Nail Artists Say These Are the 9 Best Red Nail Polishes for a Crisp Manicure—No Matter the Season
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There are some nail colors that are always reliable. A transparent pink, a milky white, and, my personal favorite, a classic red. It's the kind of color that always looks elevated and put together, whether you're wearing jeans and a T-shirt or getting dressed up for an event.
I've always been partial to a red manicure over a transparent finish for that ideal balance of classic and bold. As I type this, my nails are coated in a glossy, jelly berry hue that has all the impact of a classic red without feeling as traditional. It's proof that even a shade as timeless as red can have plenty of room for modernity.
And therein lies the tricky part: There are so many reds to choose from. Do you want a warm tomato, a bright crimson, or a deep burgundy? As a beauty editor whose nails are rarely chipped, I've tested more than my fair share of reds, and I also tapped top nail artists for the polishes they swear by.
Ahead, the 10 best red nail polishes, dare I say, of all time.
Big Apple Red is not only OPI's most iconic red nail polish, but arguably the brand's best polish, period. "This is honestly the most iconic red of all time," says Avery. "Whenever someone asks me for a classic red, this is immediately what I think of." It's a true classic: a bright, balanced red that sits between warm and cool, "it's that perfect, true Coca-Cola red, and everyone loves it," Avery explains.
Instagram: @opi_spain
Essie's not red-y for bed is another classic bright hue that looks great on all skin tones. You can just about get away with wearing it during the summer for a fruity shade, but also during the holiday season as a festive scarlett.
@iramshelton
Moody burgundy polishes inevitably start trending once the temperatures drop, and OPI's Malaga Wine is the GOAT when it comes to a deep, cool-toned red. It has that rich, wine-inspired hue that feels especially luxe in the colder months.
@glossy.studios
There's few manicures better than a cool red with a glossy finish. Manucurist's Red Cherry is exactly that: a timeless, blue-leaning cherry that feels both timeless and fresh. It's highly pigmented for a bold finish, while its ultra-glossy formula gives the nails that just-left-the-salon shine.
@bynatashad
Since so many of our favorite nail trends have been inspired by food lately, it only makes sense to include a tomato red. Essie's Tomato, Tomahto, from the Gourmet Grocery collection puts a warmer spin on the classic shade, with golden undertones that give it that juicy, sun-ripened look. Kylie Jenner recently hopped on the tomato manicure this summer, making the shade feel especially current.
@essie
If you're after that juicy, translucent jelly effect, look no further than Aprés Nail's Enigmatic Jelly Collection. The five red shades can be layered to build your desired level of color and glossiness, whether you want a subtle wash of sheer red or a deeper, glass-like finish. I've been wearing broomfall for the last week (pictured below) and love the shade for a transitional late summer color.
Jasmine Hyman
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