F French manicure is one of the fastest, simplest and most successful ways to make your hands well-groomed and neat. This type of manicure can easily be done at home, even without being an experienced specialist. And by painting your nails this way, you will look win-win everywhere - from the gym to a social event.

This property is especially important for women who lead an active lifestyle and can find themselves in a variety of situations in one day. In addition, the French manicure is the most versatile manicure - it is suitable for any finger shape and nail length, and has no age restrictions - both a teenage girl and a mature lady with a French manicure will look great. Of course, all these advantages are valid only if the manicure is done perfectly. Brush marks, smeared parts or peeling varnish will instantly make even the most elegant lady look unkempt. Therefore, so that even such a proven option as French manicure does not let us down, it is important to choose and apply the varnish coating correctly. So what should be the polish for the perfect French coat?

French manicure polish color

The classic version of the French manicure involves using pastel colors for the base and white to indicate the grown-out nail. In this case, the varnishes are chosen to be plain, without glitter. Pearlescent varnish is not the best solution for a French coat, neither for the main color nor for white.

The base color can vary from light beige to medium pink. It is best to choose a polish that matches your skin tone; in this case, your nails will look more harmonious. However, ideally, the color of the varnish should not exactly match the color of the skin, and at the same time it will look bad if it is very different. The best option is to choose a pink or beige polish that is a couple of tones different from the skin of your fingers.

White varnish for a French coat is easier to choose. The most popular option is pure white dense enamel. You can also choose an ivory-colored polish; this shade will make your manicure more natural. The main condition is that the color be pure, without impurities.

What to look for when choosing polish for a French manicure

Color intensity. Polish for a French manicure should create a fairly dense and intense coating. It is better to choose varnishes through which, even when applied in one layer, the nail does not show through. And if the base color varnish can be somewhat transparent, then it is simply impossible to make a good French coat with translucent white varnish.

The thickness of the varnish for a French manicure should be moderate. Too liquid varnish will have to be applied in two layers, which will make the process of creating a French coat longer and more troublesome. A very thick varnish will take too long to dry, and there is a very high probability of smearing the coating on the tip of the nail, where two colors are used.

Structure. The most important quality of varnish in the case of a French manicure. The varnish should be homogeneous and evenly distributed with a brush. The results of a poor-quality varnish structure are streaks, streaks and even small bubbles on the coating. All this does not color any type of manicure at all. Therefore, when purchasing, it is better to immediately try the varnish and evaluate its suitability - a good varnish fits perfectly even on a sheet of paper and forms a uniform thin layer of the same color.

Varnish compatibility. Since French manicure involves the use of two shades of varnish at the same time, it is important that both varnishes combine perfectly with each other - have the same thickness and structure. The easiest way to do this is to buy varnishes from the same manufacturer and even from the same series.

The classic French is a smooth nail plate of medium length, painted in a natural pink color, framed at the top by a white stripe.

But a modern French manicure design can be made with rhinestones, sparkles, and patterns.

French manicure can be done in 3 ways:

• according to the template;
• without stripes;
• amber.

French manicure set:

• varnishes;
• manicure set;
• finger bath;
• nail polish remover;
• antiseptic;
• cotton buds;
• sanitary napkins;
• stencils.

To make the “smile” line on the French manicure smooth, use stencils for French manicure. You can purchase them at the store or make them yourself by cutting them out of adhesive tape.

Step-by-step techniques for performing French

How to do a French manicure at home:

1. Remove the old coating from the nails and degrease the surface.
2. Give your nails the desired shape. The most common options for French nails are oval, square and almond-shaped nails.
3. Remove cuticles.
4. Glue the stencils onto the plates so that the top edge of the nail remains free.
5. Cover the edges of the plates with white varnish. Carefully remove varnish that gets on the skin with a cotton swab.
6. After the varnish has dried, remove the stencils.
7. Paint your nails with the desired color. These can be varnishes of a transparent texture in pastel colors: beige, milky, pink.
8. Apply a sealing coat and let the varnish dry.

How to do a French manicure without stripes:

1. Carry out preparatory work: remove old polish, shape nails, push back cuticles.
2. Degrease the surface.
3. Use a special white pencil to draw a straight line under the nail.
4. Apply base to the plates and wait until it dries.
5. Draw a “smile” line along the edges of the nails with white polish.
6. Finish the jacket by applying a fixative varnish.

The ombre technique involves making a French look using two colors, the border between which is blurry - fuzzy. This original coating can be made using several colors: from 2 to 7. You can make a cheerful rainbow on your nails.

But in this case we are talking about a French jacket, so you only need to use 2 colors, and not necessarily traditional shades. The gradient looks beautiful on long nails.

1. Perform hygienic treatment of nails.
2. Apply clear base varnish to your nails.
3. Place a few drops of white varnish on a sponge and apply it all to the top of the plate.
4. Apply the next coat of polish to the remaining part of the nail with a sponge. In the traditional case, it can be all pastel shades.
5. Apply sealer.

