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Nude Nail Polishes That Look Stunning on Dark Skin Tones
May 26, 2023
Much like finding your perfect foundation match or your favorite nude lipstick, finding the best nude nail polish for your skin tone isn’t always a walk in the park. Once you find a range of neutrals that do complement your skin tone, however, you’ll have a hard time straying to any other manicure color. Nude polish matches every outfit and mood, whether you wear it by itself, as a base for nail art or a classic French manicure.
If you have dark skin, you’ll be pleased to know that many neutral shades flatter your complexion. Lighter beige shades can really pop against deep skin, while colors like rich chocolate browns can look minimalist and natural. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve scoured through the options and have hand-selected 14 nail polishes that are perfect for your next neutral mani. Click through for our recommendations.
The Best Nude Nail Polishes for Dark Skin Tones
Essie No To Do
No To Do, a deep brown with rich red undertones, makes for the perfect neutral mani on dark skin. The shade looks sophisticated no matter the season.
Essie Skinny Dip
Sheer pinky-nude polish is a classic on its own or as a base for nail art. We especially love it when paired with trendy chrome accents.
Essie Expressie Cold Brew Crew
Like a hot cup of coffee with just the right amount of milk, this mid-tone brown shade is comforting and classic. We think it would look especially striking with stacks of gold rings and bracelets.
Essie Expressie Take the Espresso
Dark nail polishes can be tricky to work with, since any smudge, smear or bubbling is glaringly obvious in a deeper shade. Luckily, this polish dries down in 60 seconds or less, making it easy to avoid those post-mani mistakes.
Essie Paintbrush It Off
This warm camel hue complements the golden tones in dark skin tones and elongates fingers, especially if you opt for an almond nail shape.
Essie Gel Couture Wool Me Over
This soft, taupe-y nude is perfect for dark skin with neutral or cool undertones. We love the Gel Couture formula, which offers high shine and a chip-free, long-lasting finish without the need for a UV lamp.
Essie Gel Couture Of Corset
A sheer, warm-toned nude exudes luxury. It also makes the perfect base for sparkly polish to recreate the naked glitter manicure trend.
Essie All Checked Out
All Checked Out is a deep brown with hints of plum and a creamy, high-shine finish. It blends in seamlessly with deep, cool-toned skin.
Nails Inc. Keep It Tonal Collection
This nail set comes in a satisfying gradient of four rich nude-based hues, ranging from khaki to mocha. Wear just a single shade or all together for an ombré manicure.
Olive & June Caramel Budino
Not only is this caramel-toffee shade a fabulous neutral, it will also keep you on top of the trends — ’90s-inspired brown manicures are all the rage right now.
Mented Brown & Bougie
The rich brown polish is not only gorgeous — it’s also 10-free, which means it doesn’t contain chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene or camphor.
Lights Lacquer Americano
The color of a rich leather briefcase or an antique armchair, Americano is a pretty yet subdued neutral we find ourselves reaching for over and over. We love the wide-tipped brush, which makes it easy to paint your nails even with your non-dominant hand.
J. Hannah Ghost Ranch
This Southwestern-inspired reddish brown hue brings to mind light-filled canyons and vast desert landscapes. Every nail polish from the brand is cruelty-free, non-toxic and USA made.
People of Color Bronzed Beauty
Made specifically with brown skin in mind, this brand offers an array of colors perfect for deep skin tones. If you want to add a little shimmer to your neutral mani, we love this gold-flecked bronze shade.
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