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 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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