The BEST Red Nail Polishes (Updated!) || KELLI MARISSA

[@Amethyst_Alien]

Since finding your channel a couple years ago, my knowledge has expanded so much... from categorizing finishes, how to apply better in application, to even how to accurately understand color tones.

[@KelliMarissa]

Oh yay I'm so happy to hear my content has been helpful for you 😄😄😄

[@annguglielmino8989]

Kelli is my gold standard for polishes.

[@kristalbartmann5504]

I feel the same way. She's amazing!

[@mobuckey]

Heartbroken for enchanted polish. Jingles was my birthday red this year. Thank you for showing them to us ❤️

[@Steph-yi1kt]

I love this series, so happy you’re updating it with more gorgeous polishes 😀💜

[@KelliMarissa]

Yay I'm glad you enjoy these vids!

[@claudia8861]

Hi Kelli. I do re-watch your old videos, particularly the 101's on cuticle and nail care, and those where you thought us how to paint nails carefully and how to use the non-dominant hand. You have always been a great source of tips and inspiration, and the shades of the nail polishes of your videos are the most accurate in the entire internet.

[@tanyagibbs1618]

I bought OPI "An Affair in Red Square" to match my wedding dress and it's my absolute favourite. I hardly wear it because I don't want to run out.

[@LeanaG]

Yes, it's in-between A little guilt under the kilt and I'm not really a waitress. It's my go to holiday red. I have all three, lol

[@tevy78]

Aww that's so sad about Enchanted, I hadn't heard. Their multichromes were my first indie polishes, they really made me fall in love with special finishes. I'm actually bummed out 😥

[@marycarnival]

So sad too...I really like Enchanted. I had a wish list going...never got around to ordering Pegasus. Hope she's doing ok.

[@otakuautumn5128]

Man a redo favorites of my favorite color?? And my Patreon fun fact question? Happy Friday indeed and I'm def gonna need to get some of these. Ruby Pumps is an easy favorite of mine! I don't have that one by Enchanted but Cranberry Woods by them is on my list. All OPI reds are great, can't go wrong!

[@BeyondPolish]

The classic RED we all need!! There are so many great ones in this video! 😍

[@KelliMarissa]

Yesss the classic nail color haha!

[@MoJordanReads]

A favorite deep reds would be amazing! I love the color red but usually only when it's darker shade. You should do a video of your favorite polishes to use for stamping that aren't stamping polishes.

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

That would be a good one!

[@luxeford547]

"Ruby Pumps" over black is super dimensional.

[@KelliMarissa]

Omg how have I never tried that combo?!

[@kristalbartmann5504]

I have that and I'm going to try it

[@Sika6061]

Thanks for featuring Enchanted Polish. They were/are my favorite nail polish brand, and when they shut down I cried a river. I really hope the owner gets better soon. She was so talented. Their ugly-pretty polishes were my favorite.

[@margaretsparksrittenhouse8787]

My favorite red of all time OPI “¿Como se Llama?” Other favorites: OPI “An Affair in Red Square” “Romance on the Moon” “Love is in the Cards” China Glaze “Ruby Pumps” “Heart of Africa”. Zoya “Margaret” “Rashida” “America” NARS “Jungle Red” “Chinatown” Dior “Tout Paris”

[@erickaotterman5957]

OPI "An Affair In Red Square" is gorgeous. Was surprised it wasn't on this list.

[@jennigthatonecrazydoglady8100]

Affair in red square is my all time favorite red!

[@angelaflorschuetz2243]

A-England Perceval is such a fantastic deep red shimmer. It's been in their collections so long and many of the others released with it have discontinued and I keep getting backups just. in. case.

[@rocketmansdaughter5613]

I LOVE the OPI "I'm not really a waitress"...it was a favorite holiday pedicure color for years, but my salon no longer has it in stock. Thank you so much for providing the Amazon link for it! I should have known they would still have it available. Of course I bought it, plus a few other sparkly nail art items since I was already placing an order! Love your content...you give such good information about the tones and finishes of the polishes which is really helpful 👍.

[@mockingbirdnightingale7169]

I have that same pet peeve about when they're called "gel" but they are NOT! haha I personally don't use gel so if I see that on the label I get nervous...

