I once read that people spend so much time and money on their clothes and face, and often forget about their nails. When you think about it, it’s so true; it’s something that you constantly see and is always on show. It’s a chance to show off your individuality, your character, and always makes you feel a little better, and a bit more put together. Well, at least it does for me. I love looking down and seeing a perfect little manicure. Especially when it’s one as pretty as this.
I don’t think it’s any secret that I absolutely love nail art, and trying out new styles. So, I thought it was only right for me to pay homage to one of the first manicures ever created. In the original look, created in the 1920’s, both the tip and natural crescent or ‘lunula’ (‘little moon’ in Latin) were left bare, or painted a lighter colour. Joan Crawford was one of the many actresses who promoted this look, and helped it to become such a big hit. It wasn’t until the 1930s that they began to paint the tip, leaving only the base bare.
Simplicity and Elegance
I love the simplicity and elegance of it all. I’ve seen people do this all types of ways; going freehand, using stencils, or even using things as simple as a basic office supply, (you know those things you use to fix broken hole punch marks in a page) to create it. But honestly, I’ve found that the best way is to just go free hand. It may make things a little trickier, but I think it’s the method that gets the best results. Although, you may need a little bit of help to complete it.
I wouldn’t say that it’s the easiest look to complete, but it’s definitely one of my favourites. This is perfect for pretty much any occasion, and can be smart or casual. I decided to go a little different from the traditional red, and instead used this gorgeous ‘mulberry’ colour. Which I’m now officially obsessed with!
A Little Bit Of Help
You simply paint your nail, roughly leaving the half moon base bare, and neaten it up with a cotton bud, lightly covered in a bit of nail varnish. If you want the edges to be really crisp, take a thin paint brush dipped in nail varnish remover and ‘paint’ the bare half moon using a sweeping motion at the edge of the colour. This can be slightly tricky, but if you’re anything like me, then you won’t give up until they’re all perfect. I had to ask my sister to help me, especially to do my right hand, as my left hand was kinda all over the place.
I really love this manicure, and can’t stop looking at it! It’s one of my favourite nail designs, and definitely one that I’ll be doing again and again. Although it may not be the easiest to complete, I don’t want you to think it’s impossible, or too hard. Once you get the knack of it, you’ll find it a lot easier than you thought. Smart, simple and elegant are just a few words that I would use to describe this manicure.
Stylish, subtle and understated. They knew what they were doing in the 1930s!
Rosie x
Half Moon Nail Tutorial:
Dedicated to and based on one of the first manicures in the 1930s, this is subtle, elegant and so pretty. It may require a little bit of help to complete, but it will all be worth it. One of my favourite nail designs that I think I’ve ever done, and perfect for pretty much any occasion…
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Clear Base Coat / Top Coat
- Maroon Nail Varnish – I used Champneys in ‘Mulberry’
- Cotton Bud
- Thin Paintbrush – either a Nail Art brush or standard paintbrush will do (optional)
- Nail Varnish Remover
GETTING THE LOOK:
- Apply a clear Base Coat to all nails, don’t worry about painting the half moon section as this will be removed later. Allow to dry.
- Paint all your nails in your chosen shade, again roughly leaving the half moon section unpainted. This might look a bit messy at this stage, don’t worry this will be fixed later! Apply a second coat if needed.
- Once the dark varnish has fully dried, dip an earbud in nail varnish remover, making sure it is fully saturated. Lightly roll this along your cuticles, creating a half moon shape. Most of the dark tone should be removed but to really neaten up the edges, dip your paintbrush into your remover and gently sweep the brush along the edge of the coloured varnish. Lightly ‘paint’ the remainder of the half moon with the remover to ensure all trace of colour has gone. Reapply the remover as needed.
- Once completed, apply your topcoat to all nails and allow to fully dry before showing off your new vintage-inspired manicure!
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