Winter manicure: gel polish, French + various photo ideas

French style nail design

What is the secret of French manicure design? It is known that 80% of girls who like to take care of their nails like the French style. Who created him, and why in a matter of years he managed to win a huge number of women’s hearts all over the world?

History of creation

But French manicure was not invented in the capital of croissants and savory cheeses. This simple design was invented by Jeff Pink about 40 years ago. Pink is the founder of the well-known nail polishes under the Orly brand. The revolution in manicure came one day on the set. One famous director complained to his friend Jeff Pink that due to the huge number of scenes, actresses were forced to repaint their nails several times a day. And these procedures significantly slow down the filmmaking process.

And then the famous creator of varnishes came up with a coating that harmonizes well with any outfit, and in the frame such nails look simply excellent. The design was originally called Natural Look. A white smile emerged on a natural-colored backing that emphasized the elegance of a woman’s fingers. Later, Pink released a whole collection of varnishes for his revolutionary “brainchild”.

Every year the French style became more and more popular, and already in 2021 it is a real classic. But in the distant 80s, the idea of ​​a universal manicure was picked up by world-famous fashion designers and used the design in their shows in one of the capitals of world fashion. Only after this the coating received a new name “French manicure”. After all, it suited so perfectly even the most extraordinary outfits. Housewives admired the images that came to us from movie screens and tried to repeat exactly the same simple manicure on their nails.

Secrets of the perfect French coat

We have collected a few secrets for you that will help you create the perfect coating:

• French manicure is performed with gel polish or the most common polish;
• a universal jacket suitable for any nail shape and finger length;
• Stylish design will be a great touch to any look;
• if you think that your nails are not suitable for a French manicure, do not be upset, because the ideal plate can be modeled using gel;
• when drawing a smile, it is recommended to twist your finger a little;
• it is necessary to correct the design with a second brush, which is dipped in clinser;
• if you have already dried the jacket and only then saw small errors, then you can paint over the smile one more time, and with a second brush, lightly pull a little color towards the end;
• you need to check the accuracy of the work from a different angle, turn your hand so that your eyes look directly at the nails;
• It is best to use a topcoat with a leveling effect as a finishing coat.

You can see how to make a gentle French manicure in the video.

Coating features

When using this manicure, the nails gain access to oxygen, despite the fact that they are covered with an artificial base. This allows you to wear a manicure for a long time without fear for the structure and quality of your natural nails.

Another unique thing is that the camouflage looks almost invisible in appearance. The shade of the base is matched to the color of the skin or nail.

The gel formula has a beneficial effect on the structure of the nail plate, allowing you to avoid the so-called rest time, when the nails need to be allowed to rest, taking breaks in extensions.

Types and rules of creation

This section contains the most important and main rules in creating a French jacket. Try to follow all the tips, and then your coating will look neat and very well-groomed.

Camouflage

Camouflage base is the main shade of French manicure, which is close to the color of the natural nail plate. Let's look at camouflage in the context of color, density and look at the different ways to apply it. Ideally, every master should have at least 2 shades in his arsenal: soft pink and peach. They can be mixed together in different proportions to choose the most suitable option for your client. A home user can search store shelves for his one ideal tone.

Too dense and bright color in the design does not look very natural. But the use of such shades is quite subjective, since new trends dictate to us a French coat coated with gel polish in pastel colors.

If you want to lengthen your nail bed, ensure that the camouflage polish overlaps your free nail edge. A thick coating will hide your growing manicure.

Secret 1. With dense camouflage, the growing cuticle is noticeable. To avoid this, you need to apply gel polish to 2/3 of the nail, without painting the space near the cuticle. Using a thin or round brush, carefully shade the part that is not completely painted. And then apply a second layer of base coat to half of the nail and, using a brush, again blend the varnish towards the cuticle.

Secret 2. If you mix a thick base with bright camouflage and line your nail with it, you can get a very smooth line at the cuticle. This makes a fashionable French manicure look even more attractive.

