Red Manicures Always Look Classy—14 Nail Polishes That Will Achieve the Look
Whether you're a burgundy gal, a true-red devotee or someone who is more partial to a fiery shade of scarlet, it's fair to say that red is the most classic nail colour there is. In our experience, it also seems to be a particular favourite of the fashion girl—which makes total sense since a bright red manicure is one of the best ways to elevate your look or add a pop of colour to a neutral outfit,.
Without further ado, I present to you the 14 red nail polishes that come beauty editor approved. We've done the testing so you don't have to. Scroll down to see my shortlist.
The best red nail polishes:
Fifth Avenue is a classic because it works well for both warm and cool skin tones.
Looking for an affordable red? H&M's nail polishes are surprisingly pigmented and long lasting.
Arguably one of the most famous nail polishes of all time, Rouge Noir is so dark, it's almost black.
Russian Roulette is a warmer-toned red, making it perfect for pairing with warm skin tones.
If you're not a fan of a true red, try this muted berry shade.
This dark wine red has a high shine finish which looks so chic on longer nails.
Whether applied on every nail or worn as an accent nail, Moscow will always add an eyecatching pop of colour.
This cool-toned raspberry red is bold, bright, and ideal for drawing attention to short nails.
Not quite red and not quite orange, I love this punchy shade on toes in the summer months.
When I'm feeling indecisive, I always come back to this wearable vintage red.
Next Up: 84 Incredible Nail-Art Designs to Screengrab Before Your Next Salon Trip
Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.
-
Claudia Winkleman's Leggings on The Traitors Are the Exact Pair Our Editors Have Been Buying for Years
Everyone should know about these.
By Natalie Munro
-
Elle Fanning Just Wore the One Major 2025 Trend I Didn’t Expect to See on the Red Carpet
So good, she wore it to the after party, too.
By Maxine Eggenberger
-
Wearing These Colours With This Nail Shape Made My Manicures Look So Expensive
Chic and elegant too.
By Grace Day
-
6 Months Ago My Manicurist Told Me This Serum Would Transform My Nails—She Was Right
Hello, long nails!
By Grace Day
-
Pull Up Your Birth Chart—An Astrologer Says These Beauty Tips Were Made For Your Zodiac Sign
It's written in the stars.
By Eleanor Vousden
-
I Thought a French Manicure Was Boring But These 13 Fresh Designs Prove It's Actually Incredibly Chic
So stylish.
By Grace Lindsay
-
My Friend Asked Me What Nail Colours Work Best with Engagement Rings—I Suggested These 5 Elegant Options
The classiest shades you can wear.
By Grace Day
-
I'm Bored of My Basic Mani—5 Fresh and Classy Nail Art Trends I'm Trying Instead in 2025
They come expert-approved.
By Grace Lindsay
-
This Elegant Manicure Combines Two of the Classiest Nail Trends of All Time
A match made in heaven.
By Grace Lindsay
-
The Glowdown: Leomie Anderson Shares the Beauty Secrets We All Want to Know
You won't want to miss this.
By Grace Lindsay