Gray has so many different shades for you to choose from. Whether you want a smokey dark gray tint that gives you the perfect edgy look or a soft gray shade for a muted effect, you can take your pick from the list of the top 11 gray nail polishes that you will find on the market. Scroll down.
11 Best Gray Nail Polishes
1. Best Choice: essie expressie Quick Dry Nail Color – Binge-Worthy
If you are someone who prefers to keep your nail color au naturel at all times but also like a hint of color, this soft gray shade is the perfect choice for you. This gray nail polish has taupe undertones, which means it is a simple neutral gray shade that you can pair with any attire you want. This nail polish is a quick-drying, one-step formula. So if you are ever in a rush, you can achieve a gorgeous color and shine with just 2 coats of polish that dries in a minute. The best part about this polish is that it features an angled brush, so you won’t have to struggle again while painting your nails with your non-dominant hand. This video review will help you understand more about the product. Pros
Fast-drying nail polish Vegan and non-toxic Does not require a base or top coat Free of animal-derived ingredients Angled brush makes self-application easy with both hands
Cons
May not be long-wearing
2. Best For All Seasons: Vishine Soak-Off Gel Polish Set – C003 Gray Series
Get salon-quality nails at the comfort of your home with Vishine Soak-Off Gel Polish. It goes on like regular nail paint and wears like a gel to give your nails a long-lasting, flawless finish. All you need to do is apply 2 to 3 layers of this nail lacquer to achieve the exact color and dry it within minutes using a UV or LED nail lamp. So, no more worries about smudging or waiting forever for it to dry. From dark gray nail polish to a cool gray shade, this gel polish set includes 6 different shades of gray that are perfect for any season and occasion. Keep it subtle by using a single color on all your nails or get creative by mixing and matching the colors. Pros
Non-toxic No strong smell Lasts for over 3 weeks Made of natural resin Easy to remove using acetone
Cons
May not come with UV/LED lamp
3. Best Long-Lasting: Blue Velvet Gel Polish Set – Gorgeous Gray
Give your nails a lustrous finish with this Gorgeous Gray gel nail polish set. This set includes 12 pieces of nail polishes in variations of gray and other delicious colors, so there is something to suit your every style and mood. These nail polishes are easy to apply and easy to remove. Although the curing process using a UV/LED light may take some time, the result is worth it. Always remember to apply a base coat to prevent staining and finish off with a top coat to seal the color. Take your pick from blue-tinted gray, dusky brown, or pretty teal for a stunning manicure that will last for days without chipping away. Pros
Long-lasting Easy to remove Includes 1 nail template Equipped with a high-quality brush
Cons
The curing process will take a long time.
4. Best Chip-Resistant: China Glaze Nail Lacquer, The Great Outdoors Collection – Change Your Attitude
If you want nail polish that reminds you of fog-filled mornings and beach pebbles, try this Change Your Attitude polish by China Glaze. Described as a pebble greige creme, this color was created by taking inspiration from the outdoors. This lacquer has a creamy consistency that offers a smooth application. While it is easy to achieve a true color with just one coat, it’s best to apply two coats for an opaque finish. This nail lacquer is formulated with kaolin, also known as China clay, which acts as a nail hardener to strengthen your brittle nails while also giving your nails a glossy appearance. Rest assured, this polish will stay on your nails for a long time. If you are still unsure, check out this honest review. Pros
Chip-resistant Long-wearing formula Contains China clay as a hardener Made without toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde
Cons
May have a thick consistency
5. Best Opaque Finish: Twinkled T Stamping Polish – Smokey (Gray)
A nail polish so glossy that you won’t have to use a top coat again? Yes, please! This polish gives your nails maximum coverage and gel-like opaque finish in a single coat. Plus, it goes on smoothly and dries quickly. Loved by beauty bloggers and vloggers, this dark gray shade is a softer alternative to black and works excellently well as a polish and for stamping. Available in more than 20 colors, this polish will help you create stunning nail art designs quickly and easily. Click this video to learn more about the product. Pros
Fast-drying formula Pigmented Offers opaque finish Can be used with any stamping plate
Cons
May stain your nails if used without a base polish
6. Best Vegan: Deborah Lippmann Treatment Nail Color – Grey Day
Trust Deborah Lippmann to come up with a nail color that transforms your everyday wardrobe from dull to dapper in an instant. Inspired by fashion designer Jason Wu’s ready-to-wear collection called GREY Jason Wu, this limited-edition cool gray nail polish shade lends your nails a high-shine finish like that of gel polish but without damaging your nails. It is enriched with keratin, biotin, green tea extract, and bamboo, to name a few, that make your nails healthier with every swipe. Still not convinced? This dual-patented formula is created without the 10 toxic ingredients, including formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and camphor, among others. Pros
Vegan Cruelty-free 10-free formula Treatment-enriched nail polish
Cons
May not be chip-resistant
7. Best Durable: OPI Nail Lacquer – I Can Never Hut Up
We can’t stop raving about this OPI Nail Lacquer because it is long-lasting and much more durable than a regular nail polish. This nail lacquer formula is a great option if you are someone who likes to change your nail color every week. It guarantees to last all of 7 days, provided you prep your nails with a base coat and top the nail lacquer with a top coat. Plus, it is equipped with a unique ProWide brush that ensures a smooth and flawless application. Referred to as an “edge-of-dawn gray” shade, this nail polish is loaded with shimmer, making it perfect for occasions when you want to add a touch of elegance to your look. Pros
Chip-resistant Pigment-rich formula Easy to remove 7-day wear time Available in more than 200 colors
Cons
May not last long without the base coat and top coat
8. Best Toxin-Free: ella+mila Nail Polish, Mommy Collection – Grey Skies
