French Manicures With a Thin Line of Color Underneath the White Tips

Well-groomed hands can leave a lasting impression.

If you can't decide on which nail polish color to go with, a French manicure may be the answer. A French manicure gives your nails a natural look and enhances the white tips of your nails. The natural-looking nails complement many different clothing colors and can be worn during both casual and formal occasions. To enhance your French manicure, you can add smile lines below the white paint-on tips. This can instantly transform your French manicure into a work of art.

Things You'll Need

• Base coat
• White tip stencils
• Nail polish
• Scrap paper
• Striper brush
• Top coat

Instructions

1. Place one hand on a solid surface and spread your fingers.

2. Apply a base coat, in a pink, beige or peach shade, over the entire surface of your finger nails. Wait at least five minutes for the base coat to dry.

3. Place white tip stencils on your fingernails. Position the half moon-shaped strips below the white of your nails, with the curve pointing toward the tips of your nails. Aim to keep the length of the nail tips, sticking out above the strips, similar in length.

4. Apply two thin coats of white nail polish to the tips of your nails. Allow each coat to fully dry before proceeding.

5. Drip three drops of nail polish on a thick piece of scrap paper. Use any nail polish of your choice, ranging from a glitter polish to a dark- or light-colored polish.

6. Dip a striper brush into the drops of polish and draw a line on each nails. Line the nails from one end to the other, below the white tips. Follow the upper curve of the guide strip to get even lines. Wait five minutes so the polish can dry.

7. Remove the white tip stencils from your nails. Carefully peel them off your nails, without damaging the polish underneath.

8. Apply a clear top coat to your nails to add shine and to help protect your French manicure.

9. Moisten a cotton swab with nail polish remover. Swipe it around the edges of your nails to remove any nail polish mistakes from your skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Prep your nails prior to your French manicure. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick. File your nails in an oval or square shape. Remove old nail polish residue with nail polish remover.

References

• Free Beauty Tips: How to Do a French Manicure at Home