As a result, we will get an original French manicure with a smooth transition of two primary colors.

French manicure for short nails

There is a misconception that French nails can only be done on long nails. This is not so, because French manicure looks original and gentle on nails of any length. A nail is considered short if its edge protrudes slightly beyond the edge of the finger.

Short and medium nails are a universal option for both office everyday life and special occasions.

There are two ways to make a gentle French manicure on short nails:

• through templates;
• manually.

French technology for short plates:

1. Perform a hygienic manicure, and then give the plates the desired shape.
2. Cover the grease-free surface with a colorless base.
3. Paint a white “smile” on the top edge of the nail. In this case, the strip should be very thin.
4. Cover the entire nail with clear polish.
5. At the end, apply a sealing layer.

The basic rule for French nails on short nails: Do not use varnish with a matte texture. And if the manicure contains additional decors, they should not be large. If you do not follow these tips, you can achieve an effect in which short nails become even smaller and more inconspicuous.

The following recommendations will help you do a high-quality French manicure at home:

1. When creating a manicure, your hands should be warm and your nails dry.
2. All nails should be the same length.
3. Stores sell special sets for French manicure, including a base base and a fixer, as well as 2 colors of varnish that match each other.
4. When creating a white stripe yourself, it is recommended to apply the varnish in two layers using a thin brush.
5. To make a jacket, you can combine a wide variety of shades: red, black, white, gold. Additionally, rhinestones, sparkles and other accessories will help you decorate your manicure.

French manicure options and their differences

All of the above methods for creating a French manicure are intended for natural nails. But if nature has not endowed you with strong and durable nails, then a stylish French manicure can be created on extended nails.

There are two main polymer materials for nail extensions:

• gel polish;
• shellac.

Their distinctive feature is that all layers of manicure are dried under a UV lamp, and not in air, in the case of conventional varnishes.

Differences between shellac and gel polish:

1. Shellac strengthens nails and lasts longer on nails.
2. When creating a gel manicure, the top layer must be removed from the nail plates. In the case of shellac, this is not necessary.
3. Shellac creates a more saturated color range.
4. The gel does not dry out the nails, and the shellac promotes their separation and drying out.
5. Gel polish is cheaper and more accessible.

Manicure accessories:

• scissors,
• set of nail files;
• orange stick for removing cuticles;
• Ultraviolet lamp;
• primer;
• degreaser;
• nail polish remover;
• base varnish;
• varnish for the “smile” line (white);
• cuticle oil

French gel polish begins with preparing the nails:

1. Apply cuticle softening oil to your fingers to soften them. Then use an orange stick to gently push back the cuticles.
2. Use a medium-rough file to file the nails, giving them the desired shape.
3. Next, the nails should be sanded, removing the top protective layer of the plates. This is necessary so that the varnish adheres well to the cells of natural tissues.
4. Treat the nails with a degreaser.

How to do a French manicure with gel polish:

1. The nail surface is coated with a primer. This substance makes the top layer of nails rough so that the gel polish adheres well to natural tissues. The primer can also restore a well-groomed appearance to split nails.
2. Apply the base, carefully distributing it over the entire surface. Particular attention should be paid to the ends of the plates so that the extended nails do not peel off. After this procedure, dry your nails under a UV lamp.
3. Cover the nail with varnish of the main color and dry it under UV rays for 2 minutes.
4. Draw a “smile” line. It can be depicted either manually or using stencils. In both cases, the white line is applied in 2 layers with a thin brush, and then dried for 1-2 minutes. We should not forget about the ends of the plates: they should be sealed with varnish every time. Dry again.
5. Apply topcoat with gel fixative varnish. This substance makes the coating durable and resistant to mechanical and chemical influences. After this, this layer should be polymerized under a UV lamp for 1.5-2 minutes.
6. Remains of fixative that gets on the skin of the hands should be removed with nail polish remover.
7. Remove sticky residue with a napkin.
8. Moisten your hands with cream and do not wash them for an hour.

French manicure shellac

Shellac is a special composition for nail extensions, which is used to strengthen the natural plates, making them durable and strong for 3 weeks.

Shellac has a significant advantage over gel polish: To apply nail extensions, you do not need to polish the natural plate and overdry it with a primer.

To apply shellac nails, you need the following tools:

• UV lamp 36 watts;
• standard manicure set;
• degreasing agent;
• lint-free wipes;
• stencils;
• shellac.

Shellac is required in three bottles as: a transparent base, a fixative and the color of the “smile” line.

