shade is the crème de la crème of inky black nail colors.

HELPFUL TIP
Black is more versatile than you might think. For a subtler take, try using this shade for the tips of a French mani.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
The nail polish equivalent to a classic LBD, Black Onyx is one of the blackest shades around. It's also made without DBP, toluene, or formaldehyde, so you can feel pretty good about swiping it on.

USERS SAID
“I think the best nail polish is OPI polish. For those of you looking for a high-gloss black that lasts and lasts, nothing beats this. It goes on like a dream and looks like black glass on my nails.”

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Over the obvious dark shades of burgundy, black, and deep blue? This enchanting forest green is a fresh alternative that still evokes all the winter feels—think scenic drives and premature Christmas decor.

USER REVIEW
"I put on Off Tropic the day that it came in the mail and fell in love. I love the darkness of the polish but it is still a distinct green. [...] It is gorgeous. I got compliments on my nails all day long. Definitely one of my top five favorite Essie colors."

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Finding a nail polish that's dark red without steering too maroon can be tough, but OPI's Malaga Wine does just that. Not too vampy but not too bright, it's a staple red shade and an absolute must-have for fall.

COMPLETE THE LOOK
After two coats of color, add a high-quality top coat—you'll want this one to last.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Is it purple? Is it black? Regardless, no list of the best dark nail colors would be complete without this cult-classic, shade-shifting OPI polish. The epitome of rich and dramatic manis, Lincoln Park After Dark is one of the most unique, compliment-inducing hues out there.

USER REVIEW
"I had this polish applied during a pedicure and loved it so much that I had to get my own. It's richly dark in just one application. I've worn it on my fingernails for over a week, and, despite washing dishes and practically living in the pool, it hasn't chipped or shown any wear yet."