If you ask us, the transition from summer to fall is the most exciting time of year. Hear us out: humidity is basically non-existent, you can sip hot coffee without sweating up a storm, and rather than wearing as little as possible to keep from overheating, you get to pile on all the blanket-like sweaters, trendy jackets, and cool coats as you darn well please.
Another obvious plus? Getting to switch your go-to nude nail polish for something deeper, darker, and moodier. It's an incredibly easy swap to make, but it's one of those things that makes a huge impact and can instantly get you into that autumnal state of mind. With that, we scoured the internet in search of the most popular dark nail colors out there right now. From mossy greens and almost-black blues to an ever-so-classic merlot, look no further than the 10 shades below for your next salon or at-home manicure.
How We Found The Best Dark Nail Polishes
As with all of our Top 10 lists, we used our ultra-smart algorithm to round up this selection of top-trending dark nail colors. This proprietary tool finds the best products on the market by factoring in data from best-seller lists, reviews, social buzz, and even recommendations from top publications and beauty editors. Ahead, find our official guide to the most in-demand dark nail colors you can buy and wear right now.
October 6, 2022
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Smith & Cult Nail Polish In Kings And Thieves
Overall Score
4.15
10
Smith & Cult Nail Polish In Kings And Thieves
4.29
259 User Reviews
2.7
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
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.
Cruelty Free
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish In Stormy Weather
Overall Score
4.25
09
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish In Stormy Weather
4.5
518 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
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.
Olive & June Polish In Tip Your Barista
Overall Score
4.3
08
Olive & June Polish In Tip Your Barista
4.8
42 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
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.
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour In Rouge Noir
Overall Score
4.3
07
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour In Rouge Noir
4.5
113 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
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.
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish In Caviar Bar
Overall Score
4.35
06
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish In Caviar Bar
4.52
6382 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
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.
Essie Nail Polish In Licorice
Overall Score
4.35
05
Essie Nail Polish In Licorice
4.57
37400 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
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.
OPI Nail Lacquer In Black Onyx
Overall Score
4.4
04
OPI Nail Lacquer In Black Onyx
4.64
10117 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
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.”
Essie Nail Polish In Off Tropic
Overall Score
4.7
03
Essie Nail Polish In Off Tropic
4.5
25760 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Nail Polish For Fall Overall
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."
OPI Nail Lacquer In Malaga Wine
Overall Score
4.5
02
OPI Nail Lacquer In Malaga Wine
4.76
30840 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
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.
OPI Nail Lacquer In Lincoln Park After Dark
Overall Score
4.55
01
OPI Nail Lacquer In Lincoln Park After Dark
4.67
18925 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
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."
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