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If you're anything like us, you know no red polish is quite the same. A quick scroll through TikTok's viral Red Nail Theory (which has amassed more than 20 million views and counting), and you'll see the varying red nail polishes on full display. From shades with warm or cool undertones to polishes with matte, glossy, or creamy finishes, there is truly no shortage of red polishes to match your style, personality, and mood. There's something about applying a coat (or two) of crimson polish that boosts your confidence. And while some shades are meant for a season, red has proven time and time again that it’s not a color that feels limited by the weather.
But with thousands of red nail polishes on the internet to choose from, it can be overwhelming to set out to find your signature shade. We’ve made the search easier by rounding up a list of the 10 best red nail polishes of all time.
How We Found The Best Red Nail Polishes
Although fashion is about following your gut, we like to use a more methodical approach when it comes to sussing out the best of the best. That’s why we turned to our unbiased algorithm for help finding the top-rated red polishes on the market. Unique to Rank & Style, this data-driven tool finds and ranks the best products on the internet by factoring in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, rave reviews, and more. From moody hues to bright and bold shades, scroll on to see which red nail polishes landed themselves a spot on our Top 10 list.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Dark Nail Colors.
July 31, 2023
Written By:Naomi Venerable
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
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Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Color In Pomegranate Punch
Overall Score
4.4
10
Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Color In Pomegranate Punch
4.28
14830 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Crimson Red Nail Polish
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Priced under $10, this 100% vegan red nail polish is the most affordable option on this Top 10 list. Sally Hansen's Pomegrante Punch is a deep crimson red that delivers 7-days of high shine and an excellect color payoff so you don't need several layers to achieve a perfect red mani.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This nail polish is 16-free, which means it is formulated without 16 toxic ingredients known to cause harm to humans or the environment such as synthetic fragrances and formaldehyde.
Clean Beauty
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Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish In Lady Is A Tramp
Overall Score
4.4
09
Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish In Lady Is A Tramp
4.38
1138 User Reviews
3.1
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Deep Red Nail Polish
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
For starters, Lady Is A Tramp is a fantastic name for a nail polish, and it’s hard to go wrong with Deborah Lippmann’s innovative contour brush. But more importantly, the rich, almost-maroon hue makes this the film noir version of red nail polish.
APPLICATION TIP
When applying this polish, start down the center of your nails, then work your way down the sides to avoid flooding your cuticles.
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JINsoon Nail Lacquer In Coquette
Overall Score
4.4
08
JINsoon Nail Lacquer In Coquette
4.55
91 User Reviews
2.5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Vintage Red Nail Polish
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Jin Soon named this shade after the 1929 film Coquette, a classic drama in which Mary Pickford falls in love with a man from “the other side of the tracks.” Simply put, we love a red that’s steeped in rebellion.
APPLICATION TIP
This is a quick-drying polish, which can be a saving grace or a disaster. To avoid the latter, make sure your nails are buffed before application.
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Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer In Rouge 999
Overall Score
4.45
07
Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer In Rouge 999
4.4
124 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Classic Red Nail Polish
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Dior’s Rouge 999 is a shade that makes us daydream of a romantic stroll down the streets of Paris. And it doesn’t hurt that the new polish formula plays up the smooth and shiny gel effect.
APPLICATION TIP
Dior’s brush is flat with a rounded tip, which makes it easy for even a beginner to apply the polish. However, we recommend rubbing a dab of vaseline on your cuticles—just in case.
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Revlon Nail Enamel In Fearless
Overall Score
4.5
06
Revlon Nail Enamel In Fearless
4.33
9321 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Fiery Red Nail Polish
WHO IT'S FOR
Revlon Nail Enamel in the shade Fearless is a fiery red that is more vibrant than your average true red nail polish. It leans on the more coral side thanks to its pink undertones so if you're into wearing non-traditional reds this one is for you.
USER REVIEW
"Gorgeous!!! Such a beautiful color!! Id describe it as a vibrant (not neon) but bold coral. Looks amazing on both pale and tanned skin! It is super pigmented and formula isn’t streaky... applies so nicely. Definitely recommend!"
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Olive & June Nail Polish In CV
Overall Score
4.5
05
Olive & June Nail Polish In CV
4.43
4308 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best True Red Nail Polish
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Named after fashion designer Claire Vivier, this polish has a bright, warm tone that makes it appropriate for any season. Not to mention, it’s one of the most affordable polishes on the list.
APPLICATION TIP
Olive And June recommends pairing this polish with their Super Glossy Top Coat to extend your manicure’s lifetime and add extra shine.
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Essie Nail Lacquer In Not Red-y For Bed
Overall Score
4.55
04
Essie Nail Lacquer In Not Red-y For Bed
4.51
43074 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Cherry Red Nail Polish
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
It doesn't get more classic than a rich cherry red. Essie's Not Red-y For Bed is confidently bold yet super approachable to wear. The glossy formula offers high shine and provides flawless coverage with each stroke.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This vibrant nail polish is an 8-free vegan formula, so you can rest assured that it's free of animal by products, and other toxic chemicals such as formaldehydes and resin.
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Essie Nail Lacquer In Forever Yummy
Overall Score
4.55
03
Essie Nail Lacquer In Forever Yummy
4.56
17654 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Berry Red Nail Polish
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Neither bright or dull, Forever Yummy delivers a creamy red. The opaque color this bold and rich in pigment and acts as a good neutral red for when you want to rock a red manicure that doesn't skew too blue or orange.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The salon-quality formula is a breeze to apply thanks to the exclusive easy-glide brush which makes it possible to achieve a professional looking manicure from home.
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OPI Nail Lacquer In Coca Cola Red
Overall Score
4.65
02
OPI Nail Lacquer In Coca Cola Red
4.71
943 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Bright Red Nail Polish
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
OPI has managed to craft a classic, red nail lacquer reminiscient of a can of Coca-Cola. The classic bright red shade is always in style and looks good on a range of skin tones.
APPLICATION TIP
OPI suggests applying two thin coats of the fast drying formula to enjoy up to 7 days of durable wear.
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OPI Nail Lacquer In Big Apple Red
Overall Score
4.8
01
OPI Nail Lacquer In Big Apple Red
4.6
35429 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Red Nail Polish Overall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Big Apple Red is everything we want a red nail polish to be: eye-catching, timeless, and bold. The classic, vivid red is neutral so its suitable for all skin tones. Plus, if OPI wasn't number one, we’d be second-guessing our algorithm.
APPLICATION TIP
It takes about 15 minutes for polish to dry and set completely, so make sure you set up your Netflix queue before you start applying.
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