Stylish Red Nails: A Forever Classic

"I've had two years to grow claws, Mother: Jungle Red!" So says Mary Haines, heroine of the 1939 film "The Women," referring to the deep red polish used in the exclusive salon frequented by her catty friends. Mary shows off her long, glamorous nails as she reclaims her husband from the seductress played by Joan Crawford. The message, then and now: Red nails rock. They are not for wimps. You don't mess with sexy, confident girls wearing red on tips and toes. There are as many reds as there are moods. The classics: Cherries in the Snow, and Revlon Red were instant hits from Revlon in the early 1950s. "Cherries" is a more of a pinkish red, suitable for paler skin tones, while Revlon Red is an all-purpose winner. OPI launches new colors every season, but keeps some best-selling reds in its line. Try OPI Red, Chick Flick Cherry, Big Apple Red, and "I'm Not Really a Waitress." Essie is also known for some sumptuous red lacquers, such as Scarlett O'Hara, A-List, Forever Young and After Sex. There’s a lot of buzz about It’s Raining Men, a vivid shade from the Lippmann Collection. By the way, while the Jungle Red polish in “The Women” was fictitious, the shade does exist now, thanks to NARS. Reds also make a spectacular backdrop for designs. White, gold, silver and black truly pop against red backgrounds. A glitter line over a vampy red nail looks fab. So do crystals set in ruby lacquer. Even innocent little flower stickers look sexy when paired with crimson. A coat of sheer frost pumps up the volume on your favorite red. Find your best reds anywhere from your drugstore, online, as well as your salon. Try mixing two of your favorite polishes to create a completely unique color. Polishes wear differently for everyone. For some, the most pricey brands will not outlast a few coats of Sally Hansen. During your manicure, avoid discoloration to your nails by applying a good base coat. After two thin coats of polish, apply a top coat. Re-apply every couple of days to keep your nails chip-free. If a bit of that red polish lands on your fingers or cuticles, use a correction pen to zip it off. Be sure to wait at least one hour after your manicure before using the correction pen. Now, go show off your gorgeous red nails! Naillo