15 Red Nail Art Designs

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. There's something so alluring about a nail look that doesn't have conventional shine. Choose one finger for some negative space action to add something a little extra.

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

1

Make It Matte

There's something so alluring about a nail look that doesn't have conventional shine. Choose one finger for some negative space action to add something a little extra.

Try: Zoya Nail Lacquer in Amal Matte Velvet, $10, zoya.com. SHOP

2

Mix And Match

Red, nude, and lilac make for such a pretty and unexpected color combo. Mix it up further by trying different colors and designs on each finger.

Try: Lauren B. Beauty in Concrete Jungle, $20, laurenbbeauty.com. SHOP

3

Cherry Print

Upgrade a bare or sheer nail look with the addition of ultra-cutesy cherry nail decals.

Try: Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer in Her Majesty's Red, $18, dermstore.com. SHOP

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4

Gold Foil

The metallic gold foil adds edge to a crimson red manicure.

Try: Christian Louboutin in Loubi Under Red, $45, sephora.com. SHOP

5

Full Bloom

A flower-inspired design that doesn't look too girly or summery—so it's the perfect transition mani for warmer weather.

Try: Lauren B. Beauty in Laurel Canyon Lover, $18, laurenbbeauty.com. SHOP

6

Bold Tips And Jewels

If you're looking to up the anté in the nail art game without a ton of effort, just add some jewels.

Try: OPI Peru Infinite Shine Collection in Como Se Llama, $13, ulta.com. SHOP

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7

Cardinal & Gold

We can't get enough of gold foil. If you want something more subtle, apply the metallic shine to one or two nails on each hand.

Try: CND Shellac UV Color Coat in Wildfire, $16, amazon.com. SHOP

8

Negative Space

The minimalist in us feels seen thanks to the ongoing trend of negative space nails.

Try: Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer, $28, dior.com. SHOP

9

Red Sparkle

Glitter is an easy way to elevate a plain manicure. Keep it all in the same color family for a dynamic red nail.

Try: Essie Nail Polish in Roses Are Red, $9, essie.com. SHOP

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10

Wild Child

We love a good leopard print. Paint it against a shiny red-orange background to make it really pop.

Try: CND Shellac Nail Polish in Hollywood, $16, amazon.com. SHOP

11

Moon Shine

The half-moon nail trend will forever be a staple. Dress it up with some gold sparkle to add a modern element.

Try: JinSOON Nail Lacquer in Pop Orange, $18, nordstrom.com. SHOP

12

Paint Splatter

If you're looking for something a little less polished, take a contrasting color and splatter it all over a red base.

Try: Essie Nail Polish in Geranium, $9, amazon.com. SHOP

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13

Geometric Shapes

This design puts all those years of geometry class to good use.

Try: Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Rouge Puissant, $28, nordstrom.com. SHOP

14

Throw On Some Flannel

A plaid nail is our go-to in the fall—but we love it year round as a grunge-inspired red mani option.

Try: Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Carnal Red, $37, nordstrom.com. SHOP

15

Gradient Nails

When in doubt, go ombré. Mix red and white together for a striking color combo and add some glitter for a finishing touch.

Try: NCLA Nail Polish in Rush Hour, $16, thedetoxmarket.com. SHOP

Headshot of Audrey Noble

Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.

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