Learn how to do your French manicure at home like a pro

Shape your nails

The first step to a good manicure should always be to shape the nails with a file. Traditionally, the French manicure is worn on square nails, but you can wear it by giving them the shape you like best, round, pointed … you choose.

Polishes and shines

These types of files are very practical because they allow you to shape your nails, polish them, smooth them and give them shine with a single product.

Essence 4-way nail file, € 1.89

Always in the same direction

To avoid damaging your nails when filing them, always run the file in the same direction and, if possible, downwards rather than sideways.

Essence, € 1.89

Protects

It is important that, before applying the color, you put a thin layer of protective base or gloss. This will prevent the nails from yellowing and also your manicure will be more resistant.

Cuticles off

It is better not to cut the cuticles. Simply move them back with an orange stick.

Sephora, € 3.50

But hydrated

There is no use throwing them back if they look dry. Apply a bit of a moisturizer to make them look pretty.

Beter Cuticle Softener Cuticle Remover, € 5.06 (was € 5.95)

Dual function

Hardening bases like this can be very helpful if your nails are weak or break easily.

Mia Cosmetics Paris, € 6.95

Gives color

Wait for the base coat to dry. Then apply the color of your choice. It can be an enamel from a light pink to a peach tone.

Nude nails

The most elegant thing is to use the tones similar to those of the natural nails. After all, this type of manicure imitates your real tones, highlighting them.

Givenchy, € 24.50

Pale pink

Pale pinks are the stars of French manicures, but they can be a bit difficult to apply. First put a drop on the top center of the nail and then spread it with the brush to both sides.

O P I, € 16.80

White lacquer

The time has come to apply the white nail polish. There are many possibilities, from doing it freehand, to using guides, markers … Ideally, you should try several options until you find the one that best suits you.

Fine brush

If you have a good pulse, and a lot of patience, it is a good option. Specific white lacquers for French manicures usually include fine brushes to facilitate the task of whitening the tips of the nails.

Manhattan, € 1

To draw

If you have white lacquer with a wide brush, you can always get a French manicure kit that includes brushes and balls to create other types of drawings on your nails.

Beter, € 3.95

Make your nails 'smile'

Regardless of the shape of your nail, the white line should be rounded in shape and end with a small point on each side of the nail.

Color

White nail polish markers and pens are the ideal choice for almost everyone as drawing the line accurately is so much easier with them.

Kiko, € 8.95

Don't get out!

Another quite practical option is to use adhesive guides to delimit the area to be painted white. You have to have a bit of skill when placing them, but then it's a piece of cake.

Essence, € 1.29

The third layer

This new layer is optional. After applying the white and waiting for it to dry, a new layer of the pink or nude color can be reapplied to the entire nail. The objective is to lower the contrast between the white of the tip and the rest, but it depends on how you like it.

A pearly touch

If you are looking to give your nails a different touch, you can opt for pearly tones, which are again a trend this winter.

Lâncome, € 18.50

Purpurin

You can also apply a layer of glitter over the entire nail or use it only on the tip. It is super chic and it is also ideal to go to parties and night events.

YSL, € 28.60

Top coat

To protect your work of art and make the finish more professional, you can apply a layer of top coat or glitter on your nails when the previous layers are well dry.

A little magic

There are products specifically designed to simplify the French manicure process. This nail polish, for example, bleaches the tip while making the pink in the center more intense.

Dior, € 27

Professional shine

The top coat is essential so that your nails are impeccable for longer because it prevents the polish from chipping.

Astor, € 8.30

Correct

If you have gotten a little bit when painting your nails and you have stained your skin, you can use a concealer to make it perfect.

Sephora, € 8.50

In red

The French manicure is no longer what it used to be and although the classic one continues to be worn, you can experiment with other colors to replace white, such as red.

Gel

If you use a nail polish with a gel effect, the nail polish will last much longer.

Deborah Milano Gel Effect Nail Polish, € 8.40

In green

Another alternative that we have found quite original is to paint the edges with green enamel.

Ideal for summer

Colors like this green are ideal for this time of year.

Bourjois La Laque Gel Nail Polish, € 10.80

Multicolored

Do you want something even more daring? Gather all your nail polishes and try to make different combinations. You will cause a sensation.

Marine

A tone like this never fails.

Mr. Wonderful Nail Polish for Essie, € 14.50

With topping

Do you dare to give your nails a layer of topping on the edges? It will be super original.

Bourjois Manucures Toopings caviar nail polish, € 9.80

The French manicure never gets old. It is true that over time it has been renewed in terms of the shape of the nail and the possibilities of combining different colors, but its essence remains intact: enhancing the natural beauty of the nails by highlighting their colors. It is true that doing it to oneself is not entirely easy, but we have such a variety of tools for it that they make the task much easier. In the gallery we leave you a guide to do it step by step and without leaving home.

How to do a French manicure at home

Shape. The first step is always to file the nails giving them the shape that we like the most. Usually, with the French manicure, they are worn straight, with rounded corners.
Remove the cuticle. But don't cut it, just push it back using an orange stick. You can also use a moisturizing nail polish to make them more beautiful and cared for.
Apply the foundation. Before putting color, apply a clear nail polish as a base. If it has vitamins, hardener or is smoothing, the better. Let it dry for the necessary time so as not to spoil the result.
Paint pink or nude. If you are going to do a basic French manicure, now apply an even layer of light pink or nude nail polish. If you want something more daring, you can try strong colors like fuchsia, orange, black … Wait for it to dry well.
White border. The moment of truth has arrived, here the important thing is precision, so get the tool that is easiest for you to use. You can opt for a white enamel and apply it freehand with a fine brush, place disposable guides that delimit the space to be painted or use a white enamel marker. You also have the option of painting the edge in a more daring color or using an enamel with effects such as glitter or toppings.
Protects. Finally, apply a layer of top coat or transparent glitter to protect your manicure.