From Cherry to Brick to Oxblood, These Are the 10 Best Red Nail Polishes for Every Skin Tone

woman wearing Red nail polish

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Despite what TikTok may have you believe with its buzzy Red Nail Theory (aka the assumption that red nails make you more confident and more likely to attract a romantic partner), a red manicure is not "back," and it's not "trendy." Red nails have never left the chat! A candy-apple lacquer is many people's classic go-to shade at the salon, no matter the season, and I lump myself in that list.

"Whether you are looking for a bolder manicure or one that can still act as a neutral to take on all from day to night, red is versatile, flattering, and a great color for anyone to choose," agrees celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann, founder of the namesake brand. That said, a slew of red nail polish shades are on the market. Should you go with a bright, blue-based red, a deep oxblood, or a warm poppy?

Browse our selections and shade-matching tips below, and you'll surely find more than a few new staples. Keep scrolling—your new go-to red lies just ahead.

The Best Red Nail Polishes, Listed

  1. Best True Red: OPI Big Apple Red
  2. Best Blue Red: Chanel Pompier
  3. Best Orange Red: Essie Geranium
  4. Best Dark Red: Deborah Lippmann Lady Is a Tramp
  5. Best Cherry Red: Gucci Goldie Red
  6. Best Poppy Red: JinSoon Crush
  7. Best Burgundy: H&M Bordeaux
  8. Best Drugstore: Sally Hansen Augmented Red-Ality
  9. Best Splurge: Hermès Rouge Casaque
  10. Best Black Cherry Red: Chanel Rouge Noir

The Best Red Nail Polishes of 2024

Best True Red: OPI Big Apple Red

Best Blue Red: Chanel Pompier

Best Orange Red: Essie Geranium

Best Dark Red: Deborah Lippmann Lady Is a Tramp

Best Cherry Red: Gucci Goldie Red

woman wearing Red nail polish

(Image credit: @hollyfalconenails)

Best Poppy Red: JinSoon Crush

Best Burgundy: H&M Bordeaux

Best Drugstore: Sally Hansen Augmented Red-Ality

Best Splurge: Hermès Rouge Casaque

Best Black Cherry Red: Chanel Rouge Noir

woman wearing burgundy nail polish

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

What's the best red for your skin tone?

First, let's be clear: You can really wear any shade of red you please. But if you're curious about which crimson hue suits your skin tone best, Lippmann recommends assessing your undertones. Everyone has a range of tones in their skin (cool, warm, and neutral), and identifying which ones are most present in yours can help you decide which shades of red to wear.

  • Warm undertones: "The best red polishes for a warmer skin tone would be the vibrant reds," she says. Think fiery, orange-based reds or brick hues, if you're looking for a darker polish.
  • Cool undertones: Cooler-toned individuals, on the other hand, would want to opt for blue-based reds. Burgundy also suits cool undertones quite well.
  • Neutral undertones: "Neutral tones have the best of both worlds and can land on a true red," Lippmann shares.

Just don't forget, Lippmann adds, "This can be used to see what shade stands out the best on your skin tone but by no means should limit you for getting your favorite red manicure, or any manicure, in general." Period!

woman wearing Red nail polish

(Image credit: @imarninails)

FAQ

What is the best true red nail polish?

A true red polish is vibrant, versatile, and suits all skin tones and seasons. You can't go wrong with OPI's Big Apple Red, but if you feel like making a splurge, Hermès's Rouge Casaque is a fabulous choice. Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Augmented Red-Ality also counts as a true red, if you'd prefer to pick one up at the drugstore.

Is red nail polish still in style?

It never left! Take it from Lippmann. "Red never goes out of style and is a classic, timeless color to choose for your manicure," she says.

What are the red nail trends in 2024?

Red nail polish as a whole is very on-trend, but you can dive deeper into the category to discover micro-trends, such as burgundy or black cherry nails. We also saw regular cherry lacquer trending this year, as well as red French tips.

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Jamie Schneider
Senior Beauty Editor

Jamie Schneider isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ’s senior beauty editor based in New York City. She has a penchant for trend forecasting, covering everything from innovative skincare launches to celebrity profiles, and her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Coveteur, and more. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Organizational Studies and English before moving to NYC, and she's been there ever since. When she’s not writing or testing Wholesale Replica Bag beauty finds, Jamie loves exploring vintage boutiques, reading mystery books (bonus points for an unexpected twist), and she’s always down for a park picnic in Brooklyn.