Edgy colour pops offer a dose of chic. Metallic manicures glam-up any outfit in the snap of a finger. And barely-there pastels take you from boardroom to ballroom. But it’s not without reason that despite a myriad nail art trends gaining favour with the beauty enthusiasts, red nails have remained a constant choice for decades.
Do a deep double-coat to give a nod to the classic and conventional or opt for something more avant-garde to keep it expressive. The tint is as versatile as you can make it. For our curation, we found everything from bold gradient looks to minimalist designs with delicate red brushstrokes. Scroll down for some inspiration.
In two minds
For days you’re looking for something neither conventional, nor too eccentric, channel a more balanced look with a mix of solids and patterns. The checkered design is great for vacation as well as work.
Cherry on top
If food-inspired makeup trends have gained popularity, so can nail art designs. Add a dash of fun to your fingertips with a cherry mani.
A little party
Give a regular red manicure a slight update with metallics. You won’t just be mixing two trends, but also making your tips party-appropriate with the confetti.
Red hot
If you’re not one for delicate designs, pick a bold shade of red as your base colour and let it gradient into different hues towards the corner. It’s statement, it’s striking and it’s a departure from the usual single tone.
Flower power
Clean girl nails are a big manicure mood right now. But give the trend an artistic twist with a bit of colour on the tips and minimalist brushstrokes.
Loud luxury
Logomania isn’t reserved for fashion alone. Luxury brand logos have also graced the nails of beauty influencers for some time. Some popular choices include the Louis Vuitton initials, the Cs of Chanel’s logo and the Fendi emblem among others.
Tomato girl tips
If tomato girl makeup has gained favour with you, try an iteration on your nails next. The pop of red on a clean base is equal parts minimalist and fun.
Sparkling affair
In case you’re headed to a festive soiree, add just a hint of glitter to a classic red mani, by outlining your cuticles with tiny crystals.
That 70s vibe
Somewhat anachronous, somewhat nostalgia-inducing, definitely workable. Put some gold and pink on red to champion a retro-chic mood.
Getting it bright
Throw a little bit of nature on classic red nails. On days you’ve got no time to dress up, they’ll draw all the attention.
Ready to DIY at home? Here are some of our top picks of red nail paints to help you recreate these designs:
Diego Dalla Palma Milano Nail Polish - 224 Tropical Tango
Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color – Enigma
Revlon Ultra HD Snap Nail Polish - Red & Real
Coloressence Regular Nail Paint - True Red
Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Enamel - Knotty Berry
Deborah Milano Gel Effect - 09 Red Pusher Nail Polish
O.P.I Nature Strong Nail Paint - A Bloom With A View
Cover Image: Instagram/@nailsbyalsn
