Credit: Getty
The humble French manicure is set to be everywhere in 2020. Here’s how to put a modern spin on the retro trend.
Nail art has exploded this year.
The tips of our fingers are now reserved for paint jobs akin to museum-worthy masterpieces. In fact, nails are now as much about making a statement as our make-up and hair.
Last year, we saw extreme styles (who could forget the incredible Disney Villian-inspired designs that took 500 hours to make for The Blonds SS19 fashion show) and, subtler options, like rainbow pastel nails - but now, the most recent nail trend has a retro twist.
Alongside baby blue eyeshadow and brown lipstick, the humble French manicure is one of the latest 90s trends to make a firm comeback. The nail look involves painting the tips of your nails in Tippex-white and swiping either a sheer pink or see-through polish over your entire nail.
The classic manicure was spotted all over the red carpet at various awards shows this year, with celebrities such as Penelope Cruz and Margot Robbie sporting the trend at The Oscars 2020. Even Beyonce wore a classic French manicure to the Golden Globes 2020. So naturally, we have to try it too.
While white tips with a sheer pink base is a timeless choice, nail experts across the globe are creating their own interpretations of the French manicure trend.
Here, we round-up some of our favourites for your next salon visit.
Extreme point
This pointed design gives the illusion of long nails.
Ombre rainbow
Inject some colour to your fingertips with an ombre of soft and vibrant rainbow shade.
Gold chain
Delicate and pretty, use a small paintbrush to slowly flick on each chain link.
Pastel tones
When we re-grammed this picture on the Stylist Instagram page, the ‘like’ notifications came in thick and fast. It’s easy to see why…
Shimmer and sparkles
Catch the sun on these sparkly tips during your next holiday, or bookmark this for upcoming party season.
Bright neon
This year’s neon trend isn’t going anywhere, so why not swap out classic white for a bright, bold hue instead?
Double French
Tempted to try a double French manicure yourself? Outline your nails but leave the middle part blank.
Clashing shades
A French manicure doesn’t have to focus on the nail tips only. Paint the rest of your nail in a clashing tone to make it stand out even more.
Slanted shape
If square-shaped nails are too retro for you, give this modern slanted version a go.
Dripping tips
This “Dripping in Gold” nail art is a fun twist on a classic French manicure.
Metallic and glitter
If you have short nails, take your polish slightly further down the nail, like this glitter design.
Image: Getty
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