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    1. Beauty

    'Boring' pedicure colours continue to dominate—and this classic hue is the only shade I'm wearing right now

    Red alert

    Jazzria Harris's avatar
    By Jazzria Harris
    Published 15 August 2024 In Features

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    Red pedicure GettyImages-2165632218
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    While summer pedicure trends come and go with the seasons, some shades remain a constant so timeless that you can practically see the nail tech roll their eyes when you ask for it at the salon. For the minimalists, these range from the fresh white pedi to ever chic french tips while pedicure anarchists may have thrown convention out the window this summer and dipped a toe into a statement, yet still classic, black shade.

    For lovers of colour however, there’s only one hue that delivers on boldness while still giving a timeless look—the red pedicure. And, lucky for you, it’s totally on trend right now. Buckle up, it’s officially red pedi season.

    A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland)

    A photo posted by on

    The great thing about the red pedi in comparison to what we’ve lovingly dubbed boring manicure (or pedicure) shades, is that there are so many variations of tone to choose from. My current obsession is the below dark red, ultra-glossy pedicure that Milly Mason created for Rochelle Humes. The combination of the rich red and almost jelly-like top coat makes it, in my opinion, the perfect red pedicure that will not only look great paired with summer sandals but that can easily be carried into autumn too, thanks to the rich jammy hue.

    A post shared by Milly Mason (@millymason_)

    A photo posted by on

    For brighter red pedicure inspiration, I, of course, looked to Milly again (after all, there’s nobody better for a picture perfect pedi in London). Most recently, she shared this cherry red pedi for Lily Allen, and it gives me instant flashbacks to red gummy sweets and, less glamorously, shots of cherry sours—but in the best way possible. If you’re looking for a bright pedicure for your next event or summer holiday, I promise you this is it.

    A post shared by Elim UK (@elim_uk)

    A photo posted by on

    While these are two ways to wear the red pedi this season, they aren’t the only options. Tomato tones like the set above are also a chic choice while traditional ruby red is always in style. To help you pick your favourite, I’ve rounded up six of the best red polishes to shop right now in all hues and finishes. Then simply top with your favourite top coat for the perfect red pedi.

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    Shop red nail polishes

    Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Rouge

    Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Rouge
    £16.50 AT SPACENK

    Dior Vernis Nail polish in Red Smile

    Dior Vernis Nail polish in Red Smile
    £29 AT DIOR

    essie Nail Polish in Fifth Avenue

    essie Nail Polish in Fifth Avenue
    £8.99 AT LOOKFANTASTIC

    Palette London Vermillion Poppy Nail Paint

    Palette London Vermillion Poppy Nail Paint
    £8 AT PALETTE LONDON

    Manicurist Nail Polish in Dark Pansy

    Manicurist Nail Polish in Dark Pansy
    £14 AT MANICURIST

    Gucci Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Goldie Red

    Gucci Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Goldie Red
    £26 A JOHN LEWIS

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Jazzria Harris
    Jazzria Harris
    Freelance Fashion & Beauty Writer

    Jazzria Harris is a freelance fashion and beauty journalist with over 8 years experience working in the industry. At just 4ft 11, she’s an expert in petite dressing and previously wrote the column Jazz’s Short Stories giving tips and advice on dressing for petite proportions. Her wardrobe staples are a great black blazer, a hardworking slip skirt and of course a great pair of heels (for the extra inches, of course). Jazz has written for publications including ELLE UK, heat magazine, Eliza, Women & Home and more.

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