The Best Red Nail Polish for Valentine’s Day and Beyond

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While moody, dark manicures tend to pair well with snowy, wintery days, the next few weeks call for something slightly more festive. This week, consider swapping your plummy noir for a poppy red—after all, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, a fresh coat of crimson varnish has never felt more right.

Topping our list of all-time best red nail polish colors are a select group of eight that are flattering on every skin tone. There’s Essie’s Geranium, a bright tangerine hue that works as well today as it will on the beach in June, and Floss Gloss’s 7 Free vibrant cherry. Those looking for a deeper hue should consider Deborah Lippman’s Bordeaux pick or Chanel’s true rosy ruby.

From OPI’s Big Apple Red to Olive and June’s JG, here are the best red nail polish colors for the most heart-filled day of the year, and beyond.

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Olive and June Nail Polish in JG

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Essie Nail Color in Geranium

Christian Louboutin Rouge Louboutin Nail Colour

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Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in My Old Flame

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Dior Vernis Couture Color in Rouge 999

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Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Richness

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OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in Big Apple Red

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Floss Gloss Nail Polish in Fastlane