The French Manicure….

This has got to be the most classic “design” ever.  Works for various nail lengths and types (acrylic, gel, natural). Matches everything…and is, weirdly, LOVED by so many men. (I would love for men to explain to me why they love it so.)

It’s refined and, when done well, “finishes” any hand beautifully.

Even, I, with my extreme love of color, can’t deny that the French….. is the crème de la crème. 

It will never get old.

Not sure when or by whom it was created… but it’s incredible.

my nails at the beginning of growing back out

Mommie’s nails… she allows a french manicure, but no other color whatsoever
NYC Quick Color “Little Italy” & Sally Hansen Insta-Dri “Petal Pusher”

Angela’s gorgeous (and practical) American Shellac (CND)

Angela is a very successful and busy dentist (Healthy Smiles), and one of my dearest and closest friends. She washes her hands probably a billion times a day. 

She introduced me to paraffin dips nearly 20 years ago. (Is there any question that she’s a REAL friend?!) Those things are amazing for moisturizing and soothing! 

Shellac is a wise decision for her to maintain a finished look on her hands despite her total “manicure-hazardous” career. lol.

Though this is called an “American”…. it still looks really French to me. haha  And is still so very classic and works well for any fashion look.

my nails growing out
NYC Nail Color “French Tip White” & “Love Letters”

I used to paint my white tips freehand, after a basecoat.
Now I take a page from the nail shop. I skip the basecoat, and I straighten the lines of my white tips with an acetone-dipped art brush. Mistake free every time. woo hoo!

The French Manicure will always be in my manicure rotation.  Its beauty is timeless.