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What nail color looks best on darker skin?

Choosing the right nail color can be tricky, especially for those with darker skin tones. The wrong shade can make your hands look washed out or even clash with your complexion. But the good news is that with so many gorgeous options, you’re sure to find a set of dazzling nails that complements your skin perfectly.

Tips for Picking Nail Polish Colors for Darker Skin

When selecting nail polish for darker skin, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

  • Opt for warm, rich tones – shades like chocolate browns, shimmering coppers, vibrant corals and deep wines make darker skin glow.
  • Avoid pastels and frost finishes – these can look chalky against darker skin.
  • Metallic polishes like gold, rose gold and bronze add glamorous accent nails.
  • Sheer pinks and nudes work well as long as they lean warm instead of cool-toned.
  • Deeper shades of blue, green and purple can be stunning, just ensure they have a jewel tone quality.
  • High contrast against your skin tone makes any color pop.

The Best Nail Polish Colors for Darker Skin Tones

From sexy reds to playful purples, here are some of the best nail polish colors for darker brown and black skin tones:

Reds

Red instantly energizes any look. For darker skin, steer towards deeper cherry, wine and oxblood shades. Blue-based classic reds can work too, just avoid neon brights.

  • OPI Russian Navy
  • Essie Size Matters
  • Sally Hansen Mudslide
  • Christian Louboutin Rouge Louboutin
  • Dior Vernis 659 Monte Carlo

Pinks

Pretty in pink works perfectly for darker skin when you pick rosy mauves, vibrant fuchsias and earthy, dusky rose shades. Avoid anything too bubblegum.

  • Essie Eternal Optimist
  • OPI Bubble Bath
  • Zoya Kristen
  • Deborah Lippmann Girls Just Want To Have Fun
  • Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in Sugar Sugar

Oranges

Juicy orange nail lacquers look seriously striking against rich brown skin. Go for creamy creamsicles, fiery corals and bright marmalades.

  • Essie Jamaica Me Crazy
  • OPI Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees
  • Dior Vernis 653 Coral Cruise
  • Butter London Marbs
  • Deborah Lippmann I Know What Boys Like

Yellows

Sunny yellow polish instantly brightens. For darker skin, mustard, gold and amber yellows work best. Stay away from pastel or neon versions.

  • OPI Unfor-greta-bly Blue
  • Essie Tart Deco
  • Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow
  • Christian Louboutin Legs Flamingo
  • Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Toasted Sugar

Greens

Deep emerald, hunter and forest greens look amazing on darker skin. Avoid mint or lime shades. For an unexpected look, try a shimmery sage green.

  • Essie Stylenomics
  • OPI You Don’t Know Jacques
  • Deborah Lippman Green On Green
  • Christian Louboutin Very Prive
  • Dior Grege 1947

Blues

Rich, vivid blues like royal, navy and sapphire flatter darker skin best. Keep the tones bold and steer clear of pastel baby blues.

  • OPI Russian Navy
  • Essie Aruba Blue
  • Dior Azure
  • Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream
  • Butter London Victoriana

Purples

Deep jewel tones with wine, berry and plum undertones look amazing against darker brown and black skin. Avoid pale lilacs or lavenders.

  • OPI Malaga Wine
  • Essie Sexy Divide
  • Dior Black Purple
  • Deborah Lippmann Between the Sheets
  • Christian Louboutin Daffodile

Browns

Choose rich chocolate browns, shimmering bronze and caramel nudes that complement your skin tone. Stay away from flat, muddy earth tones.

  • Essie Chocolate Cakes
  • OPI Dulce De Leche
  • Dior Charnelle
  • Christian Louboutin Very Prive
  • Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Toasted Sugar

Metallics

Polishes with gleaming gold, rose gold and silver finishes look striking and glam against dark brown and black skin. Just avoid glitter or frost finishes.

