Red nails are undisputedly classic, not to mention versatile; for every season of nail trends you'll find shades of red that rise to the occasion. But for the summer, there was no other nail polish more loved than essie's legendary Clambake. It was the perfect summer red; a shade reminiscent of the best of the season—ripe tomatoes, lobsters and checkered tablecloths—that also especially flattered sun-kissed skin. Much to my (and millions of others) heartbreak (and fury) the fiery, reddish-orange polish was officially discontinued, and I've been on the hunt for a new summer favorite ever since.
Then something surprising happened. Without the monopoly Clambake had over my summer manicures, I realized I'd been missing out on some seriously stunning red nail colors. Call it tomato, coral, blood orange or Aperol-inspired, bold, bright, warm reds are everywhere.
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To see the red nail polishes that'll keep the summery vibes going all year round, keep reading.
Orange-Tinted Reds
1 / 7
For a traditional, non-gel nail formula that's super glossy, super shiny and a perfect mix of red-orange and cherry, say hello to CHANEL's Incendiaire. When I think of chic, timeless nail colors this is the first that comes to mind.
BUY NOW - $32
2 / 7
It's an Aperol Spritz summer and Lights Lacquer is here to keep the party going. The eqonomoyous nail color has a subtle shimmer with a jelly-like sheer finish that's almost like being in the Mediterranean yourself.
BUY NOW - $13
3 / 7
Described as "energetic and eccentric," Jin Soon's creamy red-orange nail color packs a punch. This one will look especially great on (safely) tanned skin.
BUY NOW - $18
4 / 7
Customers say Dazzle Dry's spicy shade is the "most flattering" and a "favorite to wear all year round."
BUY NOW - $22
5 / 7
As the aforementioned TikToker raves, Lava is the "most gorgeous" orangey-red. A shade in Olive & June's Long Lasting line, the brand promises color will maintain its plump, gel-like finish for up to 10 days.
BUY NOW - $9
6 / 7
This pretty coral hue was a part of Essie's Push Play Summer 2023 collection. It's no longer available on the brand's site, but you can still get it on on Amazon.
BUY NOW - $10
Cherry Reds
1 / 4
Red Dress' timeless cherry hue will make you feel elevated, elegant and confident while you're wearing it.
BUY NOW - $19
2 / 4
Wear this "upbeat" glossy shade of cherry red and orange wherever you go and it'll upgrade your whole look.
BUY NOW - $21
3 / 4
A radiant red gel nail polish that's a 3-in-1 base coat, color and top coat? Sign us up. Two swipes, a 30-second cure and you're out the door with a brilliant at-home manicure.
BUY NOW - $13
4 / 4
Another gel option is is this juicy shade that's inspired by, you guessed it, cherry Jell-O. The translucent jelly formula builds from a subtle orangey-pink to a more vibrant red with each additional coat. (They're all super flattering.)
BUY NOW - $20
Poppy Reds
1 / 3
For a color that skews a bit more red than orange, Poppy Red by clean nail brand Manucurist may be just the thing. The formula is a part of the brand's Green line, which is plant-based and vegan, lasts up to seven days and can be removed without acetone.
BUY NOW - $14
2 / 3
The jelly sandals of my 90's youth has come for my nail polishes and, frankly, I am here for it. Also like the sandals, jelly formulas, like this bright, warm red, deliver a sheer a hint of color that still allows your natural nails to shine through.
BUY NOW - $12.50
3 / 3
Leave it to Hermès to have the most epic backstory for their nail polish colors. According to the brand, Rouge Amazone, a warm-toned brick red, is inspired by the ceremonial harnesses created by Hermès in 1894 for the white horses of the Chinese Empress Cixi.
BUY NOW - $57
Bright Classics
1 / 4
Speaking of backstories, Rosso Corsa, a "race car red" gel polish, was inspired by the Italian race cars of the 1920s that were synonymous with this iconic color.
BUY NOW - $20
2 / 4
Londontown declares Londoner Love, a "true, vibrant red crème," as essential to one's wardrobe as your favorite LBD.
BUY NOW - $16
3 / 4
Candied apples meets nail polish in this jelly-like long-lasting formula that delivers a high-shine, plump finish.
BUY NOW - $9
4 / 4
Zoya's shade of July 2024 takes the "predictable reds of yesterday" and turns it on its head. The result is a mouthwatering "neon hot watermelon red" that's "basically summer bottled up in a single swipe."
BUY NOW - $12
