The 13 Truest, Prettiest, Boldest Red Nail Polishes in Existence (2025)

This crisp cherry-red nail polish is definitively brighter thanyour average true-red nail polish, thanks to its milky pink tones. What you end up with is a shade that errs more on the coral side—a bonus for anyone notsuperinto reds. Swipe on a cuticle oil after your nails dry to get that professional-looking finish.

What’s that thing about two being better than one? Oh, right—a fact. If you can’t decide between a neutral red and a glittery red, Nails Inc. has you covered with this limited-edition red nail polish set. On the left, a true, true red (i.e., a blue-based, looks-good-on-everyone red) and on the right, a glitter-spiked polish with flecks of silver, pinks, and reds.

Okay, fine, this is technicallya berry shade, but I’m still counting it as red nail polish, k? OPI’s iconic formula (you know, the one that is ultra opaque, smooth, shiny, and crazy durable) also comes in this gorgeous, blue-based raspberry shade. After filing your nails—with aglassnail file, obvs—swipe on two coats and live your best fall life.

Spending your rent moneyon designer clothesmay not be realistic, but you can always treat yourself to fancy designernail polish, am I right?Try thistomato-red nail polish (it looks extra gorgeous against tan or medium skin tones),so you canwear your Tom Ford every night of the week.

This red nail polish has just theslightesthint of warmth to it, making it look extra striking on all skin tonesbut especially those with tan, olive, or deep skin. Paint on two coats and finish with a long-wear top coat to keep your nails chip-free and shiny.

This universally flattering wine-red nail polish is opaque, so itcovers your nails in one even coat.But, um, please make sure to still dotwo coatsand finish with a top coat—it’ll keep your nails chip-free for longer.

Not a fan of matte nail polish? Good, because this glossy red nail polishis anything but. Thesuper-shiny effect ofthe formulalasts up to 10 days, so your nails will look just as good next weekend as they do right now (ahem, paint your nails right now).

Not only does the formula of this red nail polish have 2,000 reviews on Amazon (I meaaan), but its metallic hue is also a spring nail trend for 2020.With a touch of rusty metallic in its deep-red base, this polish has just enough reflection to keep from looking flat.

If red nail polishhas always felt a little too look-at-me bright for you,I get it. The fix: this strawberry-tone red, which not only complements every skin tone but also reads as a little bit more subtle, thanks to its pink undertones.

This shimmering ruby-red nail polishallows your nails to “breathe” right through two coats, so you won’t be left with dry, peeling nails by the time you take it off at the end of the week. Other bonus:Its glitter flecks are small and subtle, not in-your-face sparkly, making it the perfect fall or winter nail color.

I may be a little biased because I’m wearing this polish right now, but this dark brick-red nail polish is legit the perfect nail polish for summer or fall (yes, really)thanks to its darker, warmer undertones.

Chanel knows a thing or two about classic beauty, and there are few things as classic and as beautiful as a glossy red nail, IMO. Go straight to the source with this slightly pinkish-red nail polish that’s also 5-free.

Swiping on this berry-red nail polish is like a day at the spa for your nails: It’s loaded with hydrating ingredients like argan oil, evening primrose oil, and vitamin E, to help moisturize and strengthen dry nailswithout leaving them brittle.