In honor of this Saint Valentine fellow, the Gloffice threw a red nail party. Each of us brought in our favorite crimson polish and celebrated our shared love of friendship, readily-available drugstore candy, and acetone fumes (beauty editors actually love the smell of polish remover). Our top reds (in no particular order) are below; share yours with in the comments!
Julep Anisa : “Pale (but interesting!) people whose five sad little melanin cells have pink/gold undertones should try this shade. Traditional blue-reds don't work on us, so I like that this has a hint of ocher instead. It's also a little vampy; perfect for a single lady on Valentine's.” —Lacey Gattis, Community Editor/Strategist
Essie Fishnet Stockings + Nars Tomorrow's Red : “I used to think red polish paired with my rosy skin tone made my fingers look a bit like stubby sausages, but I've started to embrace the classic nail color. As someone who never likes to keep a manicure simple, I pair Essie Fishnet Stockings (a deeper, sexier red) with Nars Tomorrow's Red (a lighter, tomato hue).” —Elizabeth Brockway, Managing Editor
China Glaze Red-y & Willing : “I'm not a huge fan of true red nails, I'm more inclined to go with something moodier like China Glaze Red-y & Willing . It's more of a burgundy, so it feels less in-your-face than a candy apple color, and it's metallic. I like metallic polishes because they dry so quickly.” —Annie Kreighbaum, Senior Editor
Deborah Lippmann It's Raining Men : “ It's Raining Men is a Lolita red, a Bourdin red, a Terry-Richardson-photo-of-Miley-Cyrus'-lips red. It’s seductive, cinematic, and more sex positive than a Gustav Klimt woman.” —Mackenzie Wagoner, Associate Editor
Essie A-list :' Essie A-listis my beauty alternative to the power pose. It makes you feel super important and pulled together.” —Eunice Lee, Advertising Manager
Essie Limited Addiction : “I like two coats of a more blue-based red like Essie Limited Addiction to make me feel bright and vibrant, but not too ostentatious.” —Mathea Millman, Photo/Editorial Assistant
Chanel Cinéma : “ Chanel Cinéma is a muted tomato red that is a welcome punch of color. The shade isn't too bright or too dark, making it a go-to for me year-round. And the formula is highly-pigmented, perfect for an at-home manicure.” —Jessica Harrison, Editorial Intern
American Apparel Nail Polish in Downtown LA : “I like American Apparel Nail Polish in Downtown LA because it gives my all-natural look a more done-up feel. It's shiny without a top coat and looks great as a matte as well.” —Deja Turner, Photo Intern
Michael Kors Sexy Nail Lacquer in Sensation : “ Michael Kors Sexy Nail Lacquer in Sensation is an opaque orange-red that makes me feel more attractive than I really am. This shade would make a perfect lipstick.” —Courtney Brunson, Editorial Intern
OPI Big Apple Red : “I love OPI Big Apple Red, because it's a classic bright red that works for any season. The little bit of color adds a much needed contrast to my otherwise dark winter wardrobe.”—Kim Johnson, Editorial Intern
Essie Jelly Apple : “Red nails are a game changer—two coats of Essie Jelly Apple instantly make me feel sexy and sophisticated.” —Devon Swartz, Photo Intern
