Walk into any salon, and you're bound to find The Wall (no, the other one) dripping with red lacquers—and as many women agonizing over which one sets off their hands to the greatest advantage. Our affinity for the jewel-like polish springs eternal, so ahead, 40 of history's greatest examples for inspiration/an extra 55 minutes spent trying to match the color.
Marlene Dietrich in 'Angel'
1937
Rita Hayworth in 'Blood and Sand'
1941
Carmen Miranda in 'The Gang's All Here'
1943
Joan Crawford
1945
Lauren Bacall
1950
Natalie Wood
1965
Liza Minelli in 'Liza with a Z'
1972
Barbra Streisand in 'Funny Lady'
1975
Dolly Parton
1978
Joan Collins in 'Dynasty'
1980s
Cher
1981
Lana Turner
1984
Diana Vreeland
1990
Anna Nicole Smith
1994
Iris Apfel for MAC
2011
Rihanna
2013
Daria Werbowy for Céline
2013
Beyoncé and Blue Ivy
2014
Janelle Monae
2015
Grace Jones
2015
Taylor Hill for Michael Michael Kors
2016
Erykah Badu
2016
Celine Dion
2017
Charli XCX
2017
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