Best Red Nail Colors for Warm Skin Tones
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I have a warm, light olive skin tone that sometimes can look very yellow, and other times, it has more of a green undertone.
Since my skin can get pretty pale in the cooler months, there are times in the depths of winter where I can wear a cool red with a blue or purple undertones.
But most of the time, the reds I wear out and about, when I’m not doing swatches, have yellow, orange or brown undertones.
If you have a warm to a warm olive skin tone like I do and you’re aiming to find your perfect red, think about these words: fiery, scarlet, coral, brick and maroon.
These are the descriptions you’ll be looking for to get a shade that will become your favorite every day beloved red.
On the bright side of the spectrum, you’ll be looking for mostly orange-toned reds, a shade range known for positivity, optimism, enthusiasm and creativity.
On the dark side of the spectrum, you’re looking for mostly brown-toned reds, a shade range known for warmth, comfort, relaxation and appreciation.
So whether you go lighter or deeper in tone, you’re going to lean into shades that evoke some great feelings, which is a bonus.
Below, you’ll find a few ideas of perfect reds for warm or olive skintones.
Starting from the brightest red and moving to the darkest:
essie geranium
geranium is one of the most popular coral reds from essie. It’s primarily a fiery orange toned red polish that’s vibrant and playful.
The brightness of this shade makes it my favorite red for spring and summer.
OPI Cajun Shrimp
The beloved Cajun Shrimp. This pinkish, orange-toned red is a coral red masterpiece. It was first created in 1990 and it’s still a fan favorite today.
When in doubt, Cajun Shrimp is a solid choice.
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OPI Totally Red-ical
It’s perfect as a fall red, but you can wear it any time you’re craving a peppery red shade.
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China Glaze Flame-Boyant
One of my favorite China Glaze shades, this fiery red is a bright, classic red. You can wear it anytime, but I specifically love it around Valentine’s Day.
essie gel couture rock the runway
rock the runway is my favorite long wearing scarlet red. This formula is so good - it really does last and it’s such a great versatile red. You can wear it throughout the year.
OPI Art Walk In Suzi’s Shoes
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OPI Slip Dressed Up
I would call it a rust red. It mimics the same rusty red shade of autumn leaves we all love.
It is a flattering red nail color for fall.
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essie expressie seize the minute
This shade is called a blue toned red in digital listings, but it really leans brick-toned, so if there is blue in it, it’s really not that much.
It’s my favorite quick drying red nail polish for warm toned skin.
OPI Como se Llama?
Como se Llama? is my favorite brick toned burgundy that is more of a maroon.
Did you know when describing colors, burgundy is a specific deep red with purple to blue undertones? Maroons are a similar deep, dark red, except the undertone is brownish.
I’m convinced maroon nail polishes are just marketed as burgundies, like this one is, because that’s what people associate with deep fall reds like this one.
But, if you’re looking for a burgundy for warm to olive skin, this is it - even if it is technically, maroon.
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I’ve tested each of these shades and they’re all beautiful, so it’s really a matter of which hue, brand and depth of red you’re looking for.
Which one of these reds do you like the most?
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