Remember when Kanye said “I’ve been looking for the one, have you seen her?”? Well, that was also around the time I began looking for the one – “the one” being the perfect red, of course. With different tones trending depending on the season, it’s not always easy to find your go-to. When in doubt, forget the trends and stick with science (yes, really).
By Beth Ludolf
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1 Fair
Ask for: A bright, warm red, like OPI GelColor Coca Cola Red
For fair skin, the brighter the better. And what could be better than, arguably, the most iconic red in the world? Let’s just say, if I love this nail colour as much as I love Coca Cola then its a match made in heaven.
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2 Light
Ask for: A coral red, like OPI GelColor Cajun Shrimp
Feel the heat with orangey-pink undertones.
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3 Medium
Ask for: A tomato red, like OPI GelColor Red-vival City
If you’re blessed with that all-year-round glow, a tomato-y red will accentuate the golden undertones in your skin (and balance out any green-ish undertones of olive skin).
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4 Medium Dark
Ask for: A berry red, like Gelish Lady In Red
Alexa, play Prince – Raspberry Beret.
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5 Dark
Ask for: A deep wine red, like OPI GelColor Malaga Wine
For darker skin tones, go for a deep and sumptuous wine shade. Think sangria in the summer and provincial in the winter (I can almost hear the glug of the bottle). Are we still talking about nail colours?
With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.
FAQs
Which red nail colour suits fair skin tones best?
A bright, warm red like OPI GelColor Coca Cola Red is ideal for fair skin. Brighter reds accentuate fair complexions and create a classic, iconic look. Choosing this kind of shade helps your nails stand out beautifully.
What red nail polish looks good on light skin?
A coral red shade, such as OPI GelColor Cajun Shrimp, works well with light skin. The orangey-pink undertones add warmth and vibrancy, enhancing light skin tones and offering a summery, energetic feel.
Which red shade should you pick for medium skin tones?
A tomato red, like OPI GelColor Red-vival City, is perfect for medium skin. This shade highlights golden undertones and balances out any olive or greenish undertones, complementing year-round glowing skin.
What is the best red nail colour for medium dark skin?
For medium dark skin, go for a berry red such as Gelish Lady In Red. This colour adds a rich, bold touch and brings out the natural warmth in the skin.
Which nail colour works well for dark skin tones?
A deep wine red, like OPI GelColor Malaga Wine, suits dark skin beautifully. Deep wine reds look sumptuous on darker complexions and work for both summer and winter, giving a sophisticated finish.
How can you book a red gel manicure online with Treatwell?
You can easily book a beauty treatment online at your favourite salons using Treatwell. The platform makes the process simple, hassle-free, and accessible while on the go.