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
-
The Queen of Cannes Has a New Crown—and It's Honey BlondeBella Hadid's new summer hair is off to a very French start.
-
Top Designer Once Claimed Princess Diana "Ruined" Its "Credibility" by Shopping ThereDiana was dubbed "a dreary fashion victim," per the new book 'Dianaworld.'
-
26 Rich-Looking Nordstrom Finds I Found for Under-$100Right this way to the chicest summer wardrobe.
-
Patrick Ta's Major Glow Bronzing Body Oil Gives My Skin a Vacation Glow—Without the VacationPatrick Ta's newest drop gives a vacation glow without the vacation.
-
Laura Harrier's Met Gala Makeup Stays Glowy-Not-Greasy Thanks to This $14 Setting SprayLocked in "from the carpet to the dinner and to all the after parties."
-
Zendaya's 2025 Met Gala Makeup Is Going on My Bridal Beauty BoardFeminine and edgy, all in one.
-
Starface and Heaven by Marc Jacobs Merge Skincare and Streetwear in a Grungy New CollabEveryone's favorite pimple patches team up with a fashion icon.
-
Allison Janney's Flipped Bob Is the Chicest Hair Moment of the WeekJust another Hollywood star to join the bob-aissance.
-
These Products Are My Secret to Dewy, Sun-Kissed SkinPrepare to glow.
-
Ellie the Elephant Inks Her First Beauty Contract with Essie Like the Queen She IsThe New York Liberty star will be the brand's first ever spokesperson...err, pachyderm.
-
Everything You Need to Know About Marie Claire’s Skin and Hair AwardsCould your brand survive an editor testing session?
