A French Manicure is a classic look which everybody loves. It’s smart, casual, shows off your nails and is effortlessly timeless. It’s one of them things that will forever be in fashion. Because this is such an iconic look, I thought it was about time I dedicated a post to it. An ode to a classic and a simple how-to guide.
But then I started thinking. This has been a look which has been recreated countless times. Instead of just remaking a look, why not put my own twist on it and make it my own? So, that’s exactly what I did!
You think it would be simple. French Manicures are pretty basic, so surely adapting it won’t be too difficult, right? Wrong! Who knew there were so many different variations to a French Manicure. From different shapes added to the nails, ‘double manicures’, to adding some colour. I was so lost, and it took me a while to decide just what to do.
Add Some Colour
I wanted to keep it traditional, but add my own twist to it. Something different to the pain white tips normally used. Instead of doing some crazy new design and over complicating the whole thing, I thought it best to just add some colour.
It seemed to take forever to decide on a colour scheme. I just couldn’t make up my mind. I went from having a bold base colour, to a plain one. But, in the end, I decided that I wanted the focus to be in the tip, So, rather than paint it any colour, I thought that I’d just keep them nude. El natural, as they say.
An Endless Hunt
The tips are where I really want the colour. I painted on what seemed like hundreds of colours (ok, it was probably about 10), but just wasn’t happy with any of them. Looking at them, I could what they all had in common was that they were all really dark. I wanted this to be a fun, fresh look. And with the sunshine out, and summer on the way I put them away and delved back into my nail box. With more of an idea of what I wanted.
Then I found it. The most perfect colour. A light, airy pastel green. That was perfect to add a bit of fun, and unlike anything that I would’ve picked, or even thought of before. Then I saw that I had a whole pastel range. From pinks to yellows. It seemed I had every colour in pastel form. Out of them, I couldn’t narrow it down. I decided to put one nail in each colour, and see which one I liked the best. But, I loved them all. And loved the effect of having each nail different. It helped to make them stand out. And each colour complimented the others beautifully. So, I did something that I haven’t done since I was about 12. I had mismatched nails. And, I loved it!!
Freehand
When it came to actually painting the tip, I know that a lot of people use markers or tape. But, I don’t really don’t like the. I think they’re really quite useless. They curl up, they’re never quite tacky enough and then when you remove them, they just peel all the base coat off. I know that it wouldn’t be a problem here. But it’s just another reason why I’m not really a fan.
It seems that you spend so much time trying to stick them on that you could have done your nails 2x over! I was a bit nervous at first but was surprise at just how easy to was to do free hand. You simply follow the natural shape of your nail. Make sure all the tips (white bits) are covered. It may sound a bit tricky but give it a go. You’ll be surprised!
Embrace the warmer weather with this simple, yet effortlessly chic design. It’s so quick and easy, the whole look can be completed in about 10 minutes (plus drying time)..
Summer at your fingertips,
Rosie x
A Splash Of Colour – Nail Art
A twist on a classic look, redone to add some fun. The simplicity of this look is what makes it stands out, and makes it perfect for Spring/Summer.
What You Need:
- 5 Different Colours, 1 for each nail
- Clear Top Coat
Getting The Look:
- Make yourself comfortable, this look requires a very steady hand! I did the tips freehand but you may find it easier to use a bit of tape or stencil.
- Choose your first colour and use the nail brush carefully follow the natural shape of your nail tip (the white part) in the classic French Manicure style. You might find it a bit easier to rest your elbow on a hard surface whilst painting the tip. Don’t worry if you get any on the nail, this can be cleaned up later.
- Repeat on all fingers, changing the colours as you go.
- Allow to dry before applying a second coat to each nail if needed.
- Allow to dry. Use a cotton bud and nail varnish remover to carefully neaten up your tips and remove any varnish around your fingers if needed.
- Apply a Clear Top Coat, allow to dry and enjoy your new manicure!
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