Red Tail Theory is popular on social media, it has a Tiktok queue Convinced The red manicure is the date bait. However, using the best red nail polish to attract attention is hardly a new concept, and the colors are expected to remain styled for a long time after your page fades out.
FashionFavorite red nail polish
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“No matter the trend cycle, red nails always occupy a symbol of confidence, elegance and relaxed style,” said Deborah Lippmann, celebrity amicurist and brand founder. Lippmann has been wearing a lot of red nail polish lately (her preference for her ladies as a wanderer), and the colors have been popping up on celebrities like Lily James, Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lopez. No wonder we see red.
“Whether you’re looking for a bold manicure or can be used as a neutral manicure that can be taken by you day to night, red is versatile, flattering and has the option of anyone,” Lippmann said.
In advance, find the 10 best red nail polishes on any occasion, or test the red nail theory yourself. No matter which shade you choose, you have to pin it.
The best blue and red: Chanel le Vernis long-clothed nail color among the pirates
- Why we like it: Celebrity nail designer Elle Gerstein’s clients include Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez, who describes this Chanel Polish as a “luxury red with elegant, dark tones.” “Chanel’s formula is known for its smooth application and flawless finishes and protects the brand’s exclusive tea garden eco-ceramics and protects the nails,” Gerstein said. “It’s perfect for a refined, sophisticated look.”
- Untertone: Blue
- size: 0.4 oz.
Best red: Jelly Nail Polish in Cirque Colors Lucky Jelly
- Why we like it: Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec, who works with Selena Gomez and Jessica Chastain, paired a juicy swirl on the classic red manicure with this Cirque Colors hue. “This has a pure gloss finish with a jelly-like look,” she explained. Kandalec describes the color as “real cherry red”, which she styled in a variety of ways. “It’s fun to wear and solo,” she says. She also likes to use it as a basis for nail art or mix it with other colors to create Aura nails.
- Untertone: Neutral
- size: 0.37 fl oz.
The best crimson red: Deborah Lippmann Gel Pro Lab Lab nail Polish in my old flame
- Why we like it: “My old flames slanted slightly on the warm side, providing a vibrant, almost fiery finish,” Gerstein said. Celebrity nail artist Sarah Chue, who works with Naomi Watts and Leslie Bibb, is also keen on the color. “Today, this darker shade than the classic Corvette red, this slightly darker red seems to be grabbing more focus,” Chue said. “The right thing is! This blends with many skin tones and doesn’t drown out the paler skin tones like the bright reds. It also has excellent viscosity and has a great tone.”
- Untertone: Neutral
- size: 0.5 fl oz.
Best Classic Red: A-list in Aishi Nail Polish
- Why we like it: “This classic red is a favorite of its buttercream formula, which adds an elegant color to any look,” Gerstein said. “It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and entertainment, and it’s a timeless choice for every occasion.” With a slightly blue background, the best-selling shade has a glossy effect. Plus, like all Essie polishes, the cream formula is vegan, salon quality and affordable.
- Untertone: Blue
- size: 0.5 oz.
Best for beginners: Big Apple Red OPI Nail Paint
- Why we like it: “Big Apple Red is known for its vibrant sheen effect, and is a generally flattering red that is somewhat warm,” Gerstein said. “OPI’s rich formula makes it durable and shine, making it red for everyday wear and special events.” A true red polish is also easy to use, even for newbies in manicure. It comes with a wide brush, making the application smooth and simple, and each coat can dry in just a minute or two.
- Untertone: Neutral
- size: 0.5 fl oz.
The best deep cherry red: High heels with mineral fusion nail polish
- Why we like it: “It resonates with vitality and enthusiasm,” Gerstein said. In the deep cherry tone, celebrities can’t get enough meaning, “It’s generally likable and works on any skin tone.” Plus, the mineral fusion product is vegan, and its formula is free of 16 servings – they are made without chemicals such as formaldehyde and para-A. “This is a great option for those seeking an ecologically conscious choice with high performance,” Gerstein noted.
