Why you need it: Pink may fall in and out of fashion (in 2016, it was everywhere) but a pink manicure is always in. Bubblegum, fuchsia, dusty rose, or classic baby pink -- there is most certainly a pink that looks pretty on you.

When to wear it: Pale pink is the workhorse of your nail polish wardrobe, great for every day; bright pinks are made for exotic vacays, dates, and hot weather.

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Glossier Nail Polish (limited edition) The burgeoning beauty brand's first foray into nail polish is the ideal powder pink.

JinSOON, Moxie, $18
If ballerina pink ain't your style, you'll love this grayish "millennial pink," new from tastemaker Jin Soon.

Nails Inc Paint Can Spray On Nail Polish, Hoxton Market, $12
This happy, hot pink polish is just the thing you need for a lightning-fast pedicure.

Why you need it: Ancient Egyptians wore nail polish, but only the upper echelons of society were allowed to paint them red. To this day, red nails are a symbol of timeless sophistication. A true red polish -- one that reads neither cool (blue) nor warm (yellow) -- can always be counted on.

When to wear it: Anywhere, anytime, especially when you want to feel put-together and powerful -- at a job interview, or on a first date.

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Revlon Nail Enamel, Cherries in the Snow, $4 Revlon introduced red nail polish to market in the 1930s with this shade. This cool red crème polish remains a best-seller.

Dior Vernis Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer, Rouge 999, $27 The neutral undertone in this Dior classic makes this polish look smashing on any woman.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Gloss, Rouge Radical #530, $28 This stunning new shade from Chanel is translucent in the bottle, like beautiful strawberry jelly. Apply one coat to nails for a sheer wash of poppy red; apply two coats to get an intensely shiny, fiery red.

Why you need it: Why do you need red polish and deep red, you ask? Oh, child... If a red polish is tried and true, appropriate for any occasion, then deep red is its slightly moodier, less predictable sister. You can't wear it with everything, but when you do wear it, you'll feel sexy, feminine and tough.

When to wear it: With a dressy or edgy outfit, especially in fall and winter.

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