While oranges and yellows might be the first colors that come to mind with the autumn season, purple is the true standout sensation. Embrace your bold self in a daring shade of purple nail polish, a color that can truly look amazing across all skin tones and undertones! From deep violets to soft lilacs to passionate plum, the berry tone makes purple a win-win color of fall for everyone who enjoys the shade.
Here at Glowsly, we know there are a million shades of purple nail polish out there, and this list contains some of the best. But before you pick out a showstopper of a color, it’s important to know how to pick out the best purple nail polish color for your skin tone and undertone. Before too long, you’ll have the best shade of purple polish to rock this fall.
In this article:
- Our Picks of the Best Purple Nail Polish Colors
- How to Choose the Best Purple Nail Polish for Your Skin Tone
Our Picks of the Best Purple Nail Polish Colors
Embrace this royal color for show-stopping purple nails, trying the most ideal shade from the 19 options presented below!
1. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Rule Breaker
Break the rules and dive into purple nail polish with Rule Breaker. This vibrant hue by Deborah Lippmann sparkles with a shimmer finish that is totally eye-catching. Fortune favors the bold with this nail polish, as you can get the full look of a gel manicure without a trip to the nail salon. This gel-inspired purple nail polish will take the world by storm. This limited-edition color is available online only at Sephora.
2. Christian Louboutin Beauty Nail Color in Bolidonna
Become a belladonna in Bolidonna by Christian Louboutin. This striking magenta nail polish has purple undertones for a warm look for a cool fall day. This violet nail polish color is inspired by Christian Louboutin’s Loubi-Athlete shoe collection, which makes for a perfect fashion and beauty combination. With a calligraphy-inspired glass cap, Bolidonna will become your next favorite luxury polish. Order a beautiful bottle of this sweet purple nail polish color from Net-a-Porter today!
3. Essie Nail Polish in Play Date
Make a date with Play Date by Essie. Everyone’s favorite affordable nail polish brand is back with a beautiful shade of purple perfect for first dates with a sure second one shortly after. This flirty shade is fun and a fantastic color to brighten any day. This Essie nail polish allows for smooth application and leaves a glossed shine finish once it dries. Fall in love with this partner of a purple nail polish. Play Date is available to purchase from Ulta.
4. Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in A Short Reprise
Renew and rejuvenate in A Short Reprise by Smith & Cult. The start of a new season is the perfect time to shed old worries away and embrace new changes – all in this beautiful purple nail polish. This versatile and vegan polish will accompany you on new personal journeys like taking up that yoga class you’ve been rescheduling on your calendar or applying for that job you dream of. You can do it all in sumptuous A Short Reprise, now available at Dermstore.
5. Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Purple Glaze
Start your day off singing the right tune in Purple Glaze by Marc Jacobs Beauty. This deep purple nail polish will make you feel like rock star royalty. Marc Jacobs’ nail lacquer offers a sleek wet look with colors inspired by his favorite movies. So pull out your favorite musical, grab a bottle of Purple Glaze and sing along with a pitch as perfect as this purple nail polish. This color can be picked up at your favorite Sephora.
6. Tom Ford Beauty Nail Polish in African Violet
With African Violet by Tom Ford Beauty, you’ll never be a wallflower. This fabulous fuchsia will put you on center stage. It’s a posh purple nail polish with a regal feel, but it has a wonderful wild side. Crafted in France, this color contains a glossy finish that will last longer than a night of partying. Bolden up any fall look with African Violet by Tom Ford Beauty, now available at Net-a-Porter.
7. China Glaze Nail Lacquer with Hardeners in That’s Shore Bright CR
The horizon is bright with this purple nail color by China Glaze. The color of luminous sea urchins makes this purple nail polish a beautiful addition to any trip to the coast. China Glaze is known for its professional polish and this nail color with hardeners adds polymers and resins so this polish is chip-resistant, even if you are digging in the sand to find sea shells. Go bright or go home with That’s Shore Bright by China Glaze. Pick up a bottle today at Ulta!
8. Le Mini Macaron 1-Step Gel Polish in Grape
Grab a glass of wine and thank the lucky stars that Le Mini Macaron created vivacious Grape. This gel polish will be the talk of any town you travel to this season. As a magenta purple with a 3-in-1 formula – base coat, nail color and top coat – this quick-applying polish will make you think less about putting it on as much as showing it off. Travel the world in Grape by Le Mini Macaron, now available at Ulta.
9. Sephora Collection Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in L127 Losing Control
Let your hair down with Losing Control by Sephora. This vibrant plum nail polish is dark and mysterious – the perfect witchy shade as Halloween draws near. Unleash your inner magic with a purple nail polish so deep you’ll be under its spell. The Sephora polish collection is made for wear and tear, so go be fierce with your coven. Spellcast everyone with Losing Control, now available at Sephora.
10. Base Coat Nail Polish in Sagittarius
Let the stars be your guide with Sagittarius by Base Coat. Its deep blue-purple coat puts the night sky to shame. Pick up this polish that is as bold as the fire in your soul and hit your mark in brave Sagittarius. This vegan nail polish was made in the USA but let your dreams shoot for the moon. Pick up a bottle of this purple nail polish from Nordstrom today!
11. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Hunger Flames
Bolden up with Hunger Flames by Sally Hansen. No light is needed for this gel polish – keep that brightened personality on with this lively purple nail polish instead. Fly high with this magenta hue and hit your mark at anything you do. Be fearless in purple and brazen in style – you won’t regret it. This purple nail color will make you soar. Find it at Ulta!
12. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Violet Orchid Creme
Radiate in Butter London’s Violet Orchid Creme, a sophisticated purple for every day. This ultra violet nail polish will blossom on your nails with a gel-like finish. Only natural light is needed to dry for a tough as nails, glossy coat. Let your nails flourish like violet buds in one of the best purple nail polish colors. Pick up a pot at Dermstore!
13. OPI Nail Lacquer in Samurai Breaks A Nail
Turn some heads in Samurai Breaks A Nail by OPI. This vibrant purple nail polish will make you stand out fiercely. Filled to the top in OPI’s signature bottle, this nail polish will last from the beginning to the end of the week – perfect for go-getters without fear of polish chips. Become a boss in one of the best OPI nail colors and pick a bottle up at Ulta today!
14. Zoya Nail Lacquer in Abby
Be classically royal in Abby by Zoya. This light lavender creme polish embraces the lovely purples but in a light way that makes for a classic statement. This vegan purple nail polish makes us think of dusk on a cool autumn night – a romantic flair for the season of bright oranges and yellows. Make a posh statement in Abby by Zoya. Find a bottle at your nearest Ulta!
15. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Between the Sheets
Wake up to a fresh start in Between the Sheets by Deborah Lippmann. This dynamic magenta purple nail polish is a bright and happy color to begin any day. The polish works as hard as you do with a duel-patented formula of 10 ingredients for long-lasting shine. Focus more on your day and less on your polish with this color by Deborah, now available at Nordstrom.
16. OPI Nail Lacquer in Pompeii Purple
Transition to a pink-inspired purple with Pompeii Purple by OPI. As summer transitions into fall, the leaves change colors, and the weather becomes cooler, this nail polish is a great move from your bright pinks of summer for the rich purples of autumn. Enjoy watching the leaves fall from trees without worrying about your nail polish chipping. Embrace the change of fall in Pompeii Purple by OPI. Buy a bottle today at Ulta!
17. Pacifica Nail Polish in Lotus
Blossom this fall in Lotus by Pacifica. Fall might be the time for change and falling leaves, but it is the perfect time for some mindful modifications in your life as well. As you adopt adjustments, keep with a well-coating purple nail polish. Make a new start for yourself this season and do it in Lotus by Pacifica. You can find it at Ulta.
18. NCLA x Sivan Nail Lacquer in Rose Spritz
Pink lovers rejoice for a pink-inspired purple nail polish in Rose Spritz by NCLA. Embrace this hot color with a pink twist. This collaboration between NCLA and Sivan Ayla of Lux Unfiltered makes for a famous collection of nail polish colors. Embrace the pinkish purple and good life by trying on Rose Spritz by NCLA, now available at Revolve.
19. Red Carpet Manicure Gel Nail Polish in Boats & Heels
Rock the boat in Boats & Heels by Red Carpet Manicure. This neon purple nail polish is as fun as it is vibrant. With gel polish technology purposefully created for the comfort of your home, you can take the world by storm on your own terms – and three weeks of intense polish shine. Stand out in Boats & Heels by Red Carpet Manicure. You can find it at Ulta.
How to Choose the Best Purple Nail Polish for Your Skin Tone
While purple nail polish might seem like a bold color to try to incorporate into your daily wear, there is truly a color for every skin tone. But first things first, forget about trying to match your nail polish to your clothing – instead match it to your personal skin tone and undertones like how you would when you’re dyeing your hair or finding a new lipstick shade.
Purple, fortunately, is a great in-between color for nail polish, as it contains a berry base that is fantastic for all skin tones. Want to ramp it up? Pick a purple nail polish that is perfect for your specific undertone.
Best Purple Nail Polish Colors for Light Skin Tones
For fair skin, it is best to stick with a light shade of purple such as pastels, but pay attention to how much white is in it. We want the purple nail polish to shine against your skin, not compete or wash out against it! Best colors include lavender and lilac, but as long as you stick with colors that contain more lighter and cooler pigment than white, you’ll be good to go.
Best Purple Nail Polish Colors for Medium Skin Tones
There are a variety of shades when it comes to medium skin tones including bronze and olive tones. Purple for medium skin tones should be familiar, as it is super versatile for your skin tone. It’s best to stay away from pastels and embrace more pigment including deep grape or plum colors.
Best Purple Nail Polish Colors for Dark Skin Tones
Those with dark skin colors can get excited because pastel and deep purples will look equally amazing on you! Try a polish with a darker berry tint to it or colors like deep raisin and jewel or indigo-toned shades.
Best Purple Nail Polish Colors Depending on Skin Undertone
For warm-toned skin, the best purple shades for you include those with red and yellow tones. For cool-toned skin, pick out a purple with undertones of pinks, blues and grays for the best results.
Photos via Sephora, Ulta, Instagram