From cherry brights to deep bordeaux, these are winter’s most compelling hues
When the weather cools and wardrobes deepen, red nails take on new weight. This season, it’s less about a single shade and more about mood: brick reds worn short and glossy, jelly bordeaux finished with gilded detail, near-black reds paired with matching lips, and playful cherry tones reworked through graphic tips and high-shine finishes. From timeless classics to modern twists, winter’s best red manicures prove that the colour’s enduring appeal lies in its versatility.
Brickhouse Red
There’s a reason this shade keeps coming back. Created by celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik for Selena Gomez, this brick-toned red is a masterclass in modern classic. Worn short and ultra-glossy, the warm undertone softens the look while keeping it confident and polished, striking the balance between timeless and current.
Gilded Bordeaux
Created by Japanese celebrity nail artist Naomi Yasuda at Studio Naomi, this deep, jelly bordeaux manicure sets a moody, romantic tone, elevated by sculpted gold florals that feel more like fine jewellery than nail art. Rich yet refined, the high-shine finish adds depth tipping into drama, while the almond shape keeps the look elegant and modern, an effortless match for winter textures like velvet, silk and soft knits.
Inky Red Harmony
Almost black in depth, this ultra-glossy red is worn short and sharp, mirroring Lily Allen’s matching lip for a look that feels cinematic. The compact length keeps the near-inky shade modern and wearable, letting saturation and shine do the heavy lifting rather than embellishment. Nails by celebrity manicurist Michelle Class using Bio Sculpture.
The Point of Play
A bold take on winter red, this manicure starts with a clean nude base before breaking into three contrasting dotty tip designs in white scattered with bright red dots, a magenta-tone featuring dark red ones, and a deep merlot red finished with white dot detailing. The mix feels intentionally mismatched yet balanced, with colour and pattern doing the talking. Created by LA celebrity nail tech Loi Lien, it’s a reminder that red can be graphic and playful.
Modern Cherry
On Naomi Watts, this glossy cherry red delivers a bright, confidence-boosting pop of colour. Worn short and impeccably polished, the vibrant tone lifts the entire look, adding freshness and modernity without overpowering it. Created by Iram Shelton, get the look using Lucky Envelope from Aprés Nail. It’s bold, clean and unapologetically uplifting for the new year.
Red Velvet Cat-Eye
This cat-eye manicure reimagines winter red with depth and movement. A dark, almost black base is overlaid with a luminous crimson shimmer, creating a velvet-like finish that shifts subtly as it catches the light. The result feels plush and atmospheric rather than overtly sparkly. Created by nail artist Queenie Nguyen, it’s a reminder that red’s power often lies in texture as much as tone.
