Article by
Claire Jennings
Click to email me
Fabulous French Nails At Home!
This summer, no look is more chic than the beautifully natural French polish, as worn by Sarah Burge at the Human Hi launch party last month. It combines the height of sophistication with a versatility that will enhance any out-fit. But how can you achieve this style without paying salon prices?
There are many ways of achieving a perfect French polish at home with little fuss. Here are a few simple tips to get you started.
Make sure all previous nail varnish has been removed by going over each nail with nail varnish remover. Give a good buff to give a flat clean surface to work on. Soak your hands in warm water, then moisturise. Soft hands feel so much better. Push the cuticles, the skin at the very bottom of each nail, back with a cuticle pusher. This will make your nails look longer. File and shape your nails to suit your personal preference.
Now you're ready for the painting:
Apply the base coat and then decide if you will use a pink varnish or leave your natural colour to show through. Either is fine but may depend on the colour of your natural nail. Do be careful to choose a pink that matches your natural skin tones if you do opt for a colour though. Pink is often better than peach. Next, it's important that the white is only on the tips and is in a smile shape. You may find it helps to put some tape as a guide to get the line perfectly even. If you've just used pink nail varnish, wait for it to dry before doing this or you'll smudge it.
Don't over-do the white; less is more for a more natural look. Ensure that no white is below the tip of your nail, if you do smudge, use a tiny make-up brush or a cotton bud dipped in nail varnish remover to carefully remove the unwanted white. Then put a clear varnish topcoat for protection over the entire nail.
Some people prefer to use an ivory colour instead of white; again, this is personal preference and is dependent on what looks best with your skin tones. For parties, use glittery whites or a glitter topcoat to give a more glitzy style. Why not have fun experimenting. Here are some products you may like to try:
- No 7’s Ultimate Nail Polish, Nail Tip Whitener and Quick Dry Protective Finish.
- Maybelline's Wet Shine Ballet on Ice.
- Daly’s Make-Up for Tesco Nail Polish in Sweetie, a soft, pale pink; Dawn, a sheer white; and Crystal, clear gloss.
- A personal favourite of mine Barry M’s Nail Paint in Hint Of Pink, Matt White and Crystal Clear.
- Christian Dior’s Special Base.
- Chanel’s Le Vernis in Flammé Rose.
- SpaceNK Colour’s Nail Polish.
- OPI’s Nail Lacquer in Italian Love Affair, and Alpine Snow.
I have my nails coated with acrylic to prevent them breaking as I live an active life, sailing, mountain climbing and abseiling. I am always being complimented on my perfect nails and so I am keen to keep them action proof.
Alternatively, you can buy acrylic Nails in a multitude of styles, including French, which can easily be stuck on with the glue provided. These are quick and easy although may not look quite as natural as the ones you can paint at home but are definitely preferable for those without a steady hand.
Come and have a consultation with me, the real life Barbie!
Sarah Burge, Practitioner of Aesthetic Medicine
Treatments Available
Radiesse Injectable Fillers
Skin Peels
Medical Dermabrasion
Micro Dermabrasion
Semi-Permanent Make-up
Medical non-surgical face lifting
Scar Revision
