How to Wear Dark Polish

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of YSL

1 of 12

Best Shades for Light Skin

Juan Rico/Fame Pictures

Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann says those with fair skin should opt for blue-based shades with soft shimmer, which will look crisp-not goth-even on porcelain hands like Liv Tyler's.

2 of 12

For Light Skin: Red

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of Essie

A hint of pink gives this crimson a pretty edge.

Essie in Lacy Not Racy, $8; buy online now at essieshop.com.

3 of 12

For Light Skin: Purple

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of Avon

A feminine berry that's not too dramatic for fair skin.

Avon Nailwear in Vintage Vamp, $5; buy online now at avon.com.

4 of 12

For Light Skin: Brown

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Kassidy Gala

An earthy chestnut looks elegant mixed with metallic.

Revlon in Crushed Crimson, $5; visit revlon.com for stores.

5 of 12

Best Shades for Medium Skin

James Devaney/WireImage

Look for gold flecks and warm undertones which make even tricky colors, like purple, flattering on Eva Mendes and all women with olive or tan complexions.

6 of 12

For Medium Skin: Red

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Kassidy Gala

Classic ruby red with a sexy metallic finish.

OPI in Bastille My Heart, $9; visit opi.com for stores.

7 of 12

For Medium Skin: Purple

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of Dior

Gold shimmer softens the look of deep violet.

Dior Vernis in Liquorice, $19; visit nordstrom.com for stores.

8 of 12

For Medium Skin: Brown

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of Orly

The tiny flecks of copper make olive skin glow.

Orly in Golden Maharaja, $8; buy online now at lotusnailsupply.com.

9 of 12

Best Shades for Dark Skin

Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Take the trend to the extreme, advises Lippmann, who suggests going for strong hues that border on black. Kerry Washington does just that with nails that match her noir dress.

10 of 12

For Dark Skin: Red

Time Inc. Digital Studio

A deep burgundy that's unapologetically luxe.

Cornelia in Merlot, $9; call, 212-871-3181.

11 of 12

For Dark Skin: Purple

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of MAC

The high sheen of this inky aubergine makes nails pop.

MAC in Illegal Purple, $11; visit maccosmetics.com for stores.

12 of 12

For Dark Skin: Brown

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of YSL

Dark chocolate is a chic alternative to black.

YSL in No. 36, $19; buy online now at bloomingdales.com.

Replay gallery

How to Wear Dark Polish

1 of 12

Best Shades for Light Skin

1 of 12

2 of 12

For Light Skin: Red

2 of 12

3 of 12

For Light Skin: Purple

3 of 12

4 of 12

For Light Skin: Brown

4 of 12

5 of 12

Best Shades for Medium Skin

5 of 12

6 of 12

For Medium Skin: Red

6 of 12

7 of 12

For Medium Skin: Purple

7 of 12

8 of 12

For Medium Skin: Brown

8 of 12

9 of 12

Best Shades for Dark Skin

9 of 12

10 of 12

For Dark Skin: Red

10 of 12

11 of 12

For Dark Skin: Purple

11 of 12

12 of 12

For Dark Skin: Brown

12 of 12

Up Next

Everything in This Slideshow

Account

More

How to Wear Dark Polish

1 of 12

Best Shades for Light Skin

1 of 12

2 of 12

For Light Skin: Red

2 of 12

3 of 12

For Light Skin: Purple

3 of 12

4 of 12

For Light Skin: Brown

4 of 12

5 of 12

Best Shades for Medium Skin

5 of 12

6 of 12

For Medium Skin: Red

6 of 12

7 of 12

For Medium Skin: Purple

7 of 12

8 of 12

For Medium Skin: Brown

8 of 12

9 of 12

Best Shades for Dark Skin

9 of 12

10 of 12

For Dark Skin: Red

10 of 12

11 of 12

For Dark Skin: Purple

11 of 12

12 of 12

For Dark Skin: Brown

12 of 12

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery