Ever picked a nail colour that looked amazing in the bottle, then looked dull once it was on your nails? That can happen when the colour does not suit your skin tone. Dark skin carries bold colour very well. Some colours make your skin glow, and a few can leave your hands looking plain. Once you know the difference, choosing a polish gets much easier, whether you want something loud for the weekend or something simple for work.

What to Wear

Bold Colours

Dark skin has a natural depth, and bright, vibrant polish pops against it. The contrast does the work for you. Bold colours also add a touch of drama to your hands.

Photo: Pinterest/@Ntsoaki Dimpane

Yellow is a strong place to start. It is hard to miss on dark skin. Orange works the same way and gives your hands a lively look. Creamy white gives a clean look and will not wash out your skin tone.

Photo: Pinterest/@Tee

Blue is another option, whether you go for a deep cobalt or an electric blue. If you want something deeper, burgundy is also a good choice on dark skin tones.

Photo: Pinterest/@Sia

Metallics

Bronze and gold are two metallics that suit dark skin. Bronze, in particular, complements dark skin beautifully. Their shimmer brings out your natural glow and adds contrast against your skin tone. They work for special occasions and for everyday wear.

Neutrals

Photo: Pinterest/@Fashion Tiptop

Taupe with a pink undertone works well. Rose pink is another, since rosy tones flatter dark skin. Soft pink also works for a simple look. Choose a sheer shade, so the colour does not look too opaque on dark skin.

What to Skip

Photo: Pinterest/@Ntsoaki Dimpane

Ash and gray are the two colours to avoid. You know how skin looks dry and dusty during Harmattan? Gray polish can give your hands the same dull look. Some polishes look gray on dark skin and clash with your natural skin tone. A nude that looks too white or too gray on your nails has the same effect.

Next time you book a set at the salon, ask for one of the colours above and leave the gray ones out.

Dabota Lawson’s interest in beauty began long before she launched her cosmetics business. After working in modelling and pageantry, the Nigerian entrepreneur turned to developing makeup products for women with different skin tones. She founded Dabota Cosmetics in 2015. She is now looking to expand into international markets.

Lawson’s early exposure to fashion and makeup influenced her career. In a March 2025 interview with Vanguard Allure, she recalled growing up around her mother’s fashion and makeup collections. She started modelling at five and won Miss Nigeria UK in 2010. After returning to Nigeria, she saw an opportunity to offer premium cosmetics in shades suited to different complexions.

Photo: Instagram/@dabotalawson

Lawson had to learn the cosmetics trade as she built her business. In a July 2015 introductory statement, She explained that she attended cosmetics trade shows and met manufacturers in different countries. These experiences helped her understand cosmetics production and the process of establishing her brand.

Dabota Cosmetics sells foundations, concealers, powders, lip products and eyeshadows in shades for different skin tones. One of its offerings, the OPULEN Makeup Book, combines several makeup essentials in one collection, including primers, correctors, blushes, bronzers and highlighters.

Photo: Instagram/@dabotalawson

In a November 2025 interview with Marie Claire Nigeria, Lawson discussed the challenges of raising funds and protecting product formulations. She also highlighted the need to understand the science behind cosmetics, particularly when developing products for people with specific skin needs.

In March 2026, Lawson signed a memorandum of understanding with Woodhall Capital International for a structured financing facility to support Dabota Cosmetics’ planned global expansion. She credited the firm’s founder and president, Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, with providing mentorship and business guidance during the process.

Venita Akpofure has gone blonde. The actress and reality TV star shared the new colour in a set of four Instagram photos on her page.

The hair is a golden honey blonde, darker at the roots and lighter toward the tips. She wore it shoulder-length and swept to one side, with loose, rounded waves that curled outward at the ends. The waves are thick and bouncy, so the hair sits wide around her face. The volume sat at the crown and sides, and the sweep lifts the hair off her face to show off her pearl drop earrings.

Photo: Instagram/@veezeebaybeh

At the all-white party where Venita debuted her blonde hair, she wore a sleeveless white feather mini dress with a high halter neck by Everyday by Andra. The feathers covered the dress from the neck to the hem, and ended at the upper thigh. Frontiers Brand handled her styling for the night, and she carried a glittery silver clutch. The colour is a big switch for Venita, who is known for going with darker shades.

The blonde hair was a wig from Laposhair, styled by Hair Smiles. Opulen Dabota did her makeup in neutral tones with a glossy lip, and Gwendilara handled her photos.

Photo: Instagram/@veezeebaybeh

She captioned the post with “If you’re going to ruffle feathers, at least look good whilst doing it.” She added, “Sweet enough to approach. Dangerous enough to reconsider.” and she also thanked Pretty Mike of Lagos and Tosin Akinbo. The caption did not say if she plans to keep the colour beyond the party.

The blonde waves happens to also be a big change for Venita, who is known for going with darker shades. Back in June, she posted some photos with her dark hair pulled into a high ponytail.