Smile shape

A smile is a line that goes around the free edge. In the classic version, a white smile harmoniously combines with a nude base. A neat French manicure begins with the correct shape of the nails. The deepest point of the smile curve should only be in the center of the nail.

The tails of the smile should be at the same height. There is no need to draw them high, because on natural short nails it looks too vulgar and artificial.

All nails should have complete asymmetry in the bend. The width and curve of the smile should be the same, and the smiles themselves should be even. If the line is crooked, then the French manicure will not look very beautiful.

The curve of the smile line should reflect the arched cuticle. That is, the more curved your cuticle, the more arched your smile should be. If you have a long free edge, it is recommended to lengthen the nail bed. In this case, the “antennae” of the smile can be drawn a little deeper. But a smile with a slight curve is suitable for very short nails and those with a square shape.

Colored French

In the ranking of popular nail designs, French manicure always occupies a leading position. And for bright girls who love originality and contrast, there is a special trend - a colored jacket. It looks as sophisticated and elegant as a regular classic French manicure, but at the same time it is rich in color and adds some zest and variety to any look.

Black version

Nail service professionals often offer their clients a rather unique offer - a black French jacket. On the one hand, this may seem completely absurd, because in the end all ideas about the classic delicate French manicure are destroyed. But that's not true. The black version of this manicure looks and is considered ultra-fashionable, and it also suits many looks.

Design options

During the summer season, colored nail art is the most popular among all others. Alternatively, a regular white smile can be duplicated with a thin colored line. For such manipulations you may need thin brushes. Can be decorated with designs made using stamping; drawn flowers or geometric shapes (patterns).

Features of drawing a French manicure

It is very important to choose the right material for drawing a smile when creating a French jacket. There is no need to be upset if you don’t have some brushes in your arsenal. You can find them in the manicure department or in any art store. If you strengthen the nail well under gel polish, then the likelihood of cracks appearing in a smile painted with gel paint is minimized. But the risk of materials chipping from the ends does not go away.

Handy tools

What and how to do a French manicure? We have collected the most popular methods for you. With their help, you can finely draw a smile line. Each tool has its own positive and negative sides, based on this data, you can choose the most suitable option for you.

Khaki manicure with flowers

How not to complement a green manicure with miniature twigs and leaves? They themselves ask for such a design and look quite original and laconic in them. As a pattern, use thin branches with black leaves, images of monstera leaves, reeds and other floristry.

The drawing should be placed on a light background, so it will look brighter and more expressive. If light colors are not used at all in nail art, then use black gel polish, acrylic and dark rhinestones to draw the picture.

How to make a French look using a round brush?

To make it easier to draw a French manicure smile, there should not be a lot of gel polish on the brush. It’s enough just to nourish it well. Step-by-step instruction:

1. Cover the fingers with a beige backing.
2. Draw vertical “antennae”.
3. Form a white line.
4. Adjust the design outline.
5. You can remove minor errors using a slightly damp round or flat brush.

French manicure with a native brush

If your original varnish does not have a very comfortable and wide brush, then you can blot it in a napkin and press it a little so that it takes on a flat shape. Creation technique:

1. After applying the backing with white paint, use a brush to mark the desired thickness line along the entire length of the end.
2. Bring the “antennae” to the desired depth in the direction of the line from end to end.
3. Carefully round the corner.
4. Cover the design with a finishing coat.

Even more ways to draw a French jacket can be seen in the video.

Thin brush in action

If you don’t know how to do a French manicure, then detailed instructions are described below. The brush allows you to draw the smallest elements in the design, make markings and create a jewelry-like drawing of an arched smile. Step-by-step creation instructions:

1. Prepare your nails for work and cover them with camouflage.
2. Place two points at the side rollers at the same distance.
3. Place a dot in the middle of the free edge.
4. Combine the dots and create a smile.
5. Without drying, paint the tip with white gel polish. If it is impossible to paint some places with the brush from the bottle, then you can help with a thin brush.
6. Send to polymerize in a lamp.

Take your choice of top for a French manicure very seriously. It shouldn't turn yellow. Otherwise it will ruin the whole design.

