The 10 Most Iconic Nail Colors Of All Time

Essie Ballet Slippers

$10 at Walmart $10 at Target $10 at Ulta

For over 40 years, this barely-there pale pink has remained a favorite of celebrities, royals like the late Queen Elizabeth II, and pretty much all of Essie's large customer base. Why? Because it seems to look good on everyone (albeit in different ways on varying skin tones) and works for practically every occasion.

OPI Cajun Shrimp

$12 at Amazon $12 at Target $12 at Ulta

This is where red nails like to summer. This shade is the most perfect vibrant coral ever made—not too pink and not too orange—and has since been one of the most popular OPI shades for spring and summer.

Revlon Red

$6 at Amazon $6 at Walmart $6 at CVS

Revlon Red—the color that doesn't need any fancy names, because it happens to be a universally-appealing shade of bright red (and one of the first reds ever). In fact, the brand has been claiming red shade supremacy since the 1930s. This glossy strawberry shade comes off cheerier than any blue-toned red, which also helps it transcend seasons much better than many red polishes.

OPI Funny Bunny

$12 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $12 at Ulta

This might be the reason why white nails have truly never gone out of style—most likely due to the fact that OPI's iconic Funny Bunny isn't stark or harsh, but rather a soft, milky shade that acts like the perfect neutral when you do not want pink. However, a pro tip is to layer Funny Bunny with Ballet Slippers for a milkier, less-pigmented sheer pink.

OPI Big Apple Red

$12 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $12 at Target

Is it the most iconic red of all time? Definitely. OPI's Big Apple Red has been the perfect true red since it launched almost 25 years ago—especially if you're looking for a manicure that feels like an Old Hollywood starlet, a February nail color to get in the mood for Valentine's Day, or a festive holiday look. Truly, it works year-round.

Chanel Rouge Noir

View on Chanel.com

Debuted at Paris Fashion Week in the mid-1990s, this iconic shade can make anyone feel an unheard-of amount of confidence. Perhaps that is why it's one of the most coveted lacquers ever made. The vampy black cherry color is especially ideal for fall and winter.

OPI Bubble Bath

$12 at Amazon $12 at Target $12 at Ulta

After launching in 2001, this sheer nude-pink quickly became one of OPI's highest-selling polishes, with millions of bottles sold. We can only attribute the popularity to how versatile it is for any time of year or occasion.

Dior Rouge 999

$27 at Amazon View on Dior.com

In 1953, Christian Dior sought the perfect red to complement his designs, and he found it in this polish bottle. This is Dior's hero hue, which comes through in a shade so true and pigmented that you'll feel like a 50s starlet upon first swipe. You can also find similar shades in the brand's popular lipstick and glosses.

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark

$12 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $12 at Target

This is the ultimate winter classic by OPI. It's best described as "where midnight meets purple." After two creamy coats, it commands the room in an almost-black aubergine, and almost any nail salon will know exactly what you mean when you ask for it.

Essie Geranium

$10 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $10 at Target

If you are a fan of bright nail polish colors, you must add this one to your collection. Essie didn't go subtle with this one that launched in 1981. The fiery red-orange lacquer was one of the first 10 Essie shades to hit the market. Lucky for us, it has stuck around for the long haul.