Beauty How to Wear Dark Polish By InStyle Editors InStyle Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Our editors and writers comprise decades of expertise across the beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness spaces in print and digital. We prioritize journalistic integrity, factual accuracy, and also having fun with every story we share. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on February 27, 2015 @ 11:32AM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of YSL How to Wear Dark Polish 01 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. 02 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. 03 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. 04 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. 05 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. 06 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. 07 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. 08 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. 09 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.