After years, or decades, of manicures and pedicures, it’s easy to become familiar with certain shades that one might deem classic or popular. We’re talking about the sheer neutrals, bright reds, and standout shades that seemingly never go out of style, due to the fact that people keep asking for them again and again. These are the nail colors that you can request at the nail salon, and your nail technician will instantly know what polish bottle you’re looking for. Some of these nail colors have been around for generations, and others have simply stuck around by sheer force of popularity.
One thing to know for certain: Every one of these iconic nail polishes should grace your fingers at least once. Here are the 10 most popular nail colors that have ever existed.
Essie
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
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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
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
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.
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.
Amazon
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.
Amazon
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.