How to do a French manicure with shellac:

1. Make a relaxing hand bath that will soften the skin. You can add some essential nourishing oils to the water.
2. File your nails to the desired shape, push back the cuticles and polish your nails.
3. Degrease your nails.
4. Apply a transparent base and dry your nails thoroughly under a UV lamp for 20-30 seconds.
5. Use a napkin to remove the remaining sticky layer from the skin.
6. Place stencils on your nails for the “smile” line.
7. Cover the free edge of the nail with white (if it is a classic French).
8. Dry your fingers under a UV lamp.
9. Remove stencils.
10. Remove sticky coating on nails with a napkin.
11. Cover the entire surface of the nail with the base color, while sealing the edge of the natural nail.
12. Dry the finished manicure under a UV lamp and remove the sticky layer.

The main advantages of shellac:

• natural plates remain undamaged, since they do not need to be sanded;
• shellac dries quickly;
• nails become durable and do not fade in the sun;
• manicure lasts more than 3 weeks;
• color saturation does not fade over time;
• no smell;
• The old coating can be removed very easily and quickly.

Modern fashionistas have long appreciated the benefits of extended manicure. However, it should be noted that shellac should not be applied to nails that are sick, peeling or damaged by fungus.

The best French manicure ideas

A classic French jacket with a gentle white “smile” may seem boring and ordinary to expressive ladies. Therefore, modern trends in French manicure allow you to create a manicure in various variations and colors.

Fashionable jacket options:

1. Lunar manicure. In this case, the “smile” is drawn not at the top of the plate, but at its base.
2. Bright French. In this case, instead of beige and white tones there will be a composition of bright colors.
3. Fan French. This manicure is decorated with rhinestones, stones, and sparkles.
4. Twist. The “smile” line is made using several colored lines. The jacket in the shape of a rainbow looks original.
5. Art French. In this case, the French version is decorated with a miniature design.

French manicure with rhinestones and sparkles

When choosing decors for decorating a French jacket, do not overdo it with their sizes. The emphasis of the manicure should not be on the decor, but on the design of the jacket.

To work you will need the following tools:

• 2 varnishes: white and translucent pastel shade;
• top coating with glitter;
• overlays for French jacket;
• rhinestones or sparkles on a flat base.

French manicure with sparkles and rhinestones is performed according to the following technology:

1. Get a standard hygienic manicure.
2. Glue a template onto each nail, leaving a free edge for a “smile.”
3. Apply white coating to the edges of the plate in 2 layers.
4. After slightly drying the varnish, remove the stencils. If nail polish has spread somewhere, it must be removed with a cotton sponge dipped in nail polish remover.
5. When the “smile” is complete, apply the base clear coat to the entire surface.
6. After the varnish has dried, decorative elements are applied. Rhinestones are glued with special glue or colorless varnish. To do this, apply a colorless coating to the nail, and then use a thin toothpick to apply decor along a given path. For example: if the rhinestones are along a wavy line, then first the colorless varnish is applied in a wave, and then the rhinestones are glued on top.
7. The finished composition is coated on top with a fixative varnish.

French manicure with rhinestones is an ideal option for wedding celebrations and school graduations. Fingers with such a jacket look very gentle, feminine and neat.

Colored French manicure

To perform an art jacket on your nails, you can make drawings of the following shapes:

• dots;
• flowers;
• curls;
• geometric figures;
• oblique and straight lines;
• artistic painting;
• images of animals and insects;
• other decorative elements.

French manicure with a pattern can be done using either regular varnish or a polymer material: shellac or gel polish. To ensure that the image lasts a long time, it is better to use polymers.

A manicure using tips (false nails) will simplify this procedure, since the blanks for nail art are already made with a “smile” line.

To make a colored jacket with a pattern, the following devices are needed:

• standard manicure set;
• Ultraviolet lamp;
• stencils and tips;
• glue for tips;
• varnish gels of the required colors;
• stripes for the “smile” line;
• thin brush for creating a picture.

French manicure with a pattern is done using the following technology:

1. Get a hygienic manicure.
2. Degrease the nail plates with primer.
3. Glue the tips.
4. Apply the gel base and then dry the nails under a UV lamp.
5. Paint your nails with the main color (pastel) and dry again under the lamp;
6. Secure the strips and paint the free edge with red varnish.
7. After 20 minutes, peel off the templates.
8. Using a thin brush, apply small white dots in a chaotic manner across the red zone.
9. Dip the art brush into black gel polish and subtly outline the border of the “smile.”
10. Draw small bows in black and dry under the lamp for 30 seconds.
11. Remove the sticky layer with a napkin.
12. Complete the procedure with a fixative varnish.
13. Treat cuticles with moisturizing oil.

Black French manicure

The black jacket is the basis of natural pastel shades, the “smile” of which is made in black. This type of French jacket looks especially beautiful with various decors and patterns.

This piece looks best on long nails. This is explained by the fact that black color visually reduces the size of nails, which are already small.

Unlike the standard French jacket, the “smile” in this case has its own characteristics. The black “smile” line should be elongated and thin. A wide stripe in this case will only ruin the entire design.

