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Time for a Polish Change: The Best Nail Colors Now

By Natalie Zee Drieu
Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

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Ladies, it's time to up the ante in your nail polish game: Go dark!

We recently hit up NARS lead makeup stylist Janice Daoud for the latest hue scoop. What's hot in nails right now? "Dark rich shades of red, purple and green that are either super shiny or flat, matte finishes." And for the moody colors seen on the runways, Daoud recommends NARS' 413 BLKR, Back Room and her favorite NARS x Steven Klein Black Fire.

To give your nails that finished look, she suggests prepping them with a base coat and layering on two coats of polish, which you should lock in with a top coat. (Sounds like a plan.)

Not exactly a bold nail gal? You're in luck: "Flesh-toned, barley-there colors are also on-trend this season. To achieve this look, go for a sheer pale neutral pink, like NARS Trouville, which is flattering on all skin tones. It's our go-to, barely-there shade," she adds.

Below, we've nailed down a list of our 10 favorite polishes that will take you straight through New Year's in style.

  1. NARS X Steven Klein - Black Fire

    This shimmering slate blue polish, part of the new limited-edition NARS X Steven Klein collaboration, is all about the moody blues. So emo, and chic.

    $20

  2. Burberry - Oxblood

    Prepare yourself for winter with this deep dark red. It's a classic, goes-with-everything shade—with a flair for the dramatic.

    $22

  3. Dior - Be Dior

    We adore this orchid hue, a standout purplish-pink. It will totally pop against a LBD, and add a funkier vibe when you're dressed in similarly bold colors.

    $27

  4. MAC - Blog This

    Go even deeper with this deep purple-y plum shade. Bold and high-impacet, it's definitely not for shrinking violets.

    $12

  5. Estee Lauder - Dark Desire

    Military green never looked more commanding. Indeed, we salute this fresh, limited- edition shade from Estee Lauder.

    $21

  6. Essie - After School Boy Blazer

    Deep midnight blue is the new black everything. Seriously. Denim Girls and all manner of tomboys, this one's for you.

    $8.50

  7. Chanel - Troublante

    Meet one of the most coveted shades of the season. This limited-edition polish is an ombre delight, with a mix of gold, green and pink. Snatch it up before it's gone!

    $27

  8. OPI - Samoan Sand

    For days when you want more natural nails, this flesh-toned nude, with a hint of pink, is pitch-perfect. So pretty.

    $9.50

  9. YSL - Gris Deco

    Gray is making its mark, and we love this soft and shimmery one from YSL. Yes, it's neutral...but the polar opposite of meh.

    $27

  10. Ciaté - Velvet Tuxedo

    Doing the holiday party circuit? Skip the been-there/done-that ruby-red shade and go fierce with this luxe gunmetal gray.

    $15