- Untertone: Brown
- size: 0.33 oz.
The best tomato red: Hermès Les Mains Mains Nail Enamel in 64 Rouge Casaque
- Why we like it: If any red nail polish is made for the French Riviera, it is this intense pigmented tomato red. (Just add Hermes scarf – voila, you’re wearing it Apéro The hour is at Hôtel Du Couvent. ) FashionPolishing has a deep to dark skin tone favorite shade with a smooth radiation effect. Plus, it’s placed in the Hermes orange box, which gives it a charm worth mentioning.
- Untertone: orange
- size: 0.5 oz.
Best Rose Red: 878 Victoire’s Dior Vernis Nail Polish
- Why we like it: Inspired by the classic work of Dior House, the Vernis Collection features a series of reds. Glossy, Rose Red 878 Victoire stands out for Gerstein, who is also a fan of the ingredients of the product. “I like this recipe because it provides a lot of protection for natural nails with peony and pistachio extract,” she said, not to mention the fun atmosphere of the shadows being exclusive. “Dio’s color is a high-end pigment, it’s a kind of, so it can’t be deceived,” Gerstein pointed out.
- Untertone: Pink
- size: 0.33 oz.
Best Holographic Red: Lighting paint in Aries
- Why we like it: Lights Lacquer’s flashing, Raspberry Red Polish is one of Kandalec’s favorite summer shadows. That said, its holographic effect makes it a major candidate for the holidays, or a champagne cork pops up on any occasion. “We always see more people asking for metal or holographic nails during holidays because the shadows are such a festive day.” Fashion.
- Untertone: Pink
- size: .43 oz.
Best Glittering Red: CND shellac in Ruby Ritz
- Why we like it: Kandalec calls the glittering nails “refreshing” to the more classic Mani. She listed CND’s anti-chip polish as one of her favorites as it brings a small amount of flash to customers. “This is a red slipper in ruby slippers,” she explained. The gel polish can last up to two weeks, but warns that it must be cured under the UV light. If you don’t have a light at home, look for shadows on your preferred salon or drag it to your next date.
- Untertone: Blue
- size: 0.25 fl oz.
Is red nail polish still popular?
“Red nails have always been the go-to, but their popularity has revived significantly,” Lippmann said. “With the rise of classic, polished beauty trends, more and more people are embracing the power of bold red manicures.” She added that red manicures immediately improve the look and work of all seasons, making it a classic (lasting) draft pick.
How to choose the best red nail polish for skin tone
Gerstein said that performing flawless red manicure is to choose the right shade. Fair skin tends to look better in red or pink red, while medium skin can handle darker, bolder reds, such as crimson or berry tones, she says. Meanwhile, Gerstein adds: “Darker skin tones look fantastic, bold, warm red and gold or brown undertones look great.”
Apart from the standard guide, Chue says the best way to choose a red nail polish is to apply it on the nail or compare the nail to the skin tone. Finally, “There is no set rule – this is art and expression!” she said.
What is the modern way to wear red nail polish?
While a fully covered highlight red manicure can never go wrong, Lippmann said, “there are a lot of fresh ways to wear red today,” Lippmann said. For example, she notes that minimalist designs like red French tips or abstract negative space art bring modern twists to eternal shadows. “But no matter how you wear it, red nails are still a statement of style and confidence,” she said.
- Sarah Chue is a celebrity nail artist whose clients include Jennifer Aniston and Leslie Bibb.
- Elle Gerstein is a celebrity nail designer with clients including Tate McRae, Jennifer Lopez and Nicole Kidman.
- Julie Kandalec is a celebrity nail artist with clients including Selena Gomez, Jessica Chastain and Joe Jonas.
- Deborah Lippmann is a celebrity manicurist and founder of the Deborah Lippmann nail polish brand.