[@blueclarity]

I remember when the jelly finish was rare and the full cream finish was the norm. (😉 a long time ago)

[@lisapiche8900]

I’m so glad you mentioned OPI’s “I’m Not Really a Waitress.” That was probably the first color from OPI I bought - a long, long time ago. And “Danke-shiny Red” is from the very first OPI collection I ever bought - Germany. I can’t believe that’s from 2012!

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

Same!!

[@jennifercaporale1978]

What about your favorite top coats, fast dry ones too? We know you favorite base coats. You are amazing! Keep being awesome!!

[@kayenjee]

Yes! Ones that have minimal shrinkage. Enlighten us please 🙏🏼

[@CallUNexTuesday]

Wow Kell, your hair looks so awesome! This might be my favorite. You should totally do your Orly Greens as a gradient in your hair next, it would look so great on you.

[@kerplunkety]

She is really beautiful with a great voice/personality. Kelli, you need to be in broadcasting

[@ezragoggles2460]

OPI’s I’m Not Really A Waitress to me, is the ultimate classic polish everyone should own in their nail polish collection ♥️

[@melissalemmons549]

For a long time, everyone I complimented on their red nails was wearing I'm Not Really A Waitress. So it was my go to for forever.

[@LetterLadyZ]

I’d love to see an updated greens. I’m having the hardest time finding a true Christmas/emerald green shimmer!

[@hollylynn117]

Have you tried Kelli's new collab with Orly? She came out with two new greens... one is lighter and perfect for Halloween and the other is definitely a perfect shade for the holidays, darker green with gold/blue flakes. So pretty!

[@LetterLadyZ]

@@hollylynn117 I like the darker green, but I’m looking for a simpler version. JUST a shimmer, no extra glitter and such. Because sometimes you just need a more plain and simple green shimmer!

[@lookingatdaisies9901]

​@@LetterLadyZ Regina by Zoya?

[@aprilhughes8697]

So looking forward to the dark and vampy red video. Thanks

[@tinaallan3419]

That Zoya Posh matte velvet is the first polish I ever ordered online. I remember I had never heard of Zoya or a matte finish and saw it featured in a magazine. Still have it and it’s still good! It’s been a slippery slope since then! 🤣

[@shivali9474]

omg i was JUST binging your favorite polish colors videos last night! excited for this one too, I LOVE this series!

[@KelliMarissa]

Oh yay that makes me so happy to hear 🥰🥰

[@cynthiacarter532]

My go-to red is OPI Dutch Tulips. It has a bit of pink in it that works well with my blonde skin tone.

[@jenfine]

I blame Kelli for my massive nail polish collection.

[@BewitchinGinger]

I'm so bummed about Enchanted! If I'd known I would have done a mini shopping spree before she closed. :( Hope she gets better.

[@jackiemorris875]

I also love Big Apple Red, I'm Not Really a Waitress, A Little Guilt Under the Kilt and Infrared. One you didn't mention is OPI Got the Blues for Red.

[@ajlorentz]

Kelli you’ve influenced so many of my favorite polishes. I’m so excited

[@hollylynn117]

So glad you're updating the favorites! I hope you continue to do this with the rest of the colors you've done in the past. I really like seeing them all swatched together at the end, it helps to see them all together once you've described them all separately. Hahaha... does that even make sense?

[@iluvjpm]

I agree regarding brands that call themselves gel polish. When I first got into nail polish, one of the first polishes I bought was a Sally Hansen from the Gel Manicure line. I remember I was afraid to put it on because I thought it was a real gel polish and I would have to take it off with tin foil etc. Then my boss who's really into gel manicures told me it wasn't a real gel. She explained to me that gels have to be cured under a lamp. Lol I knew nothing. But yeah it is really stupid when they put gel on the label. It almost feels like a money grab to me.

[@AndreaandGabe]

I wish the owner of Enchanted good health, and for her sake, hope she can re-open her business again some day. She had an excellent product, and I love to see indie brands succeed.

[@Valentinegore132]

OPI Big apple red is one of my favorites as well. Other favorites of mine are Essie Wicked and OPI Bogota Blackberry is also a favorite, every time I wear that color I get none stop compliments and question like what nail polish is that and where can I get it. It’s similar to OPI I’m not really a waitress but a little darker.

