I've Done the Research—These Nail Colours Look Amazing on Dark Skin Tones
Nail art really seems to be prominent online right now, from bright geometric shapes to minimalist nude designs. You could spend hours picking a design and having it painstakingly applied. But I have to confess I rarely get nail art. For me, I genuinely don’t think anything is better than a glossy, rich, all-over colour for a manicure and pedicure. I love to try the full spectrum of colours on my feet especially, and by doing so, I have without doubt found the best nail colours for dark skin.
Melanin has the ability to make even the most marmite shades look brighter and richer, so I tend to take advantage of that with rainbow-hued pedicures, and when I don’t have to keep my nails nude for work, I’ll have fun with a colourful but classic manicure pick, whether that’s a forest green (a key colour for autumn nails), a raspberry pink or a wine red. In fact, I so badly want to wear all the flattering shades that I get annoyed that gels, which I tend to opt for, last a month, and I have to wait for my next colour pick. A new colour choice I’ve recently been loving is a brown nail shade that matches Black skin rather than your nail plate. It can be really elongating and an interesting take on nude. To be honest, there aren’t many nail colours that don’t suit dark skin, but there are some that look extra special.
So ahead, I present to you the absolute best nail colours for deep skin tones.
1. Translucent Pink
The glazed-doughnut look is one of the hottest nail trends right now, and the pearlescent effect is perfect for deeper skin tones. Start with a light and not-too-opaque pink nude and then layer over your pearlescent shade for gloss and sparkle.
The perfect shade to DIY the trend at home. While it looks like a creamy white shade when applied, it is the ideal sheer pearl to elevate your nude pink base.
2. Poppy Red
A poppy red really brings out the richness of dark skin, especially in summer when skin is sun-kissed. My trick to really make this colour stand out is to apply a layer or white as a base coat before adding two coats of your chosen varnish.
Just two coats of this will give you the brightest, glossiest summer red ever.
3. Pistachio
This is the first of a few greens on the list, and that's because I think green is simply unrivalled on dark skin. This light hue does scream spring, but I’m a rule breaker and wear it all year round.
4. Deep Nude
Chanel has incorporated skin-tone nude nail paints in its most recent beauty launches, breaking down the collection by undertones, so you know that this trend is about to take off. I think it really makes nails look longer and more elegant, no matter the length.
It feels like you've unlocked a new level of sophistication with this hue.
5. Lilac
The blue undertone to this particular lilac-purple might look a little stark on lighter skin tones, but dark skin warms it up.
This nail polish formula is unique. It contains a regenerating complex with a zinc-and-calcium blend while giving a glossy opaque colour.
6. Khaki
Another shade that can look harsh but on deep skin looks almost instantly warm. If you’re a fan of nude nails and tend to stick to more classic colours, this is a good way to gently come out of your comfort zone, as it is nude adjacent.
Overlay two coats of this glossy polish with a glossy topcoat, and you’ll be obsessed with your manicure.
7. Barbie Pink
If I could wear this colour every single day in some way, shape or form, I would. In fact, I often do. It complements deeper complexions so well. You’re missing a trick if you haven’t tried it yet.
The glossiness of this formula adds to the vibrancy of this colour.
8. Peach Ice Tea
This kind of ice-tea hue is the epitome of a summer shade for me. I love this ombré design, but either of the peachy shades used alone would look stunning against dark skin.
This colour doesn’t do well with a wishy-washy formula. Luckily, this one from Dior is well-pigmented.
9. Forest Green
I have this shade on my nails as I type, and I can’t remember the last time I received so many compliments on my manicure. The depth of green matching the depth of my sun tan enhances my skin tone, and it’s a great way to welcome in the autumn.
A plant-powered formula just makes sense for a forest-green nail colour.
10. Baby Blues
The iciness of this blue makes it almost as standout on dark skin as a neon hue. I can’t wait to wear it this festive season.
Nailberry formulas are highly pigmented and easy to apply, which is so important for a light shade like this.
11. Denim Blue
This is a mid-tone colour that doesn’t get as much love as I think it should, especially on darker skin. I think it has an elegance to it because, despite it being a more trend-led hue, it’s muted on dark skin tones.
This quick-dry formula makes a five-minute manicure very doable.
12. Neon Citrus
A step up from poppy red—you haven’t explored the richness of your melanin if you haven’t opted for a neon orange (or pink or yellow) at least once.
Barry M nail paints have been a mainstay of my makeup bag since I was a teenager thanks to their reliable formulas.
13. Back to Black
Black will always be timeless and versatile, whether you want to channel something grungier or go for something Chanel-chic.
If you’re going for a simple black polish, why not indulge in a Gucci black?
14. Classic Red
A classic red with a blue undertone is the shade that suits all skin tones and every occasion. If you haven’t got this colour in your polish collection, remedy that ASAP.
Most nailcare brands have a version of this red, but this is my favourite because of how opaque it looks instantly.
Next, the biggest nail trends from around the world.
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