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    1. Beauty
    2. Nails

    Viola Davis’s Black Nails Prove Glamour Can Have an Edge

    A manicure accented by jewels—what could be better?

    Ariel Wilson's avatar
    By Ariel Wilson
    Published 29 October 2025 In News

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Viola Davis wearing an afro hairstyle
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    Viola Davis, come to the front. On October 28, the actress was photographed arriving at a Swarovski event in Hollywood, and in short, she looked really hot. Black nails perfectly complemented her outfit, and honestly, the entire look was a hit. Davis wore a black dress with a sheer skirt that had the most stunning embellished neckline. Of course, she was adorned in Swarovski jewelry and radiated like the highly successful, EGOT-winning star she is. The glamour added the perfect finishing touch, so let’s take a closer look at her hair, makeup, and nails.

    To start, Davis kept her manicure simple, opting for black nails that were short, square, and extremely glossy. If there were a manicure that could be described as expensive, it’d be this one. Next, her hair was short and extremely chic. She donned a gorgeous flipped pixie, with the front of her hair curled away from her face. This gave the look tons of height and volume. Short side bangs framed her face, and the jet black color of her tresses contrasted beautifully against her skin. Her makeup was warm and rosy, thanks to a nude lip and a gorgeous berry-toned blush that was swept up to connect with her eyeshadow.

    Viola Davis wearing a pixie hairstyle, a black dress with a sheer skirt detail, and a black manicure.

    Viola Davis arrives at the Swarovski Masters of Light Opening Celebration on October 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Since black nails tend to surge in popularity during the fall and winter months, Davis is perfectly on trend with her latest manicure, especially if her fellow Hollywood A-listers are any indication. Cardi B wore a long, embellished version of the manicure to the Balenciaga Fall/Winter show during Paris Couture Week back in July. Olivia Wilde recently paired a version very similar to Davis’s with a menswear-inspired look while in New York City. Even Kendall Jenner has been seen in the shade, albeit most recently on her toes.

    ​I’m a big fan of a classic black manicure, so keep reading to see how you can get the look at home.

    Nail Lacquer Nail Polish, Blacks/whites/grays - Black Onyx

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    If you prefer traditional nail lacquers to gels, OPI's Black Onyx is a classic.

    Un/dn Vegan Nail Polish - Depressionist - Black Nail Polish - Fingernail Polish for Women and Men - Long Lasting, Cruelty Free - 0.5 Oz

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    This polish also has one swipe opacity and a wide applicator brush for a quick manicure.

    Anthracite Gel Nail Polish

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    On the other hand, gel lovers, pick up this formula.

    Beetles Black Gel Polish, 1 Pcs 15ml Audrey Black Nail Polish Color Gel Nail Polish Halloween Nails Soak Off Art Manicure Salon Diy Uv Lamp Nail Design Decoration at Home

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    This version from Amazon is also extremely affordable.

    Sally Hansen Insta-Dri®, Clear Top Coat, Quick Dry, Long Lasting, Streak-Free Shine, Clear Nail Polish

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    If you opt out of gels, a glossy, quick dry top coat should be in your nail kit.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.

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    Explore More
    makeup
    Ariel Wilson
    Ariel Wilson
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    Beauty Writer

    Ariel Wilson is the Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. Previously the associate beauty editor at PS, she also has bylines in InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women's Health, and more.

    Shaped by her experience in research, social sciences, and the non-profit sector, Ariel enjoys looking at beauty from a sociocultural lens, looking to avenues like politics, culture, and the arts, to inform her views on the space. That being said, as a true beauty-product obsessive, testing the latest items to hit the market, keeping up with trends, and meeting industry icons, will always be her favorite part of working in the beauty space.

    When she's not working, Ariel can be found hanging out with her husband and loving on their two cat daughters: Cow and Chicken.

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