French Manicure Q

[chicagolawyer]

My ring is done and I think the proposal is happening by Saturdy so.....I'm treating myself to a mani/pedi tomorrow!

I want to get a French, but the first time I did the white tips looked too white to me. (I almost never wear polish) This time I want to get a more natural color ivory color on my tips. Does anyone else get this type of mani? Pics? Any suggestions for colors? They have Essi and OPI.

TIA!

ETA: And yes, I will post pics asap.

 

[poptart]

I never get my nails manicured, but I just saw a girl the other day who had hers done to look more natural and the were amazing! They were perfectly shaped and I thought they were her real nails, but she said no they weren''t. I guess she just asked for a natural manicure instead of a french one... that''s what she told me anyway. I guess they have different nail options or something. Also, you could always get your nails painted if you didn''t want the white tips on them. Congrats on your impending proposal!

*M*

 

[diamondfan]

I think Essie marshmallow is a prettier white, softer...

there was a "formula" in the polish thread about the perfect french manicure and I cannot recall what the polishes were but it was supposed to look great, I think they were Essie with marshmallow and mademoiselle and then some other color too?

How exciting, congratulations in advance!

 

[chicagolawyer]

Oh great -- thanks DiamondFan! I''ll check out that thread now.

And thanks for the congrats PopTart! I''ll definitely have to ask them tomorrow what a natural manicure is.

 

[gail013]

I think it''s called an ''American'' or something like that when the tips aren''t bright white. There are several polishes that can be used, and I have also had a manicure where they went over the white with another color.

 

[allycat0303]

Well I asked this question in another thread. I hunted every store in montreal but no one has essie line. I use the normal mabelline white, with two coats of sheer innocence from revelon. After bottles and bottles of unused polish, I''m finally at peace with the way they look.

 

[ecf8503]

Have you checked out
www.makeupalley.com?

Also, here''s a link to a short "how to" video guide:

http://www.videojug.com/category/beauty/nails

Here''s a photobucket account of a MUA (Makeup Alley) member with lots of pics (and names of products used) of french / american tips:

M_grace tips

As far as colors go, you can get things MUCH cheaper online! Look here:

www.head2toebeauty.com

www.8ty8beauty.com

For easy-peasy french mani''s, look at the kits at the bottom of this page (for example):

http://www.head2toebeauty.com/nail_polishes/npo_orly2.htm

Sally Beauty Supply carries Orly brand, so a trip in there if you have one nearby may be worth it!

If you have anyplace that sells OPI near you, there are a few 2-color kits for frenches. Also I''ve seen many references to OPI''s Desire as a "not too white" tip white.

Why not treat yourself to an actual professional mani (or even just a pro polish application)?

Hope that helps - good luck, and we''ll be looking for hand pics!

 

[sumbride]

I''ve had them do the white tips, but then pink over it and it looks more natural. I''m really hard on my nails though so they only last a couple of days for me.

Here''s hoping this is useful manicuring!!! Can''t wait to see the ring!

 

[Giada]

Here is my favorite (I posted in a previous thread)



For those girls looking for a subtle French manicure, the following was gleaned from an article in Town & Country:
Apply one coat of Essie "Allure" all over nail. Paint tips with Essie "Waltz", then top all with one coat of Essie "Fed Up".

 

[tanuki]

I had the same feeling about the white tips looking too artificial and started using a slightly off white polish on the tip - which looked so much better and more natural. I totally agree it improves the look.

 

[Christa]

I don''t like the white-out look either. My favorite combo is Essie Marshmallow (soft cream white) and Mademoiselle. I''m pretty sure that''s what they''re using in the video clip Ecf8503 posted.

 

[jcrow]

chicagolawyer - i get the american manicure when i get one. it''s just like my natural nails, only better. they aren''t bright white nor bright pink. good luck! can''t wait to see your ring!

 

[Ann]

I don''t like bright white tips either.

I don''t get professional manis, I always think I can do a better job! Too picky.

My trick is to paint the underside of your nail tip with your white nail polish,
then polish the top with a sheer natural color or pale pink. You will get nail polish all over your finger tip,
but you can clean that up after you are done. I use those hard pointed q-tips to polish under the tip, works
great. My nails look horrible now, but when I take the time to pamper them, this works for me.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Ann that''s a great tip. THANKS.

I think I''ll try it for a party I''m going to on Sat.

It should really help with the chipping thing right?