The curious thing about classics is they seem to be timeless, but of course, what is now a universal staple was once as a passing trend. While red lacquered nails can be a part of your everyday beauty look in any season—in any decade—this was not always the case.
In fact, it is widely recognized that the ubiquity of red manicures emerged out of the Second World War when women in America found themselves on factory assembly lines building munitions, airplanes, and armored tanks—if you’re picturing Rosie the Riveter, you’re exactly on target. In her concise history of red nail polish for British Vogue, author Francesca Segal estimates that era’s reigning red was likely Revlon’s Cherries in the Snow or Scarlett Slipper. “Clever crimson-tipped fingers were busy winning the war,” she explains, concluding that love of makeup and commitment to hard work weren’t mutually exclusive and that red nails were emblematic of getting the job done.
Today, all sorts of people can be found sporting crimson polish, with or without the accompanying red lip of Rosie’s day. Whether running errands, working overtime, overseeing a business empire, or even rallying votes in congress like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a perfectly polished red manicure is a power move: red nails mean business.
Of course, 70-odd years after red manicures emerged as a trend, the color has become a classic. However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. With literally hundreds of different red nail polish shades and variants to choose from, it’s possible to find the perfect hue for you. Keep scrolling for 26 of the best red nail polishes of all time (plus a few special recommendations from three nail-industry experts), and we’re sure you’ll find your new favorite.
This shiny red polish is basically a beauty wardrobe staple.
A standout bright red that goes with everything.
The bottle looks like more of a berry red than a true classic, but don’t be fooled—the polish comes out as bright as the Big Apple.
Pair this signature Christian Louboutin shade with your red bottoms.
We love this rich berry red for winter.
This strawberry red is just gorgeous.
This berry red is fun and flirty.
This shade just looks rich.
Lauren Dunne, co-founder and CEO of Varnish Lane, says the brand’s clients swear by this bright orange-red hue all year long, and she counts it as a personal favorite.
Baby, you’re a firework…
We love bright orange-reds for a beach-vacation matching mani/pedi.
According to Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder and CEO of Olive and June, her community was begging for a classic red, so she set out on a mission to create the perfect one—and this is it! CV has been a fan favorite since it launched in 2019 and is a best seller on its website.
Another personal favorite of Dunne’s.
Some say this is the Revlon shade that started it all.
According to celebrity crystal manicurist and founder of Mazz Hanna Beauty Mazz Hanna, this is the most-requested red nail polish shade in her kit.
For a deeper, moodier take on blue-red polish.
Dunne loves this raspberry-red shade with rich purple undertones.
Your best bet for perfectly polished red nails in a flash.
Add a little spice to your regular red mani.
This shade is fiery in the best possible way.
This brighter Chanel red is a close second when it comes to the most-requested shade in Hanna’s kit.
This gorgeous shade by Smith & Cult is the perfect purple-red hue.
Hanna’s clients also love this classic OPI shade.
A dramatic take on a dark red-wine shade.
Why not pair your next manicure to your favorite vintage?
This wine-red hue is a favorite among Varnish Lane’s D.C. crowd during the holiday season.
Up next, The 10 Nail Polish Brands We Could Use Until the End of Time, No Complaints
This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