[@liannangel2004]

I'm so happy and excited to see your updated favorites list! I loved the collage at the end. I'm sorry to the about Enchanted Polish. I had not heard about its closing. I hope the owner will be alright.

[@rosielunaleo]

I had no idea Enchanted polish shut down! Wow I'm really going to miss them, best wishes to the owner though, I hope their health improves.

[@KelliMarissa]

I hope so too ❤️

[@lauraamy6576]

I would love a favourite multichromes vid!

[@KelliMarissa]

Ooh that's a tough one cause I feel like there are only like 8 total multichrome colors and a bunch of brands have good ones hahah

[@lauraamy6576]

@@KelliMarissa omg i didn’t even consider that but you’re right, battle of the mulitchromes?🤔

[@stephanies577]

So glad you did an update!! Are the other colors going to be updated too???!

[@hanginwithhooper]

So sad about enchanted! You turned me to that polish and I love the colors I have! Prayers to her. 🙏🏼

[@tainadelcaribe]

🎉 So happy you’re doing this series again with an updated list! Woohoo!!

[@Hivdghn]

Is that the ILNP Manhattan collection I spot in the back?

[@26Bluegb]

Revlon "Queen of Hearts". Very slightly jelly, just enough for a little squish, but full opacity. It's my official Thanksgiving red. I'm not even a red girl. That's so sad to hear about Enchanted Polish. I hope she gets better and can return to the polish world- definitely a talent.

[@kewlcass]

I was going to ask about Revlon red polishes. I haven't used any in ages and wondered which would be a good classic/vintage red.

[@lindleymosher2393]

Lights lacquer cherry jelly is hands down my #1 favorite red polish! Loved this video ☺️

[@gaylecooley3630]

Great selection! Ruby Pumps is one of my all time fave reds. You might want to check out ILNP Say Love and Santa Baby, both are awesome reds. Also, I have one by Spectrum called Scream Queen that is my very favorite Holiday red ever. Spectrum seems to only be availible on Etsy, but they have some amazing colors in a wonderful formula. I have several, and really like them.

[@MartinaIlg]

This video series is really one of my favourite things about your channel! 🥳 I always have a small notebook to write down the shades that I liked so I can look them up later on when I am shopping for new shades 🤩 I should check all those OPI shimmet shades, they seem so rich and stunning ❤❤❤

[@donnaharvill8210]

@Martina Ilg, It's nice to know that I'm not alone in doing this, only I usually wright all of them with a short description! 💅 Yes you can say I have an addictive behavior when it comes to nail polish! Way over 40 years ❣️ OMG Yes, I'm old! 😂 I've only let three different people do anything to my nails in my life! I did my toes after hip surgery! That will never happen again! They screwed up and caused me to have an in grown toenail!

[@claudia8861]

Hi Kelli! Would you consider creating a video to teach us how to paint our nails with difficult brushes like Sally Hansen's? I fear using them because I always end up making a mess. Thanks for your wonderful reviews and for making us fall in love again with red polish.

[@sheilaborgen3854]

I am begging you to do a favorite video on the shiniest, most glass-like quick dry top coats. Maybe do them all over black so we can see the shine the best. I have struggled with finding one that meets all of those qualifications. Thank you for all your videos! You are the best!

[@jennigthatonecrazydoglady8100]

I love Seche Vite for my toes - it’s indestructible and glassy but for some reason on my fingers it discolors a bit. I am the only one I know of this happening to, lol! For my fingers I use Out The Door. Not quite as industrial level THICK but still really great and no issues with discoloration. I hope Kelli sees your comment and shares her favorites! I’d love to know. Great idea for a video!

[@JennSarracenia]

Literally the ONLY color polish I don’t like wearing is red, but I’m still watching this bc I love your videos!