Flat brush

French nail designs can be created using a flat brush. Its flattened surface allows you to evenly draw “tails” and paint over the tip itself. How to create a French jacket:

1. Cover your nails with camouflage polish.
2. Use a thin line to mark the width of the smile.
3. Make a marking: at the very tip, mark the center of the nail and 2 points equidistant from it. These will be "antennae".
4. At the side bolsters, mark two equal points on both sides.
5. Connect the dots and fill the markings with white gel polish.

It is especially beautiful when the junction between the backing and the smile is as clear as possible.

Reviews

Reviews about camouflage bases are mixed. Most often, women complain of allergic reactions caused by these drugs. At the slightest violation of the technology, detachments, cracks and bubbles appear, which makes the coating short-lived. Sometimes the color of the coating from the same jar of gel turns out to be different in tone. This is most likely due to the thickness of the applied layers.

Different brands have different textures of gels, and due to their density, it is not always possible to successfully apply it evenly on the nail. Some bases polymerize in a lamp faster than the time stated by the company.

Among the advantages of the buyer are the color palette and affordable price, which allows you to experiment with designs.

Masters note the remarkable viscosity of gels when modeling and extending nails, which makes work easier. The color palette does not stand out with any special colors. Material consumption is average. The durability of camouflage gels is increased - up to 4 weeks.

Among the disadvantages of the master are allergic reactions. When used frequently, masks do not help against allergies. Some companies cannot be purchased in a professional store.

Camouflage gels are an ideal and universal remedy for problematic nails of lovers of nude manicure. For all their shortcomings, these funds have their fans.

To learn how to do a manicure using camouflage gel polish, see below.

Unusual techniques for creating a French jacket

It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a brush and don’t have any artistic skills. In order to create a neat French manicure, you can use the tools at hand.

Stamping

It is important to find a plate with a design or pattern that is ideal for creating a smile. Cosmetic stores sell special plates that are created specifically for French hair. They feature smiles of all shapes and sizes that will fit most nail plates. It is enough just to apply a little varnish to the engraved pattern. Transfer it to the stamping stamp and then to the edge of the nail. If you don’t have the required plate, you can draw the stamping by hand. You need to carefully draw a slightly curved line on the stamp and transfer it to the nail. This makes it much easier to create a fashionable and beautiful French manicure.

Stickers-stencils

Many girls will definitely have several stickers in stock to create a cover. The main secret in working with stencils: the base color must be perfectly dry. Check that the sticker should fit tightly to the nail so that the polish does not flow under it. All that remains is to apply a white tint, remove the stencil, dry it in a lamp and cover the design with topcoat. An ideal line with this technique is guaranteed.

Patch

An unusual and affordable option for creating a French jacket. The most common patches have a round shape. This is a great replacement for stencils. You need to glue the patch so that only the tip of the nail remains, which will then need to be painted white or colored.

Camouflage gel polish: features of selection and use

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Camouflage gel polish has recently appeared on the nail product market. Literally 7 years ago, acrylic or gel were used for nail extensions. Currently, natural beauty is in fashion, therefore, when creating a nude manicure, nails are strengthened and lengthened with the help of a base.

Natural shades are universal and relevant, suitable for any dress code and are practically indistinguishable from the natural color of nails. This is an ideal solution for thin and flaking nail plates. The beauty industry is developing, and now you can find camouflage bases of various types and purposes on the market.

Classic options

This section presents the most versatile ideas for performing French at home. All you need to do is take out all your decorative items that you have been saving for better times. Now the time has come when all this will go into action.

Classic

A camouflage base and a snow-white smile are the best duet of French manicure components. The foundation can be any nude or beige shade: pale pink, nude, light brown and many others. A true classic of the genre, like an imperishable world masterpiece, popular at any time of the year.

If you applied the camouflage in a very thick layer, then before drawing the smile, excess varnish on the free edge can be removed with a thin brush. And only then draw a smile and cover it with topcoat.

Inlay

An elegant design can always be decorated with elegant elements. As a supplement you can use:

• rhinestones;
• pearls for design;
• broths;
• glitter;
• foil for casting;
• yuca flakes;
• liquid stones;
• kamifubuki.

