An Ode to Near-Black Nail Polish

Nearly every brand has done it. Nearly everyone has owned one. Ah yes, I am talking about dark, vampy, nearly black nail polish.

Example: This is very, very dark purple!

Actual black nail polish dates back to the 1970s, when the goth/punk community embraced the dark look. However, the release of Chanel Rouge Noir in 1996 (made popular by Uma Thurmon in Pulp Fiction, one of my favorite films!) caused a frenzy in dark, vampy shades. Chanel propelled the trend again in 2006 releasing Black Satin, a black with subtle silver shimmer. Celebrities were suddenly all sporting black manicures at events and award shows. I remember admiring Nicole Richie's dark manicures, thinking they looked so chic.

Then came along a shade that made OPI a household name; Lincoln Park After Dark. Back in my early years of high school, I distinctly recall stealing my older sister's bottle (and consequently the bickering that followed). Some hated the shade, some adored it. I was of the latter camp; last year I finished off an entire bottle!

As with most trends, near-black nail polish is not nearly as popular as it once was. However, last night I had the urge to sport some dark nails and I chose China Glaze's VIII. It is an exact dupe (in my opinion, that is) of OPI's Siberian Nights.

China Glaze VIII (2 coats, natural light)

I cannot rave enough about this super dark purple shade. The application is perfect, and it lasts for ages. I once wore it 12 days without a single chip. If you are looking to try out a near-black polish, I would go for this one. China Glaze retails for ~$5-6 a bottle, and you can probably find it cheaper online.

Although near-black nail polish may not be "on trend" every season, I can see myself wearing it for years to come. An ionic shade, dark polish will always be a fall/winter staple for moi.

Do you enjoy these dark, near-black shades or consider it a relic of the past? Any shades you think I should try? I'd love to know what you think x