Top nude polish shades for darker skin tones
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When it comes to finding nude polish shades, it’s sometimes hard to find suitable ones for darker skin tones, so I’ve done it for you so you don’t have to.
Seeking the right tone for your nails and selecting the right nude shade doesn’t have to mean resorting to boring colours. We suggest that you find nude shades that are deep and rich, and nude shades with hints of colour, such as a nude tone with pink hues, hints of shimmer, espresso tints or warm golden undertones.
Manicurist Gina Viviano says:
“I choose the shade that blends in the most with the skin tone.” She also says that you should hold the bottle of the nude nail polish to the back of your hand before testing it on your nails to determine if it’s the correct tinge. For dark skin, she says, “As a general rule, the darker the skin tone, the more opaque the color [should be]. This just helps to disguise the whitish free edge of the nail.”
If you’re skin tone is deep, then you should “look for a shade closely matching the slightly darker tone of the skin surrounding the nail,” says Viviano.
Celebrity and editorial manicurist Jackie Saulsbery says that those with dark skin should opt for darker taupes and she suggests trying out a nail polish with a hint of rose. For those with deep skin, she mentions that light and cloudy colours should be avoided as they make the nails look fake on dark skin, and she advises seeking out shades with a touch of mauve or brown tones.
I’ve been searching and I’ve found a few pretty shades that you can add to your nail polish collection.
Check out my selection of top nude polish shades for darker skin tones.
Top nude polish shades for darker skin tones
Barry M Nail Paint in Bespoke
If there’s a brand that you want to make your ‘go-to’ for nail polish, it’s Barry M. With a huge range of nail paints and colourful collections, the cruelty-free cosmetics brand has a lot to offer for makeup fanatics.
The Barry M Nail Paint in Bespoke is a dark lilac nude polish that’s classic, simple and with a long-lasting and quick-drying formula. This shade is a good one to wear on your nails if you’re looking for a nude, light-coloured polish for the summer.
Essie Wild Nudes nail polish in Clothing Optional
This nail polish is a neutral and rich shade that will make your nails look rich and chic. Essie’s Clothing Optional is a good choice if you want to strip back and wear a simple shade that’s natural, elegant and understated.
Rimmel London Super Gel in Trust You
If you want salon professional nails without the hefty price tag, then a gel manicure in the form of Rimmel London’s Super Gel nail polish will have you achieve the perfect nails. Rimmel London’s Trust You is a nude purple shade that, with a fast-drying formula, will have your nails looking super sophisticated.
Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polish in Porchester Square
Sticking to the subject of gel manicures, another nude nail polish to try out is the Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polish in the shade Porchester Square, which is a light nude shade with an ultra glossy and high shine finish with a conditioning and strengthening formula that keeps your nails strong and prevents chipping.
Nails Inc Caffeine Hit Nail Polish in Espresso Martini (similar)
If you’re looking for a dark nude or brown shade then Nails Inc has a fantastic Caffeine Hit Nail Polish collection, which consists of four brown shades.
The Espresso Martini nail polish is a rich dark brown colour that will have your nails looking ‘Starbucks ready’ and great for the lady who’s on-the-go on a daily basis.
This polish leaves your nails with a smooth, high shine and glossy finish, leaving your nails looking perfect for longer.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Shh...It’s Top Secret (similar)
For a brown shade that’s even darker and deeper, try OPI’s Shh… It’s Top Secret. This shade is extremely dark brown and perfect if you want a lacquer shade that is simultaneously elegant and edgy.