Red-nail theory is trending on social media, and it has the TikTok cohort convinced that red manicures are date-bait. However, using the best red nail polish to command attention is hardly a new concept, and the color is poised to stay in style for long after it fades from For You Pages.
Vogue’s Favorite Red Nail Polishes
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“No matter the trend cycles, red nails always hold their place as a symbol of confidence, elegance, and effortless style,” says celebrity manicurist and brand founder Deborah Lippmann. Lippman has been wearing a lot of red nail polish herself, lately (she’s partial to her own “Lady Is a Tramp”), and the color has been popping up on celebrities such as Lily James, Kylie Jenner, and Jennifer Lopez. It’s no wonder we’re seeing red.
“Whether you’re looking for a bolder manicure or one that can act as a neutral to take you from day to night, red is versatile, flattering, and a great color for anyone to choose,” Lippmann says.
Ahead, find the 10 best red nail polishes to wear for any occasion—or to test out the red-nail theory yourself. No matter which shade you choose, you’re bound to nail it.
Best Blue Red: Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Pirate
- Why we love it: Celebrity nail designer Elle Gerstein, whose clients include Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez, describes this Chanel polish as a “luxurious red with an elegant, deep hue.” Infused with the brand’s exclusive camellia eco-ceramides, which nourish and protect the nails, “Chanel’s formula is known for its smooth application and flawless finish,” Gerstein says. “It’s perfect for a refined, polished look.”
- Undertone: Blue
- Size: 0.4 oz
Best Sheer Red: Cirque Colors Jelly Nail Polish in Lucky Jelly
- Why we love it: Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec, who works with Selena Gomez and Jessica Chastain, puts a juicy spin on the classic red manicure with this Cirque Colors hue. “This features a sheer, glossy finish that has a jelly-like appearance,” she explains. Kandalec describes the color as “a true cherry red,” and she styles it in multiple ways. “It’s fun to wear and layer solo,” she says; she also likes using it as a base for nail art or blending it with other colors to create aura nails.
- Undertone: Neutral
- Size: 0.37 fl oz
Best Dark Red: Deborah Lippmann Gel Pro Lab Nail Polish in My Old Flame
- Why we love it: “A red that leans slightly on the warmer side, ‘My Old Flame’ offers a vibrant, almost fiery finish,” Gerstein says. Celebrity nail artist Sarah Chue, who works with Naomi Watts and Leslie Bibb, is also keen on the color. “A shade darker than the classic Corvette red, this slightly darker red seems to be stealing more of the spotlight these days,” Chue says. “Rightfully so! This blends well with many skin tones, not drowning out paler skin tones as brighter reds might do. It also has a wonderful viscosity and is well-pigmented.”
- Undertone: Neutral
- Size: 0.5 fl oz
Best Classic Red: Essie Nail Polish in A-List
- Why we love it: “This classic red is a favorite for its creamy formula, and it adds an elegant pop of color to any look,” Gerstein says. “It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and fun—a timeless choice that suits a variety of occasions.” With a slightly blue undertone, the bestselling shade has a glossy finish. Plus, like all Essie polishes, the creamy polish is vegan, salon-quality, and priced affordably.
- Undertone: Blue
- Size: 0.5 oz
Best for Beginners: OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple
- Why we love it: “Known for its vibrant, glossy finish, ‘Big Apple Red’ is a universally flattering red with a touch of warmth,” Gerstein says. “O.P.I.’s rich formula gives it durability and shine, making it a go-to red for both everyday wear and special events.” The true-red polish is also easy to use, even for the manicure novice. It comes with a wide brush to make the application smooth and simple, and it only takes a minute or two for each coat to dry.
- Undertone: Neutral
- Size: 0.5 fl oz
Best Deep Cherry Red: Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Head Over Heels
- Why we love it: “This gives off energetic and passionate vibes,” Gerstein says. In the deep-cherry hue that celebrities can’t get enough of, “It’s universally flattering, and it works on any skin tone,” she says. Plus, Mineral Fusion’s products are vegan, and their formulas are 16-free—meaning they’re made without chemicals such as formaldehyde and parabens. “This is a great pick for those looking for a more eco-conscious choice with high performance,” Gerstein notes.
