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A Definitive Ranking of the Best Red Nail Polishes

With red being the representative color of many covetable things (among them love and wine), we are constantly in search of the best red to sport on our nails. Luckily, Rank & Style has taken it upon themselves to test and determine the most superior shades of red, narrowing their selection to a very special ten. Using a sophisticated method taking into account top sellers, industry favorites, user reviews and more, these ten polishes have defintely passed the test to distinguish themselves as the top red polishes of the moment. Check out the list below and be sure to pick up a bottle for yourself!

10. Fishnet Stockings by Essie ($8.50)

With a name like Fishnet Stockings and a price tag of under $10, we’ll be stocking up on bottles of this Essie red. 

9. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Dragon ($27)

This triple threat moisturizes and strengthens nails while adding a punchy pop of color. Not to mention when people ask who you’re wearing, you can shamelessly answer, “Chanel.”

8. NARS Nail Polish in Jungle Red ($20)

This shade scored extremely well with users and distinguishes itself as an editor’s pick. The deeper shade is a bit more unexpected and is perfect for fall.

7. Revlon Nail Enamel in Revlon Red ($8.78)

Earning top marks in the price and editor categories, this drugstore buy can’t be passed up. Promising to last up to ten days, you’ll come back to this polish again and again.

6. Christian Louboutin ‘Rouge Louboutin’ Nail Colour ($50)

The genius behind those enviable red soles has bottled his signature crimson for some serious nail candy. Housed in a handcrafted glass bottle with a specially-designed triangular brush for precise application, it’s almost too pretty to use. Sadly, the killer shoes aren’t included.

5. Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Smoke Red ($35)

High coverage and shine make this shade ideal for whatever life throws at you. Plus, if Tom Ford is good enough for Jay-Z, we’ll take some for our nails, please.

4. Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Rouge ($27)

We certainly adore Dior in this beautiful shade of Rouge. And the gel-effect without the harmful UV-rays of an actual gel mani? Love!

3. Essie Really Red Nail Color ($8.50)

It’s no surprise to find Essie on this list again, this time with a darker, more classic shade of red (really!). It’s chip-resistant and award-winning. What’s not to love?

2. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Ladybird ($15)

Our cousins across the pond most certainly know their reds. In a shade made exclusively for Fashion Week, if you’re a ladybird, I’m a ladybird.

1. OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red ($9.50)

The gold standard of polish, OPI, lands the number one spot. With a name like Big Apple Red that would definitely be supported by Ms. Carrie Bradshaw herself, treat your nails to a taste of New York City at the salon the next time you get your nails done. 

Mary Paige Nesfeder (known as MP on the volleyball court) is a junior Media and Communication Studies major at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She is about as contradictory as the Instagram accounts she follows (her faves are dcfoodporn and yoga_girl)! She finds solace in Jack Johnson, her Pinterest account and a good nap. She can't go a day without talking to her mom or daydreaming about the future.