The Red Face-Off: Will You Choose Iconic Big Apple Red or Spicy Cajun Shrimp?
Let’s be honest—when someone says, “I want red nails,” what they really mean is OPI red nails. And for decades, two shades have been locked in a very serious, very iconic battle for the crown.
This is the Big Apple Red vs. Cajun Shrimp debate—and yes, it matters.
👑 The True King: Big Apple Red (N25)
If red nail polish had a birth certificate, Big Apple Red would be listed as the blueprint.
Released in 2000 as part of OPI’s NYC Collection, this shade is widely considered the true red—bright, bold, and perfectly balanced. Not too dark. Not too orange. Just red.
- Warm or cool?
Cool-toned and blue-based. Translation: your hands look fresher and your teeth look whiter. Science? Maybe. Magic? Definitely.
- The Vibe:
Confident. Classic. Power move. This is the red you wear when you don’t want opinions—just compliments.
- Big Apple Red vs. OPI Red (L72):
People always ask. Big Apple Red is brighter and poppier. The original OPI Red is more muted and old-school. Think modern red lip vs. vintage lipstick.
This is the shade nail techs reach for when someone says, “Just give me a classic red.” No follow-up questions needed.
🌶️ The Cult Favorite: Cajun Shrimp (L64)
Now let’s talk about the fun one.
Cajun Shrimp is not here to be subtle. It’s the ultimate vacation red—sunny, high-energy, and impossible to ignore. This shade has a cult following for a reason.
- Is it red or pink?
Technically? A coral-red. Emotionally? A personality. Depending on the lighting, it can lean punchy pink or bright tomato red.
- Warm or cool?
Very warm-toned. If Big Apple Red is Manhattan, Cajun Shrimp is Miami.
- Why everyone loves it:
It pops against a tan, looks incredible on toes, and screams spring break, summer sandals, and poolside energy.
- The Drama:
“Did they change it? Is it discontinued?”
No and no. Cajun Shrimp is still here, still iconic, still that girl. Formula updates happen, but the pigment remains exactly what people fell in love with.
This is the red you choose when you want fun, flirty, and just a little unhinged (in a good way).
✨ Honorable Mention: I’m Not Really a Waitress (H08)
If Big Apple Red is classic and Cajun Shrimp is playful, I’m Not Really a Waitress is seductive.
This shade is legendary—a deep ruby red with a pearl finish that somehow manages to look luxurious, not glittery. It’s vampy without being heavy and classy without trying too hard.
- Finish: Sophisticated shimmer
- Tone: Slightly cool, but famously universal
- Why it wins awards: It looks expensive in every light
This is the red you wear to dinner reservations you’re excited about.
Final Verdict (Because You’re Going to Ask)
- Choose Big Apple Red if you want timeless, powerful, no-notes red.
- Choose Cajun Shrimp if you want warmth, fun, and vacation energy.
- Choose I’m Not Really a Waitress if you want drama with sparkle—but make it classy.
And the next time you walk into a salon and say, “I want red,” don’t be surprised if your nail tech reaches for one of these bottles. These shades didn’t just define OPI—they defined red nails as we know them ❤️💅