There's a reason red nails have been a go-to as far back as ancient Egypt; the color red makes a statement of strength, of boldness and confidence. As a manicure, it's also a year-round neutral that exudes glamour and sophistication. Viral "red nail theory" aside, does a classic red manicure ever go out style?
Simply put, no. I can't think of a generation before us that hasn't looked good while wearing timeless and versatile shades of red. Don't get me wrong, I love a fun nail trend—everything from jelly nails, "Brat" nails, "farmer's market" nails, Aperol spritz nails, ombré chrome nails—but I always come back to classic red hues.
"Red nails are one of the longest trending nail styles out there that has never gone out of fashion," agrees says Alexandra Teleki (also known as The Hot Blend on Instagram and TikTok). "Red is one of the foundations to our skin color and it’s the reason that it suits everyone." Teleki has a few tips on how to figure out the most flattering red shade for you. "People with warm skin undertones complement reds that has orange or coral undertones. While cool skin tones usually complements reds that have blue or pink undertones. Neutural skin tones get the best of both worlds!"
12 classic red nail polishes guaranteed to flatter and empower
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When we say "classic," OPI's Big Apple Red is the first that comes to mind. Its luscious, fire-engine red color is as bold as its get and the creamy finish is classy and refined. "My favorite red at the moment is OPI Big Apple Red," says UK-based manicurist Chels Lou. "I just think it’s the perfect vibrant red which suits and compliments many skin tones."
BUY ON AMAZON - $12
BUY ON OPI - $12
opi-big-apple-red
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Who says chic has to mean expensive? Described as a "fierce scarlet red," Essie's Rock the Runway is an affordable and salon-quality at-home gel polish that has reportedly graced the fingertips of Selena Gomez.
BUY ON ULTA - $13
BUY ON TARGET - $13
Essie Gel Nail Polish in Rock the Runway
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With an intensely red pigment and an opaque, glossy finish, Dior's beloved 999 Rouge compliments every wearer.
BUY NOW - $32
Dior Vernis nail polish in 999 Rouge
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Chanel offers a plethora of gorgeous nail colors (Ballerina is an all-time favorite) whose formulas include camellia ceramides for unmatched staying power. "Pirate" is a dark-red beauty that gets spicier with each coat.
BUY NOW - $32
Chanel Le Vernis in Pirate
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A go-to red nail polish for Teleki is Essie's Not Red-y For Bed. The rich cherry shade that not only looks delicious, but, as its name suggests, will give your entire look a second wind.
BUY NOW - $10
Essie Not Red-y For Bed nail lacquer
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Staying in the cherry family, Nailberry's version leans a bit more orange than traditional cherry hues. The brand describes the shade as a "bright," "upbeat" and "eye-catching."
BUY NOW - $21
nailberry cherry nail polish
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If you're into the glamour of Old Hollywood (who isn't?), you need this nail color. A pink-infused red, Ardor reminds me of the renowned red carpet.
BUY NOW - $18
Jinsoon nail polish in Ardor
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There's no denying that a good red nail polish is as invaluable as a little black dress. That's the inspiration behind Londontown's Londoner Love, a vibrant red crème. Londontown's Lakur Enhanced Colors use a custom blend of natural botanical extracts and restorative plant oils for extended longevity.
BUY ON LONDONTOWN - $16
BUY ON AMAZON - $16
Londontown Lakur Nail Polish in Londoner Love
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With a bottle that's pretty enough to display on its own, Gucci has perfected the classic red, in my humble opinion. What's more, its nail-protecting formula includes antioxidants and red algae that fills in ridges and smooths out imperfections in one coat.
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $35
BUY ON SEPHORA - $35
Gucci nail polish in Goldie Red
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A beauty-editor favorite, Zoya's Ming is a cool-toned sexy scarlet red with a 10-Free breathable formula.
BUY NOW - $12
ZOYA nail polish in Ming
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If you're looking for a true red, give this one a go. Deborah Lippman's gel formulas are full-coverage, nail health–centered and delivers the gloss and cushion of a gel manicure without the nail damage.
BUY ON DEBORAH LIPPMANN - $20
BUY ON AMAZON - $20
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro nail polish in It's Raining Men
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“It really is that perfect,” Emilie Heathe's founder Emily H. Rudman previously told NewBeauty of this "all-seasons" shade. “It’s neutral, bright and super shiny.”
BUY NOW - $30
Emilie Heathe The Perfect Red Nail Artist Polish
