Things You'll Need:
- Nail polish remover Cotton balls Mild soap such as body wash, bubble bath or dish soap Small bowl Water Hand towels Cuticle stick Cuticle trimmer Nail clippers File or emery board Clear base polish/top coat White or cream colored nail polish Transparent pink or nude colored nail polish Clear tape
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Step 1
Remove any existing polish from your nails using nail polish remover and cotton balls. Fill a small dish with mild soap and warm water. Soak your hands in the sudsy water for 5 to 15 minutes. Remove hands from the water and dry thoroughly.
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Step 2
Push cuticles back using the cuticle stick (also called an orange stick). If you have any uneven or torn cuticles, carefully trim them off using the cuticle trimmer. Trim your nails with the clippers so that all of your nails are about the same length and then file them in the shape you prefer.
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Step 3
Apply the clear base coat to all of your nails. Allow this coat to dry completely, which can take between 1 and 5 minutes.
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Step 4
Place a piece of clear tape on each nail, covering the nail bed. Make sure the edge of the piece of tape ends just at or below the tip of the nail and that this edge is straight. This will allow you to paint on a straight tip. Start at the outside of your pinkie nail and use the white or cream nail polish and paint on the tip in one stroke. Repeat with the remaining nails. Allow the polish to dry completely (about 5 minutes) and remove the clear tape from your nails.
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Step 5
Apply a coat of transparent pink or nude polish to each nail. Allow it to dry for 3 to 5 minutes. Apply a second coat if necessary. Finish by applying the clear top coat and letting your fresh French manicure dry.
