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The 40 Best Red Nails of All Time

It doesn't get any more classic.

By Chelsea Peng
Rihanna red nails
Getty Images

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.

<p>1937<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space"></span></p>
1 of 36
Marlene Dietrich in 'Angel'

1937

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<p>1941</p>
2 of 36
Rita Hayworth in 'Blood and Sand'

1941

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<p>1943</p>
3 of 36
Carmen Miranda in 'The Gang's All Here'

1943

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<p>1945</p>
5 of 36
Joan Crawford

1945

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<p>1950</p>
6 of 36
Lauren Bacall

1950

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<p>1955</p>
7 of 36
Lucille Ball

1955

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<p>1960s</p>
8 of 36
Dior

1960s

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<p>1965</p>
9 of 36
Natalie Wood

1965

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<p>1972</p>
10 of 36
Liza Minelli in 'Liza with a Z'

1972

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<p>1975</p>
12 of 36
Barbra Streisand in 'Funny Lady'

1975

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<p>1978</p>
13 of 36
Dolly Parton

1978

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<p>1980s</p>
14 of 36
Joan Collins in 'Dynasty'

1980s

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<p>1980s</p>
15 of 36
Chanel

1980s

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<p>1981</p>
16 of 36
Cher

1981

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<p>1984</p>
17 of 36
Lana Turner

1984

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<p>1990</p>
18 of 36
Diana Vreeland

1990

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<p>1992</p>
19 of 36
Princess Diana

1992

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Hair, Hairstyle, Blond, Beauty, Lip, Smile, Dress, Event, Ceremony, Wedding,
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20 of 36
Anna Nicole Smith

1994

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1994
Miramax
21 of 36
Uma Thurman in 'Pulp Fiction'

1994

Chanel, $28

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22 of 36
Gwen Stefani in "Hollaback Girl"

2005

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<p>2011</p>
24 of 36
Iris Apfel for MAC

2011

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<p>2012</p>
25 of 36
Tom Ford

2012

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<p>2012</p>
26 of 36
Kate Moss for Rimmel

2012

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<p>2013</p>
27 of 36
Rihanna

2013

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<p>2013</p>
29 of 36
Daria Werbowy for Céline

2013

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<p>2013</p>
30 of 36
Selena Gomez

2013

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14 Times Celebs Shocked Us With New Hair & Makeup
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