The New French Mani Trend We Love

Prep The Nail Well

“You should always take the time to shape your nail. Even if just one fingertip has wonky edges, it will really stand out, so make sure you’re filing and clipping them to perfection – file on one side of the nail first using the full range of it, moving to the other side in one swift stroke. Having the right shape will also make it easier to create even, matching tips. It’s also not to rush into applying your base colour. It’s key to ensure the application is even, smooth and neat as this will be the canvas for your coloured French tip, so you want it to look as clean and slick as possible.” 

Don’t Fuss Over Mistakes

“A lot of people fear making a mistake, but you needn’t panic. It’s better to take a slow approach, and if you slip up, use an old lip brush dipped in acetone to tidy up and remove any smudges – you can keep going like this until it’s perfect. Another bonus of this technique is you can thin the line out as much as you like. Some people prefer a thicker line, others a thinner one – either way, you can rectify it, but the ‘eyeliner style’ is very on-trend right now.” 

Invest In The Correct Tools

“You only need five tools to recreate a coloured French tip – the most important of which is the Bio Sculpture Upper Arch Brush. It’s essential to invest in a thin brush like this to create a perfect, rounded tip. A lip brush is also great for erasing any mistakes as often the bristles are small enough to get in close, but large enough to remove what’s needed. Finally, acetone (for removal), a pinky base coat and nail polish, plus a glass nail file – these tend to be gentler and less likely to cause damage.”

Get The Colour Right

“Clients who usually opt for a neutral French tip are now opting for colour because it’s versatile and fun, yet still sophisticated. The key is to make sure the colour compliments your individual skin tone. You can always mix nail lacquers or gels to create the perfect tone for you – or alternatively, when you visit a salon, explain to the manicurist what you’re after, and they can mix one up for you.” 

Use Minimal Amounts 

“If you’re creating this look yourself, make sure you don’t have too much product on your brush when drawing on the French tip. Decant a small amount of your chosen colour onto a mixing palette, or a small piece of foil, then dip your brush in. Slowly, work from one side of the free edge to the other, using long, light brush strokes. This application will help to create a clean smile line, but if you make a mistake, just knock back the colour slightly. Most of all, take your time and relax.” 

Follow @HarrietWestmoreland on Instagram for nail inspiration and tips.