  • Yves Saint Laurent Rose Gold
  • Dior Goldn Dior
  • OPI Worth A Pretty Penne
  • Essie Penny Talk
  • Deborah Lippmann Glitter and Be Gay

Nude and Neutral Nail Colors for Darker Skin

Nude and neutral polish shades are sophisticated everyday options. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Pick warm, golden beige tones over cool nudes which can look washed out.
  • Sheer, pale pinks work if they have a warm undertone.
  • Milky taupes, cappuccinos and almond shades are safe neutral bets.
  • Match to the undertones in your skin for a natural, polished look.
  • Nudes look more modern with a glossy finish.

Here are some foolproof nude and neutral shades for darker brown to black skin:

  • Essie Sand Tropez
  • OPI Bubble Bath
  • Dior Greige 1947
  • Deborah Lippmann Girls Just Want To Have Fun
  • Yves Saint Laurent Beige Leger

The Boldest Nail Polish Shades for Darker Skin

While deep wines, bronzed browns and moody reds look gorgeous on darker skin tones, don’t be afraid to go bold and bright if you feel like making a statement!

Vibrant orange, lime green, electric pink and royal purple pop dramatically against rich chocolate, caramel and espresso hues.

Shimmery gold and silver polish adds show-stopping glamour. And unconventional shades like slate grey, seafoam and sage green look edgy yet elegant.

Basically, with high-pigment darker skin, you’ve got a blank canvas to pull off any tremendously bold colors. So don’t be shy – try clashing and contrasting with brights if you’re looking to liven up your nails!

Best Nail Shapes for Darker Skin

The most flattering nail shapes for darker brown or black skin tones include:

  • Square – This classic straight shape works on any nail length.
  • Squoval – The square edged oval is universally elegant.
  • Rounded – Short rounded nails look cute and feminine.
  • Almond – The tapered tip flatters longer nails.
  • Coffin – Try a longer, gently tapered square coffin.

Steer clear of very short, stubby shapes or long pointed stiletto tips that can be unflattering against rich skin.

In terms of length, keep nails trimmed shorter if you have wide nail beds for a balanced look. Those with narrower nail beds can pull off longer tips.

Do’s and Don’ts for Nails on Darker Skin

To help your manicure complement your complexion, keep these handy nail tips for darker skin tones in mind:

Do:

  • Play up your skintone with warm, high-pigment colors.
  • Use a rich hand cream to moisturize and even your skin texture.
  • Experiment with different glossy and metallic textures.
  • Try layering sheer and opaque shades.
  • Use cuticle oil to condition and enhance your nails.

Don’t:

  • Go too light or pastel – it can look chalky.
  • Overdo the glitter – metallic is a subtler shine.
  • Forget to clean up the edges for crisp lines.
  • Ignore pH balance – nail damage can cause staining.
  • Bite or pick – moisturize hands to avoid nibbling temptation!

Most Flattering Nail Polish Colors for Different Dark Skin Tones

There are many beautiful shades that look gorgeous on darker skin. But narrowing down polish options for your exact complexion can help you nail the perfect manicure!

Here are the most flattering lacquer shades for common deeper skin tones:

Skin Tone Most Flattering Nail Colors
Dark brown Warm metallics like copper and gold Deep berries and purplesBronzeForest green
Neutral brown Slate and navy blueMarsalaCappuccinoMauve
Golden brown CoralOrangeCreamStrawberry red
Cool brown Royal purpleRuby redEmerald greenBlack
Black Blood redJet blackIridescent opalNeon pink

Conclusion

With so many gorgeous shades to pick from, those with rich, darker skin tones are blessed with an abundance of flattering nail lacquer options. From vampy reds and regal purples to shimmering metallics and bright neon accents, your brown or black skin provides the perfect vibrant canvas.

Remember to look for warm, high-pigment polishes that create a beautiful contrast against your skintone. With the right nail shape, proper nail care and by avoiding pastel or frosted shades, your manicure will stand out in the best possible way.

So don’t be afraid to get bold, get bright and have fun with polish. With these tips and colors, you’ll nail the perfect manicure in no time!