Updating classic styles with a creative twist was a runway trend for Fall 2012, especially for nails. One we especially loved was the monochromatic manicure that Deborah Lippmann created for the Badgley Mischka runway show. Fortunately, it's simple to do at home — even for novice nail painters — and manages to make the French manicure look hip.
If you're ready to move beyond dark, wintry polish shades, this cheery take on a classic French manicure is a deceptively easy way to freshen up your nails. All you'll need to get the look is three polish shades, topcoat, and some scotch tape. You don't need any painting skills for this one, so to get the look, just keep reading.
I'm clearly in the minority here, but I cannot understand the appeal of French pedicures. More than 60 percent of you deem them chic, but they baffle me. Though I'm not a fan of their manicure counterpart, it's easy to understand why people want to make their nail growth look neat and brighter. But I'll never understand trompe-l'œil toenail growth. To each her own; it's just not a look for me. What about you? Is there a beauty look whose popularity you can't grasp?
Source: Flickr User rick
The other day, I told you about the Bring It Home Beauty DVDs, which were produced by a professionally licensed mother-and-daughter team. The premise? To help you save money by teaching you how to do beauty services at home, with the help of their instructional videos, of course.
Much like the Hair Edition Volume 1 DVD ($24.95), the Natural Nail Care DVD ($24.95), has a low-budget feel. However, the hour-long video is quite comprehensive, covering everything from basic (and spa) manicures/pedicures, a men's manicure, a French manicure, polishing, and repairing broken nails.
Is it glamorous? Uh, no. Super close-ups on toes and heel shavings might make you squeamish, but who said beauty is always easy on the eyes, anyway? For me, I suppose the drier nature of the material is somewhat like watching paint dry — literally. While I prefer their hair video much for its content and better overall value, I'd recommend this natural nail care DVD for anyone who really enjoys doing manicures and pedicures on yourself or others, or for anyone who wants a basic grasp on nail care.
I've got a hefty laundry list of qualities I don't like about Heidi Montag, but what I do love are her gorgeous nails. Whether they're gold or burgundy, they are always long and perfectly manicured.
I thought that French manicures were on their way out, but then along comes Heidi and Britney Spears bringing this classic back again. Most of you think they're tacky and should be saved for formal occasions only. For the rest of you who are still loyal fans, here are two great at-home French manicure kits I think you'll love.
Sephora Easy French Manicure Duos ($8) is a double-ended nail varnish that houses either a beige or a pink color on one side and a clear base and topcoat on the other. However, if you're looking to create the white tip, you still need another product. I suggest this French Tip Pen ($8) since it's so easy to use.
For one more easy-to-use French manicure kit, read more
About two thirds of you say that French manicures are classy, but what about French pedicures? They're not my favorite, but I see quite a few women wearing them now that it's flip-flop season. What's your take?
Source
popsugar poll
French Pedicures: Chic or Tacky?
Reader I Am Elle recently tried out Sally Hansen 5 Minute French Manicure Pen Kit (about $8.75). It's a nail kit that comes with light polish and a white polish pen for the tips of the nails. Take it away, I Am Elle:
Personally, I was semi-satisfied with the product. The pen is fun to use, and I really love the light pink tint of the nail color. The downsides: My nails are a little shorter than I would like, so it was difficult to apply the white nail polish neatly. It was hard to keep the line straight, so as you will see in the picture below, it is not perfect (and I am a perfectionist when it comes to my nails!). The white tip of my thumb is too thick for my liking as well, but I was too lazy to fix it. Sticking out tongue Since it was my first time using a French manicure pen, maybe I just need some practice! In the future I might use the French manicure guides until my nails are longer and easier to paint.
You can see her handiwork in the full review. And if you have something to say, don't be shy! I want to hear about which products you love and don't love. Write your own reviews in the Beauty Product Junkies group, and I might post yours on BellaSugar too.
Some people think French manicures are the epitome of class, while others deem them completely cheesy. What do you think?
The French manicure has a regal connotation to it that represents class, elegance and a sense of high quality grooming. Having said that, plenty of people today feel that the French manicure is out of style and would even consider it cheesy. Whichever way you decide to go, I still think the French manicure is the quintessential way to paint your nails for your wedding day. It's soft, understated and shows that you pay attention to detail.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the French manicure, I have pictured it here for you. A white stripe is painted to the tops of the nails (I prefer a soft, square cut nail with a thin stripe) and then a sheer, pale pink or beige toned polish is applied on top. Here are a few French manicure kits to choose from.
Bourjois French Manicure Kit, $20, is a three piece French manicure kit. It includes a curved brush designed especially to create the most perfect and even white nail tips, a light pink polish which is so sheer that you can apply one or two coats depending on your taste, and a clear topcoat to ensure shine and protection to your manicure. In no time you'll look like you just waltzed right off the Parisian runways!
For two more D.I.Y. French manicure kits, read more
