Couleurs

Which Red Nail Polish to Choose? Our Best Ideas for a Perfectly Glamorous Manicure

5 min to read
Timeless and universal, red is the most iconic shade in the manicure world. It alone evokes desire, boldness and confidence. Whether fiery, earthy or glittery, red polish always earns its spot—on hands *and* feet! Here are our top picks to help you find THE perfect red for your skin tone, the season, or the moment, for flawless red nails. Red carpet mode: on!

 

After taking a backseat in recent years, red is making a major comeback in beauty and fashion. Just take a look at the 2025 haute couture runways—Acne Studios, Balmain, and Ferragamo have all embraced the trend. A welcome dose of dopamine that makes us want to wear it on our nails too.

 

Red, red, red...

Red comes in endless shades, and new ones emerge every season. Whether you’re after a classic red nail polish or something a little more unique, the range of Green™ red polishes and Green Flash™ red polishes offers something for every style and personality.

Passionate Reds

Passionate reds are must-haves when you want a bold, sophisticated manicure.

Let’s start with Red Cherry, the ultimate classic red—elegant and timeless. A vibrant cherry red that flatters every skin tone. Yes, every single one 🍒🥰

With its light red hue and subtle pink undertones, Anémone brings a gentle glow to your hands. Especially flattering on fair skin, it instantly lifts your mood.

Cherry red or soft rosy red—find your perfect red polish match.

Looking for a red with orange undertones? Try Poppy Red—a fiery shade with vermilion undertones that instantly brightens the nails. We love it in summer on sun-kissed skin.

As for Red Velvet, it’s a deep velvety red as captivating as it is glamorous. Perfect for both everyday wear and evening looks, especially on fair skin. A must-have for a chic finish all the way to your fingertips.

Poppy Red—brilliant and bold; Red Velvet—rich and ultra-glam.

Pop Reds

For a fun, vibrant vibe, go for pop reds.

Lava (available June 6, 2025 in Green™ and Green Flash™) is a red with orangey undertones, inspired by warm summer nights—perfect on both short and long nails.

Or try Red Coral, a coral-tinged red, or Coral Reef, a bright coral bursting with freshness and energy—especially stunning on deeper skin tones.

Bougainvillea is another standout: a vivid pink-red bursting with character, irresistible on sun-kissed skin.

Lava, Red Coral, Bougainvillea—a zesty cocktail of pop reds.

Earthy Reds

Red also blends beautifully with warm, earthy clay tones—perfect for autumn or late-summer looks. Stylish and bold!

Brique is a red with orange accents that whisks you away to a vibrant souk, filled with colour and spices under the blazing sun.

As summer fades into autumn, Terracotta perfectly captures that moment with its burnt-earth red hue—a touch of warmth and flair for your fingertips. Channeling those Roland Garros vibes!

And Indian Summer invites you on a sensory journey with its ochre red tone, reminiscent of a golden autumn afternoon and falling leaves. Cozy, comforting colour at its best.

These three earthy shades are gorgeous on medium to deep skin tones, enhancing warmth and depth.

Late-summer tones meet earthy reds for an effortlessly stylish mani.

Deep Reds

Pomegranate delivers intense raspberry red—equal parts bold and refined. Think golden hour meets fruity indulgence. Glamour at your fingertips!

Dark Pansy is a deep bordeaux red polish with velvety undertones—like a fine wine aged under the autumn sun. A timeless classic for your beauty bag.

For an even bolder statement, there’s Hollyhock: the deepest red-black shade in the lineup. Bold, mysterious, and the perfect pick for a rock-inspired look. Red meets black in the most rebellious way.

For a bold or sultry edge, go deep with red.

Shimmery Reds

Can’t resist a little sparkle? Shimmery red polishes are made for you!

Fall in love with Utopia, a metallic coppery brown with golden-red reflections—like autumn leaves glowing at sunset. It flatters every skin tone.

Or let yourself be charmed by Red Hibiscus, a lustrous red with a pearly finish that sparkles luxuriously with every move. It’s the ultimate “chic and shiny” manicure for festive occasions.

Two luminous shades that reflect the light and bring a touch of elegance to special events—especially when paired with a polished evening look.

Shimmery reds for party-ready fingertips.

5 Red Nail Art Ideas

Bold and vibrant, red is a go-to for creative manicures—and it pairs beautifully with other shades. Want to elevate your red polish with trendy nail art? Here are 5 red nail art ideas you’re going to love.

Red Patterns So Cute

Add a romantic twist to your red manicure with heart or cherry-shaped designs. These playful patterns are perfect for Valentine’s Day or celebrating the arrival of spring. For application: on a translucent white or soft pink base, use a dotting tool to draw your little motifs using the red polish of your choice. Time to get creative—artist mode on!

Valentine hearts or spring cherry nails—what’s your favorite red nail art?
(@matejanova, @look8thenails)

Red Glazed Nails

The glazed effect is an unmissable nail trend. For a red version, apply a protective base coat followed by two thin layers of Poppy Red or Red Velvet. Once dry, dust on the Glazed Powder. Brush off the excess and finish with a glossy top coat. Voilà—a pearlescent manicure perfect for festive moments and right on trend.

Fall for glazed red: Poppy Red by @m.o.n.a.j or Red Velvet by @look8thenails.

Red Graphics

If you're into minimal and modern looks, you’ll love mixing abstract shapes and bold shades for a fun, graphic manicure.

Try a “Snake Vibes” nail art: on a translucent or light pink base, use a fine liner brush and Poppy Red to draw a wavy serpent-like line across the nail.

Or remix the classic French with a double red and pink French manicure. Using Red Cherry and Candy (or any pink polish), draw two clean lines at the tip—one red, one pink. A playful twist that works on both short and long nails, this duo-tone French mani is modern, elegant, and totally in style.

Snake lines or bold double French—so graphic!
(@look8thenails, @matejanova)

Tips for Long-Lasting Red Manicures

To keep your red manicure looking fresh for longer, nail prep is essential. Combine it with smart care steps and you'll enjoy stunning colour for days!

Prep Your Nails Like a Pro

Great nails start with thorough preparation. Start by filing your nails into the shape you want. Soften cuticles with a drop of Effective Emollient, then push them back gently using a wooden stick or a cuticle pusher. Finally, a gentle buff with the Buffer sponge smooths the nail surface for better polish grip.

Use Base & Top Coat

Never skip base coat—it protects your nails and ensures better colour hold. Choose Green™ Base Coat or Vitamin-enriched Green Flash™ Base Coat to nourish and prep the nail.

After applying your red polish, finish with a top coat for a shiny, long-lasting result. Try Sunshine Top Coat or Green Flash™ Top Coat.

Hydration = Duration

Hydrated nails and cuticles resist chipping and breakage. Use Green Oil and/or Perfecting Concentrate to deeply nourish and maintain shine.

Prep, protect, hydrate—your red manicure routine made to last.

Extra Tips That Make All the Difference

💦 Avoid hot water and bumps in the hours following polish application.

🌈 Refresh your mani after 4–5 days with a layer of Colour Refresher.

⛱️ Store your polish away from light to preserve its formula.

Red is more than just a colour—it’s a statement. It draws attention like no other and highlights the natural beauty of your nails. Be bold, explore its many shades, and let yourself be carried away by this iconic hue. Red is always a good idea ❤️💋