There is a dark French manicure, which is based on rich bright colors. A beautiful combination of a base color and a subtle “smile” of a contrasting tone will create an unusually sophisticated composition.

Doing a French manicure at home is not particularly difficult for those who love to take care of themselves and make their body even more beautiful. After all, nail art is, first of all, a manifestation of creative abilities and getting pleasure from it.

French or French manicure has been the most popular type of nail design for 100 years. The technique deliberately introduced by Hollywood makeup artists captivates women and, importantly, attracts the gaze of men as a compromise between aesthetics and naturalness. French gel polish (shellac) is the best nail art option for everyday life: long-lasting coating that blends seamlessly with any wardrobe. And NeoNail products are a guarantee that the coating will look perfect throughout the entire wear period.

French manicure with gel polish: a modern interpretation of the classic nail art

There was no chance for gel polish to remain unclaimed. The coating can withstand significant loads and prevents breakage of the nail plate itself. And if you consider that manufacturers are constantly adding to the existing variety of colors, it becomes obvious that the peak of demand has not yet passed. And it is the durability of the coating that largely determines the choice of nail art with gel polish: not every woman can afford to wear bright painting or an abundance of rhinestones for 20 days. The appearance and availability of gel polishes brought the fashion for coating using the French manicure technique to a new level: a white free edge against the background of imitation of a natural nail bed - a slightly embellished naturalness, appropriate in any situation.

Classic French gel polish: necessary materials and tools

One of the advantages of gel polish is the ability to do it yourself and not spend money on the services of a manicurist. Even French, which is considered a rather complex technique, can be done independently if you know the techniques and have the necessary set of tools.

Required:

• Ultraviolet or LED lamp. High power is not necessary: ​​any NeoNail lamp is suitable for gel polish. Only the polymerization time will depend on the type of light wave.
• Base coat from a series of gel polishes. NeoNail collections provide freedom of choice: for “capricious” nails, suitable for thin ones. Both formulas are self-leveling and guarantee good durability.
• a final layer that provides not only a bright shine, but also protection from abrasion and scratches. Masters can endlessly argue about tastes, proving the benefits of a composition with or without a sticky layer, so NeoNail took care of both. All possible finishing coating options are available: with a dispersion layer and TOP DRY, ultra-glossy compositions and a soft velvety “satin” gloss that gives the surface, crystal-transparent and tinted with micro-sparkles - the choice is only up to the master.
• Camouflage (nude or natural pink) gel polish for the nail bed area and white for the free edge. Beginners can choose the French version without camouflage, leaving only a transparent base on the nail bed. This will eliminate common mistakes when applying color along the cuticle line. Unfortunately, this method is only suitable for long nail beds that do not require full color coverage. In order to cover the natural smile line with a short nail bed, dense covering colors are needed. It is worth paying attention to the romantic pink tone, shimmering with cold highlights and classic peach. All three options fit perfectly without “bald spots” and will not cause any trouble even for a novice master.
• - a primer that degreases the nail plate and enhances the adhesion of keratin flakes to artificial turf. This composition prevents detachments and ensures durability of the material.
• - liquid for removing the sticky layer. Adhesive secretions are a feature of the entire gel system: when working with gel polish using the French technique, the same product will be used to wash out the smile line. To simplify the work, you should prepare a small glass for the cleaner in advance.
• Non-woven wipes for removing the sticky layer. You can use thin, damp hygienic ones. The composition with which they were initially impregnated will not interfere with the work.
• A hard brush for washing out the smile line. A small “petal” is ideal.
• Cuticle oil. This composition will not only tighten the skin and make its contour more tidy, but will also have a beneficial effect on the growth of nails under the coating and their condition after removal. You will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of delicate, unobtrusive aromas.

There are also few auxiliary tools needed for the work: a file for processing the free edge and giving the required shape and a buffer sander for preparing the surface of the plate for coating.

Technique for performing French manicure with gel polish

To perform a French manicure with gel polish, the master will need 50-80 minutes. But this is subject to the condition that the coating is not done on your own nails. When working independently, time is inevitably lost when the layer on one hand is dried in the lamp, so it’s worth putting everything aside in advance and ensuring yourself peace. The work will consist of three stages: the first of them is preparation.

Having organized the workplace and prepared the materials listed above, you can begin to work:

• file the free edge and give the nails the desired shape;
• we process the cuticle in any way without maceration, since steaming will reduce the durability of the coating;
• grind the plate with a 100/180 grid buff;
• remove all dirt with a napkin soaked in cleaner.

At this stage, you need to make sure that the nails are perfectly clean: there are no traces of the used compounds left on the surface, there are no hairs from cotton pads that are often used to remove polish, and the free edge is absolutely uniform.

