When it comes to fashion and elegance, the French always seem to set the trends. One of their secrets is that they know that some classic styles never go out of fashion.
Case in point: the French manicure. Always the epitome of class, a set of French tips will set you apart as a woman of excellent taste and style. It can seem a bit tricky at first to master, but once you’ve practiced it a couple of times, you’ll find it’s actually a pretty simple look to pull off.
A Step-by-Step Guide to a Perfect French Manicure
Step 1: Prep your nails.
Remove any old polish with some nail polish remover.
Step 2: Trim your nails.
A French manicure looks best on longer nails (aim for a medium length somewhere between really long and trimmed down to the nub). Use nail clippers to trim all your nails to an even length.
Step 3: File to your preferred shape.
Use an emery board to file the edge of your nails smooth. A traditional French manicure has a somewhat square shape, rounded at the corners.
Step 4: Push back your cuticles (optional).
Depending on the shape of your cuticles, you may or may not need this step. If you have particularly thick or uneven cuticles, soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes to soften, and then push them back into shape using a cuticle pusher.
Step 5: Apply base coat.
The base coat should be painted over your entire nail in a shade that is cream, pale pink, or clear. We like Rue by Zoya. Allow the first coat to dry and add a second coat.
Step 6: Paint the tips.
Use a white nail polish like Adel by Zoya to paint the tips of your nails. Paint only the part of your nail that extends past the end of your finger and would naturally be white when unpolished. This requires a steady hand and some practice. You can create perfect lines by cutting your own curved nail guides using painter’s tape (which is designed to not damage the underlying polish when removed).
Step 7: Apply a top coat.
To protect your perfect French manicure, apply a clear top coat. Viola! Pure elegance!
Do you have a hard time growing your nails long enough to pull off a French manicure? Grow them longer by using a supplement like Phytophanere and applying some Qtica Natural Nail Growth Stimulator. Your nails will be longer and stronger in no time!
Be sure to check out the full line of nail care products available on our website. We guarantee that all beauty lines offered are 100% authentic, never from a third-party, and are items that our beauty team uses on our own hair and skin. Plus, Pandora Beauty offers some of the best prices available on all your favorite salon-quality products at our online discount beauty supply store.
