Found: The 12 Best Red Nail Polishes Money Can Buy

Best Overall: Emilie Heathe Longwear Nail Artist Polish in the Perfect Red

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“Need I say more? The name says it all,” says celebrity nail artist Elle of one of her all-time favorite reds. “It’s great for any skin tone and any season,” she adds. Indeed, it’s a true classic red with a great balance of both cool and warm undertones. The incredibly chic, round bottle that’s so pretty you’ll want to display it like a work of art is just an added bonus.

Shades: 13 | Size: 0.4 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Rhapsody Red

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Another great classic cherry red, this is our favorite option at the drugstore. And not only is the color amazing, but the formula is also super long-lasting, delivering up to eight days of chip-free, high-shine wear (and you don’t even need a base coat).

Shades: 59 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine, glitter | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Summer: Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Gitane

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Bright and vibrant, Elle says she often reaches for this in the warmer months: “It has a hint of orange in it that I gravitate towards for summer looks,” she explains. Also nice: The formula touts strengthening ingredients, such as ceramides, to help bolster your nails, too.

Shades: 33 | Size: 0.4 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Winter: Dior Vernis in Massai

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“This darker cherry red is great for winter,” says Elle. Indeed, it borders on the edge of burgundy, a rich and luxurious color that channels both festive and cozy vibes. Plus, it’s an incredibly shiny formula, so shiny that it rivals that of many gel polishes we’ve used.

Shades: 7 | Size: 0.3 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Orange-y Red: Essie Nail Polish in Lacquered Up

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The orange undertones in this Essie red are subtle enough that it never looks orange but enough to give it some nice dimension. It's supremely pigmented and has a high-gloss finish that accentuates the vibrant color, even more, not to mention it's one of the more affordable picks on the list.

Shades: 12 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Pink-y Red: JINsoon Nail Polish in Winky

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We love pretty much any and every color that celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi has in her eponymous line, but of all the red choices, this is our favorite. It’s one of those unique colors that’s a combo of a few different hues—in this case, pink, coral, and red—so it always looks a little different, depending on the light and who is wearing it. It’s also one of our go-to summer pedi colors.

Shades: 89 | Size: 1.6 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine, glitter, metallic | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Deep Red: LeChat Dare to Wear Nail Lacquer in Passionate Kiss

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A rich berry, wine tone, this is a great option for fans of the dark manicure. It’s dark enough that it could even sub in for black or plum, though less harsh. Elle is a fan, saying that it’s another great pick for fall and winter, adding that if you layer a gold shimmer color underneath, you can easily change the entire effect.

Shades: 27 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine, matte, glitter | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Pale Skin: OPI Nail Lacquer in A Little Guilt Under The Kilt

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TBH, we'd probably reach for this bottle based on the name alone, but the color is great, too. It's rich and glimmery and deep enough that it really pops on pale skin. (Though it can definitely be worn on all skin tones.)

Shades: 33 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Olive Skin: Olive and June Polish in CV

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A fire-engine red, this shade plays nicely off the yellow undertones typically found in those with more olive complexions. The formula is 7-free, and the brush has a unique, fan-shape for easy DIY manicuring. But if you really want to make it easy, pick up the brand’s The Poppy, a pop-on cap that makes painting even easier.

Shades: 110 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine, glitter | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Dark Skin: Pear Nova Classic Lacquer in Berry Jane

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The founder of this brand set out to create a range of polish colors that flatters all skin tones, particularly darker ones. She certainly succeeded, and this rich ruby red is proof positive. It never looks muddy or dirty, even on the deepest of skin colors. We also appreciate that the formula is 10-free.

Shades: 31 | Size: 0.3 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine, glitter | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Long-Lasting: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Lady is a Tramp

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For those who want the wear, shine, and cushiony look of a gel formula—but don’t want to deal with the hassle of the soak-off-removal process—this is an amazing alternative. Credit the unique formula that features a combo of 10 unique ingredients to deliver exactly that. The brush is noteworthy, too, with 320 bristles and a rounded tip to make application a breeze for anyone. There are a few reds to choose from, but we’re partial to this full-coverage, ruby red creme. 

Shades: 41 | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine, creme, glitter, metallic | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Sustainable: Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in 14 Hussy

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Not only are we big fans of this classic cherry red, but we’re pretty fond of the 10-free formula, which boasts myrrh extract to help strengthen our nails. Also nice? Each of Habit’s polishes is sustainably packaged in a glass bottle with a bamboo cap, recycled plastic parts, and FSC-certified paperboard.

Shades: 65 | Size: 0.3 fl. oz. | Finish: High shine, glitter | Cruelty-Free: Yes