 The
French Manicure is the manicure where the tips of nails are
pure white. This is a look that is very popular because it
makes your nail look healthy and clean. It's suitable for
all occasions since it is ultra natural.
The
French Manicure works well for nail lengths which are medium
to long: 1/4" to 3/4." The white nail polish is typically
aligned with the edge of the finger, but there are alternatives
which also look very attractive. You can have long nails with
little white or shorter nails with a lot of white. That is
up to your choice.
Besides the color quantity and color combinations, there is
the choice between the shapes of the nail tips: round, oval,
or square. To draw the white tips you can user a small paintbrush
if you want the colour to spread evenly.
Method:
-
The tools that you will require for French manicure is
as follows: base/top coat, tip guide strips, neutral polish
and white polish. Neutral polishes are very pale, sheer
shades with a pink, beige or peach cast. Consider French
manicure kits that offer everything in one convenient
box.
-
Next step is to file and shape your nails. Tend to your
cuticles, then wash and dry your nails completely. Apply
the base/top coat and let it dry.
Base coat is applied to protect your nails and to help
prevent chipping.
-
Peel off a guide strip and affix it below the tip of a
nail, following its natural curve. The guide will allow
you to paint an even white tip with ease and precision.
However if you don't have the guide strips then follow
this method. For a square look, paint a straight line
across the tips; for a rounded appearance, follow the
curve of the nail; and to get a pointed style, paint in
from each side to the centre.
-
Paint each nail tip white, extending the brush stroke
from the top of the guide to the end of the nail. Take
care not to get any white polish on the body of the nail
below the guide. Let the tips dry.
- Once
the tips are dry remove all the guides. Dissolve leftover
adhesive by rubbing it gently with a cotton swab dipped
in alcohol.
- Apply
two coats of the neutral polish, letting the first coat
dry before the second application. Finish with a thin
layer of base/top coat.
TIPS:
- The
key to this look is to wait for each coat to dry thoroughly
before applying the next coat otherwise you are sure to
end up with smudges.
-
If the classic French manicure is a little too conservative
for your style, make your own color combination. Instead
of neutral and white polishes, red with gold tips or white
with silver tips or any combination you like.
-
Give yourself time to practice. It may take awhile to
get the hang of applying the tip guides. However practice
will make you perfect.
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