How to Give Yourself a Pretty French Manicure

You don't have to go to the salon to get a great manicure.

The French manicure is an elegant yet simple style that never goes out of fashion and you can perform yourself right at home.

Things You'll Need

• Fingernail clippers
• Nail file
• Clear nail polish
• Tip guides
• White nail polish
• Light pink or beige nail polish (optional)

Instructions

1. Trim your fingernails and file them smooth; how long or short you decide to trim them is up to you.

2. Apply a base coat of clear nail polish to your fingernails and let it dry.

3. Apply the tip guides to your nails; the tip guides should go right below the curves of the white areas of your fingernails.

4. Paint the white area of your nails carefully with white nail polish, following the tip guides to get perfect curves. Let the white polish dry before removing the tip guides, then gently peel them off, beginning from one corner of each nail.

5. Add a coat of light pink or beige nail polish to your fingernails, if desired, and let it dry.

6. Paint your nails with a final coat of of clear or chip-free nail polish on top to extend the life of your manicure.