This autumn, we're going 'berry' bold, painting our wardrobes with a rich pour of wine red. But why stop there? Keep your finger on the pulse and tap this trending merlot manicure with Vogue Scandinavia's edit of the best burgundy nail polishes to shop now
For the autumn/winter '24 season, it's no exaggeration to say the runways have been drenched in burgundy. Stepping up as the muted must-have neutral, the fashion industry has squeezed every last sartorial drop from this rich wine-red hue, and (while it may still be too warm for our favourite finds, like Holzweiler's printed puffers and Remain's knitted dresses) the shade has already spilled into our beauty routines, colouring lips and nails alike.
The best part? There's a burgundy nail polish for every skin tone. After all, a rose by any other name – maroon, merlot, or oxblood, for example – still smells as sweet, leaving us convinced that this is the manicure we’re most excited to wear this autumn.
How do you choose the best burgundy nail polish for you?
Just like picking the perfect red lipstick, choosing your best burgundy nail polish is all about understanding your undertone. If you have a cool undertone (typically indicated by veins that appear blue or purple), blue- or purple-based burgundy polishes are your best match so look for those rich berry or wine-red shades. On the other hand, if your skin has warm undertones, with golden, yellow, or peachy hues, you should look for red- or brown-based burgundies. Finally, a neutral undertone strikes that perfect balance, meaning you’re in a great position to experiment with a wide variety of burgundy shades.
Related: Subtle leopard spots, 'glass' manicures and chocolate shades: 30 nail trends to try this autumn
The best burgundy nail polishes to wear in 2024:
Best for... a classic vampy red.
Why we love it: Le Vernis 115 Rouge Noir has become an icon for a reason: it’s a perfect blend of red, brown, and purple tones, giving it that rich, multidimensional burgundy that flatters all skin tones. Debuted at Paris Fashion Week during the autumn/winter '94 Chanel show, it has become one of the most coveted burgundy nail colours of all time.
Best for... a salon-like finish on a budget.
Why we love it: With a pigment pay-off to rival most expensive brands and a salon-quality finish, 'Under the Pier' delivers a velvety wine red without breaking the bank ÷ making it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly burgundy option.
Best for... warm undertones.
Why we love it: By Lyko's nail polishes are known for their easy two-layer application, flooding the nails with glossy colour that does not budge. As for the burgundy shade the brand has on offer, the reddish pigments would work wonders for warmer undertones.
Best for... its eco-conscious formula.
Why we love it: Not only is Manicurist's Green range formula vegan and cruelty-free, the polish is also formulated with up to 84 percent bio-sourced ingredients. As for the Dark Pansy shade itself, it is a juicy black-cherry burgundy we can't get enough off.
Best for... cool undertones.
Why we love it: A blue-toned burgundy that shifts between cherry red in daylight and a vampy Bordeaux at night, OPI's 'Got The Blues for Red' is the perfect nail polish to compliment cool undertones. As we've come to expect from OPI, the formula is quick-drying, smudge-resistant and it comes with OPI’s signature Pro-Wide brush for an even coverage with zero fuss.
Best for... a more muted colour payoff.
Why we love it: While All I Am Beauty's 'Lady Mandy' nail polish has all of the cherry chops we seek in our wine red nail polish this autumn, we appreciate the more muted nature of this specific shade of burgundy. With a hint of grey, it is arguably the most neutral merlot on this list.
Best for... a long-lasting, ultry-glossy finish.
Why we love it: Of course, Dior does not dissapoint when it comes to providing a marvelous burugundy nail polish. Infused with with extracts of peony and pistachio, this fomula provides protective nail care with each application – all while delivering a mirror-like manicure that doesn't budge.
Best for... all-around wear.
Why we love it: In short, Essie's Shearling Darling is a no-nonsense polish that delivers on every front. Chip-resistant and applied with the brand's easy-glide brush, this reliable wash of vampy wine red (with regular reapplications) could easily stay on all the way to Christmas.