Couleurs

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

7 min read
Timeless and universal, red is the most iconic colour in the world of manicures. It alone embodies desire, boldness and confidence. Whether fiery, earthy or glittery, red nail polish always has a place on our hands - and feet! Here are our recommendations for finding THE ideal shade for your skin tone, the season or the occasion, for perfect red nails. Red carpet mode activated!

 

A little overlooked in recent years, red is making a strong comeback in fashion and beauty. Just look at the 2025 haute couture shows to see it: Acne Studios, Balmain and Ferragamo are giving it pride of place. A welcome dose of dopamine that makes us want to wear it on our nails too.

 

Red, red, red...

The shades of red are endless, and new variations emerge every season. For beautiful classic red nails or to discover more original red nail polishes, the range of Green™ red nail polishes and Green Flash™ red nail polishes offers a wide choice of styles to suit every personality.

Passion reds

Passion reds are a must, especially when you’re in the mood for an intense, sophisticated manicure.

Let’s start with Red Cherry, THE classic, elegant red, the ultimate timeless choice. A bright cherry red shade that suits every skin tone. Yes, every single one, you read that right 🍒🥰

Light red with slightly rosy undertones, Anémone adds a soft touch to your hands. It lifts your mood and particularly enhances fair skin.

Lifestyle and solid red nail polish swatches in Red Cherry and Anémone
Cherry red or rosy red, find your ideal red polish.

 

Looking for a red with more orange notes? It’s Poppy Red! An intense shade with vermilion undertones that instantly brightens nails. We love wearing it in summer on sun-kissed skin.

As for Red Velvet, here is a deep velvet red, as captivating as it is glamorous, perfect for both evenings and everyday wear, and flattering on fair skin. A must-have for a chic manicure right down to your fingertips.

Lifestyle and swatches of Poppy Red and Red Velvet red nail polishes
Poppy Red, a vermilion red that works wonders, and Red Velvet, a velvety red that’s so glamorous.

 

Pop reds

For boldness and a burst of energy, go for pop reds.

A vibrant polish shade like Lava, for example (available in Green™ and Green Flash™ polish from 6 June 2025), a red with orange undertones, inspired by the warmth of long summer evenings, that looks just as good on short nails as on long nails.

You can also opt for Red Coral, a vibrant red with coral undertones, or Coral Reef, a super-bright coral that brings a dose of freshness and energy to your beautiful red nails, and particularly flatters dark skin.

Or Bougainvillea, a vivid pink-red nail polish that dances between energy and femininity. A playful, characterful shade that’s utterly irresistible on sun-kissed skin.

Lifestyle and red polish swatches: Lava, Red Coral, Bougainvillea
Lava, Red Coral and Bougainvillea, our pop red polish cocktail.

 

Earthy reds

Red also flirts with “clay court” shades in warm tones, which pair effortlessly with autumn or summer looks. With them, we look stylish and make a statement!

Brique is a red with orange accents that transports us to the heart of the souk, where spices and colours come alive beneath the blazing sun.

When autumn flirts with summer, Terracotta perfectly captures this transition with its burnt earth red that dresses your nails in warmth and character. Roland Garros style!

As for Indian Summer, it’s an invitation to a sensory journey. It’s an ochre red that evokes the end of an autumn afternoon and falling leaves. An ultra-enveloping colour, just how we like it.

Three incredible nail polish shades for medium and mixed skin tones: warm shades that enhance the complexion while adding depth.

Lifestyle and swatches of Brique, Terracotta and Indian Summer red nail polishes
A hint of late summer with red polishes inspired by earthy tones.

 

Dark reds

Intense raspberry red, Pomegranate embodies boldness and refinement in a single bottle. An ideal colour for a summer evening, this manicure trend evokes a sunset where warm colours mingle with sweet flavours. A touch of glamour at your fingertips!

Dark Pansy is a deep, mysterious burgundy red nail polish with velvety nuances. This deep shade evokes the richness of a fine wine matured under the autumn sun. An absolute beauty bag essential.

Or dive into the intensity of a blackened red with Hollyhock. The darkest shade of all adds a touch of mystery to your look, perfect for a rock-inspired style. Express your personality with this intense colour, somewhere between deep red and mysterious black, rebellious right down to your fingertips.

Lifestyle and red polish swatches: Pomegranate, Dark Pansy, Hollyhock
For a sensual, rebellious look, opt for dark red nail polishes.

 

Glittery reds

Can’t resist the sparkle of glitter nail polish? Shimmering reds are here just for you!

Fall for Utopia, a coppery brown metallic nail polish with golden red reflections, reminiscent of a sunset over autumn leaves. Its reflections light up nails across all skin tones.

You can also let yourself be enchanted by Red Hibiscus, a silky red with a pearlescent finish that captivates with its shine and luxurious feel. With every movement, it reveals its reflections for a “chic and shiny” manicure worthy of a red carpet!

Two stunning shades that catch the light while adding a touch of sophistication, perfect for major events paired with a beautiful evening outfit.

For long-lasting wear with these deep shades, discover Dark Pansy, Hollyhock and the full selection of burgundy gel polish to cure under an LED lamp.

Lifestyle and solid red nail polish shots of Utopia and Red Hibiscus
Dare to wear glittery reds for festive days.

 

5 red nail art ideas

The ultimate bold shade, red lends itself to a multitude of manicure styles, letting you play with a rich colour palette. Want to elevate your red polish with on-trend nail art? Here are 5 stunning red nail art inspirations.

Red patterns, so cute

Why not add a romantic touch to your red manicure with beautiful heart- or cherry-shaped designs ? These cute designs are perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day or the arrival of spring with a touch of sweetness. For application: on a sheer white or lightly pink base, use a dotting tool to delicately draw these little designs with the red nail polish of your choice. You’re the artist!

Lifestyle and solid red nail polish shots of Utopia and Red Hibiscus
Valentine’s hearts or spring cherry nails, what’s your favourite red nail art design?
(@matejanova, @look8thenails)

 

Red glazed nails

The glazed effect is an essential manicure trend. For the red version, start by applying a protective base coat, then follow with two thin coats of Poppy Red or Red Velvet polish. Wait for the polish to dry, then apply the Glazed powder over your red base. Clean away any excess powder and finish with a top coat as a finishing layer, and you’re all set! The perfect nail art with unmistakable pearly tones for a festive touch that’s totally on trend.

Red glazed nail art
Go for red glazed nails with Poppy Red by @m.o.n.a.j or Red Velvet with @look8thenails.

 

Red graphics

If you love minimalist, graphic styles, you’ll love mixing abstract shapes and bright colours to create a fun, modern manicure.

Try a Snake vibes nail art : on a sheer or pink base, use a fine brush and Poppy Red nail polish to draw a snake-shaped design that winds across the nail like red waves.

Another option, still using the brush: revisit the traditional French manicure by choosing a colour combination to create a pink and red double French manicure. Draw two clean, fine lines along the edge of the nail, one red with Red Cherry and one pink with Candy (or any other pink nail polish). A chance to play with your nail length (short or long nails) and create ultra-trendy two-tone nails. A simple, modern manicure that makes an impression with every gesture!

Snake vibes nail art in Poppy Red and double French pink and red
Bold vibes or a red & pink double French, so graphic!
(@look8thenails, @matejanova).

 

Tips to make your red manicure last

To make your beautiful red manicure last, be sure to prepare your nails properly before applying polish and adopt a suitable care routine.

Prepare your nails “like a pro”

Good preparation is the key to a perfect manicure that stands the test of time. Start by filing your nails into your desired shape. Then remember to soften your cuticles with a little Effective Cuticle Softener and push them back with an orange wood stick or a cuticle pusher, for clean nails with a neat, well-groomed base. Finally, light buffing with the Prep File removes imperfections from the nail surface, ensuring better polish adhesion.

Apply a Base Coat and a Top Coat

Never skip applying a quality base coat before your red nail polish. It forms a protective layer for your nails and creates an even surface, making polish application easier. Green™ Base Coat or Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat, each formula nourishes the nail and extends the wear time of your red manicure.

After applying your red nail polish, seal your manicure with a top coat using Top Coat Sunshine or Top Coat Green Flash™ for a glossy finish and long-lasting wear.

Moisturise daily

Keeping nails and cuticles hydrated is essential to prevent them from drying out and breaking. Use the Green Oil and/or the Perfecting Concentrate to deeply nourish your nails and give them a natural glow.

Green oil, Poppy Red manicure, Perfecting Concentrate
Preparation, protection, hydration: the keys to a long-lasting manicure.

 

The little extras that make all the difference

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

🌈Refresh your manicure after 4 or 5 days if it starts to lose its shine by applying a coat of Color Refresher.

⛱️Store your polishes away from light.

Red is more than just a colour, it’s a statement. It catches the eye like no other colour and reveals the beauty of your nails. Dare to be bold, explore the shades and let yourself be swept away by the energy of this iconic colour! Wear — and over-wear — red whatever the occasion, season or skin tone. Red is definitely not dead ❤️💋