The New (and Refreshingly Classic) Nail Color of the Summer

You hear that? Candy-apple-red nail polish is calling to you. This classic shade is having a moment right now, and here’s proof: Both Jessica Chastian and Demi Lovato wore it over the weekend. Check them out and be reminded of how a manicure in this tried-and-true shade works for anyone, no matter what your vibe.

Chastain made it look sophisticated while promoting her movie* Crimson Peak* at Comic-Con:

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Celebrity Manicurist, Christina Aviles explained that she and the actress were inspired to chose the color, Red Carpet Manicure Nail Lacquer in Strut Your Stuff ($6.39, ulta.com) by the red in her dress—and then her nail color became the inspiration for her lip color! Her tip: “To get the ultimate shine for the red carpet, I doubled up on top coat, which really made the color pop!”

Meanwhile, Lovato showed exactly how a bright red can be edgy:

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Manicurist Brittni Rae chose Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Pirate ($27, chanel.com), a bold red that hits right at the hue you think of when you picture the color wheel.

Pick one or both of these colors up or pluck out one hiding in your stash already—you really can’t go wrong with candy-apple nails.

And now for some nail-art inspiration: