Best Black Nail Polish [Review] in 2022

Black Nail Polish and Black Lipstick have been a growing trend in recent years, you don’t need to be labeled as a goth anymore to wear black! I personally feel that the right balance has characteristics to be really daring, yet really beautiful. 

With many brands offering black nail polish nowadays it can be quite overwhelming and a challenge, but there’s no need to worry I am here to guide you through.

Let’s break down all the confusing features so when you look through my guide you’ll know everything you need to know to get the most out of your black nail polish. 

It’s all about getting the right balance between color, formula, price but also how you apply your black nail polish– a base coat is a step you cannot miss when it comes to black nail polish (unless you want black stained nails)

But let’s get into it!

Finish:

You may think this step is easy and you can’t go wrong but it’s actually really important. Black especially comes in a wide range of different finishes, so let’s break them down. 

Creme: This is the most common finish you’ll find, they are often glossy and add a little bit of shine to your nails. The best black creme nail polish has to go to OPI, it leaves your nails super glossy, yet the coverage is unmatched. 

Gel: Gel leaves a very similar finish to creme but they are often much more durable and long laster than your regular nail polish. Gel paired with a UV/LED lamp can last up to 3 weeks chip-free. The best black gel nail polish has to be Gelpolish. It is loved by professionals and will last you the time. 

Matte: Black matte is another popular nail polish in recent years, it leaves a flat, nonshiny finish. For a classic look, black matte fits the bill. The best matte nail polish has to go to Orly, the finish on their polish is breath-taking

Holographic: Holographic colors usually give an aluminum finish that reflects against light to give a rainbow effect. It will spice up any black nail polish! Now black holographic nail polish isn’t easy to find but here’s a tip, use a good quality holographic top coat and it will achieve the same effect. I would recommend ILNP Private Rainbow or ILNP Annabelle

Glitter: Now I love glitter nail polish, it tops off any look! With black the possibilities are endless. Got a Halloween party to go to? Try Zoya Nail Polish in Storm. Going out with friends? Try Pixie Dust. Glitter is definitely a girl’s best friend. 

Chrome/ metallic: Now Chrome and metallic are very similar when it comes to their finish. However, chrome is usually much more reflective. I would recommend trying ‘ILNP Eclipse’ if you love a touch of red to your black nail polish. 

Pearlescent: Pearl nail polish is often soft and sheen, like a pearl. I love black pearl shades as they add a shimmer and shine that normal black glossy nail polish doesn’t have. I absolutely Zoya for a pearl finish in their ‘Blake Nail Polish’. 

Ease of Application:

When buying a black nail polish or base coat ease of application and removal is key, we don’t want a black nail polish that’s a challenge to apply or difficult to remove. This should be your top priority.

Quality and price:

The need to get the best for your money’s worth is paramount. Lucky for you I have selected some real gems for both the quality and price.

Quick Dry Formula: 

We all want convenience when it comes to painting our nails, usually we should allow at least 2 minutes in between each layer, but it next to never happens. Why you may ask? Life gets in the way, maybe a friend has called or you’re bored of waiting so you go on your phone. That’s when you realize that the polish hasn’t fully dried– disaster!

Now when it comes to black nail polish the base coat is the most crucial step– no one wants stained black fingernails for months, do they? 

Applying black nail polish isn’t rocket science but there are steps you cannot skip or miss out on.

Step one: apply a good base coat (check out my base coat guide to find my best selection). A base coat not only prevents staining but it provides a sticky surface for the nail polish to stick to. This prevents chipping and makes your manicure last longer overall. 

Step two: Push the cuticle back, if you don’t know how to cut them properly I would recommend just pushing them back as it can actually damage your nail bed. This allows for a flat surface for your nail polish to sit on and prevents chipping. 

Step three: Apply your first layer of black nail polish, they usually only need one or two layers as they are very pigmented. I always set a 2-minute timer in between layers to prevent getting impatient and doing that next layer when the one before isn’t quite dry. 

Also, ensure you apply thin coats only, thick clumpy coats take forever to dry and will make your nails more prone to chipping. 

Step four: Seal the deal with a good top coat (check out my topcoat guide for my best selection) Make sure you cover the whole of the nail, including the tip to prevent peeling and chipping. 

Step five: hydrate the cuticle, I would recommend buying a good cuticle oil, they keep your nails hydrated and not only prolong the life of your nails but prevent damage.

Step six: reapply a top coat every few days. By black nail polish being so dark and pigmented, you will easily spot chips as they appear. I would recommend reapplying the topcoat every few days to enhance durability. 

Where can I find matte black nail polish? Well, there are actually many places you can find black nail polish. I would recommend trying Amazon as they have a wide array of matte black nail polishes to choose from or even a matte topcoat to make your ordinary black nail polish have a matte finish. 

You can also pick up some good quality matte black nail polishes from the drugstore! 

How do I remove black nail polish? If you make sure you use a base coat, it should remove like an ordinary nail polish– you may need to soak in the corners. If you are struggling with stained nails I would recommend soaking them for 10 mins in acetone to remove the excess.

When it comes to beauty we should stand out from the crowd, fitting in nowadays is so overrated! 

Today I have selected the most daring and beautiful black nail polishes that will not only last a long time but also top off any look, from an elegant night out to running daily errands to the store. 

We all deserve the very best when it comes to our nails, so I have searched down the very best black nail polish, so you don’t have to! I have looked into durability, finish, longevity and even added some options that are safe while you’re pregnant.

Select any of the ones I have given today and you won’t regret it!