It's important not to overdo it here. It is enough to decorate just 1-2 on both hands. Then the coating will look quite feminine and unobtrusive.

Remember that the elements you use in your design should completely match the texture and color of your body jewelry.

Elegant monograms

Elegant lace always looks expensive. Fragile curls can decorate the entire nail or fit comfortably into a corner. Another discovery by nail art masters: the French design is covered with thin stems and twigs, blurring the line between a smile and the base.

The “veil” technique harmonizes perfectly with French manicure. The camouflage backing is coated with a translucent white color. After which decorative patterns appear on the nails. The coating adds a few zeros to the look and is perfect for ladies who value manicure from an aesthetic point of view.

Baby Boomer

What could be better than a popular gradient and classic manicure? Only their unique tandem in soft shading. Baby Boomer manicure is a great option for those who are bored with the French manicure. The two main colors of French manicure merge into something single and have smooth shaded borders. Sheer chiffon design, a little shimmer and a gradient that fades towards the tip. The transition of shades looks fresh and relaxed. This is an ideal option for study, work and going out.

What you will need:

• base coat;
• camouflage gel polish;
• white gel polish;
• thin brush;
• finishing coating.

Gradient French is quite simple to make:

1. It is necessary to prepare your nails: degrease and apply a base.
2. Apply a pale pink tint to 2/3 of the nail from the cuticle. If desired, you can take a color with unobtrusive silver shimmer.
3. On the remaining part of the nail, apply a milky white shade, joint to joint.
4. Using a thin brush, gently blend from white to cream. It is necessary to work on the area near the side rollers and the central part.
5. The gradient appears on its own. All that remains is to dry the layer and apply the finishing coat.

For brides

Wedding French manicure loves a lot of decorations that modestly sparkle in the sun and involuntarily give away the hero of the occasion. Most often, girls who are married within five minutes like to decorate their jackets with flowers, butterflies, bows or smooth lines. Openwork monograms and inlay with Swarovski rhinestones are also present there. In this option, any decoration is appropriate, as long as there is not too much of it.

Beautiful examples of photos and new French products in 2021:

Types and phases of camouflage manicure

Depending on your goal, you can reduce or increase the number of layers. For each method there is a specific varnish. Some time ago they began to be divided into single-phase, two-phase and three-phase.

The first phase involves preparing the nail surface, the second – modeling, the third – fixing.

Some varnishes perform 2 or 3 functions simultaneously and reduce the number of phases.

Single-phase camouflages

Single-phase gel varnishes are also called 3 in 1; they are applied in one layer and serve as a primer, varnish and top coat. They are used primarily to strengthen your own nails. These varnishes have a liquid texture and do not allow you to model the shape of the nail. However, they do a good job of adhesion, leveling and adding gloss.

Most single-phase gel polishes receive rave reviews from customers.

Two-phase and three-phase camouflages

These varnishes combine the functions of a prime or top coat with a modeling function. They are usually somewhat more expensive than conventional gel polishes, but they allow you to replace 2 components in the coating without compromising quality. This material should be applied in as thin layers as possible.

Three-phase gel pink

Three-phase camouflage gel polish is applied following all three stages. Used as a camouflage base for gel polish, when performing the most complex manicure, it allows you to model the shape of the nail. When applying, do not forget to dry each layer in an ultraviolet lamp.

A touch of modernity

Lovers of variety will love the French style nail design ideas described below.

All the colors of the rainbow

New French manicures in 2021 dictate the transfusion of a huge number of shades. To a nude base, you can add a bright smile in red, blue, green, orange or any other color. Tones can shimmer into a gradient and softly move from one to another. Another stylish solution for the classics is a colored backing. Most often, pastel or muted shades are used in this option, because they harmonize well with white gel polish.

Shiny ombre

Stretching a gradient with glitter is another great idea for creating a French manicure with gel polish. Its essence is that a few sparkling particles are added to the classic French jacket. The following materials can be used for design:

• glitter polish;
• dry glitter;
• mirror or glitter powder;
• varnish with shimmer;
• Yuki flakes.

