Top 15 Red Nail Polishes Of 2023
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Baishali Bhattacharya Certified Image Consultant, Certified In Makeup Artistry
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
Red was once considered daring, defiant even, and most women dared not incorporate it into their vanity. However, the times, they are a-changin’, and from red nail polishes to red lipsticks, this shade is now a common sight in the makeup industry. Red nail polish can create a dramatic fashion statement when worn in the right shade suited to your skin tone. The darker shades of red look gorgeous on dusky skin tones, while the orangish-red hues are perfect for fair to medium tones. Red nail polish is very chic and classy and can be paired with any outfit! Check out our top picks of red polish from the list below.
In This Article
15 Best Red Nail Polishes
1. Best Thick Formula:OPI Nail Lacquer – Big Apple Red
A bright, shiny, luscious red nail polish is all you need in your vanity. This red nail polish in the shade Big Apple Red by O.P.I will give you the confidence to flaunt your hands and make a bold style statement. This signature O.P.I formula has more of a berry red color.
This nail polish stays on for up to 7 days without wearing off. Apply two coats of this formula and match it with any of your favorite outfits.
Pros
- Thick formula
- Offers good coverage
- Does not wear off
Cons
None
2. Best For Healthy Nails:Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish – Red-iance
There is nothing like a true blood-red nail polish that inspires you with a little extra confidence. If you are looking for an iconic, bold red color for your nails, the shade Red-iance by Sally Hansen is here with its innovative formula. This fancy red color adds radiance to your look, and its formula is infused with argan oil that provides an instant moisturizing effect to your nails and makes them healthy.
Pros
- Moisturizes the nails
- Provides nourishment
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Might get streaky
3. Best Chip-Resistant Formula:Revlon Nail Enamel – 680 Revlon Red
This crisp red nail polish by Revlon Nail Enamel has a Chip-Defiant Formula that provides gorgeously smooth color. This formula, along with the anti-fade technology, helps the nail polish stay on for a long time. It is formulated without formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. The shade leans more toward coral and is perfect for people who do not prefer tangy red tones.
Pros
- Chip-resistant
- Anti-fade technology
- Long-lasting
- Formulated without added preservatives
- Flawless application
Cons
None
4. Best Fast-Drying Formula:Wet n Wild Fast Dry AF Nail Color- Red Light District
The Fast Dry AF nail color from Wet n Wild is the stuff of dreams with its fast-drying technology for those whose nails take a long time to dry. This technology boasts to dry up nail color within 40 seconds. It also has a strong staying power, with the color lasting for about 5 days, which means no more ruined manicures or smeared nail paint. Instead, this nail paint leaves your nails with an impeccable shine and salon-like finish in just a single coat.
Pros
- Chip resistant
- Quick drying formula
- Affordable
- Long lasting
Cons
- Sheer coverage
5. Best For All Skin Tones:Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish – It’s Raining Men
This Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in the shade It’s Raining Men is a beautiful neutral shade of red. Its dual-patented formula with 10 active ingredients adds glamour to your nails and keeps them healthy. This is more of a watermelon red color that is not too heavy and has a pretty, summery touch to it.
The formula is opaque and creamy, and it applies effortlessly without chipping off. The brush is soft and full, which makes application even easier. This rich, velvety shade works on all skin tones.
Pros
- Nourishes your nails
- Opaque coverage
- Soft, wide brush for easy application
- Suitable for all skin tones
Cons
- Not very long-lasting
6. Best Vegan Formula:Smith & Cult Nail Polish – Kundalini Hustle
Smith & Cult’s Kundalini Hustle Nail Polish is a beautiful and glamorous red color that looks flattering with any skin tone. You can achieve a true red color with just one swipe. Use it with the brand’s top coat for a chip-free, glossy finish. Its formula is vegan and free from any kind of added preservatives.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Opaque and thick formula
- Vegan
- Free from preservatives
- Chip-resistant
Cons
- Might feel a little cakey
7. Best Long-Lasting Results:ZOYA Nail Polish – Carmen
There’s no way you can go wrong with this strawberry red nail color by ZOYA. It is a bright, clean, and true medium shade of red that has a glossy and creamy finish. Its luxurious formula gives you the perfect balance of color saturation and hydration. This nail polish is significantly long-lasting and has a 10-free formula.
Pros
- 10-free formula
- Creamy consistency
- Long-lasting
- Vegan
- Glossy finish
Cons
None
8. Best With UV Filter:JINsoon Quintessential Collection Nail Lacquer – Coquette
This classic red nail polish shade by JINsoom is inspired by the 1929 film Coquette. This modern red color has a warm, feminine touch. Its formula is infused with a UV filter, and it does not fade or wear away. The 5-free formula also does not contain any harsh chemicals. It creates a long-lasting manicure. This double-patented formula also offers a smooth finish and is vegan-friendly.
Pros
- 5-free formula
- Infused with a UV filter
- No harsh chemicals
- Long-lasting
- Vegan
Cons
- Not suitable for all skin tones
9. Best Opaque Coverage:China Glaze Nail Polish – 105 Salsa
This beautiful Christmas red shade of nail polish offers opaque coverage with a single swipe. The polish lasts for quite some time without staining or chipping. Its formula dries quickly to give you gorgeous nails on the go.