[@victoriagibson411]

That's Crazy talk, at least for Christmas ⛄🎄

[@JennSarracenia]

@@victoriagibson411 😂😂😂

[@katkopinski]

Hey Kelli, thanks for the updated list! Just wanted to let you know I love going back and rewatching your videos, especially the favorites ones! I'll put them on in the background while I'm painting my nails and it reminds me to look out for specific polishes when I'm in the mood for a change :)

[@jules4742]

Essie's Forever Yummy is another classic red creme and is basically a one-coater ❤️❤️❤️

[@renter321]

Yes! I love that one!

[@aundriab.9538]

As someone who is getting back into doing her nails, I so appreciate your swatch/review videos so I don't have to guess at what I'm buying. I'll come back to this video in a couple of months when I'm ready to purchase polish for winter because there were a couple of reds that I really loved: OPI Big Apple Red, and Sally Hansen's Bordeaux Glow. You are such a natural in front of the camera, and I appreciate your honest reviews and actually seeing the different swatches. Thank you for the update and hope you have a great week, Kelli!

[@KelliMarissa]

Oh Aundria! Thank you so much for your kind words, that really means a lot to me ❤️

[@helencb9940]

Great video Kelli! I love your favourie series! And I love that you are updating previously done ones as more polishes just keep on coming :) Cannot wait to see your darker red favs!

[@dennypraza8007]

New Nail Colors Ben 10 X Enchanted Polish Omni Neon Space Aliens And Winx Club X Enchanted Polish Shimmering Fantasy

[@susancorvalan6765]

OPI makes great reds! But CG Ruby Pumps will always be my fave!

[@gracelarsh6352]

I love red polish, Enchanted Valentine is my favorite red. I loved it so much I even had one sent to my daughter in TN, she loves doing her toe nails red. I too was sad to hear that they were closing, keeping her in my thought.

[@cellopes]

I'm a fan of Salon Perfect "He's With Me" and OPI "I'm Really An Actress" for other finishes

[@CherryRussellTraffanstedt]

OPI - Big Apple Red (I’m wearing it now) and China Glaze -Ruby Pumps! *chefs kiss* ❤️

[@caitibeeasmr9205]

Yay!! I commented on your pink polish video a few weeks ago asking about an update and it’s here!! So so excited 😄

[@KelliMarissa]

Definitely gonna be doing some updated versions soon!!

[@laurabutler7391]

One of my favorite red nail polishes from OPI is Dutch tulips I liked it so much I bought a replacement when it ran out

[@amybourget6046]

Awwww I didn’t know Enchanted Polish shut down!!!! 😢. That was one of my favorite brands for my sparkly nails. I’m so sad.

[@marywillis5986]

I’m not really a waitress has been my go to for years! Recently i purchased ILNP magnetic poison. Looks amazing over top of the OPI! It really makes it pop

[@LOUELLALEIFullon]

Nail Polish RED Alppe Big GIRL Colors Rainbow Gifts HOME Family Friends LOVE you KISS You

[@lachanna100]

Sally Hansen insta dry is my ABSOLUTE favorite nail polish... The ONLY nail polish I use... 69 colors... I also use the Sally Hansen hardner(base coat) and the Sally Hansen dries instantly top coat...

[@nikigunn]

My favorite reds, not in order: Sephora by OPI Curve-aceous OPI An Affair in Red Square Holo Taco Red Licorice Starrily Seratonin Starrily Norepinephrine Enchanted Polish Over the Rainbow Cirque Colors Madder I'm going to miss Enchanted. It was one of my four favorite brands. Starrily, Holo Taco, and Cirque are the others.

[@glenagarrett4704]

Can't believe I'm only now seeing this. My absolute favorite red polish for holidays is China Glaze Santa's Side Chick, one coat matte gorgeousness. An everyday berry-toned red I adore is Revlon Velvet Ruby from the Velour Effects line. Other reds are Sinful Colors Rebel Yell, L''Oreal No Matte-r What & Revlon Raven Red (near dupes), very slightly warm (brown) toned. The only true bright red I own is Essence Fame Fatale for Summer wear. Two others are a pinky-rose red Revlon Fire Fox and an orange red Sinful Colors Dragonfly, also for Summer, these two are pushing the envelope.

