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Nail Art

A Little Something I Saw While Getting My Nails Did

By on February 14, 2009
in Nail Art, NY Fashion Week F/W 09 with 19 Comments

I’ll be sharing the full details on last night’s nail experience but I just had to show you this. I went to get my nails done before hitting the tents this morning and here’s what I saw next to me.

This woman spent over 6 hours getting 3D nail art on all her tips. Each piece is hand sculpted using acrylic powder, not to mention all the other adornments (glitter, jewels, hand painted designs). I don’t even want to know what this costs and I could NEVER wear such an ornate look but you have to say WOW and the skill level.

Have any of you donned any kind of intricate nail art? How long did it take? Would you be patient enough to sit for six hours to get something like this? #NYFW

French vs. American Manicure

By on April 26, 2007
in Nail Art with 17 Comments

A reader from South Africa emailed me recently about the difference between French and American manicures.

The French manicure is thought to have been invented by Max Factor in the 1930s for the fashionistas of Paris. A french manicure consists of a white tip with a flesh toned sheer over the rest of the nail. Orly trademarked the term “Original French Manicure” when they began selling their at home french manicure kits in 1978.
The origins of the American manicure are much harder to find. Basically, the major difference between the two styles is the color of the tip. American manicures are a softer version of the traditional French, using creamier colors as opposed to a stark white. Most people consider the American manicure a more natural nail look.
Here is an example of each:
French Manicure (Barielle French Tip White & Pinnacle Sorbet Cerise)

American Manicure (Orly Naked Ivory tip, OPI Bubble Bath)

Popular french manicure tip colors: OPI Alpine Snow and Orly White Tips

Popular American manicure tip colors: OPI Swedish Nude, Kyoto Pearl (shimmer) and Desire

In addition to the two most popular styles, alternatives to the french manicure are becoming very popular. Termed a “funky french” or “reverse french” these new versions are fresh and fun.

Sephora showed a reverse french, with black tips on their spring catalog cover.
Use a glittery, metallic or holographic polish on your tips for a blingtastic funky french. Tip color: OPI Paris Couture for Sure.

Finally, my lame attempt at a 4th of July funky french from last summer. Inspired by one of the MUA nail board gals, I decided to go for it with lots of color and glitter. I used China Glaze Hot Lava Love, OPI Paris Couture For Sure and China Glaze Dorothy Who?.

Helpful hints for “tipped” manicures:

Apply the base, nail bed, color first.

Hold the tip color brush steady and roll your fingertip underneath to get a smooth and even line.

Try using the Sally Hansen French Manicure Pen Kit if you can’t get your polish even.

photos: M_Grace on MUA, Sephora and All Lacquered Up

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