It is vegan, non-toxic, and long-lasting – what’s not to love about this nail polish by ella+mila. For someone who’s looking for a safer alternative, this is a perfect option as it is free of camphor, xylene, formaldehyde, toluene, and other toxic chemicals. It has a smooth consistency, which means it glides on effortlessly to provide an even application without budges. This cement gray fingernail polish is super opaque, so 1 coat is all you will need to attain a seamless finish. All while it dries quickly to prevent any smudging. Pros
100% vegan Cruelty-free Chip-resistant Quick-drying formula
Cons
Might have a strong odor
9. Best Quick-Drying: Sally Hansen INSTA-DRI Nail Color – Oh My Grey
Amp up your manicure game with Sally Hansen INSTA-DRI Nail Color. True to its name, this polish takes only 60 seconds to dry once applied. You can literally just do your manicure and immediately get on to do some cooking or dishwashing and not worry about smudging or smearing your polish. Hailed as the #1 quick-dry nail polish in North America, this formula delivers high color pay-off, full coverage, and streak-free shine in just a single coat. It is formulated with a base and top coat to help extend the life of your nail color and prevent chipping. It comes with a unique brush that offers a quick and precise application. If you think that a gray shade might be too basic for you, then this lavender-tinted gray hue might change your mind. Pros
100% vegan Cruelty-free Chip-resistant Quick-drying formula
Cons
Might have a thin, watery consistency
10. Best For All Skin Tones: ROSALIND Soak-Off Gel Polish – Light Gray
Let’s be honest: the most difficult part about getting a manicure is picking a nail color that will stay on your nails for the next 7 or 14 days. If you are ever in such a dilemma again, we suggest you go for a light gray shade such as this one. Ideal for all skin tones, this pastel color looks fantastic in every season and does not clash with any outfit. This gel polish is easy to apply like a traditional nail polish but has to be cured for 30 to 60 seconds under an LED/UV lamp. Apply 2 to 3 coats for a creamy finish that stays on for 15 days with no peeling or chipping. Additionally, it comes off easily when soaked in acetone for 15 minutes. For best results, start with a base coat, followed by 2 layers of gel polish, and then finish it off with a top coat. Pros
Opaque finish 15-day wear Easy to apply Does not hip or smudge
Cons
The drying process might be tedious.
11. Best Shiny Finish: ILNP Nail Polish – Maiden Lane
Add a little sparkle to your nails and life with this ultra-holographic charcoal gray shade with blue undertones. Depending on the light, this polish will look like a clean dark slate or make your nails appear like they are covered in thousands of tiny sparkly rainbows. This shimmery hue is perfect for times when you want your nails to scream, “look at me,” but in the best way. Suitable for at-home and professional use, this formula goes on smoothly over your nails and dries quickly to give long-lasting coverage. Pros
Vegan and cruelty-free Fast-drying Long-wearing Intense shiny effect Loaded with over sized holographic pigment
Cons
Might need at least 3 coats to achieve the desired results
Grey nail polish is a neutral color ideal for everyday or professional occasions The shade is also ideal for winter months. With so many gray shades available, it can get puzzling to find the right one for your collection. To help you make a decision, we agave put together a list of factors to consider while purchasing gray nail polish.
Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Gray Nail Polish For All Occasions
Shade: If you have medium skin tones with an olive or neutral undertone it is easy to pair with any gray shade. There are many shades and textures that you can wear to get different looks. Shades like metallic gray and gray nail polish with pink specs create a dramatic look that can be worn for parties or discos. Pale gray is perfect for a professional look.Finish: You can also choose a matte, glossy, gel, or chrome nail polish as you desire. Glitter gray nail paint can be worn for weddings, parties, or discos. Matte looks luster-free but is ideal for a professional look. Shimmer and glossy are ideal for everyday looks.Ingredients To Choose: If you have dry and brittle nails, opt for nail polish with moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like vitamin E, calcium, camelia extract, etc. Also, look for nitrocellulose which is a resin that holds the nail polish. Ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, propyl acetate, and isopropyl acetate are solvents that help the polish to apply and dry quickly. All these compounds are skin-friendly and do not irritate the skin.Ingredients To Avoid: Nail polishes house a lot of harsh chemicals. Always go for at least a five-free nail polish that does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. These formulas are comparatively safer. However, premium formulas are also free of some other harsh chemicals.Breathability: Generally, nail polishes create a barrier for healthy nails by blocking the oxygen supply. But the improved formulas let nails breathe while improving their health. So, make sure to check the product description to locate ‘breathable’ in the content..Durability: For a long-lasting manicure, choose a chip-resistant and quick-drying nail paint which gives a high color pay-off, full coverage, and streak-free shine in just a single coat. Such formulas are likely to stay put for 2-3 weeks.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Chaitra Krishnan, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast passionate about keeping up with the latest advancement in makeup products and technology. She feels that gray nail polishes are underappreciated and are a great substitute for nude colors. She read multiple user reviews on several gray nail polishes from leading brands and curated this list of the top ones available online. These nail polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and do not chip off easily. What does grey nail color mean? Grey nail color symbolizes modesty. Grey is a very sober color that highlights the calm mindset of the wearer. The color also represents your androgynous characteristics. Does grey nail polish look good? Yes. Grey nail polish looks flattering on every skin tone. It gives a basic yet alluring look to the nails. In addition, this nail color suits almost every occasion. Is grey nail polish trendy? Yes. Grey nails have been trendy for a while. It complements almost all dresses and suits every skin tone. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Camilla Cabello, and Hayley Williams often flaunt their manicured grey nails. Do I have to match the colors of my nails and toes? No. Your manicure and pedicure colors do not necessarily have to match. But try to stick to complementary colors to enhance the overall look.
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