Colors

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

6 min to read
Red, timeless and universal, is the most iconic color in the manicure world. It embodies desire, confidence and boldness. Whether fiery, earthy or sparkly, red polish always earns its spot on hands—and feet! Here are our top picks to help you find YOUR perfect red based on your skin tone, the season or a special event—for flawless red nails. Time to roll out the red carpet!

 

After taking a bit of a backseat in recent years, red is making a major comeback in beauty and fashion. Just take a look at the 2025 haute couture shows—Acne Studios, Balmain and Ferragamo are all giving it the spotlight. A feel-good dopamine hit we can't wait to wear… on our nails too!

 

Red, red, red...

Red shades are endless, with new variations emerging each season. Whether you’re after classic red nails or on the hunt for something more unexpected, the Green™ red polish and Green Flash™ red polish collections offer a broad range of styles to match every personality.

Passionate reds

Passionate reds are essential when you're craving a bold and sophisticated manicure.

Let’s start with Red Cherry—the go-to classic. A vibrant cherry red that suits all skin tones. Yes, all of them. 🍒🥰

A soft light red with rosy undertones, Anemone adds a gentle touch to your nails and looks especially stunning on fair skin.

Lifestyle and red polish flatlays: Red Cherry and Anemone
Cherry red or rosy red—find your perfect red polish match.

 

Looking for a red with orange undertones? Try Poppy Red. This vibrant shade with a vermilion tint brings instant brightness to your nails. We love it on sun-kissed skin in summer.

As for Red Velvet, it’s a deep, velvety red that’s both captivating and chic. Perfect for evening glam or everyday elegance—especially on fair skin. A red classic that never disappoints.

Lifestyle and red polish flatlays: Poppy Red and Red Velvet
Poppy Red, a bright vermilion; Red Velvet, velvety and oh-so-glam.

Pop reds

If you're after boldness and energy, go for vibrant pop reds.

Lava is one of them—a vibrant red with orange undertones (available in Green™ and Green Flash™ starting June 6, 2025), inspired by the warmth of long summer nights. It looks stunning on both short and long nails.

You could also choose Red Coral, a bright red with coral undertones, or Coral Reef, a super-bright coral that brings a refreshing burst of energy and pairs beautifully with darker skin tones.

And for a touch of playfulness, try Bougainvillea, a bright pink-red polish that walks the line between vibrant charm and soft elegance. Totally irresistible on sun-kissed skin.

Lifestyle and red polish flatlays: Lava, Red Coral, Bougainvillea
Lava, Red Coral, Bougainvillea—your perfect pop red trio.

 

Earthy reds

Red can also flirt with warm, earthy “clay-like” tones that pair beautifully with autumn or summer looks. Stylish and statement-making every time!

Brique is a red with burnt orange accents that instantly transports you to a vibrant souk filled with spices under the blazing sun.

When summer fades into autumn, Terracotta perfectly captures the transition with its burnt earth red, full of warmth and personality. Think Roland Garros vibes, right on your nails.

Indian Summer is an invitation to indulge. This ochre-toned red channels that magical late-afternoon autumn glow. So rich and comforting—you’ll fall in love.

These three stunning shades look incredible on medium to deeper skin tones, enhancing warmth and adding rich depth.

Lifestyle and red polish flatlays: Brique, Terracotta, Indian Summer
End-of-summer vibes with our earthy red polishes.

 

Deep reds

Looking for something bold and sultry? Deep reds are always in style.

Pomegranate is a rich raspberry red that channels elegance and allure in a bottle. Ideal for a summer night out—it’s like a sunset kissed with fruity sweetness. Total glamour.

>Dark Pansy is a deep burgundy red with a velvet twist. A rich, wine-like tone that brings serious chic to your fingertips. A true essential in any nail wardrobe.

Want something even bolder? Hollyhock is a blackened red for a mysterious, rock-inspired edge. It's the darkest of the dark, somewhere between deep red and inky noir. Not for the faint-hearted!

Lifestyle and red polish flatlays: Pomegranate, Dark Pansy, Hollyhock
For a bold, sensual or edgy look—deep reds do it best.