This nail polish promotes healthy nail growth and is free from added chemicals. Its soft, non-thickening consistency gives you the exact bold red color that you desire.
Pros
- Opaque coverage
- Long-lasting
- Free from added chemicals
- Non-thickening formula
Cons
None
10. Best Highly Pigmented:Christian Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer – 999 Rouge
Flaunt this intense and vibrant red by Christian Dior with sheer elegance. This gel-effect nail polish has an advanced formula that is highly pigmented and provides the perfect finish with just a single swipe. The shade Rouge looks striking on all skin tones and gives your nails a glass-like shine.
Pros
- Gel-effect finish
- Highly pigmented
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Long-lasting
Cons
None
11. Best For Smooth Application:Christian Louboutin Nail Polish – Rouge Louboutin
Rouge Louboutin is a timeless and radiant shade of red. This nail color goes well with every skin tone. You can also pair this signature red shade with your Red Bottoms. Its formula is highly pigmented, chip-resistant, and free from toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde. Get that brilliant, shiny finish that you have always wanted with this classic nail polish. Its applicator gives you a perfectly smooth finish. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Highly pigmented
- Chip-resistant
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Smooth application
- Does not streak or bubble
Cons
None
12. Best Full Coverage:Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer – 50028 Fire Cracker
This classy red shade by Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer gives your nails a bright and exotic look. You can sport this color with any outfit. The formula turns opaque with two coats and helps you achieve full coverage that does not wear off easily.
Pros
- Does not wear off
- Full coverage
- Long-lasting
Cons
None
13. Best Ultra-Long Wear:Oribe The Lacquer High Shine Nail Polish – The Red
Oribe The Lacquer High Shine Nail Polish is an ultra-long wear nail polish. This red nail polish gives you the ultimate coverage. Its color does not fade away. It stays on for quite a while and satisfactorily flatters all skin tones.
Just apply two thin coats of this polish to get that brilliantly glamorous nail look. Its formula is thick, and you will instantly fall in love with it once you have it on your nails. Its Shade-Lock Technology delivers full coverage and high impact color and locks it in for ultra-long wear. This polish has an 8-free formula, which makes it safe to use.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Highly pigmented
- Suitable for all skin tones
- 8-free formula
- Chip-resistant
Cons
None
14. Best Fragrance-Free Formula:SOPHi Nail Polish Red Bottom Stilettos- Matte Red
For anyone sensitive to fumes and chemicals in their nail paints, the odorless and non-toxic SOPHi Nail Polish is a great pick. This nail polish is fortified with an advanced PRIME+SHINE+SEAL System that ensures maximum longevity. In addition, it features a water-based formula that allows you to have an easy and lasting manicure without worrying about harsh chemicals.
Pros
- Full coverage
- Chip resistant
- Non-toxic
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
15. Best For Medium Skin Tone:Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color – 510 Gitane
This fiery red nail polish by Chanel has a rich and creamy formula that sits comfortably on your nails. Its newly upgraded 5-free formula features bioceramics and ceramides that are responsible for strengthening your nails. The shade Gitane is more of a tomato red color that works best for people with medium skin tones. The new and improvised brush helps you with an even application. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product.
Pros
- Creamy formula
- 5-free formula
- Strengthens your nails
- Even application
Cons
None
Infographic: What To Look For When Buying Red Nail Polish
You can never really go wrong with red nail polish, as it will never go out of style. Red nails are sure to add all the spice to your outfit, but to do so, you must pick the right shade and formula that will work the best for you. Check out the infographic below to know what factors to consider when buying red nail polish.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Red nail polishes are bold, just like red lipsticks. Incorporate them into your makeup collection to make a style statement. The right nail polish shades complement your skin tone – darker tones flatter fair skin and lighter shades work wonders for darker skin tone. The best red nail polishes mentioned in our list are non-toxic and provide great coverage. In addition, some of these formulas are vegan, chip-resistant, and provide long-lasting results. However, some nail polishes do not suit every skin undertone. You may also want to avoid nail polishes that streak.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is certified in makeup artistry. She is also a nail art enthusiast and an expert in choosing the best nail polish and accessories. This well-researched list of red nail polishes covers everything you need to create a dramatic fashion statement. The chic and classy red nail polishes mentioned here offer good coverage and are durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best quality red nail polish?
If you are looking for the best quality red nail polish that is long-lasting, chip-resistant, and gives you opaque coverage, go for OPI Nail Lacquer in the shade Big Apple Red.
Is red nail polish in style?
Red nail polish is very much in fashion. It looks classy, modern, and elegant. Be it for regular wear, the festive season, or a grand party – you can never go wrong with red nails.
Does red nail polish look good on everyone?
Yes, the right shade of red can suit every skin tone.
What do your nails say about your personality?
Check out the following nail shapes and their corresponding personality traits:
- Long vertical nails show an artistic and sweet-tempered personality.
- Triangular nails show an over-sensitive personality trait.
- Oval nails show jovial, friendly nature that is adaptable to change.
- Wide nails show open-mindedness and are emotionally expressive.
- Almond-shaped nails show a caring, imaginative, trustworthy, and loyal nature.
- Square nails show leadership skills, courage, and a focussed mind.
What are the 5 common nail problems?
The common nail problems are brittle nails, onycholysis or when your nail separates from its nail bed, paronychia or nail inflammation, nail ridges, and leukonychia or white lines and spots.
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