Black nail polish is arguably one of the most wearable shades because it looks great with all skin tones and ensembles. The inky hue looks chic on short, square nails and vampy on long stiletto [1]-shaped ones, and truly never goes out of style.
With the best formulas [2], a single swipe will give you opaque, deep colour that will be resistant to chips and scratches. You don't have to pick [3] just one polish either. Your collection deserves at least a few in glossy, matte, and multidimensional shimmery hues.
Ahead, check out the best black nail polishes to bring out your dark side.
The Best Black Nail Polishes
The wide brush of the O.P.I Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx [4] ($11) gives you an opaque finish with a single coat.
Essie Nail Polish in Licorice
Make the Essie Nail Polish in Licorice [5] ($6) a staple in your vast collection of colours.
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Pure Black
Just like a little black dress, the Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Pure Black [6] ($28) will work for all occasions.
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear
The Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear [7] ($28) makes it hard to chip a nail even when doing dishes.
UO Nail Polish
The UO Nail Polish in Black [8] ($5) swipes on smoothly and has a saturated formula.
The Best Black Shimmery Nail Polishes
The Zoya Nail Polish in Storm [9] ($10) has micro-fine holographic glitter and goes on completely opaque.
ILNP Cityscape
The ILNP Cityscape [10] ($10) has flecks of holographic glitter that reflect a rainbow of hues in direct light.
Smith and Cult Nail Polish in Dirty Baby
The Smith and Cult Nail Polish in Dirty Baby [11] ($18) contains superfine silver glitter, making it a glamorous choice for a formal occasion or date night.
Ella and Mila in Black Magic
The bold, chunks of glitter in Ella and Mila in Black Magic [12] ($11) make this polish perfect for a party.
Defy & Inspire Nail Polish in Twinkle
The sparkly and high-shine Defy & Inspire Nail Polish in Twinkle [13] ($7) is sure to make for an understated but never boring manicure.
The Best Matte Black Nail Polishes
For just a few bucks, you can get a sophisticated, goth-inspired manicure with the Black Matte Nail Polish [14] ($6).
Golden Rose Matte Nail Polish in 12 Nero Black
Ditch the gloss with the Golden Rose Matte Nail Polish in 12 Nero Black [15] ($8). The moody hue looks perfect on all nail lengths and shapes.
Black Matte Nail Polish
Try out a new finish for an affordable price with the Black Matte Nail Polish [16] ($6).
Sinful Colours Nail Polish in Black On Black
The Sinful Colours Nail Polish in Black On Black [17] ($2) has a super creamy formula — and you can't beat that price.
Maybelline New York Colour Show Black To Black Nail Colour, Black Matte, 0.23 Fluid Ounce
In one swipe, you'll get opaque, creamy colour with the Maybelline New York Colour Show Black To Black Nail Colour in Black Matte [18] ($6).