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
-
Only Three Episodes of 'The Traitors' Season 3 Have Dropped, But the Traitors Are Already Headed for BetrayalThe producers truly chose chaos for this installment of Peacock's reality hit.
-
This $4,900 Bag Is the Hero of Hailey Bieber's Mom StyleA case for the oversized staple.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
-
Gray Hair Was the Hottest Accessory at the 2025 Golden GlobesGray hair is chic, period.
-
25 Brown Nail Designs To Instantly Elevate Winter's Hottest Polish TrendLuxury at your fingertips.
-
20 Beauty Stocking Stuffers Guaranteed to Please Your Pickiest Family MembersBeauty editor-tested and approved.
-
24 Luxury Beauty and Wellness Gifts for Your Pickiest Self-Care Obsessed FriendsGuaranteed to please even your pickiest friends and family.
-
10 Winter Hair Color Trends Fashionable Women Love This SeasonThe season's top hair color trends are painfully chic.
-
10 Winter Haircut Trends Stylish Women Are Wearing in 2024It's time to get a little scissor happy.
-
Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."
-
What Is Sugar Waxing? Everything to Know, According to ExpertsIt's also less painful than some alternatives.
