Black Nail Polish

What's black, sometimes white, and glitzed all over? It's the black nail polish trend taken up a notch, that's what. I've spotted different stars putting a new spin on this trend, which — let's face it — had been getting a little stale. In lieu of a straight up manicure with black polish, these celebrities have taken it up several notches with their own unique embellishments (see them up close after the jump).

Paris Hilton has been sporting a black and white French manicure; Solange Knowles opted for some geometric gold patterns at an event last month; and singer Keri Hilson chose a black with silver stripes design at her launch party. What do you think of this look? Bring it on or not?

To see closeups, read more

Earlier today, I was picking up some candy for the neighborhood kiddies, and took a little beauty pit stop down the Halloween aisle. Lo and behold, I discovered this little gem. Seeing that black roses typically have a negative connotation of hatred or death, I was kinda frightened. But, did you know this deep, dark flower also represents the completion of a long, hard journey? Not so scary after all. And in the spirit of Halloween, I think it's kind of clever and cute — er I mean Goth — to package it up into a nifty black polish. Now that I'm all tricked out with my new treat, why not pick one up for yourself at Walgreens ($2.99) — if you dare?

It's safe to say that when it comes to nail polish, black is the new neutral. But if glossy darkness is beginning to bore you, here's a cool way to update it. I ran into a friend the other day and loved her nail polish so much that I had to snap a picture:

She got this look by using a base coat, then slicking on two coats of Essie nail color ($8) in Licorice. After that, one coat of glitter polish (such as Essie's Golden Nugget) adds a not-too-crazy amount of sparkle. On short nails, it keeps that rocker-girl attitude in a color that's now considered a safe-bet neutral.

Celebrities are always a season ahead of the game, so it's no wonder that we've seen some of the most gorgeous gals in young Hollywood gearing up for Autumn with black nail polish. Over the past few days, I've spotted your favorite and definitely one of my favorite Fall nail colors on Mischa Barton, Rihanna and Lauren Conrad.

I can't believe that even though it's smack in the middle of summertime, these ladies aren't afraid of crossing over to the dark side. Tell me: Are you just as excited as you were last year about the return of black nail polish?

Source and Bauer-Griffin Online

I can't say that I'm shocked by the results of this year's winner for best nail polish. While one brand in particular didn't win, it looks like black stole the show with total of 19 percent of the votes. Dark purple came in second place, and navy, and other inky blue hues came in at close third. Looks like goth-colored nails rocked 2007.

My personal black fave is OPI's nail lacquer in Black Onyx. It's a really shiny and opaque shade, and the formula can last up to eight days on my nails — which is a record high for a manicure for me! Now that we know that black polish rules, do you have a favorite brand, too?

Looking back at the Teen Choice Awards, I was surprised to see a trio of black-nailed ladies. Lauren Conrad, Avril Lavigne and Sophia Bush all sported this shade, which I think should be saved for fall and winter—lighten up, ladies! And considering last fall's run on Chanel's Black Satin polish, I'm surprised that this trend is staying around. But if you're going to go dark, here are a few inexpensive choices.

Zoya Nail Polish in Raven ($6) is the perfect long-wearing creamy looking black shade that you've been searching for. For a trendy "It Girl" look, shape nails so that they are short and square. On long nails, black can be a little too Elvira.

For two more trendy black nail polishes, read more