[@abramcollette]

Have you tried loud lacquers summer collection? Their red lawn flamingo is one of my favs

[@nicolelavigne1700]

I definitely recommend Nine Zero Lacquer's Perfect Apple and KBShimmer's Leaf of Faith. I have some other favourites, but as they were limited editions from Polish Pickup they aren't available anymore. I don't have any of those OPI's but I do have Cinnamon Sweet, which I HAD to pick up after Hayley Atwell shared that it was the red she wore in the show Agent Carter and I am OBSESSED with Peggy Carter and so want to do a cosplay of her some day.

[@jessicarubio2736]

Hey Kelli. As of lately I've been loving Lights Laquer's nail polish. Will there be future swatch n' reviews for that brand?

[@Alejandra653]

That brand is kinda controversial so it could be why she’s never reviewed it

[@bexc.5842]

In the background of this video on her nail polish rack, it looks like she has some new LL shades. The bottles look similar so I'm hoping that they are Lights Lacquer!

[@jessicarubio2736]

@@Alejandra653 really? I had no idea 🙁

[@Alejandra653]

@@jessicarubio2736 yeah, a lot of ig nail pages are boycotting LL

[@michelegaeta-stolz]

Kelli - I’ve recently discovered you. I LOVE your videos! You are fabulous & I have learned a ton. I’m go back into nail polish after a few years away - inspired by my 4 year old niece who adores polishing her nails & everyone else’s 😀 Anyway, my all time favorite polish - I wore it constantly for years & it became my signature color - OPI’s Malaga Wine. A gorgeous red. Give it a try! Beyond Polish had it in both gel & regular lacquer. Again, love your channel!

[@coolcpa3321]

I'm lucky to have very good natural nails. In the 1980s, I wore the same polish in college and several years into my professional career. It was Loreal Big Apple Red 300. It's a full coverage creme but deeper, bluer and darker than OPI's BAR. It was a great color. I couldn't go anywhere without someone commenting on my nails and the color. My nieces were looking at old family pictures last week and were wowed by my nails. I now rotate a variety of higher end colors (Chanel, Dior, Jinsoon, etc.), but that old drugstore Loreal red was really wonderful. I kinda' miss the simplicity of a signature color that worked with everything. Thanks for your review.

[@pristinabread]

Aww man you are killing me.....I have been banned from buying any more polishes. LOL.

[@amymandeville8342]

.y favorite red polishes (and I really hate red!) are "Garnet" by Cirque, "Percival" by A England and "Ruby Stillettos" by Sally Hansen (they quit making it).

[@annguglielmino8989]

Love me a red polish. Surprised no Orly. Their Crawford's Wine is fab. Finger Paints has great reds. Two of my favorites are Cubism Crimson; a red shimmer and Romanesque Rouge is a long time favorite. I love OPI formula and polish names and think their colors are sophisticated. As soon as they stop testing on animals I will stock up. 😎 Great video. Thank you Kelli!

[@pattiespolishcorner3274]

Zoya still sells their last Matte Velvet collection which consists of 9 polishes. Amal is the red from that collection, if anyone loves the Zoya Matte Velvets.

[@LOUELLALEIFullon]

HAPPY Birthday Cupcakes Pink ICE Cream COOK OREO Monday Please,Cry Mad Bad Sorry

[@operachef1]

How do you feel about CND Vinylux? For the past 6 weeks I've experimented with it over a hard gel overlay that I've buffed (to allow me to change my mani more often without soaking or filing off) and I find it lasts a long time with their top coats (either the regular or gel effect)- sometimes up to 10 days without chipping. But I like to change my look about every 5 days on average. For sure I get no chipping in 5 days.

[@MeruAyano]

Not a big fan of bright reds (my mother always wore red polish on her talons and it reminds me of her so. . no, thanks), but some of these were really cool. I can see why Ruby Pumps is a fave, and of course, Enchanted Polish. Kelli, some polishes are still out there for EP. You should look for them on Ebay, if you're up for paying double the price. I did for a few. I would really appreciate if you did a fave base coat and why (such as, which wear better throughout the week, which bond better or protect better). It would really help a lot. Edit: Oh, and BTW, ILNP came out with a new ultra holo line for Fall. Are you going to review it? It's quite a bit like their tropics line in terms of color scheme, but it's got a few interesting shade. . and they're all ultra holo, so bonus.

