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16 of the Most Iconic Nail Polish Colors of All Time

How many do you own?

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iconic nail polish best 2019
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

There are endless options when it comes to nail polishes, but no matter how many years go by, some shades continue to stand out from the rest. (Ballet Slippers and Lincoln Park After Dark ring a bell?) These tried-and-true polishes are just too classic to ever give up! Here, we've compiled some of the best nail polish colors of all time that'll always be worthy of a spot in your collection.

1

Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers

Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers

Essie's perfect-for-any-occasion Ballet Slippers needs no introduction. It's even Queen Elizabeth's polish of choice!

More: Classic Pink Nail Polishes We Love

2

OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish in Lincoln Park After Dark

OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish in Lincoln Park After Dark

Look no further than Lincoln Park After Dark for the perfect deep purple shade that's nearly black. It's a fall and winter staple.

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3

Revlon Nail Enamel in Cherries In The Snow

Revlon Nail Enamel in Cherries In The Snow
Now 13% Off

In 1932, Revlon introduced Cherries In The Snow — the first red nail polish, ever! We're not sure it gets more iconic than that.

4

Essie Nail Polish in Topless & Barefoot

Essie Nail Polish in Topless & Barefoot
Now 20% Off

Topless and Barefoot by Essie is a popular, sophisticated beige that'll never distract from your outfit.

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5

OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red

OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red
Now 25% Off

This OPI classic is a true red color that you'll be wearing 'til the end of time.

6

Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle

Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle
Now 22% Off

Mademoiselle is the sheer pink sister to Ballet Slippers. It's a perfect choice for a clean, barely-there look.

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7

OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath

OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath
Now 25% Off

More than 5 million bottles of this OPI icon have been sold since its debut in 2001! The delicate, sheer pink color is the perfect wedding day shade.

8

Essie Nail Polish in Bikini So Teeny

Essie Nail Polish in Bikini So Teeny
Now 24% Off

Trust us when we say you'll get compliments on this shimmery periwinkle color every time you step out the door.

9

OPI Nail Lacquer in I’m Not Really a Waitress

OPI Nail Lacquer in I’m Not Really a Waitress

It's not the holidays without a metallic mani! This shimmery red polish is a party in a bottle.

10

Essie Nail Polish in Blanc

Essie Nail Polish in Blanc
Now 10% Off

When you want a Pinterest-worthy white manicure, we think Essie's Blanc is the best nail polish to give you a totally opaque look.

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11

Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer in Rouge 999

Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer in Rouge 999

There's no such thing as too many iconic reds! Dior's Rouge 999 is a cult-favorite for its true-red color and longwear gel formula.

12

Christian Louboutin Nail Colour in Rouge Louboutin

Christian Louboutin Nail Colour in Rouge Louboutin

Christian Louboutin's nail polish became an instant classic when it launched this red formula that matches the iconic red soles.

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13

OPI Nail Lacquer in Dulce de Leche

OPI Nail Lacquer in Dulce de Leche

Falling somewhere between tan and pink, this best-selling OPI polish is an elegant choice for any time of the year.

14

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Naked

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Naked

We're a fan of Deborah Lippmann's glossy, long-wear Gel Lab Pro formula, and even more so when it's in this pretty opaque beige color.

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15

Essie Nail Polish in Chinchilly

Essie Nail Polish in Chinchilly
Now 14% Off

Finding the perfect taupe can be quite the task, but this gray shade with a slight purple undertone nails it every time.

16

OPI Nail Lacquer in Malaga Wine

OPI Nail Lacquer in Malaga Wine

Everyone needs a rich bordeaux polish in their collection. This OPI favorite gets deeper with every coat.

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