A nude base, a delicate white line at the tip of the nail et voilà: simplicity and elegance guaranteed! Invented in the 1970s, the French manicure shone bright on the red carpet for some time before falling out of favour. It has made a comeback in recent years and now comes in a myriad of forms. Discover the secrets of this great nail art classic and do your French at home like a pro.
Where does the French manicure come from and what is so special about it?
It's not as French as it sounds! In fact, the only French thing about this manicure is its name. It's an entirely American invention, which established itself as a great way for 70s Hollywood stars to be able to change their outfit without having to change their nail polish.
Lauren Hutton, 1975 Oscars
Its simplicity and elegance have made it a timeless classic for everyday wear or special occasions, especially weddings. Combining a nude, white or pink base with a thin line of white nail polish, a French manicure enhances the nails, giving them an immaculate finish that is both natural and subtly sophisticated. Another advantage of this type of manicure is that it works with all shapes and lengths of nails, whether they're long, short, square or oval. There's a French to suit everyone! Regular polish or gel polish: the result is the same, but the gel polish French manicure will last longer.
The French manicure is now making a comeback and continues to reinvent itself in endless colourful, glittery, reverse, Baby-Boomer-gradient nail art ways. If you're keen to know how to 'nail' the perfect manicure technique, stay tuned and we'll give you all the tips you need to create a stunning, salon-worthy French manicure at home.
How to do a French manicure
Step 1: nail prep
We've said it before and we'll say it again: nail prep is essential if you want a flawless manicure that lasts, whether it's French or not! Take the time to care for your cuticles. Massage in a few drops of cuticle remover and then push them back with a cuticle pusher to create a neat nail contour.
Then use an emery board to create your desired shape: square, round or almond. To create a rounded shape, gently file the sides of your nails towards the centre in a soft curve. An almond shape lengthens the fingers and is created by carefully filing the sides of the nail into a gentle slope with a slightly pointed tip. Finish by using our nail priming emery board to even out the surface of your nails, which will help the base coat to adhere.
Lastly, clean your nails with a cotton pad soaked in gentle nail polish remover to remove any oil and dust, which could jeopardise the success of your French manicure.
All your nail prep essentials in one complete set.
Step 2: the base coat
Your nails are now ready to receive a thin layer of Green™ Base Coat for a French manicure with regular polish, or Green Flash™ Base Coat for a gel polish French manicure. If it's the latter, don't forget to cure your base coat under your LED lamp before applying your nude polish.
Step 3: all-over colour
Start your French manicure by applying 2 thin coats of subtly coloured sheer polish over the entire nail surface. We particularly love Beige, Hortencia and Milky White in Green™ or Green Flash™ format (don't forget to cure each coat of Green Flash™ colour under your LED lamp).
A Milky White manicure, creamy as can be!
Step 4: the smile line
Without shaking, draw the famous white line on the tips of your nails using our Nail Art Liner Brush. We recommend you use our Snow white polish, which is perfect for this. With, of course, a quick cure under the lamp if you're using Green Flash™.
Our ultra-accurate Nail Art Liner Brush is the perfect tool for a Milky White + Snow French manicure.
Step 5: the Top Coat
To seal in your colour and make your French manicure shine, apply a layer of Sunshine Top Coat (if you have opted for Green™ polish) or Green Flash™ Top Coat.
Step 6: Green Oil for a beautiful finish
The final step to finish off your French manicure in style: apply a few drops of Green Oil to your nails and cuticles to nourish and deeply hydrate them. Repeat regularly to help your French manicure last longer.
Now you know all you need to know to create a stunning, classic French manicure. So, why not jazz up this slightly (too) demure manicure with a pop of zesty colour or a sprinkle of glitter?
Our biodegradable Copper glitter is the perfect way to enhance a Brique French manicure.
The latest French manicure trends
In recent years, the French manicure has continued to evolve in infinite ways, each version more creative than the last. Here is a small selection:
Glow French manicure
Combine the rosy glow of Raspberry Active Glow™ treatment polish with our soft Crème polish for the line at the tip, to create a modern take on the French manicure that enhances and deeply nourishes your nails with its AHA-enriched formula.
A complete kit for creating an ultra-glowy French manicure that looks and feels great.
Mini French manicure
Also known as a micro French manicure, it has a very thin line at the tip of the nail, which gives a chic, delicate result.
Reverse French manicure
Instead of drawing a line at the tip of the nail, why not draw a line along the cuticle? Guaranteed to raise a few eyebrows!
Vibrant neon French manicure
The vibrant version of the French manicure is back with a bang and incredible colour intensity. Pink, green, blue... anything is possible with Green™ or Green Flash™ polish!
Glitter French manicure
Never-ending party! To shine from dusk to dawn, decorate the tips of your nails with a sprinkling of glitter. Nine glitter colours are available and what's more, they're biodegradable! Check out our application tips in this tutorial.
Life is more beautiful with glittery fingertips!
Glitter gradient French manicure
Halfway between a glitter French manicure and a Baby Boomer, this irresistible glitter gradient manicure will make your nails sparkle. Find out how to do it in this tutorial.
Get the gradient look with our Gold Glitter!
Matte French manicure
Play with the contrasting effects of matte and glossy for a super elegant look that's easy to achieve. Fancy a matte French manicure? Click here!
A matte black French manicure is oh-so-chic with Licorice and our Matte Top Coat!
Glazed French manicure
For a silky French manicure, try our Glazed Effect powder. Very easy to use, it will give your nails an unparalleled pearly sheen.
Pearly shades for a glazed French manicure.
Baby Boomer
This is one of the key trends right now. It's a version of the French manicure where the white line on the tip of the nail is replaced by a gradient effect, fading from white to nude. Subtly stylish!
@m.o.n.a.j on Instagram
XXL French manicure
This French manicure is ideal on long nails: use our Nail Art Brush to create a bold white line. Horizontal, vertical or smile line – why not mix it up a little?
@matejanova on Instagram
Double French manicure
The Double French manicure gives you twice as many colours to play with. Whether you prefer a colourblock effect or pastel shades, this summer look works for any occasion.
@alyxlippiatt on Instagram
FAQs
What equipment do you need for a French manicure?
For a classic French manicure, you need 3 essential items: a regular or gel nail polish in a light, sheer colour, a white nail polish and a fine nail art liner brush. You can also let your creativity run wild by choosing bolder colours for the line and at the base of the nail, and using glitter and special-effect powders to vary the look and effect.
Can you do a French manicure on short nails?
Of course! We recommend you opt for a mini French manicure – the latest French manicure trend. The ultra-fine line gives a simple, pared-down look that oozes elegance. If your short nails need strengthening, use Manicurist's Active Glow as your base colour. It will add shine to your nails while helping them to regenerate.