Second stage - coating:

• A primer is applied to the prepared plate and its end;
• when applying base gel polish, the end of the nail is sealed;
• the base gel, as a rule, polymerizes for 2 minutes in a UV lamp or 30 seconds in an LED device, but this point must be clarified in detail on the packaging of the specific material;
• The camouflage composition selected in advance is applied carefully so as not to touch the cuticle and side ridges, and is baked in layers.

The camouflage may have to be applied in 2 layers: the main thing is that the coating lays perfectly evenly. After baking these layers, the dispersion is removed: this way the white gel polish will not be stained by adhesive secretions and will leak less on the smile line. After removing the sticky layer with a napkin moistened with cleaner, we prepare a brush and white gel polish for painting the French pattern. White quality is half the battle. Specially designed to highlight the free edge, it will lay down like a perfect canvas from the first layer and cover the end well.

Making a flawless smile line “French White” No. 5055 from NeoNail is not as difficult as it seems:

• Apply white gel polish to the edge of the nail;
• carefully seal the end;
• We wet the petal brush in the cleaner and, squeezing it on a clean napkin, “move” the gel polish from the center of the smile line to the corners.

It is worth dwelling on this process in more detail: it is the main one in the procedure. A “dramatic” smile with high corners is in fashion. Place the tip of the petal brush at the center of the smile line, marking the required depth. Then we smoothly draw a line to the nail ridges and the brush itself will do everything: the cleaner will erase the excess white gel and form a “chiseled” edge. Having obtained the desired result, we polymerize.

This procedure should be performed on each finger separately: by quickly baking the gel polish you can prevent the line from running down. After completing the French coat, the sticky layer must be removed: this will reveal any defects that can be corrected immediately.

If the coating is satisfactory, you can apply top gel. It evens out the surface and gives the entire manicure a glossy shine. A drop of oil on the cuticle at the last stage will be the finishing point.

French stencil: “Pros” and “Cons”

An alternative way to draw a smile line is the stencil technique: before applying white color, a frame is glued to the nail, which is removed before polymerization. Those considering this technique should know:

• Fastening the stencils evenly, symmetrically and at the same distance from the free edge is not as easy as it seems. With the time spent trying, you can learn how to draw a line manually.
• After removing the stencil, the line rarely remains flawless; adjustments will definitely be required.
• The sticky layer of the stencil often remains on the coating; if it is not removed, the top gel will lie unevenly and sloppily. Additional surface cleaning also takes time.
• The curve of all stencils in the set is the same, and the thumb and pinky nail require a unique line that takes into account the width of the plate.

Experienced professionals make the perfect smile line in a matter of seconds: it’s worth making the effort to master this skill and no longer think about auxiliary devices. Moreover, the latter rarely live up to expectations.

Types of French and new elements in the most popular coating

The French classic is a pink nail bed and a white free edge. But to some, this decision may seem overly conservative. Small tricks will add novelty and a touch of originality to the classics:

• French “Beverly” involves smoothing out the contrast of flesh and white with a translucent coating. Pearl or slightly shiny gel polishes or topcoats with the addition of glitter pigment are used. The same technique masks imperfections of both surfaces and lines.
• Decorative French does not limit the choice of color. The free edge can be not only monochromatic, but also gradient or covered with a pattern.
• A geometric jacket is made with a dovetail-shaped smile line. The corner is drawn quickly with straight lines and looks very unusual.
• Asymmetrical French - an arc with one raised “tendril”. As a rule, the outer side of the nail is made higher.
• A French jacket with a smile line is an excellent disguise. By placing rhinestones or shaped sparkles along the line, you can hide blemishes and decorate the coating. Additional fixation with finishing gel is required.

A French jacket from NeoNail will please the owner for 2-3 weeks. Then the coating must be removed correctly and carefully. How to do this, the training materials on the pages of our website will tell you. If these conditions are met, the legs will not suffer, and will delight you with good length and shape.

French manicure is a classic nail design. It is suitable for both daily and holiday looks. The popular French manicure with gel polish, done in a salon, lasts on the nails for up to 3 weeks without peeling or chipping. If you have all the necessary manicure tools and materials, as well as a little experience and a steady hand, you can easily make French gel polish yourself.

Materials and tools

To perform French shellac at home of excellent quality, the correct choice of varnishes, manicure tools, materials, and lamps is very important.