[@nda7154]

I’d bump one of the five OPIs for Cirque Strawberry Fields. Infrared and Ruby Pumps are MAGIC on the nails and are must owns. ❤️❤️

[@cloverfarr6133]

I can’t wait for updated pinks!

[@KH-mamabear]

Two of my favorite reds are by Cirque Colors-The Devil Wears Cirque and Rouge Rockefeller. Opi I’m not really a waitress is one of my first OPI polishes, and I used it up and replaced. Love watching your favorite videos, it’s fun to see if I own any of the same polishes.

[@a_bookish_gemini]

We need a video tutorial on this eye look, Kelli - so gorgeous!!

[@donnaharvill8210]

Hi Kelli, I'm just curious to know. Do you not have any Orly red polish that you like and if not maybe you could do that for us that missed your Starrily??? PLEASE ❣️

[@maritta2504]

Is there any indie brand creme (= not OPI, China Glaze, LA Colors or Sally Hansen etc) that has the same color as Sally Hansen Class Act and is acutally a creme and not a jelly? I've been wanting this kind of red for ages, but nothing really matches and I don't like the jelly formula and I also don't want to/can't buy drug store nail polish (most of the brands are actually not really available in Germany).

[@1015SaturdayNight]

Sinful Colors Bleeding Heart is my favorite red, deep and cool toned. I've only ever found it at Walgreens but they've stopped carrying Sinful Colors, I think. I hope that shade isn't discontinued.

[@ashleighandersen8486]

I absolutely love your Starrily colab Infrared! ❤❤❤ Is there anything similar that’s currently available? Looking for that perfect holiday red for the month of December 🤔

[@andreacthelawyertrainee]

I totally agree that the insta-dry is super opaque which is great, I do feel like there is something "off" with the formula though, like I don't know if a nail polish could be described as "chalky" but I feel like it almost gets flakey? Even with a brand new bottle.

[@pnuthead13]

I'm not sure if anyone remembers this polish but Revlon (which is a polish brand I'm not really a fan of but...) they had a color called Red Star that was amazing.

[@Marketta7]

My favorite reds are China Glaze Poinsettia, Essie She’s Pampered, and Essie Ruby Slippers.

[@angelaa1083]

Thank you Kelli! I've been looking for a classic red and a brighter orange-red. This helps ❤ I'm going to watch your favorite oranges too. Take care 💕

[@natnailsit]

Omg girl i gasped when u mentioned zoya Posh. That is my favourite matte polish! No one ever talks about it!! Loved your picks! ❤

[@paigegover2940]

Can you do Best Jelly Polishes? 😬

[@KelliMarissa]

Yesss def coming soon-ish hahaha

[@killjoy1209]

Interested to find out about favourite vampy shades of yours from all the colour families 👀

[@CallMeGussie]

You've got to try Ruby Pumps over a black base for a vampy look. Also tbh I can't even with the giant brush on Sally Hansen Instadry but I do tough it out and use their black and white as base coats.

[@KnightOfCydonia18]

The only one of these i have and love is enchanted polish jingles and yes it is amaziiing i miss enchanted so much already 😭 i hope she gets a speedy recovery she deserves it 💜 And other favorites of mine are ILNP Say love and OPI now museum now you don’t !

[@julieoelker1865]

OPI I'm not really a waitress was my mom's favorite color. She passed in 2017. RIP Mom.

[@mnn-np5li]

Sally Hansen Class Act is just as beautiful of a shade that you said it was! Just did a pedi with it and it’s amazing. Did take awhile with the clean-up brush with red, but the end result is what counts, right? 😂

[@sarahdillemuth6395]

Fave red of ALL TIME is OPI ‘I’ve got the blues over red’. I get so many compliments when I wear it.

[@dylgirl206e2R]

idk who designed the Sally Hansen thick square wide brushes but 🤣 they're awful I'm sorry

[@BeautybyMaria]

I’m really not a waitress is my absolute favorite red! It’s perfect for any skin tone!!!

[@audaciousred]

I loved OPI Big Apple Red until I found out they weren't cruelty free I don't think innocent animals need to be tortured just for a nail polish color. There are so many other substitutes out there that don't torture animals to choose from