Glittery reds

Love a bit of sparkle? Shimmering red polishes are made for you!

Fall under the spell of Utopia, a coppery metallic brown with golden-red highlights that brings to mind autumn leaves at sunset. Its luminous reflections enhance all skin tones.

Or be captivated by Red Hibiscus, a silky red with a pearlescent finish—luxurious, radiant and eye-catching. It shimmers with every movement, for a red-carpet-ready manicure!

Two standout shades that play with light and bring a touch of elegance to any festive occasion, paired perfectly with your favourite evening outfit.

Lifestyle and red polish flatlays: Utopia and Red Hibiscus
Say yes to sparkling reds for all your celebrations.

 

5 red nail art ideas

Bold and versatile, red is a dream canvas for creative nail looks. Want to level up your red manicure 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 mani with sweet heart or cherry motifs. These adorable designs are perfect for Valentine’s Day or to celebrate spring with a soft, playful vibe. For best results, apply over a sheer white or pale pink base and use a dotting tool to draw tiny details in your favourite red shade. Artist mode: activated!

Red heart and cherry nail art
Hearts or cherries—what’s your red nail art vibe?
(@matejanova, @look8thenails)

 

Red glazed nails

The glazed effect is still trending—and it looks stunning in red. Start with a protective base, then apply two thin coats of Poppy Red or Red Velvet. Once dry, dust on a layer of Glazed Powder. Gently brush off any excess, seal with a top coat, and voilà! A soft pearly finish for a festive look that’s totally now.

Red glazed nail art
Fall for the glazed red look—Poppy Red by @m.o.n.a.j or Red Velvet with @look8thenails.

 

Red graphics

Minimalist and graphic lovers, this one’s for you. Create abstract shapes and bold lines for a fun and modern manicure.

Try a snake-inspired nail art: on a sheer or pink base, use a fine liner brush to paint a red wave or curve with Poppy Red—like a winding snake across your nail.

Want something graphic and elegant? Reimagine the classic French mani with a red and pink double French tip. Draw two slim lines at the edge of the nail using Red Cherry and a pink like Candy. Play with nail length and create ultra-trendy two-tone tips. So simple, so chic!

Snake wave and double French red & pink nail art
Bold waves or graphic French tips—go red, go modern!
(@look8thenails, @matejanova)

Tips for a long-lasting red manicure

Want your gorgeous red mani to last? It all starts with proper prep and a care routine that makes all the difference. Here’s how to do it like a pro.

Prep your nails “like a pro”

Great prep = long-lasting polish. It’s the golden rule for a flawless mani that stands the test of time. Start by filing your nails to your desired shape. Then soften your cuticles using a few drops of Effective Emollient and gently push them back with a wooden stick or a cuticle pusher to create a clean, tidy nail base.

Finish with a light buff using the Prep Sponge File to smooth out any ridges and help your polish stick better. Smooth nails = better hold!

Always use a Base Coat and Top Coat

Never skip the base coat—it’s your nails’ best friend. It protects the nail and evens out the surface for a smoother polish application. Choose between Green™ Base Coat or Green Flash™ Vitamin-Enriched Base Coat—each formula strengthens and helps your red manicure stay gorgeous longer.

After your color, seal everything in with a glossy finish using Sunshine Top Coat or Green Flash™ Top Coat for that ultra-shiny, long-lasting finish.

Hydrate daily

Keep your nails and cuticles healthy with daily hydration. Use Green Oil and/or Perfecting Concentrate to nourish deeply and give nails a natural glow.

Green Oil, Poppy Red manicure, Perfecting Concentrate
Prep, protect, hydrate: your red manicure must-haves.

 

Little things that make a big difference

💦 Avoid hot water and knocks for a few hours after applying your polish.

🌈 Refresh your mani after 4–5 days with a coat of Color Refresher to bring back the shine.

⛱️ Store your polish away from direct sunlight.

Red isn’t just a color—it’s a whole attitude. It grabs attention like nothing else and brings out the best in your nails. Embrace boldness, play with shades, and let yourself be carried away by the power of this iconic color. Rock red all year long, no matter the season, the event, or your skin tone. Red is here to stay ❤️💋