How to do French shellac at home? Step-by-step instruction:

1. Treatment of nails with a polishing file - buff. To treat a natural nail, use a soft buffer with an abrasiveness of up to 240 grit. Polishing is done no more than once a month. Hold the file on both sides and polish the nail using wide strokes without pressing.
2. Degreasing. Wipe the surface of the nails with a cloth soaked in degreasing liquid.
3. Application of primer. It increases the adhesion of the nail to the varnish coating. Primers do not require drying under a UV lamp. We recommend using toluene- and formaldehyde-free primers, such as Primer Bluesky.
4. Application of rubber base. This base coat makes the nail plate completely smooth and serves for stronger adhesion. Bluesky base rubber cover pink #4 is ideal for making a French coat. This coating is both a base and a camouflage for a French manicure. After applying the rubber base, you need to place your fingers under a UV lamp for 2 minutes.
5. Gluing stencils. For self-adhesive stencils, the surface must be degreased again. Use "smiles" or triangle stencils to suit your taste. We invite you to try Severina stencils, which will never let you down.
6. Drawing a smile. For a classic manicure, Shellac Bluesky, No. 40501/80501 CREAM PUFF, is perfect. This is a dense and bright white varnish with an enamel sheen. Apply a thin layer to the tips of the nails, remove the stencils, dry the layer under a UV lamp for 2 minutes. After the varnish has completely dried, stick on the stencils, apply a second layer, remove the stencils and dry again.
7. Applying top coat. Shellac Bluesky top coat can be used as a final coat. It is needed for greater preservation of the manicure: it protects against scratches, peeling and chips. The top coat also needs to be cured under a UV (2 minutes) or LED lamp (30 seconds). After this, remove the sticky layer with a degreaser.
8. Applying cuticle oil. This should be done every time after a trimmed manicure for healthy cuticles and rapid nail growth. They contain vegetable oils and vitamin E. Usually the oil is applied like a varnish, with a brush, but there are oils with a convenient pencil-shaped dispenser.

Ok, your “salon-like French” is ready! If you used the recommended materials and followed the technology, then it will be just as beautiful and practical as one made by a professional.

More recently, a new shellac French service has appeared in salons. Well, if everything is clear with the concept of “French,” then the new word “shellac” is of interest. Many clients are embarrassed to ask what it is, so as not to seem uneducated in matters of manicure. Therefore, today we’ll talk about the new product and how you can use it to create the French manicure that many people love.

What kind of miracle remedy is Shelac?

Shellac is a natural resin that is obtained through the digestion of tree sap by a certain type of insect.
Since the cosmetics industry does not stand still, inventing more and more interesting and more natural ways to make women beautiful, it could not pass by resin of natural origin.

In nail care, this product is used as a combination of gel and polish in one. It, like the gel, dries instantly, adheres firmly to the nails, and does not wash off. The characteristics taken from the varnish are: easy to apply and also easy to remove (without sanding). And most importantly, it is a natural, environmentally friendly product!

Frequently asked question: Why is the product so popular? Let us immediately present the irrefutable facts:

• lasts longer than similar options;
• is not inferior in palette to already known products;
• in addition to its aesthetic appearance, it is used as a remedy;
• aligns the nail plate.

French shellac nail design: Top 7 best bases

To date, it has been announced that there are 36 shades of the color palette of adapted resin of natural origin, of course, it is impossible to use everything for French, but we simply must tell you about the most popular bases used in French shellac nail design. So, the Top 7 most popular shades of French shellac base.

• “Nenlezhe” (No. 2) – has a translucent soft pink tint.
• “Byu” (No. 13) is also a soft pink tone, but with a matte effect.
• "Moser of Pearl" (No. 20) is a transparent base with small glitter.
• “Clearly Pink” (No. 23) is an almost colorless tone.
• “Zilionare” (No. 27) is a transparent base with a mica effect.
• “VIP Silver Status” (No. 35) – translucent silver color.
• “VIP Gold Status” (No. 36) – translucent golden tone.

Of course, many people have the question, what about the top part of the jacket, what to put there, how to apply shellac? In the palette of natural coatings, there are two main white colors for French design.

• “Cream Puff” (No. 1) – boiling white dense matte color.
• “Studio White” (No. 26) - this pigment is also densely matte, but less saturated in color than No. 1.

All of these shades can also be used as a stand-alone coating.

How does the French shellac procedure take place, its features?

So, we’ve sorted out the coatings for a beautiful and durable French manicure, now it’s time for the nuances of the manicure procedure itself with the application of shellac.

French manicure using this product is an exclusively salon procedure, which is quite difficult to do at home, but... but it is possible if you have a 36 W ultraviolet manicure lamp.

So, to carry out the procedure you will need:

• two coatings for French nail design;
• top (finish) coating;
• nail degreaser;
• cotton pads;
• orange stick;
• sticky layer remover.

Please note that when using a natural product (resin) for manicure, a stencil is not used, since during application a sticky layer is formed and the stencil is inappropriate there. Now you need to take the following steps to create a French manicure.

Step #1. Initially, you need to do a classic manicure. It will serve as a good basis for subsequent creations.

Step #2. Use a cotton pad to thoroughly wipe the nail plate with a degreaser.

Step #3. We draw a “smile” line with a white coating (Puff Cream or Studio White). Shellac should be applied carefully; if you do not have the skill, then if your attempt is unsuccessful, use an orange stick to correct the “smile” line. Dry the manicure in an ultraviolet lamp for 2 minutes. If you want the color to be more saturated, apply the coating again and dry.

