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3 min read
Nothing says autumn like a deep red manicure. Shop our pick of the best red nail polishes for autumn 2023…
When it comes to looking and feeling your best – nothing seems to have quite the same effect as a freshly painted manicure. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a loyal salon-goer or a DIY kind of person, having perfectly painted nails can instantly allow you to feel made up and ready to face the day. But while this summer has been all about milk baths, clean girls and lip gloss nails – autumn nail trends largely come back to a classic: the colour red.
Whether it’s replicating the colour of crisp autumnal leaves, your favourite pumpkin spice latte or (dare we say it…) gearing up for the festivities of Christmas, a classic red manicure is the perfect autumnal nail update. Struggling to find your shade of the season? That’s where we can help. Whether you’re looking for a crisp and clean or firey and rich – we’ve scouted out the best dark red nail polish shades for this autumn/winter. Happy shopping…
Essie Nail Polish in Playing Koi
For something a little spicy this autumn, Playing Koi by Essie is gorgeous. It has a hint of orange warmth that looks beautiful on dark skin tones and screams ‘autumn’ like nothing else.
Shop Essie Nail Polish in Playing Koi at Lookfantastic, £8.99
Nails Inc NailPure in Very Victoria
This deep berry shade is gorgeous if you love a really rich-coloured manicure. Pair with a top coat for killer shine.
Shop Nails Inc NailPure in Very Victoria at Cult Beauty, £15
Manucurist Green Flash Varnish in Red Cherry
These Manucurist nail polishes need to be cured with an LED lamp and the effect is as good as a professional-level manicure. But, unlike other at-home gel nail varnish kits, they can be removed with regular nail polish remover. Win-win.
Shop Manucurist Green Flash Varnish in Red Cherry at Cult Beauty, £19
Dior Vernis Nail Polish in Rouge Cinema
The perfect pumpkin spice shade, we’re obsessed with Dior’s Rouge Cinema for autumn. With an ergonomic brush, it makes application a breeze and the glossy finish leaves a professional-looking gel effect.
Shop Dior Vernis Nail Polish in Rouge Cinema at Selfridges, £27
Gucci Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Goldie Red
For an ultra-glossy and glamorous finish, this Gucci polish is perfect. Vernis À Ongles is a brilliant and intense high shine red that gives up to four days of chip-free wear.
Shop Gucci Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Goldie Red at John Lewis, £26
Mavala Mini Colour Nail Polish in 53 London
If you love a clean red manicure, you’ll love London by Mavala. It’s got a really clean shine that looks like you’ve had a professional manicure.
Shop Mavala Mini Colour Nail Polish in London at John Lewis, £6.40
Zara Nail Polish in Love Is Everywhere
Zara nail polishes are seriously underrated. This beautiful berry shade gives one-stroke colour pay-off and a rich, shiny finish.
Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel in Rouge H
While this Hermès nail polish might set you back the price of a professional manicure, the finish is just as good. Long-wearing and with a gel-like shine, Rouge H is an elegant Hermès burgundy shade, created originally in 1925 for leather goods. Chic.
Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish in Double Decker Red
When it comes to super affordable nail polishes, no one does it better than Rimmel London. Double Decker Red is a great pure red that suits all skin tones.
Shop Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish in Double Decker Red at Lookfantastic, £3.99
Mii Colour Confidence Nail Polish in Ruby Shine
This shimmery, cranberry red nail polish adds a touch of sparkle to your manicure. Plus, the formula is enriched with a vitamin complex to nurture nails as you wear, including nourishing vitamin C, strengthening vitamin A and vitamin E to protect from peeling and yellowing.
Palette London Nail Paint in Mulberry Silk
If you’re a fan of a dark navy or black manicure, you’ll love this deep purple-red from Palette London. Plus the glossy, long-wear formula helps to strengthen your nails over time.
Nailberry Rouge Oxygenated Nail Lacquer
With a subtle, smoky hue – this rich red colour is unlike anything else we’ve seen. Plus, Nailberry’s formulas are completely vegan and water-permeable, meaning healthier nails over time.
Shop Nailberry Rouge Oxygenated Nail Lacquer at Space NK, £16
Main image: Stylist Loves; courtesy of brands
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