In this option, it is recommended to use glitter of different shapes, from small to the largest curly sparkles, sticks, stars, hearts or diamonds. The essence of ombre is that the concentration of sparkles at the tip is very high. But closer to the cuticle they should scatter like a scattering of stars in the sky. Glitter stretching can be done using a round or thin brush.

Millennium

French Millennium lives up to its name 100%, especially in the colorful 2021. After all, this technique contains a lot of glitter and sparkles. They cover the entire smile. The tip can be anything: gold, silver, purple, blue, red, green. The glitter should be small and stick tightly to each other. The most important thing is that when the sun's rays hit the coating, it shimmers luxuriously. The base in this design remains beige or nude. Don't forget to apply a finishing topcoat, as it will level the nail and smooth its surface. An excellent solution for parties, any celebration or New Year's Eve. The manicure is ideal for an evening short or long dress. When you really want celebration and celebration, you should take a closer look at the millennium.

Lunar and reverse French

Two original ideas that have almost become classics. An elegant coating with white or colored holes looks very elegant and feminine. French on short nails will be a stylish touch to a business or street look. Making this French moon manicure at home is not difficult. In it, the hole reflects the edge of the nail, while in the reverse jacket it appears near the side ridges and repeats the outline of the cuticle.

Required materials and tools:

• base coat;
• gel polishes of different colors;
• thin or round brush;
• top

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Prepare your nails for creating a design: process and cover with a base layer.
2. Cover your nails with colored gel polish in 2 layers and dry them in a lamp.
3. Place a drop of another colored gel polish or glitter polish on the palette.
4. Using a thin brush, carefully draw out an arched hole near the cuticle.
5. Cover the design with a finishing topcoat and dry it in a lamp.

Fashion trends in French manicure done with gel polish, photo selection:

Pros and cons

Camouflage gel protects the nail plate from mechanical influences and fungal diseases, strengthens them and allows them to breathe, and the nails acquire a mirror-like shine. The polymer coating is worn for a long time and has a safe effect on the health of the nails. Camouflage gel allows you to remove cracks and give your nails any shape.

The camouflage base is ideal when using light-pigmented varnishes. It creates an excellent substrate for subsequent color, as well as for rubbing in, which saves time.

However, this product is not without its drawbacks.

• Allergic reactions. If a person is prone to allergies, then it is better to avoid this type of manicure.
• If the gel is used incorrectly, there is a risk of damage to the nail plate. Incorrect use of the UV lamp can lead to microburns, since the gel during polymerization becomes very hot in the first few seconds.
• When removed, the horny plate may be damaged if the procedure for removing the built-up layer is not carried out according to technology.
• If the nail is broken and chips and cracks appear on its surface, it is necessary to “repair” the nail, otherwise, due to a sufficiently strong coating, the natural nail may suffer due to tearing, and this will lead to pain.
• Correction. Artificial nails need to be re-grown every 2-3 weeks, as the gel is highly pigmented. If this is not done, then the regrown part of the nail immediately becomes clearly visible.
• High price.

Stylish options

These ideas and new French clothes will appeal to those girls who love to go to fashion shows and try on something for themselves. Many fashionistas know that a manicure is the finishing touch to a look. Let our options become your inspiration.

Empty space

French manicure goes well with the negative space technique. And it’s not surprising, because initially the camouflage substrate repeats the shades of the natural nail. By creating this coating, you can express yourself endlessly. Use French stencils to separate the boundaries of the hole and do not paint over it. Various rectangular natural inserts, geometric shapes, hearts surrounded by camouflage or white coating will also be appropriate. This design loves variety and will be appropriate in any design.

Harmony of textures

Matte and glossy surfaces always successfully interplay with each other, creating a certain depth. To create a stylish black jacket, it is recommended to immediately use a glossy or matte top coat. A matte surface with glossy tips looks equally luxurious and vice versa. This coating has a unique twist and a stylish component.