- Undertone: Brown
- Size: 0.33 oz
Best Tomato Red: Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel in 64 Rouge Casaque
- Why we love it: If there’s any red nail polish made for the French Riviera, it’s this intensely pigmented tomato red. (Just add an Hermès scarf, et voila, you’re dressed for apero hour at Hôtel du Couvent.) One of Vogue’s favorite shades for deep to dark skin tones, the polish has a smooth, radiant finish. Plus, it comes in the Hermès orange box, which gives it a dash of gift-worthy glamour.
- Undertone: Orange
- Size: 0.5 oz
Best Rose Red: Dior Vernis Nail Polish in 878 Victoire
- Why we love it: Inspired by classic pieces from the House of Dior, the Vernis collection features a range of reds. 878 Victoire—a glossy, rose-red hue—stands out to Gerstein, who’s also a fan of its ingredients. “I love this formula because it offers a lot of protection for natural nails with peony and pistachio extracts,” she says. Not to mention, the shade has an intriguing air of exclusivity. “Dior’s colors are couture pigments that are one-of-a-kind, so they can’t be duped,” Gerstein notes.
- Undertone: Pink
- Size: 0.33 oz
Best Holographic Red: Lights Lacquer Nail Polish in Aries
- Why we love it: Lights Lacquer’s glimmery, raspberry-red polish is one of Kandalec’s favorite shades for summertime. That said, its holographic finish makes it a prime candidate for holidays—or, truly, any occasion where champagne corks will be popping. “We always see more people asking for metallic or holographic nails during the holidays because the shades are so festive,” Kandalec previously told Vogue.
- Undertone: Pink
- Size: .43 oz
Best Glittery Red: CND Shellac Gel Polish in Ruby Ritz
- Why we love it: Kandalec calls glittery nails a “refreshing take” on a more classic mani. She lists CND’s chip-resistant polish as one of her favorites for giving her clients a dash of sparkle. “It’s ruby slippers red with micro glitter,” she explains. The gel polish can last for up to two weeks—but be warned that it must be cured under a UV lamp. If you don’t have a lamp at home, look for the shade at your go-to salon, or tote it to your next appointment.
- Undertone: Blue
- Size: 0.25 fl oz
Is red nail polish still popular?
“Red nails have always been a go-to, but there’s been a noticeable resurgence in their popularity,” Lippmann says. “With the rise of classic, polished beauty trends, more people are embracing the power of a bold red manicure.” She adds that a red manicure instantly elevates any look and works across all seasons, making it a classic (and enduring) pick.
How to Choose the Best Red Nail Polish for Your Skin Tone
Executing a flawless red manicure is all about choosing the right shade, Gerstein says. Fair skin tends to look best with a true red or a pinkish red, she says, while medium skin can handle deeper, bolder reds like crimson or berry tones. Meanwhile, “Deeper skin tones look fantastic in bold, warm reds with gold or brown undertones.”
Standard guidelines aside, Chue says that the best way to choose a red nail polish is to swatch it on a nail or compare a nail swatch to an individual skin tone. And in the end, “There is no set rule—it’s all art and expression!” she says.
What’s a modern way to wear red nail polish?
While one can never go wrong with a full-coverage, high-shine red manicure, “There are many fresh ways to wear red today,” Lippmann says. For example, she notes that minimalist designs, like a red French tip or abstract negative-space art, bring a modern twist to the timeless shade. “But no matter how you wear it, red nails remain a statement of style and confidence,” she says.
- Sarah Chue is a celebrity nail artist whose clients include Jennifer Aniston, Leslie Bibb, and
- Elle Gerstein is a celebrity nail designer whose clients include Tate McRae, Jennifer Lopez, and Nicole Kidman.
- Julie Kandalec is a celebrity nail artist whose clients include Selena Gomez, Jessica Chastain, and Joe Jonas.
- Deborah Lippmann is a celebrity manicurist and the founder of the Deborah Lippmann nail polish brand.
