French manicures made easy
By Donna Kelly
The French Manicure is a natural, yet very stylish look,
suitable for all occasions - day and night, and casual through to
dressy. With a classic French Manicure you can be confident your
beautiful white tipped nails will complement your outfit and the
setting. French Manicures are really not that difficult - our
simple step by step French Manicure guide shows you how.
French Manicure Step 1: Remove old polish
Using a cotton ball and nail polish remover remove all traces of
existing nail polish. There are 2 main types of nail polish remover
to choose from. Acetone nail polish removers take off the nail
polish quickly but can dehydrate your cuticles. You might want to
use Acetone nail polish removers if you are trying to remove bold,
deep or bright shades of nail polish. Non-acetone nail polish
removers take longer to remove nail polish but do not dry out the
nail and cuticle. Remember, if you have artificial nails, you
should only use non-acetone nail polish remover.
French Manicure Step 2: File your nails
Rule #1...only file in one direction. You'll weaken the nails if
you saw back and forth. Starting from the back of the nail and
going to the center, make long, sweeping strokes. Avoid metal
files; they are brutal on your nails.
French Manicure Step 3: Soak your hands
Fill a large bowl with soapy water and dunk your hands in it for
several minutes. This helps to soften your cuticles and clean the
nails. Dry your hands when done, using a paper towel, not a cotton
towel. Cotton towels may leave behind fuzzies that will show up in
the nail polish.
French Manicure Step 4: Fix up your cuticles
Use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles. Then use the
pointy end to remove any remaining dirt from under your nails.
Now you nails have been prepared you are ready to apply your
French Manicure. To complete your French Manicure you will need:
white French Manicure nail polish, neutral (pink or beige) coloured
French Manicure Nail Polish and French Manicure guide strips. To
make purchasing the nail polishes and guides simple consider a
French Manicure kit that offers everything in one convenient
box.
French Manicure tip: Use guide strips, they make the French
Manicure process so much easier.
You should also have handy your normal nail polish base coat and
top coat
French Manicure Step 5: Apply a Base Coat
Base coat helps prevent nails from staining, strengthens the
nails and also allows for a smoother application of nail polish.
Your nail secretes oil; base coat also helps the nail polish to
adhere to your nail better. Apply a thin, not thick coat. A thick
coat will just cause nail polish to smudge or take an extremely
long time to dry. Make sure the clear base coat is COMPLETELY dry
before applying nail polish.
French Manicure Step 6: Apply the white tip
Peel off a French Manicure guide strip and apply it below the
tip of the nail, following its natural curve. The guide strip will
allow you to paint an even white tip with ease and precision. Press
the French Manicure guide strips down firmly to smooth out any
ripples. Repeat on all nails.
Apply the white nail polish to the nail tips 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. Allow the white polish to dry completely.
French Manicure Tip: Actually try to get a little of the white
nail polish on your skin. This will ensure your white tip is not
too thick at the edges which can make French Manicures look
unnatural. The extra polish can be easily cleaned up once dry.
A second coat of white nail polish may be desirable, depending
on the thickness and opaqueness of the nail polish. Allow the nail
polish to dry completely between coats.
Once the tips are dry remove all the guides. Dissolve any
leftover adhesive by rubbing it gently with a cotton bud dipped in
nail polish remover. Be careful not to get any nail polish remover
on the white tips.
French Manicure Step 7: Apply the neutral nail polish
Apply the neutral nail polish (pink or beige) over entire nail,
this seals the whitened tip and completes the look.
Before applying the nail polish roll the bottle of nail polish,
never shake it. Shaking causes air bubbles to form that will stand
out when you apply the nail polish.
Rest your hand on a firm surface so your nails remain steady
while being polished. To apply the nail polish place the brush an
eighth of an inch away from the cuticle - gentle pressure on the
bristles will distribute the nail polish outward without bleeding
over your cuticle. The first stroke should start from the center of
your nail's base and be taken out to the tip. Then make two more
even strokes. One on each side. Apply the nail polish thinly to
prevent smudging then wait five minutes for this coat to dry.
Start with the pinky of one hand and work your way to the index
finger. Repeat on the other hand. Do your thumbs last; they're more
instrumental than your other fingers in giving yourself a
manicure.
French Manicure Step 8: Apply a second coat of neutral nail
polish
After you are sure the first coat is dry repeat step 7. Again
apply the nail polish thinly to prevent smudging. When you take
time between coats it will give your nails a more even finish.
French Manicure Tip: A French Manicure is best performed on a
lazy morning or evening when no other pressing errands or jobs will
get in the way. After painting your nails, avoid doing things with
your hands while they dry.
French Manicure Tip: The key to all manicures is to wait for
each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next coat otherwise
you are sure to end up with smudges.
French Manicure Tip: If you are feeling adventurous make your
own colour combinations. Instead of white and neutral polishes you
could try red with gold tips or white with silver tips or any
combination you like.
French Manicure Step 9: Apply a top coat
The top coat is what protects your nail polish. Before you apply
the top coat, touch your nails and make sure they are completely
dry. A top coat gives nails an added extra shine and looks more
professional. A top coat will also help to prevent nail polish
chipping and help your nail polish to last much longer. Apply top
coat every few days for extra protection and shine.
French Manicure Step 10: Touch ups
Almost everyone gets some nail polish on their fingers instead
of their nails. The best way to clean up around the nail is by
using a cotton bud. Dip the cotton bud in nail polish remover and
gently rub around the nail to clean up any unwanted nail polish.
It's best to wait to do this after your top coat is COMPLETELY
dry.
Enjoy your stylish French Manicure.
About the Author
Donna is a trained makeup artist with her own beauty business.
As both a business woman and a mom with 2 children Donna
understands the time pressures on women today and through this, and
other articles, has endeavored to take the complexity out of
looking great with some "busy women friendly" beauty tips and
advice. If you would like to read more of Donna's articles check
out her website: http://www.coloursandscents.co.nz
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