Chevron

The fashionable V-shaped French manicure looks great on long nails. Instead of a smile, a neat V-shaped tip appears and is painted in any color. The most successful shape for such a manicure: oval and almond-shaped. The coating is done with a thin or round brush. It can be plain or multi-colored. Quite often girls like to decorate it with glitter or peas. You can use some geometric design techniques and use several geometric stripes at once to create such an unusual smile.

Ideas and new items of French can be seen in the photo below.

Application Features

There are currently three phases of combining bases available. Each type has its own properties and technology of use. The option is selected based on the effect that needs to be achieved in the manicure.

When designing with camouflage gel, dark colors are used , creating a transition between the nail bed and its free edge. In a French manicure, camouflage gel is used together with a white classic gel, where a “smile” is first laid out and after polymerization of the light base, the nail is covered with camouflage gel.

For pronounced defects of the nail plate and changes in its length, very thick camouflage bases are used. The thick and dense consistency hides all imperfections, evens out the nail and gives it strength.

For revolutionaries

For lovers of shocking, we have selected several interesting fashionable ideas for French manicure. There is a wide field for improvisation, endless ideas and a riot of imagination. You can independently repeat any of the designs described or come up with something of your own.

Twist

In this French manicure, you can use several shades at once. It is allowed to paint the smile in different shades or duplicate them with different colors. There may be two, three or even more. The main rule: you need to successfully combine tones with each other so that the design looks harmonious. This coating is perfect for holiday evenings or New Year's Eve. Feel free to experiment with shades and add various decorative elements in the form of manicure tape or foil.

Stained glass French

The volumetric aquarium jacket is the most complex, but also the most beautiful technique. The design is especially loved by many girls because of its shine and unusual shimmer. You don't have to have artistic skills. Decorative nails are filled with various particles, grains of sand, glitter, dried flowers, mica and other elements. This coating is applied to the base layer of gel and only fills the space of the smile.

What you need to create:

• forms with markings;
• base gel;
• structural gel;
• broths, rhinestones;
• mica, foil;
• loose glitter;
• glitter polish;
• top

How to make French at home:

1. Prepare your nails for creating a design: process and cover with a thin layer of base gel.
2. Apply clear gel as a base.
3. Dry the layer in a lamp.
4. Apply structural gel and sprinkle some mica on it.
5. Cover your nails with another layer of gel and add broth.
6. Send the layer to polymerize in the lamp.
7. Fill the next layer with gel and small pieces of foil for design.
8. Dry all layers in a lamp.

Decorative painting

Artistic French manicure can be considered one of the world's masterpieces of painting. Various additions may appear on the fingers:

• painting;
• openwork curls;
• interweaving of figures;
• soft lines;
• rhinestone path;
• thematic drawings;
• weave.

The basic rule of this design is a transparent tip. You can make a crystal jacket or add some unusual metal inserts, colors and stylish touches.

More volume

3D design in a small amount on the fingers looks quite elegant. Using acrylic powder or structuring gel, you can create a voluminous figure. It could be an elegant petal, flower, butterfly, bow or something else. It is recommended to create entire compositions on nails that will only emphasize the good taste of their owner. The design is suitable for the office, school or special occasion.

Khaki cat eye manicure

“Cat's eye” is a technique that is mega-popular among fashionistas who prefer complex and extraordinary looks. Creating such a design is complicated by the use of a special varnish with the addition of metal particles. It is they, under the influence of a special magnet, that create ornate patterns on the nails.

You won’t be able to create a “cat eye” manicure without the appropriate set of gel polish and magnet. But if you add pigment varnish to your manicure set, you will be able to admire the interesting tints of color on your nails every time.

A cat eye manicure looks interesting in dark colors. Use khaki to create a monochromatic cat manicure. This design does not require additions in the form of rhinestones and other decor. This manicure attracts increased attention from fashionistas of all ages.

The best photos of new French jackets in 2021

A selection of the 50 best photos of French manicure and the most current French-style nail design ideas for 2021:

French is the simplest, but the most unusual manicure. Whatever French manicure design you choose, it will suit your look in any case. Feel free to experiment and try to repeat some design. It will definitely look luxurious on your fingers!