While I love experimenting with nail art and trending colors, something always brings me back to a classic red manicure. Perhaps it’s the “red nail theory,” or maybe it’s just that a flash of red on my nails makes me feel inherently put-together, but red nails will truly never go out of style.
That said, this time of year is my favorite season to opt for red nails, and at a recent nail appointment surrounded by a sea of nail swatches, I finally decided to take it upon myself to find the best red nail polishes of all time. No more guessing and choosing a red that’s too blue or too orange—I want only perfect red nails in my future.
I considered dozens of nail polishes reviews, longevity, color payoff, shades, and editor testimonies to find the red polishes that check all the boxes—these were the eight winners.
The Best Red Nail Polishes of All Time
You can’t have a red nail article without a mention of one of the most iconic reds of all time, OPI’s Big Apple Red. Not only are OPI’s polishes some of the longest lasting on the market, but Big Apple Red is the quintessential, true red shade that our editors claim they default to time after time.
Chanel’s Le Vernis nail polish collection is known for having a highly pigmented formula that leaves a glossy, gel-like finish that adheres to the nail. Their Pirate shade is a true red that’s on the slightly deeper side (without venturing into burgundy), which is perfect for fall and winter.
Essie’s polish is known for being long lasting, opaque, and boasting one of the most easy-to-use brushes on the market for a salon-like finish at home. Their shade Not Red-y for Bed is a rich, shiny cherry shade that’s beloved by our editors.
You know the intense shine that it feels like only a gel manicure can deliver? This polish will give it to you at home. The shade Her Majesty’s Red is a true red that’s both chip and fade-resistant.
If you’re a sucker for your gel manicures, fear not: We’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for the perfect red for your salon gel manicure, Daisy DND’s Ferrari Red is a bright, opaque, true red that our editors opt for time after time. Our beauty editor loves this shade so much, she personally owns it to bring to nail appointments that might not carry it.
JINsoon polishes are 21-free, non-toxic, cruelty free, vegan, and somehow still manage to be incredibly long lasting. Their formulas are beloved for being free from harsh chemicals, and their shade Ardor is an Old Hollywood-inspired, mid-tone red that’s ideal to have in your nail arsenal.
Thanks to Olive & June’s wide, fan-like brush, application of their polishes is about as easy as it can get. Our editors find this polish lasts well over a week, but still comes off easily with nail polish remover, making at-home manicures and pedicures a breeze. Their shade CV is a rusty red that’s perfect for fall.
Manicurist has made a name in the nail industry by offering polishes that are made with up to 99% plant-based ingredients for a formula that’s good for your hands and the planet. If you’re looking for a sustainable, vegan, plant-based polish, their shade Poppy Red is ultra-pigmented and totally statement-making.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.
