Nail Ideas

The Nail Polishes Our Editors Swear by When We’re in the Mood for a Red Mani

written by JENNA PIOTROWICZ

The Everygirl product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

best red nail polishes"
best red nail polishes
Source: @gel.bymegan
Source: @gel.bymegan

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

red nail polish
OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red
The Editor Favorite

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.

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Chanel Le Vernis in Pirate
The Worthwhile Splurge

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.

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Essie Nail Lacquer in Not Red-y For Bed
The Drugstore Favorite

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.

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red nail polish
Butter London Nail Lacquer in True Red
The Best for Gel-Like Shine

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.

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red nail polish
Daisy DND in Ferrari Red
The Best Gel Option

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.

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red nail polish
JINsoon Polish in Ardor
The Cleanest Option

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.

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red nail polish
Olive & June Nail Polish in CV
The Easiest to Apply

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.

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red nail polish
Manucurist Paris Green Nail Polish in Poppy Red
The Sustainable Option

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.

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Jenna piotrowicz
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.