Step #4. We apply the coating of the main shade, whatever it may be, see the above Top. Carefully paint the entire horny plate, especially in the cuticle area, try not to get the product on it. Dry the manicure for 2 minutes under ultraviolet light.

Step #5. Finishing work. Paint the plates and ends thoroughly with a fixative (finish coating) and dry under an ultraviolet lamp for another 2 minutes. This will help protect your French manicure from cracks, small scratches on the plate, and chips.

Step #6. Get rid of the sticky layer. Soak a cotton pad with nail polish remover and wipe each nail.

What should a novice master know?

1. Before applying shellac, you can use a base product; it will improve the bonding of the product to the nail plate.
2. If you are doing a French manicure without a stencil for the first time, then first try to make a smile with regular varnish on paper.
3. No matter how many layers you apply, you must paint the end of the nail each time, as if sealing each of them.
4. On short nails, the smile line should be as thin as possible, this will visually make the nail longer.
5. For a wedding manicure, choose a transparent tone with silver or gold (VIPSilver Status or VIP Gold Status) as the base.
6. Mica (Zilionare) is a spectacular youth option. At night, it gives off a neon glow, which attracts attention.

The first time French shellac may not turn out as neat as in the salon, but over time you will definitely get the hang of it and the result obtained at home can no longer be distinguished from the salon one.

It's no secret that the durability of the gel coating, as well as its quality, are directly dependent on the correctly selected gel nail base. This is due to the fact that it is the base that connects the nail plate with the color coating. The base layer protects the nail and prevents it from being stained by pigments contained in the varnish. It also performs a strengthening function for the nail plate and makes any defects less noticeable.

Each manufacturer of gel polishes has its own basic manicure bases. In the article we will list you the most popular ones and tell you which one is better.

Manufacturers

The most popular companies on the market are:

• The CND company is one of the leading manufacturers on the Russian market. This brand is distinguished by high quality, confirmed by prestigious awards, strong leadership positions and safety in use.
• No less common among professionals and amateurs is the Kodi brand. The choice is due to a good combination of price and quality, durability. In addition, this base contains rubber, thanks to which the base lies in a neat layer on top of the nail plate.
• The top three is completed by Blueskay products. However, this foundation has a high price, which makes it not affordable for all buyers.

Shellac or gel polish?

The question of the difference between shellac and gel polish arises both among novice nail technicians and visitors to beauty salons. By and large, both shellac and gel perform the same function - to provide a base coat before applying colored varnish. But shellac is a brand of the CND company, which was mentioned above. It is a combination of gel polish and traditional nail polish.

Reviews from professionals say that there is no big difference between shellac and gel polish. However, it is believed that shellac is more gentle on nails, but at the same time costs more than gel polish. This is due to the fact that applying the CND coating does not require sanding the nails with a file and, moreover, is removed faster, without the need to file off the top layer of the nail plate. This varnish is well suited for any type of manicure; for example, shellac is often used for a French manicure.

Usage

Classic technology involves applying a base to prepared nails: with the cuticle removed, the plate degreased and cleaned.

Working with the database provides the following advantages:

• Strength. The base helps make any manicure durable and resistant to mechanical damage. The work done using the base can last for more than three weeks.
• The thick texture helps to correct the shape of the nail plate.
• The base texture performs an important function in eliminating all uneven nails.
• Thanks to the application of the base, the nail plate not only becomes smoother, but also strengthens. Therefore, all owners of brittle nails simply need strengthening with gel polish.

Having dealt with the peculiarities of using a nail base, let’s not forget about the intricacies of the remaining stages of creating a manicure.

It is always worth remembering the importance of purchasing professional varnishes. This will allow you to save time and also get better results.

When you get started, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand to both create a new manicure and remove an old one.

If you are decorating your nails, decorative elements should be attached to a sticky layer. In the future, they must be secured with a final coating.

You need to dry your nails in the lamp for as long as indicated on the bottle of polish. Standard drying time for one finger averages between 30 and 60 seconds. It is also necessary to take into account the power of the lamp and the features of the application technique. This is especially important for the top coating. If you overdry it, there will be no fixing effect.

All coatings are applied to the nail from the end to prevent chipping and cracking. This way the manicure will last longer as it will remain sealed.

Each layer must be applied thinly. There is an important rule here: the coating should extend to the entire nail plate, but should not be on the cuticle.

The sticky layer that forms after each application must be removed only from the top coat.

The golden mean is painting two nails at a time. Then you should change your hand. This is done to make drying the coating in the lamp more convenient. Three nails is the maximum allowable value.

