Choosing a nail polish says a lot about what you’re into at the moment, which is why we often gravitate toward pretty, seasonal colors, like sage green or rusted terracotta. Still, as good as that burnt orange looks with a pair of worn-in blue jeans, there’s nothing that says "who needs trends?" quite like the classic black manicure.
Along with padded headbands and pearl-lined barrettes, black polish has become somewhat of a fashion-girl staple during New York Fashion Week this season. Inky manicures have appeared on runways and on the hands of street-style standouts, too — officially sparking a mega-trend. Whether you want to go all in with a pure pitch black or keep it subtle with emerald undertones, we compiled all the best black polishes according to the shows and nail pros, ahead.
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From the punk-rock Jeremy Scott collection to utilitarian knitwear at Proenza Schouler, the models’ manicures were the same: glossy and black, courtesy of Essie’s Licorice.
Essie Nail Polish in Licorice , $9, available at Ulta Beauty
If you’re looking for a chic jet-black manicure without the dry time, consider a press-on option. Celebrity nail pro Gina Edwards teamed up with Kiss for the Rebecca Minkoff show, giving the models a no-commitment manicure that could be easily peeled up and off before their next show — no nail-polish remover necessary. There are a rainbow of color options (and sizes), but we’re partial to smooth, shiny black.
Kiss Kiss Gel Fantasy Color Nails Aim High – 28 Ct, $7.99, available at Target
This long-wearing gel color is the exact polish nail pro Miho Okawara used to create Lady Gaga ‘s shiny black manicure at this year’s Grammy Awards.
OPI OPI Gel Color in Black Onyx , $14.45, available at Walmart
It’s impossible not to feel like a fancier version of yourself wearing an almost-black polish with undertones of emerald. "This dark green seems like black until you get up close," says nail pro and Olive & June founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle. "It’s a strong statement color and low-key chic at the same time."
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Fiction, $28, available at Barneys New York
Black patent leather midi-skirts and nylon puffers are having a moment — NYFW street style is proof — which is why it’s no surprise we’re seeing the same color trend in mani-pedis. "There’s nothing more stylish than a shiny black patent-leather nail," says nail pro Michelle Saunders. "The high shine of Lights Out by Ella + Mila reads super elegant on a manicure or pedicure."
Ella + Mila Nail Polish in Lights Out, $10.5, available at ella +mila
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Source: Refinery29 – Megan Decker