I've Officially Entered My Dark Nail Era—15 Moody Shades I Can't Stop Wearing

Before we jump to conclusions, let's get one thing straight. I'll never abandon neutral nail colors. Whether it's a classic nude manicure or a pretty, pearl shade we're talking about, I'll admit that neutrals tend to suit any season or situation. I'll also admit that they can elongate the look of my stubby fingers. So, yes, I like them. I'm just not that into them right now.
That's because, lately, I've been having a not-so-subtle love affair with dark nail colors. I'm talking about brooding shades of oxblood red, midnight blue, espresso brown, and inky black. I'm not picky. As long as it's moody and mysterious, I'm in. It's gotten to the point where I haven't touched my neutral nail colors in weeks. They're just sitting in my drawer, collecting dust. And I hate to say it, but that's where they're going to stay for the foreseeable future. Ahead, see 15 nail colors that will convince you to join the dark side (of manicures, that is).
Oxblood Red
Both Who What Wear's beauty director, Erin Jahns, and I agree that this moody red is one for the record books. It has a deep, almost-brown base that suits a variety of skin tones. When it dries down, it has a glassy finish. What more could we ask for from a nail polish?
Midnight Blue
Espresso Brown
Rich Plum
What can I say about this nail polish that hasn't already been said? One of the most classic and best-selling shades there is, Lincoln Park After Dark just might be the perfect plum ever created. It's so rich and dark that it sometimes veers black or brown or red.
Jet Black
Repeat after me: You can never go wrong with black nail polish. I mean, it's a classic for a reason. Depending on how you wear it, it can be sophisticated or grungy, elevated or down-to-earth. This one, from Olive & June, is everything you need and nothing you don't.

Kaitlyn McLintock is a Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. She has 10 years of experience in the editorial industry, having previously written for other industry-leading publications, like Byrdie, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, and others. She covers all things beauty and wellness-related, but she has a special passion for creating skincare content (whether that's writing about an innovative in-office treatment, researching the benefits of a certain ingredient, or testing the latest and greatest at-home skin device). Having lived in Los Angeles, California, and Austin, Texas, she has since relocated back to her home state, Michigan. When she's not writing, researching, or testing beauty products, she's working through an ever-growing book collection or swimming in the Great Lakes.
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