Color Stories: Ladies in Red

Red nails have been a celebrity favorite since polish began being sold in the 1920s. Back then, a long oval-shape nail was in vogue, and today we’re seeing the long oval shape making a comeback on the runways of New York and Paris. The first manicure trend in the ’30s was the “moon manicure”— think French manicure in reverse. With the introduction of Technicolor, screen stars awed audiences by matching their lips to their nails. Celebs we know and love today, like Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Dita Von Teese, have all rocked red nails. From short and square to long and round, red polish in any shade looks sophisticated. Want lasting lacquer on your nails? Try a gel color, which will last one to two weeks longer than a regular mani. Bonus: Red nail polish brightens the tone of your skin, making your hands appear more youthful. Our choice for a long-lasting gorgeous red? Cult favorite color Big Apple Red in GelColor by OPI

1. Katy Perry’s classic red nails
2. Rihanna’s sultry red polish
3. Jane Russell matching her lips and nails in 1955
4. Dita Von Teese, the queen of vintage glamour, rocking a moon manicure