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Home • ESSENCE Best in Black Beauty Awa

Best In Beauty Awards 2025: Nails

Go classic with nude pinks and sheers, and discover the latest in at-home nail technology. Of course, don’t forget to finish with a hydrating, botanical butter–infused hand balm.
Best In Beauty Awards 2025: Nails
Vanessa Granda for ESSENCE
By Akili King, India Espy-Jones, Danielle Wright, Mecca Pryor · Updated March 31, 2025

01
01 essie expressie bring the beat collection
Turn up the volume on your nails with a collection of hyper-bright, quick-dry nail polish shades. Available at essie.com
10 Shop Now
02
02 Money for Nails Sheer Collection 2.0
When in doubt, sheer it out. These gorgeous shades will go with any outfit—and mood. Available at moneyfornails.com
98 Shop Now
03
03 Aēsop Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm
Nourish your manicure with the herbaceous skin-softening botanical butters and oils here. Available at aesop.com
33 Shop Now
04
04 Pink Friday Nails by Nicki Minaj Press-On Nails
Get Nicki’s most iconic nails in “On My Tippies in Square-Medium-She’s ­Platinum.” Available at pinkfridaynails.com
16 Shop Now
05
05 KISS Salon X-tend Smart Touch Mini LED Lamp
Turn your bathroom into a nail salon with a soft gel–curing lamp, for professional results at home. Available at kissusa.com
15 Shop Now
06
06 The BALLET Lacquer in Babygirl
This cruelty-free and vegan nail polish is the perfect shade for any season. Available at theballetinc.com
22 Shop Now
07
07 Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Strips
For a quick-solution manicure, get a full set in minutes with easy-peel, salon-quality nail strips. Available at ulta.com
8 Shop Now
08
08 JINsoon Glazed Glass Collection
Your nails will look like glass, thanks to these ­jelly-like polishes in nine colors. Available at jinsoon.com
18 Shop Now
09
09 Olive & June Lip Gloss Set Long-Lasting Polish
Gloss your nails like lips with polish named for tropical fruits. Available at oliveandjune.com
48 Shop Now
10
10 Dazzle Dry Build Your System Kit
Graduate from beauty school with nail ­lacquers and systems worth an A-plus. Available at dazzledry.com
100 Shop Now

Photo production credits:
Product photos: Courtesy of brands
Models: Amina Hassan at AMR Agency, Lluvia Cortés at New Icon, Nyaguach Pal at New Icon, Rhaya Jacobs at Divide NY, Roo Saintine at Supreme Management, Sarah Gony at Crawford Models, Wife Erath at APM. 
Hair: LaMesha Mosley using Bumble and Bumble; Makeup: Raisa Flowers at E.D.M.A. Nails: Arlene Hinckson using CND at The Only Agency
Set Design: Jenny Correa at Walter Schupfer Management 
Casting Director: Trevor Swain at The Wall Group
Photography Assistants: Ashley Markle & Allison Brooks
Digital Technician: Isobel Rae 
Fashion Assistant: Morgan Smith; Hair Assistants: Kashmere Samuel & Jataina Ames Makeup Assistants: Joshua Hilario & Desiree Easton; Nail Assistants: Reiana Maynard & Safiya Levers
Set Assistant: Alejandro Benito; Production by The Morrison Group
Associate Producer: Vince Barrucco; Production Assistants: Maian Tran & Kiernan Francis 
Shot at Splashlight Studios

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