Video on the topic of the article

Such a procedure as gel polish coating is gaining popularity by leaps and bounds. More and more beauties are purchasing this miracle product for use at home. Some for themselves, in order to save on visits to the salon, and some just want to earn extra money. But both of them are tormented by one question: which gel polish is the best? Let's try to figure it out.
The most important quality of any gel polish is its durability. You need to choose not only by the beauty and variety of the palette, but also carefully look at the composition. This miracle in itself, to put it very simply, consists of varnish (the same one with the coloring pigment) and the gel itself, which we are all used to seeing only when doing nail extensions (it is dried in a special lamp under UV rays and nothing else). If the treasured bottle contains no formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate or toluene, then you can safely take it.
I also really want to talk about the advantages of all gel polishes:
1 gel polish should be applied to the nail plate easily
2 the substance of the gel polish should not have any inclusions or lumps, and when applied it should be easy to remove and adjust
3, a good gel polish will dry quickly in a UV or LED lamp and will not show through (the pigment from the first layer will be saturated)
4 the sock is elastic, which helps avoid chipping and cracking
5 will not harm your own nail plate, since it does not require sawing off the surface of the nail during treatment
6 is worn for at least 2 weeks
7 can be easily removed using special tools
8 and most importantly, high-quality material will never cause allergies
Which brand of gel polish should I choose?
Let's see which gel polish for French manicure is better? In the modern nail aesthetics industry, there are many manufacturers of gel polishes: ChinaGlaze, CND, EzFlow, Jessica, Harmony, Ibd, OPI, Orly, Entity, etc. But the most popular brands of gel polishes in the nail industry are Shellac from CND, Just GelPolishоbd from Ibd and JessicaGeleration.
Shellac gel polish from CND has a thick consistency, rich color pigment and high adhesion. A uniform, rich color can be achieved by applying just one layer of material. With this gel polish, you can be sure that you will have a perfect manicure for 2-3 weeks, without thinking about chips or scratches on your nails. It has only one drawback - Shellac from CND dries out quickly. This is because it has a strong color pigment.
A special feature of the Just GelPolish line from IBD is its rich color palette. The finished coating is resistant to ultraviolet sunlight. This means that not a single color, including the French coating, will fade or turn yellow during wear. And one bottle of this gel polish is enough for 30-40 coats.
The champion in terms of longevity is Jessica Geleration gel polish. It will last for at least 3 weeks. The only negative of this line is the inconvenient brush of the Jessica Geleration topcoat. Therefore, you will have to purchase another, more convenient brush for these purposes in advance. But the most important advantage of Jessica Geleration is its palette: more than 90 shades. Very tempting...

***************************************************** ABOUT GEL POLISHES **************************************************

My acquaintance with the company's gel polishes "Kodi" took place quite recently, and started with flowers for a French jacket. I bought these -

More details about each:

№20 (camouflage) - not as dense as it might seem on the brush. In two coats it is more of a translucent, barely noticeable shade. But at the same time, it visually evens out the surface of the nail (this is very important for me, since my nails are a little blooming)), i.e. there is a slight pigmentation). Three layers confidently camouflage the nail, while creating a natural shade. I give it a big plus!

№33 (white enamel) - very dense white color! One layer would be enough, but there are gaps, so you have to apply two. You just have to be careful so that the layers don’t turn out thick. It's easy to draw a smile line! does not leak and does not gather!

RESULT

Options in 2 and 3 layers) -

A SMILE WITH WHITE ENAMEL IS DARKENING......

However, I cannot give white enamel a five because of the quality of wear. To be honest, I can’t fully understand why after 7-10 days the smile begins to darken and chip a little, curling the free edge of the nail. It seems that the white gel polish dries out and loses its elasticity. Therefore, I have not been able to recover for more than two weeks without additional manipulations.

But despite minor flaws(which I’ll figure out later!!) a good gel polish for a French manicure. Fits well, doesn't smudge, wears well!! I recommend!!

FRENCH OPTIONS

Here is another manicure option with the same base Cody(No. 20), smile - Koto:

Lately I don't bother and mix gel polishes with each other.

Checked: they don't fight!!!))))))))))))))))))))))

Separately, I note that I use all gel polishes with base and top IBD And primer Kodi, fit perfectly and wear great.

REMOVING KODI

Shooting Cody is sheer torture!!! This varnish is very difficult to dissolve with a universal gel and gel polish remover Jerden Proff. Either remove the top layer or don’t remove it - all the same result -

The conclusion is obvious: Cody, you need to remove it with your native Tips Off product. Since I didn’t have this solvent, I had to remove the remains with a milling machine; there wasn’t enough buff (((

At the same time, when applied without a primer at all, the manicure lasts 1-2 days, then it all comes off like a film (((Maybe it depends on the nails themselves, I don’t know ((

AFTER 2 WEEKS

If it’s not possible to get a new manicure, I simply cover the French manicure with regular contrasting varnish and go on for another week, and the transition is not visible at all (Cody goes on quite smoothly!))