A French mani is a classic shape-based, top-down design. This design style can be painted in any color family, with either a powder or creme base required. The nailbeds are typically white or soft pink, and the rest of the nails are painted in a stronger color.
The motion is created by applying gel polish at different speeds and then letting them dry before moving on to the next. This is done in sequence until all of the nails are painted. The last nail to paint is usually a strong bright color like gunmetal or red/ orange/gold.
Nail professionals often vary between three and five sets of nails per set: short, long, and regular length.
Contents:
Apply base coat
After your nails are thoroughly dry, you can begin to apply the next coat of nail polish. To do this, you must position your index and middle fingers under the line of the nail and then you can apply another layer of polish.
You can use a watery gel or cream flooring compound to add another layer of polish. This would also help prevent any watery or cream liquid being applied onto the next layer of nail polish.
Then, brush it lightly with amaranthine ink and press down firmly to register acceptance by the product. You can then let this sit for up to an hour before removing and polishing again!
Lastly, you can use a clear gel or cream varnish which would help prevent any visible scratches. Press down firmly with an amaranthine ink and wait for it to register.
Apply pink polish to tips of nails
Instead of painting a regular white polish on your big, natural fingernails, try a French manicure with a white nail base followed by a pink one. The result is an adorable, subtle French manicure!
These look beautiful and fun to do. It is also possible to paint the tips of the nails light pink or even cream, which look even better. You can also experiment with different coloured polish lines on each nail to create more layers.
This trick works for casual as well as for formal events.
Apply base coat
Next, apply a light base coat over the natural nail. Press down with your finger to make it solidify and then lift up to let the next step apply the rest of the polish.
White (or pink) is a great color for nails as it allows you to show off more colorings and Polish styles. Many times, these are painted in long lines that are then topped with a red, pink, or white polish.
To change up the look, try some clear or holo polish for some added depth of coloration. Or go classic with just one color, such as light gray or brown!
Once painted, place a good amount of base coat on natural nail and press down firmly to set it. Then carefully lift up the tip of the polish and allow some of the liquid to escape.
Apply white polish to tips of nails again
After painting the white on your index and middle fingers, return those same nails to their natural color. You can do this by painting just the middle finger, then the other four followed by painting both middle and tips.
Then, let them dry, and you have white nails! This way, you can continue to paint nail length until you want them to be long. Or you can go for a short length of nails, just like regular natural nails.
You can use either water or gentle cleanser mixed with foam, or you can use oiled paper and a pencil to apply the polish.
Apply top coat
Now that your nails are painted, let them dry a little bit before applying top coat. Top coat will stick to the paint and create a strong, smooth finish.
Many people use good old-fashioned Goo Gone. This makes removing the nail polish top coat super easy! Simply sweep away the Goo Gone with a damp paper towel, and let it dry before continuing with the rest of your nails.
Using a safe glue such as clear nail polish superglue, add some more of the same amount of nail polish you are removing. Repeat this process until your nails are thick and long!
And that is it! You can now paint whatever design you want on your new nails! Now go get busy—you have work to do.
Let nails dry completely
After getting a white French manicure, it is important to let your nails completely dry before working with the next step. You can do this by leaving your polish on for at least eight hours or overnight if you are careful.
After four to six hours, take one of your nails and lightly press the opposite nail against the top of the nail. Then, lift and turn off the other nail slightly and press the opposite nail against the underside. This prevents any water from coming between them while you apply another piece of polish.
Put both nails back in their place and leave them alone until they are fully dried.
Use a nail file to smooth out edges
Once you’re ready to paint your nails, let them finish resting in the polish until they are completely white. Then, press down on a piece of sharp paper and draw a line. This will prevent any nail polish from coming off as you paint, and give you some space to add some pretty accents.
Add some more details by adding some shape and lines on top of the plain white nail. Once those are painted completely, add a layer of glossing nail polish to complete the look.
How to do it: Start with one pink color that is about five times the thickness of your other nails. Then, use a McGillicor acetone pad to slightly soften the edges so they look smoother. Add more nail polish until your desired length is reached.
Paint your skin soft and clean
When you’re ready to start painting your nails, it’s time to get rid of the natural nail growth. You can do this by following one of two methods.
1) Start with short, soft, buffed natural nails and then go ahead and paint over them with stronger nail polish. Or
2) Start with short, soft, buffed natural nails and then go ahead and extend the length of the painted nail. This can be done by painting more regular or press-on nails or by using a glue.